Last Updated on February 21, 2024
A fresh set of nails is a simple way to show the world you’ve got it together, even if your sanity is hanging by a thread and you’re running on nothing but iced coffee and prayer.
While getting your nails did is nothing new, the different methods and techniques of nail care are constantly evolving. If you’ve been to a nail shop lately, you know that Builder in a Bottle Nails (BIAB) are all the rage.
BIAB is a unique manicure process that is long-lasting and hard-wearing. It’s similar to gel or shellac nails; the difference is that there is no traditional damage to the nail, which is commonly associated with the more permanent forms of polish.
But what exactly are BIAB nails, and is that the right nail treatment for you? Here are the basics before you head in to see your nail tech.
What is a BIAB Nail?
BIAB, pronounced By-abb, stands for “builder in a bottle.” The treatment strengthens the natural nail and can be built up to create a hard-wearing and shiny finish. Different from shellack or gel polishes, the BIAB is made of ingredients that strengthen and nourish the nail at the same time. That helps to improve the natural nail while you are wearing the BIAB.
BAIB can be used alone, as a base under traditional gel polish, or paired with extensions to add extra strength. In addition, it comes in various nude shades, making it appropriate to be used as a standalone polish or as a base for some extraordinary nail art.
What does the BIAB nail process look like?
With BIAB, several key things make it different from the other nail techniques. Here is what BIAB nails treatment looks like:
Preparation
The process starts with nail preparation. It includes pushing back the cuticles, trimming them, buffing, and filling the nail into shape. No dust must remain on the nail, which is done with a nail brush. Then, the nail is wiped with acetone.
Base
The BIAB is then applied one hand at a time. A thin layer of BIAB is used on all five nails. Then, they are cured on low heat mode for 99 seconds.
Once the base is applied, then comes the process of working on one nail at a time. First, another thin layer is applied to each nail. Then, when the gel is carefully applied, the nail is turned upside down to create an apex. After that, the nail is cured for 99 seconds, and the process is repeated on all the nails.
Finish
The finish is a matter of personal preference. The choices are topcoat, gel color, or nail art. Once the finish is complete, cream and cuticle oil are applied.
What’s the Benefit of BIAB Nails?
For those seeking an alternative nail enhancement that supports the growth and fortification of natural nails, BIAB—also known as Builder In A Bottle—is an exceptional choice. This innovative treatment shines for individuals with a penchant for biting their nails. Unlike conventional polish, the gel used in BIAB nails is formulated to be robust and significantly more resistant to biting.
If you find yourself dreaming of longer, more durable nails or wishing to conquer the persistent habit of nail biting, BIAB may just be your perfect match.
Durability and Maintenance of BIAB Nails
When it comes to longevity, BIAB nails stand tall. Mirroring the endurance of traditional gel nails, they maintain their allure for about three to four weeks. As with any beautiful canvas, maintenance is key; scheduling a salon visit for a routine touch-up after this period is advised. During your appointment, the nails can either be gently soaked off or carefully filled down, readying you for your next vibrant shade or sophisticated design.
The Lowdown on Nail Treatments: BIAB vs. Shellac vs. Acrylic
With the plethora of nail treatments available today, making a choice can be overwhelming.
Shellac Nails: These involve a liquid gel nail polish that is cured under UV light to deliver a chip-resistant and enduring finish. However, caution is due—Shellac can be a tad unforgiving on the natural nails if removed incorrectly, leading to potential damage.
Acrylic Nails: Acrylics are skillfully crafted from a blend of liquid monomers and powder polymers by a nail technician, obviating the need for UV light curing. Removal calls for an electric drill, which can be a bit daunting for the uninitiated.
BIAB: A superior form of gel polish, BIAB boasts a robust base and a thicker consistency for a durable finish; like Shellac, it is UV-cured. Removal involves soaking, which may take slightly longer given the sturdy formula. Yet, its greatest virtue lies in its kindness to the natural nail, fostering strength without the trade-off of damage.
The Duel of Durability: Gel vs. BIAB Nails
While both contenders promise endurance, the key difference lies in their approach to nail integrity. Gel polish, while robust, may not necessarily fortify your natural nails. BIAB™, however, goes beyond mere aesthetics by providing a supporting structure that nurtures nail strength.
It’s important to note that regardless of your choice, the real secret to everlasting beauty is proper application and removal. Both gel and BIAB™ demand the skilled hand of a nail technician to apply and later bid farewell to the polish, ensuring that your nails remain undamaged during the renewal process.
How to do At-Home BIAB Nails
Dreaming of salon-worthy nails from the comfort of your home? Builder in a Bottle (BIAB) is your magic wand for creating robust and lustrous overlays that help your natural nails gain strength and style.
