BIAB stands for Builder In A Bottle. It is a soft builder gel brushed over your natural nails to make them stronger, then finished with the colour of your choice. It lasts around three to four weeks and is topped up with an infill, not soaked off, so your own nails can keep growing.
What is BIAB?
BIAB is a thicker gel than normal gel polish. Once it is cured under a lamp it forms a flexible, protective layer over your nail. That layer takes the everyday knocks, so your natural nail underneath can grow without splitting or peeling.
You can wear it clear for a natural shine, milky or nude for a soft, clean look, or in any colour you like. French tips and nail art sit on top beautifully.
BIAB, gel polish or acrylic?
| BIAB | Gel polish | Acrylic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it does | Strength and colour | Colour only | Strength and length |
| Feel | Flexible, natural | Thin, natural | Hard, thicker |
| Lasts | 3 to 4 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks |
| When it grows out | Infill | Remove and redo | Infill |
| Best for | Growing your own nails | A quick colour | Dramatic length |
I specialise in BIAB and gel. If you want length, BIAB Extensions add tips under the builder gel for a lighter, more natural feel.
How long does BIAB last?
Most clients get three to four weeks of wear. By then your nails have grown and a gap appears at the base. That is the time to book a BIAB Infill.
What happens at an infill?
I file back the old product, fill the regrowth gap with fresh builder gel and rebalance the shape so the strongest point sits in the right place. Because we are not stripping everything off each time, the length you have grown stays put.
Is BIAB bad for your nails?
Not when it is applied and removed properly. Damage usually comes from:
- Picking or peeling it off. This pulls away layers of your natural nail with it.
- Heavy filing. Good prep is gentle. Your nail should never feel hot or sore.
- Skipping infills. Overgrown BIAB puts pressure on the free edge and can lift.
Follow my aftercare guide and your nails will thank you.
This autumn's favourite looks
The shades trending this autumn. Bring a photo and we can make any of them yours.
Milky nude
Sheer, soft and clean. The forever BIAB look.
Espresso
Rich brown, glossy and grown-up.
Black cherry
Deep, moody red for cosy season.
Milky sage
A soft, muted green with a sheer finish.
Micro French
The finest white tip on a nude base.
Sheer berry
A see-through wash of berry. Milky, modern, easy to wear.
BIAB prices
- BIAB Overlay£35
- BIAB Infill£30
- BIAB Extensions£45
- Simple / complex nail art+£5 / +£10
Where to find me
I am at Aesthetics Bar, 95 High Street, Watton-at-Stone. It is a short trip from Hertford, Stevenage, Ware, Welwyn and Knebworth, and a few minutes from Datchworth, Benington, Stapleford and Aston.
BIAB questions
What does BIAB stand for?
BIAB stands for Builder In A Bottle. It is a soft builder gel that is brushed on like polish, rather than built from powder like acrylic.
Is BIAB bad for your nails?
No, not when it is applied and removed properly. Damage usually comes from picking or peeling it off, or from heavy filing. Infills help too, because your natural nail is not stripped back every few weeks.
How long does BIAB last?
Around three to four weeks. How long yours lasts depends on how fast your nails grow and how hard you are on your hands.
Can BIAB go on short or bitten nails?
Yes. BIAB works well on short nails and can help nails that break easily grow longer. If you want instant length, choose BIAB Extensions.
How much is BIAB?
A BIAB Overlay is £35 and a BIAB Infill is £30. BIAB Extensions are £45. Nail art starts from £5.
Do I have to have a colour?
No. You can wear BIAB clear, milky or in a soft nude for a natural look. A gel polish colour is included in the price if you would like one.