How BIAB Nails Can Help Your Natural Nails Grow and Make Your Manicures Last

Whether you make monthly trips to the nail salon or you save your visits for special occasions, you know the immediate confidence boost that comes with having freshly manicured nails. Few things feel as good as having clean, shiny nails that make you smile every time you look down at your hands.  

But unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, polish chips are inevitable and they’re not cute. Not to mention that even though it may feel good, getting manicures all the time will start to cause some wear and tear to your natural nails. 

Enter: BIAB nails. For those who have never heard of them, BIAB nails make your mani last as long as possible while simultaneously encouraging your natural nails to grow long and strong. Yes, please! We spoke to two BIAB nail experts to get the scoop on everything you need to know about BIAB nails. To find out what a BIAB manicure is and if it’s right for you, keep reading.

What Are BIAB Nails?

First things first, BIAB stands for Builder in a Bottle. It is a “strengthening gel overlay applied to your natural nail” in order to help your nails grow, says Sarah Thompson, the US head of education for The Gelbottle Inc.

In other words, think of BIAB as a protective gel for your natural nails, allowing them to grow without risk of breakage.

BIAB overlay is painted on to natural nails or extensions and cured under a UV lamp, similar to a traditional gel polish. Unlike gel polish though, most BIAB shades do not require a base coat underneath. You can wear BIAB polish by itself or use it as a strengthening base underneath traditional gel polish.

When you get BIAB nails, your nail tech creates an artificial apex, which is the part where the polish meets your natural nail. When you look at your nails from the side, you might see a curved shape that starts at the cuticle, or the beginning of the nail bed — that’s the apex. 

Adding an apex helps strengthen your natural nails, encourages growth and minimizes the risk of breakage, according to Giorgia Cappella, UK educator and brand ambassador for The Gelbottle Inc. 

How Long Do BIAB Nails Last?

“We recommend BIAB infills between two to four weeks depending on the natural nail growth,” says Cappella. “However, BIAB nails will last longer than standard gel manicures due to the added strength.” Basically, you can take less trips to the salon, which is a major win when it comes to navigating our busy schedules. 

In fact, Thompson says that during the COVID-19 lockdown, she had clients return after 12 weeks with their BIAB nails still intact. Still, both nail artists recommend sticking to the four-week mark, or five if you really have to push it.

Cappella also suggests getting BIAB fill-ins rather than a fresh set each time to further minimize damage to your natural nails.

How Much Do BIAB Nails Cost?

According to Thompson, the cost of BIAB nails typically ranges from $50 to $65, or higher, depending on the salon and experience level of the nail technician. She personally charges $70 for just BIAB polish in Canada where she is based and $75 for BIAB with a color over it.  

Will BIAB Nails Damage Your Natural Nails?

“Proper prep, application and removal will not damage the natural nails at all,” says Cappella. In order to buy BIAB polish from The Gelbottle Inc website, your nail tech must have an accredited nail course certification.

How to Remove BIAB Nails

Removing BIAB nails is similar to soaking off a regular gel manicure. “Removal is done by carefully taking down the top layer and applying acetone to your gel removal foils and wrapping each individual nail for 15-20 minutes undisturbed,” explains Thompson. “Then, one by one the BIAB can be easily removed by gently filing down or using your cuticle pusher to scrape off the remainder of the product.”

Capella reiterates that it is important to let your nails soak for the full 15-20 minutes before attempting to buff off any remaining polish. She also advises that you finish with an oil. 

Pretty BIAB Manicures

Need some inspiration to take to the salon? Check out these 28 designs.

Black and White Designs

Who says you can’t rock a different design on every nail? This manicure is proof that you don’t have to decide between cow print, checks or zebra stripes.