Preparation Is Key: Setting the Stage for Perfect BIAB Nails
To commence, create a pristine canvas by thoroughly cleansing your nails. Ensure they are dry, sans any remnants of polish that could interfere with the BIAB’s adhesion. Carefully push back your cuticles – remember, kindness is paramount here, as cuticles are the guardians of your nails. Now, lightly buff the surface of your nails in a soft, caressing motion, just enough to remove the natural gloss – think of it as gently waking your nails for the transformation they are about to undergo.
Prime Time (Optional): The Great Debate on Using Nail Primer
The road to flawless BIAB nails often includes a crossroad: to prime or not to prime. Nail primer can play the role of an elegant host, graciously welcoming the BIAB gel onto your nails with improved stickability. However, this step can join the optional soiree if you’re dipping your brush into a BIAB formulation that’s already cocktail-ready without a primer.
Shop: modelones Nail Dehydrator and Primer, Acid Free Natural Nail Prep Dehydrate & Bond Primer Kit
The Art of BIAB Gel Application: Thin Is In!
With your BIAB gel in hand, start at the cuticle’s edge, with a grace that would rival a painter’s stroke, and sweep the brush gently towards the nail tip. Ensure your technique is more ballerina, less wrestler – a delicate thin layer to begin with is key. Perform the ritual of ‘capping’ by lightly gracing the free edge of the nail, a small act that shields against the sorcery of lifting gel. Aim for svelte, not bulky, as beauty in BIAB is realized in finesse.
Shop: Beetles 3Pcs 15ml Top and Base Coat Builder Nail Gel Set
Light Therapy: Basking Under the UV/LED Lamp
Gel in place, now your nails are ready for some sunbathing with a twist. Introduce them to the UV/LED lamp, where they’ll cure and harden, like a caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a butterfly, typically basking for 60-90 wondrous seconds. Be sure to give your BIAB the time it deserves, following the sage wisdom provided by your product’s maker.
Shop: UV Nail Lamp for Gel Nail Polish
Layers and Strength: A Delicate Balancing Act
Consider the desired armor for your nails. Should the winds call for more strength, anoint your nails with another reverent layer of BIAB gel and reunite them with the lamp for another enchanting curing session. This duet of application and curing can be reignited until you behold the epitome of thickness and might that your heart desires.
Sculpting and Smoothing: The Artistry of Shaping BIAB Nails
With your nails now sporting their new glossy coat, it’s time to sculpt them into existentially pleasing forms. Employ the fine artistry of a nail file, and chisel away until the silhouette of your nails sings to you. Subsequently, with gentle buffing, kindly erase any textural tales the BIAB may have whimsically left behind.
Shop: FANDAMEI Manicure and Pedicure Tools Kit
The Finishing Touch: Top Coat Glamour (Optional)
If you yearn for a mirror-like sheen or an impenetrable shield, lavishly layer on a clear top coat as your grand finale, sealing the allure of your BIAB nails. Another rendezvous under the lamp will set this final act in stone.
Shop: beetles Gel Polish No Wipe Top Coat
The Afterglow: A Tryst with Cuticle Oil
Finally, enrobe your nails in the luxurious warmth of cuticle oil, a potion that tenderly restores hydration and brings forth nourishment from the realms of skin-care elixirs.
Shop: modelones Cuticle Oil, 15ml Nail & Cuticle Care Strengthener Oil
Safety Note and Call to Practiced Perfection
Venture with caution when dancing with UV or LED lamps, and arm yourself with the manufacturer’s knowledge passed down through their product instructions. Remember, the difference between the admirable and the extraordinary lies in practice. Should uncertainty shadow your bravery, seek the digital companionship of tutorial videos or the wise counsel of nail maestros.
By enveloping your nails with the protective and chic charm of BIAB, you transform them into storytellers of your own personal style. May your nails become canvases that inspire, and through practice, may the story they tell grow ever more splendid.
Where to Find BIAB Nail Services
Though BIAB is a relative newcomer in nail technology, it’s swiftly gaining ground in modern salons. When you’re ready to grace your nails with BIAB treatment, simply inquire for it when making your salon appointment. Be aware that prices for BIAB services can range between an economical $25 and a premium bracket of $70, depending on the salon’s offerings.
Now that you’re versed in the nitty-gritty of BIAB nails, the baton is passed to you. Will you join the ranks of trendsetters and indulge in the durability and nurturing benefits of BIAB? There’s a whole new nail experience waiting for you to explore. Enjoy discovering the joys and charms of your resilient and fashionable new nails!