BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) is a type of gel used for strengthening natural nails or creating a more durable manicure. In a nail salon, a BIAB treatment typically includes the following steps:
- Nail Prep: The nails are cleaned, trimmed, and shaped. The nail bed is gently buffed to remove the natural shine, allowing better adhesion of the BIAB product.
- Cuticle Care: Cuticles are pushed back, and any excess skin is trimmed to create a clean nail bed.
- Dehydrator and Primer: A nail dehydrator is applied to remove any remaining oils from the nails, followed by a primer to enhance adhesion.
- BIAB Application (Builder Gel):
- The BIAB gel is applied in layers. It is thicker than regular gel polish, giving nails more strength and structure.
- Each layer is cured under a UV or LED lamp.
- The nail technician may build an apex (a slightly thicker area in the middle of the nail) for added strength, particularly on weaker nails.
- Shaping: After the BIAB has been applied and cured, the nails are filed and shaped again to perfect the desired shape and smoothness.
- Top Coat (optional): Some clients choose to leave the BIAB as a natural-looking finish, but a clear or colored top coat can be applied for extra shine and protection.
- Polish or Nail Art (optional): You can opt to have regular polish, gel polish, or nail art applied over the BIAB.
The result is a strong, long-lasting, and natural-looking manicure, perfect for those looking to grow their natural nails while providing added durability. BIAB can also be infilled, meaning you don’t need to remove the entire application at each appointment—only the regrowth area is filled.