What Are “BIAB” Nails & Why Is Everyone Asking For Them?

As a beauty editor it's my job to test beauty treatments, but there are only a handful that I'm really obsessed with. Sure, there are tons of interesting ones out there, like laser facials and hair botox, but few are genuinely innovative and game-changing (the single most overused phrase in the beauty industry, in my opinion). Without a doubt, though, one of those actual breakthrough innovations is BIAB nails.

Builder in a bottle, also known as BIAB and builder gel, has quickly become one of my can’t-live-without products. And I'm not the only one; on TikTok, the hashtag #biabnails has over 758.5 million views and counting. Here's everything you need to know about the trendy manicure treatment sweeping salons.

BIAB, or builder gel, is a type of structured gel developed by the brand The Gel Bottle. "It's a gel nail enhancement designed to add strength and structure to your natural nails," explains creative nail expert and content creator Sadie Jordan, "and to help them to grow out without breaking as easily." Jordan adds that BIAB is more viscous than normal gel polish. "It allows you to build an apex — the highest part of a nail enhancement, most visible from the side angle — which is what makes your nail more durable." 

BIAB is so versatile because you can use it to create a tip, which adds length to your natural nails, much like this style by @gellybeannails on Instagram. If long nails aren't for you, you can also layer BIAB on top of your natural nail (whatever the length) to lend strength and prevent breakage. BIAB comes in many different colours, but the most popular tends to be clear or neutral pink. It can be used as a base coat (with gel polish layered over the top) or applied on its own. 

The main benefit of builder gel is the ability to grow your natural nails underneath. Even long-term nail-biters or those whose nails are prone to breakage have success with growth. What's more, countless BIAB nail looks can be achieved without glue or plastic tips, says Jordan, which means you can have long-lasting manicures with the same removal process as regular gel. Another benefit of BIAB is that it can be used alongside nail forms (a paper or foil tip) to repair chipped corners.

It can be hard to tell but there are differences between the three. Gel nail polish was developed by CND under the brand name Shellac and is a liquid polish that is cured (basically hardened) under a UV lamp. Curing makes gel polish chip-resistant and gives it a longer wear. 

BIAB is a form of gel polish, which has a stronger base — this is why it assists growth. An upside of BIAB is that it can be soaked off just like gel polish. Both gel polish and BIAB give that incredible, long-lasting shine that regular nail polish can't achieve, as you can see on these nails by @elica.nails on Instagram.

Acrylics are created using liquid monomer and powder polymer, which should be mixed carefully by your nail tech. Acrylics don't need curing under a lamp and harden within a few minutes. If you're someone who loves really long nails, acrylics tend to be a sturdier option than BIAB extensions. One similarity between BIAB and acrylics is that once the nail starts to grow out, you can get an infill (where product is applied to the nail growth area). 

So what's the best technique? It all depends on your budget, what your nail tech offers, the outcome and length you're looking for, as well as your activity level or how much you use your hands.

Luxury nail artist and beauty professional Charlotte Emily explains that most of her clients come in every three weeks to maintain their BIAB nails. But she noted that if there's proper nail prep, a BIAB set can last for much longer. Many of her clients' nails have lasted eight weeks, which she says is proof of the quality of the product. However, keeping BIAB nails on for this long isn't recommended. After three or four weeks, BIAB nails can either be infilled or soaked off. 

Both Emily and Jordan noted that those with extremely damaged nails (for example very thin, extremely brittle and lifting away from the nail bed) shouldn't get BIAB nails. In some cases, those with skin conditions like psoriasis may also want to avoid BIAB nails. "Applying BIAB directly to a severely damaged nail bed can cause heat spikes — a stinging sensation on the nail bed — and the product should not come into contact with skin," says Jordan. A qualified nail tech will let you know whether you're a suitable candidate for BIAB and can create a treatment plan that's best suited to your nails. In fact, Emily says she's never had to turn anyone away from BIAB nails. 

The cost of manicures always depends on where you live, with city centres being the most expensive. The typical price range is £25 to £50. Emily charges £45 to £50 for a luxury manicure and includes BIAB as standard for her manicures in north Leeds.

"BIAB does take a little longer to soak off compared to gel polish," says Jordan, but as long as the top coat is filed and broken down, this isn't a major issue. "It can also make your nails grow out very fast," she adds, "so you may need to have manicures more frequently if you don't like the look of regrowth." At present, BIAB has no downsides for Emily. "My clients and I are happy with the results and it has created a low-maintenance manicure which is great for a busy lifestyle," she says.  

Although BIAB nails are becoming more popular, the treatment still isn't quite as easily accessible as typical gel polish, so not every salon will offer it. Salons in London that offer BIAB nails include Paint, Shian Nails and Shoreditch Nails. Salons in Manchester that offer BIAB include Create and Coat and By Kristie Ltd. If you're unsure, just call ahead and ask for the treatment specifically — you never know, high demand might influence the salon to offer it.