BIAB Nails

What is BIAB?

BIAB, or ‘builder in a bottle,’ is a strengthening gel product that’s taking the nail industry by storm. Here’s why. It’s a gel (also known as builder gel) that you apply to the natural nail. The gel improves nail strength, reduces breakage, and promotes healthy growth.

You can also use it with a nail tip or form to create customisable nail length and shapes.

Are BIAB Nails Like Gel Polish or Shellac?

BIAB is a gel product, but it’s thicker than your average gel polish. When you cure it, it gives you a more durable finish than typical gel products. BIAB generally comes in soft nude-ish shades but don’t worry, you don’t have give up colourful gel polish. You can still apply coloured gel polishes over your BIAB base.

What’s the difference between BIAB Nails and acrylics?

Both acrylic and BIAB create strong nails. However, the application process is different. BIAB hardens from a gel to a solid after exposure to UV light. Acrylic comes in a powder that you mix with a liquid monomer to make a malleable gel. This can be left to air dry.

I Have Weak, Brittle Nails-Are BIAB Nails a Good Choice?

If you have weak, brittle nails that won’t grow, or you bite your nails, BIAB is perfect for you. The thick gel strengthens and protects nails from splitting and breaking. You can also use it to mend broken nails and extend the natural nail length.

How long does BIAB last?

Like with any manicure, it depends on how much you care for your nails once the BIAB is on. That means following the usual golden rules like:

Keeping nails nourished with a cuticle oil;

Wearing gloves when using cleaning products or exposing your hands to water;

Avoiding using your nails as tools.

Generally, with good aftercare, BIAB nails last for around 2-3 weeks. After that, you can either:

Remove and reapply the gel or;

File it down and fill the gap between the old gel and natural nail with a new layer of product.

Is BIAB Easy to Remove?

You can soak BIAB off with acetone, just as you would with gel polish. Granted, BIAB is thicker, so it might take longer, but persevere. Allow the acetone to soft the gel so you can remove it safely with zero damage to your natural nail. The same rules for gel apply by the way; if you’re even a little bit tempted to pick it off, don’t. If your natural nails are already weak and brittle, this can peel layers of the nail away, weakening them further.

Try BIAB Nails for Yourself

We’ve got some great natural nail enhancing builder gels in our range. We love CND PlexiGel, an easy to use builder gel that strengthens and lengthens the natural nail. You can also use it over a tip or with a sculpting form to create customisable lengths. It’s available in pretty natural shades like oatmilk and soft blush for healthy looking natural nails. However, if you’re not ready to give up your coloured polishes or nail art just yet, you can use BIAB as a strengthening base.

For more interesting articles on nail care and the latest genius products making waves in the industry, check out the rest of o