How to Get Nail Glue Off Nails Without Removing Nails

If you accidentally got nail glue on your fake nails, there are ways to remove the nail glue easily without removing the nails. These methods are easy to do can help you protect your nails from nail glue. I recommend using these methods on your fake nails or tips only. If you’re using polish on your fake nails, you may need to reapply your base coat and polish after you’ve removed the glue.

I’ve also written a guide on getting nail glue off your skin if you have glue on the skin around your nails.

Here’s How to Get Nail Glue Off Nails Without Removing Nails:

Method 1 – Buff It Off (Press-On Acrylic Nails Only)

This method essentially works on acrylic nails with or without polish.

Here are the steps you should follow:

Step 1 – Study where you glue is. Don’t use this method if the glue is touching your skin. Proceed if the glue is stuck to the fake nails only.

Step 2 – Soften up the nail glue by putting a drop of cuticle oil on it. Be careful so that the oil doesn’t flow down and under your falsies.

Step 3 – Buff off the glue with a nail buffer. Depending on how much glue you have, this part will take some time.

Step 4 – Once you’ve buffed away the glue, you can buff and apply nail polish the way you normally would. Use a non-yellowing nail polish can ensure that you nails don’t get damaged by the harsh chemicals in your nail polish. For more on this, check out my guide on non-yellowing nail polishes.

Step 5 – If your press-on acrylic nails have nail polish, use a non-acetone polish remover to remove the nail polish. Buff the area again and re-apply polish. Do not use acetone on acrylic fake nails because it will weaken and warp it.

Method 2 – Nail Buffer and Soft Cloth (Gel Nails Only)

This method works on true gels and non-chip manicures.

Here’s What You Need to Do:

Step 1 – Study where you glue is. Don’t use this method if the glue is touching your skin. Proceed if the glue is stuck to the fake nails only.

Step 2 – Buff the glue down as much as you can with a nail buffer.

Step 3 – Gently buff the remainder of the glue off with a soft cloth.

Step 4 – Apply a topcoat of clear UV-Cured gel polish

Step 5 – Set the topcoat under a UV lamp

Step 6 – To remove tackiness, soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and wipe gently

Method 3 – Goo-Gone

You can try to use Goo Gone Bandage & Adhesive Remover to soften the nail glue. The Goo Gone Bandage & Adhesive Remover is an alcohol-free, sting-free, and non-irritating adhesive remover that is safe for use on skin.

Here’s What You Need to Do:

Step 1 – Wrap cotton around the pointed end of a wooden manicure stick

Step 2 – Dip it into Goo Gone Bandage & Adhesive Remover

Step 3 – Gently dab the Goo Gone on your nail glue. Hold for around 30 secs.

Step 4 – Gently buff the glue, if it’s still too hard, dab more Goo Gone on it.

Step 5 – Repeat Step 4 until the glue is removed.

Step 6 – Buff and re-apply nail polish as required.