What actually is BIAB?

The acronym has been popularised all over the internet and is more requested nowadays in salons than gel or acrylic nails. But what actually is this product everyone seems to be wearing?

What does BIAB mean?

The word BIAB is actually a trade marked term, specifically referring to the brand The Gel Bottle and their product 'Builder in a Bottle'. Other gel nail brands have released their own version of a builder gel product, however these shouldn't be called BIAB.

A lot of clients are unaware of this, and request BIAB in the belief that it covers all builder gels. We have seen this previously in the nail industry back when Shellac was the most popular gel nail product - client's were referring to all gel nails as Shellac nails. Another example would be Ibuprofen and Nurofen.

OK so what does builder gel do?

So what is BIAB? Or more specifically, what are builder gels? They are a stronger gel product that can be built up to construct an apex on the natural nail. An apex adds structural support to help prevent breakages of the natural nail, allowing clients to grow their natural nails with acrylic like strength and no need for plastic tips.

Is builder gel clear?

Builder gels come in a range of neutral shades as well as clear, so can be worn on their own or as the perfect French manicure. The Gel Bottle's BIAB which is one of the most popular brands among my clients, has the best range of shades to suit all skin tones. But if neutral isn't your jam, you can always choose an bright gel colour to be painted on top of the BIAB.

How is it removed?

Most builder gels are a soak off product. BIAB from The Gel Bottle can be soaked off and also infilled. Infilling and soaking off are typically decided on close inspection of the previous set. If there is too much lifting on the previous set of BIAB, I typically soak off and start fresh. I also like to do this every few infills just so I can inspect the health of the nail underneath.

Is there any risk to BIAB?

Like all products being applied to the body, an allergic reaction can happen at anytime. During COVID-19, there was a rise of people using at home gel kits from unprofessional sources and a lot of people were noticing a rise in allergic reactions to gel. There are a few things that can be done to prevent an allergic reaction:

• Always have your nails applied and removed by a professional

• Only use professional products

• Never pick off your builder or gel nails

• Never apply gel to a damaged nail plate

• Always use the correct gel lamp and wavelength for the gel product you are curing

• Always cure for the correct amount of time based on the manufactures instructions

• Avoid leaving uncured gel on the skin around the nails and touching the cuticles

Do all clients need builder gel?

Not all clients need builder gel underneath their gels. In fact, if a client's nails are already strong and long, builder gels can almost be too strong. This is because it isn't allowing the flexibility the natural nail plate needs. Rubber bases can be a great alternative. However, on those cheeky nail biter clients, BIAB can be great to encourage the natural nail growth and prevent anymore biting.

Overall, The Gel Bottle's BIAB is great for clients that find regular gels just don't last on them. Some clients find on average they're getting 3 - 4 weeks wear time from their manicure, so you can see why some are obsessed with this product - clients and professionals alike.