Why Everyone’s Talking About BIAB Nails

BIAB – otherwise known as Builder in a Bottle – is a professional-only builder gel and revolutionary product line exclusive to The GelBottle. Designed to provide exceptional strength to the natural nail, its viscosity and resilience allow it to function as a structural enhancement, similar to hard gel or acrylic, but with significantly more flexibility and less damage.

Traditional gel polish formulas – like those used for simple colour – are thin and primarily cosmetic; they provide no structural strength. BIAB, however, is a thick, high-viscosity formula containing unique strengthening agents. A qualified nail technician will apply BIAB strategically to build structure (an apex) on the nail. This apex redistributes stress and tension, making the nail much more durable. In short, it works by reinforcing the natural nail, turning brittle nails into strong, resilient ones.

The primary benefit is natural nail growth and strength – because of the way BIAB is applied, it protects the stress point of the nail, preventing the natural nail plate from bending, snapping or peeling. If you’ve struggled to grow your nails, it can help you achieve your desired length and often remain chip-free for three weeks or more. It’s also an excellent choice for nail biters, providing an impenetrable barrier to help break the habit.

BIAB is incredibly versatile and can be used in three main ways. First, as a natural nail overlay. For this purpose, it’s applied as a clear or nude overlay to provide maximum strength and structure, offering a clean, polished look on its own. Secondly, as a base coat for colour. Here, your technician uses it as a durable, protective base layer before applying any standard TGB gel polish colour on top. Finally, for repair and extension. BIAB can even be used to quickly repair chips or splits in the natural nail, or to create short extensions (up to a couple of millimetres) to balance out nail shapes or repair a broken free edge.

Instead of soaking off the entire product at every appointment, BIAB offers the option of an infill service. This involves removing bulk first. Your technician will gently file away the existing gel colour and at least 60% of the BIAB structure, ensuring the nail’s base layer is preserved. Next, the new growth area (near the cuticle) is prepped and cleaned. The final step is applying new BIAB to the growth area and seamlessly blending it over the existing product, as well as rebuilding the apex to suit the new nail length.

BIAB is suitable for anyone wanting to enhance their natural nails, whether you’re keen to strengthen the quality, grow length or build a natural-looking apex. It’s particularly popular with those who have damaged nails caused by either previous nail treatments or excessive picking, as well as those with soft, bendy or peeling nail beds.

Standard BIAB is a soak-off gel, meaning it can be removed with acetone but the new Hard BIAB is a file-off only formula. It’s engineered for maximum durability, offering the closest strength comparison to traditional acrylic or hard gel. This formula is ideal if you have extreme breakage issues, need the most rigid structure possible, or wear very long extensions and require zero flex. Its strength makes it the ultimate solution for demanding lifestyles.

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