You’ve seen it trending on Tiktok, with BIAB gushed over by celebrity nail artists for its nail-friendly versatility, promising to make your mani last longer and to help your nails grow stronger.
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But what exactly are the benefits of the Builder In a Bottle nail product, or BIAB for short? Nails authority Kate Hanson is a fan of the hard-wearing, long-lasting BIAB manicure. As the owner of Dubai-based SOAK Salon, which has previously collaborated on Vogue Arabia beauty shoots, she breaks down the need to knows about this popular alternative to gel nails.
What is BIAB and how does it differ from other kinds of nail products?
BIAB stands for ‘Builder In A Bottle’ and is the hero product from British brand The Gel Bottle. BIAB is a professional-only soak off soft gel which has been specifically designed to not only give beautiful results from its first application, but also provides a protective layer over your natural nail allowing it to strengthen and grow, without the risk of breakage. BIAB is formulated with a number of nutrients that actually nourish the nail while you wear it – it can be used to create overlays on your natural nail, or can be used to build out extensions too. It comes in a range of neutral shades which many clients love, but if you are after something more bold, you can always add any color gel polish on top too! It’s much gentler on your nails than acrylic, but is thicker and stronger than regular gel polish, giving an even smooth appearance to your nails from the first application.
Walk us through the application steps:
The overall process for applying BIAB is much the same as a gel manicure, where the nail is first prepped and buffed and the cuticles tidied. A ‘base’ is then created by applying a thin layer of builder gel which is cured under the lamp. Next, the BIAB overlay is applied. A small bead of product is applied to the nail at the back edge, which is then leveled out across the nail using a sweeping motion from side to side, away from the cuticle and down to be sealed at the free edge. This layer is then cured under the lamp. Finally, the nail is wiped with alcohol to remove any stickiness and is refined as required. You can stop here, or opt for a bright color on top, a simple French tip or any nail art of your choice!
You can expect the finished manicure to last around three to four weeks, depending on lifestyle factors, but unlike gel polish which is soaked off and applied fresh each time, BIAB is simply infilled as the nails grow out. This means that your nails remain protected at all times and avoids soaking the nails in acetone repeatedly, which can dry out the nail plate and leave them brittle and prone to breakage.
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How long does the service take, and how long can you expect the finished manicure to last?
We allow around one and a half hours for a BIAB manicure, this will be a little less if it is infills rather than a fresh set. You can expect it to take closer to two hours if you are having extensions or are adding nail art.
What is the finish like? How prone is it to chipping?
The completed manicure is very strong and smooth, and extremely glossy with a high shine finish. BIAB comes in a range of shades, mostly classic neutrals, but they are adding more to the range all the time and we are seeing some bolder shades coming through. Due to the application process, BIAB doesn’t chip like regular gel polish and our clients love it as they can leave so much longer in between appointments.
Can you apply a classic or gel color over BIAB if you find the color range too limited?
Absolutely – you can apply any shade you want on top of your BIAB overlay. We generally encourage clients to stick to the paler more neutral shades of BIAB if they like to add polish – that way they can switch color evey appointment, without the need to remove and redo the BIAB overlay.
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Does BIAB help protect nails and promote growth?
BIAB contains a range of vitamins and minerals which actually feed the nail while you wear it, because of the strengthening action of the overlay, it also provides a level of protection from physical damage as we go about our busy lives. Our clients have been seeing some incredible results – they can’t believe that they are their own nails!
Some people report a tightening sensation during the curing, is this something to be concerned about?
The tightening sensation or ‘heat spike’ that some people experience when a gel product is curing is the result of chemical bonds being formed as the product hardens. By using low heat mode to cure the base layer and not applying the product too thickly, this can mostly be avoided. If you do experience a heat spike, removing your nails from the lamp for a few seconds before replacing them will stop the sensation.
Who do you think would be a good candidate for BIAB?
Everyone! BIAB is a gentle product that simply enhances the natural nail and allows it to be the best version of itself. It’s a perfect solution for anyone looking to improve their natural nails, for those with weak nails who need a little more strength in their manicure or for anyone who likes a classic, high gloss ‘clean girl’ finish!
