Look, for some people nail art goes as far as a quick brush of your favourite polish before a night out, shortly followed by another brush of nail polish remover the next morning – and that’s totally fine. But for others, the world of nail art is a complex and intricate one, one that means acrylics – arguably the longest-lasting option, gel nails – the most widely available, and shellac – a brand of gel manicure that’s become popular with the mainstream, and so much more. And if you’re part of the latter, this article is for you, because we need to talk about BIAB nails.
The latest gel nail trend gaining momentum among the masses, BIAB nails offers a modern alternative to traditional gel manicures. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is BIAB?
BIAB (pronounced by-abb) stands for “builder in a bottle” – it’s a specially formulated soft-gel, that’s specific to British gel nail polish brand, The Gel Bottle.
With builder gel, you can create the same look, hardness and strength as acrylic or SNS nails, without damaging the natural nail underneath (as much). Even though it is a gel product, BIAB cures hard under an LED light and is more durable than your regular shellac. It’s also great for nail-biters, as BIAB can be built up to create a little extra length (as well as strength) while providing a resistant barrier to your chompers.
“It’s not as harsh on your nails, so if you have weak or brittle nails to begin with, or as a result of consistently having SNS or acrylic on, it’s a much better alternative,” Natalie Ferrari, founder and owner of The Parlour Room tells Beauty Crew.
How long does BIAB last?
On average BIAB lasts longer than a typical gel mani at around 3-4 weeks.
What’s the difference between BIAB, shellac and acrylics?
“BIAB differs from other gel manicures and patented brands such as ‘shellac’ due to its formulation,” explains Giorgia Cappella, training and education manager at The Gel Bottle tells Women’s Health. “BIAB is not a regular gel polish. It is thicker in consistency and comes in a range of colours, which allows it to be worn as an overlay; a strengthening base for gel colours or as the colour itself.”
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As for acrylics, they are created by mixing a liquid with a powder to create a hard structure as an overlay or an extension to the natural nail. While acrylics support strength and durability, they can be harsh on the nails. BIAB in comparison to acrylics, when applied correctly can provide as much strength and protection as an acrylic overlay (but is not used for creating extensions).
What does a BIAB appointment look like?
The treatment definitely takes a little longer than your usual gel mani (think 1.5 hours), and
begins with prep, which includes cuticle work, buffing, and filing the nails into shape. Your appointment will generally follow these five steps:
1. Base: A thin layer of BIAB is painted on all five nails and cured under a lamp.
2. BIAB application: Now a thicker layer of the BIAB colour will be applied all over the nail by fanning out the brush and ‘building’ the nail up with the gel.
3. BIAB shaping: Next, a very fine brush is used it to gently shape and push the BIAB gel into a smooth and plump layer, before curing it under the lamp.
4. Filing: Next, your nail tech will gently file and buff the top of the nails to create a smooth look.
5. Cleaning and top coat: The nail is then cleaned again to remove any oils and a topcoat is applied and cured, followed by cuticle oil.
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How do you remove BIAB?
For BIAB to be removed it has to be soaked, however there is also some filing-off required. A plus is that you can get infills for most of your appointments with a new set only required every 3/4 appointments.
How much should BIAB nails cost?
BIAB prices, just like all nail services, will differ in location and experience. You can typically expect to pay around $90 for a BIAB manicure.
Can you do it yourself home?
While going to a professional will always garner better results, if you are very skilled at DIY nails and have the right equipment, it is possible to do BIAB nails at home. All you need it the product and a UV lamp, and off you go. Disclaimer: the thick and gloopy texture of BIAB makes it difficult to control and apply correctly, so proceed at your own risk!
