What is BIAB, and how long does it last?

BIAB is the treatment I am asked about more than any other. If you have seen it on a friend's hands and wondered whether it would suit you, this is what it is, how long it lasts and how to look after it.

What BIAB actually is

BIAB stands for builder in a bottle. It is a soft builder gel, thicker than gel polish, which is brushed onto your own nails, shaped and cured under a lamp. You can wear it clear or nude, or finish it with any gel colour on top.

Because it is applied over your natural nail rather than on a tip, it suits anyone who wants their own nails to look better and grow longer, without the bulk of extensions.

How it differs from gel polish and acrylics

• Gel polish is a thin coat of colour. It looks lovely but adds very little strength, so weak nails can still bend and break under it.
• BIAB adds a layer of strength that still flexes a little with your nail. That flex is what stops it cracking or lifting when you knock your hands.
• Acrylic is much harder and is mainly used for extensions. It is not what you want if your aim is to grow your own nails.

How long does it last?

Most clients come back every three to four weeks. The BIAB itself stays put, but your nail grows, so a gap appears at the cuticle and the balance of the nail shifts towards the tip. Leave it too long and the weight at the end makes a break more likely.

How long you can go depends on how fast your nails grow and what you do with your hands. Gardening, cleaning without gloves and a lot of typing all take their toll.

What an infill is

At an infill I file back the colour, keep a thin layer of the BIAB already on your nail, and rebuild the shape as your nail has grown. Then you choose a fresh colour. Because your nail is never filed back to bare, it keeps growing under the gel from one appointment to the next.

At my studio, infills are for existing clients only. I need to know what is underneath. If your last set was done elsewhere, book a removal and new BIAB and we will start fresh.

Looking after it between visits

• Rub a cuticle oil into the edges of your nails every day. It is the single thing that makes the most difference.
• Wear gloves for washing up and cleaning. Hot water and cleaning products are hard on nails and skin.
• Do not pick or peel. If something lifts, message me rather than pulling it off, because it can take layers of your own nail with it.
• Book your next appointment before you leave, so you are not stretching to six weeks.

Is it right for you?

If your nails are thin, bendy or always breaking, or you simply want a tidy, natural look that lasts, BIAB is a great place to start. Have a look at the treatments page for more, or book a BIAB on bare nails and we can talk through shape and colour on the day.