How to Get Nail Glue Off Your Skin, According to Manicurists

Nail glue is an incredibly handy tool, be it for repairing a cracked nail or attaching nail extensions. But, per the name, its meant to go on your nails only. So, when it gets on your skin, removing it can prove to be a very sticky situation. Luckily, you can do a few easy things to make the removal process easier (and gentler) on your skin. Ahead, top nail experts weigh in on how to remove nail glue from skin.

How Does Nail Glue Get Stuck on Skin?

The short answer: Nail glue gets onto, and subsequently stuck on, the skin when more is used than needed, according to Wang. In other words, when theres an excess amount on the nail, it can easily migrate onto the surrounding skin.

How to Avoid Getting Nail Glue on Skin

Avoiding getting nail glue on your skin is easy—you just need to use less glue. "Less is always more," Hanna says. "Nail glue is something that is easier to add on than it is to take away from both the skin and the nail itself." Wang agrees, adding, "Apply the glue in very small amounts, gradually building up to the amount you need."

To ensure the glue gets only on the nail, its best to follow the manufacturers instructions. As a general rule of thumb, nail glue that comes in a brush-on format rather than a dropper bottle will give you greater control, Hanna notes. If youre using glue to attach press-ons, apply a thin line of glue only down the center of your nail. "When you apply the press-on onto the nail plate, the glue will naturally spread out," she explains.

How to Get Nail Glue Off Skin

If you do find that theres some unwanted glue left over around your skin, dont stress. Wang recommends first washing the area with warm, soapy water and then gently exfoliating the affected skin with a nail file or buffer. You may need to repeat this process a few times to get all of the dried glue off.

Alternatively, Hanna recommends applying cuticle oil onto the areas of your skin with nail glue and using a toothbrush to buff off the glue. "The oil will help to loosen the glue while the bristles remove it," she notes. Hanna is also a fan of using petroleum jelly on any spots of skin with nail glue. "Let it sit for a few minutes, and gently scrape everything away with a cuticle pusher, she adds.

Of course, the most surefire way to remove nail glue from your skin is by using an acetone-based nail polish remover. Youll want to apply it to a cotton swab and gently massage it onto your skin until the glue is completely dissolved. While this method is incredibly effective, its worth noting this method can be very drying.

How to Treat Your Skin After Removing Nail Glue

After stripping your skin of the nail glue, youll want to be incredibly gentle and focus on rehydrating your hands. Hanna suggests rewashing your hands to remove any trace amounts of residue, then using a moisturizing hand cream and cuticle oil. "This will combat any dryness the nail glue may have caused," she notes. Regarding the former, we recommend Fenty Skins HydraReset Intensive Recovery Glycerin Hand Mask ($25) and Sol de Janeiros Brazilian Touch Hand Cream ($16). For the latter, Jin Soons Healing Cuticle Oil ($35) and Olive & Junes Cuticle Serum Duo ($30) are great options.

The Final Takeaway

Getting nail glue on your skin is undoubtedly a nuisance—no one wants to deal with the crusty, sticky residue that comes with it. To avoid this dilemma, its best to use a small amount of glue and precisely apply it to your nail bed. However, if it does end up on your skin, its not the end of the world. You can soak your hands in warm soapy water and gently exfoliate the glue away, use an acetone-based nail polish remover, or swipe petroleum jelly onto the affected areas to remove it.