Biab nails: What is this new nailtrend?

You might not have heard of BIAB nails before now. Or maybe the word is familiar, but you don’t know what it actually means.

These trendy techniques are becoming more popular among those who know. BIAB promises a manicure that strengthens nails. It can be topped with nail art or summer colors if you like. This treatment is more durable than gels but also less harsh.

This claim is strong because most nail services fall under one of these two categories. Traditional polish provides superior nail care, but can chip in days or even hours. Who has the time? You can also choose from dip powder nails, gel, or acrylic nails. Both are durable but may cause nail-knackering because of aggressive removal techniques. This is before you think about the damage that can be done to gels by picking them up at home. We all know this is how most gels end up. BIAB’S combination between kindness and endurance sounds like the ultimate formula. We’ve consulted experts to answer all of your questions.

WHAT ARE BIAB NAILS?

Treatwell Nail Expert Laurie Nicholl explains that BIAB is a soak off gel that is more durable than regular gel polish. (opens in new tab). Stripped Salon. Stripped Salon. «Builder in a Bottle» (or BIAB) is a range gel builders that can be used to create strong overlays or strengthen natural nails. Tiffany Abbigaile, a nail expert and creator of The Gel Bottle content, explains (opens in new tab).

You can expect a strong-shaped, smooth nail with a limited color range. Nicholl says that BIAB is usually available in either clear or pink-colored cover colors. You can mix the two if you’re a gel mani lover. «A gel nail color can either be applied directly to BIAB, or you can use our BIAB shades range and add a top coat to create beautiful nude nails,» Abbigaile explains. You can create any style you want, including moody fall nails, pink nail designs or even ombre nail colors. Or you can go a little more artistic with nail art.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A BIAB NAILS APPOINTMENT

A BIAB nail appointment is like going to the dentist, except there are a few key differences. Tiffany Abbigaile explains.

1. Prep: We will first prepare the nails. This includes trimming the cuticles and buffing the nails. Then we will clean the nails with a nailbrush and then use acetone to wipe them clean.
2. Base: Working with one hand at a given time, the next step is to apply a thin coat of BIAB on each nail and cure it on low heat for 99 seconds.
3. Gel: We then focus on one nail at the time. You can apply another thin layer of gel to the nail. While this is still damp, you can take a small amount of gel and use it to work the gel down the nails side-by-side. To create an apex, turn the nail upside-down and cure for 99 seconds.
4. Finish: You can choose to topcoat, use gel color or create nail art. Apply cream and cuticle oil to finish. The top coat can be applied immediately, just like gels. This will make it easy to dry nail polish quickly.

Who are BIAB Nails Best For?

There are a few different nail personalities that can be found in the world. Some prefer to keep things simple, clean, and natural. Some people think that knowing how to paint nails is about having a pretty squoval shape. Others prefer nail art with intricate designs. Fortunately, BIAB can be adapted to almost any nail type.

Nicholl says that BIAB is ideal for clients with weak nails who wish to grow them out or clients who desire the strength and length of extensions. We recommend BIAB for natural nails because it is great for clients who wish to maintain their natural length. If gel polish is worn regularly, we recommend that you switch to BIAB if the gel removal process has damaged the natural nail.

HOW LONG DOES BIAB LAST ON NAILS?

Experts agree that BIABs can last up to four weeks, but they are also available in longer lengths. You can make an appointment to have the regrowth infilled. This is a key benefit for nail health. Nicholl explains that the product can be filled so it lessens the damage to natural nails caused by gel polish removal.

DO BIAB DAMAGE NAILS?

No! BIAB strengthens the natural nail and prevents breakage that can be caused by acrylic extensions. BIAB is too strong for you to eat. It won’t crack or chip, so your nail underneath is protected and can grow.

HOW CAN THEY BE REMOVED

Experts agreed that professional removal is necessary to maintain the health and beauty of natural nails. «The bulk of the product must be removed using either an electric or a nail file. Then, we will soak a cotton pad in acetone and place it on the nail. Finally, wrap it with foil,» Abbigaile explains. After soaking the cotton pad with acetone, place it on the nail and wrap it with foil. The foil can then be easily removed by scraping the product off one at a time using a metal cuticle pusher.

It doesn’t sound like this would be the best thing for your natural nails (ask any expert if acetone is bad for your nails, and they will tell you). However, steps can be taken to mitigate any damage. Abbigaile explains, «Once the nail is removed, we rehydrate it with cream and oil.»

BIAB NAILS ARE BETTER THAN ACRYLIC

This question is different for everyone depending on your goals and how you want to improve the appearance of your nails. BIAB is a better option to acrylic for nail health because it offers greater strength without compromising the natural nails.

The answer to extensions is a bit more complicated. Although extensions can be made with BIAB, they are not as long as acrylic extensions. This is something you should consider if your preference is for a long, sculpted look. BIAB can also be used on UV Gel or acrylic. However, it will not enhance the results of extensions. Nicholl explains that you can do very short extensions with BIAB but they need to be done with tips and not sculpting.

BIAB is the best way to grow your natural nails, and get rid of extensions. It won’t take long before your natural nails grow long and healthy if you stick to BIAB and receive regular infills.

CAN I DO BIAB NAILS HOME?

Like most beauty treatments, professional help is always better than trying to do it yourself. You can do BIAB nails at your home with the right equipment.

BIAB is similar to regular gel polish in terms both of preparation and application. It is applied as a base coat, which then needs to be cured using a UV lamp. It can be tricky to apply properly due to its thick texture. You can replicate the look of BIAB at home with one of the top gel nail kits. You can fake the look with a variety of products that are simpler to use.