Investigated the "Brew Your Own Beer" method, meticulously grilled nail professionals for comprehensive insights on enduring manicure technique

It's all about the BIAB nails now, y'all! These bad boys are claiming to be a healthier and longer-lasting alternative to traditional gel nails. So, I decided to give this 'builder manicure' a whirl to see what it's all about and whether it's the right fit for you.

BIAB ain't just this year's 2025 nail trend, it's an established salon treatment that promises gel-like glossiness with extra longevity. Plus, it's said to be healthier, as the 'builder' gel creates a hard-wearing layer over your natural nails, letting them grow.

Gel or BIAB, it's a tough choice, but I booked an appointment to try BIAB and got the lowdown from the experts to dish all the deets.

My BIAB appointment, step-by-step

First thing's first, what is BIAB? "It's a soak-off gel that's tougher than regular gel polish," explains Laurie Nicholl from Lacquered & Stripped Salon.

Gel Bottle nail expert, Tiffany Abbigaile, expands, "BIAB, aka Builder In A Bottle, is ideal for creating a strengthening barrier for natural nails." It turns out, this is one of BIAB's plus points, allowing you to grow long nails without extensions.

Looks-wise, expect similarities with gels or Bio Sculpture nails; a smooth, plump nail, albeit in a limited color palette. "BIAB usually comes in clear or colors like pink," says Nicholl. Due to BIAB being a thicker gel, a UV lamp would struggle to penetrate pigment-rich shades and cure them properly.

But fear not, if you're craving some color, you can layer up. "A gel nail color can be painted directly on top of BIAB, or you can use our BIAB shade range for beautiful nude nails," explains Abbigaile.

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My BIAB pros & cons

Pros of BIAB:

Strengthening: This treatment fortifies your nails, allowing them to grow without the risk of breaking.
Longevity: BIAB can last upwards of four weeks, making it a great option to avoid frequent, harsh gel removal.
Shine: If you're weighing up BIAB vs Gels, I found BIAB offers a glossier and plumper look that keeps its shine longer than gels.

Cons of BIAB:

Limited colors: BIAB shades are mostly sheer and neutral, however, BIAB can be combined with bold gel shades.
Cost: BIAB is usually pricier than gel. Expect to pay around £10-15 over the cost of a normal gel manicure for your first set, the same again for infills, and £15 for removal.

What is a BIAB infill?

If you want to make BIAB last longer, you can have an infill at the base of your nail, which tops up the color and is a key benefit for your natural nails' health. "Since the product can be infilled, it reduces damage to the natural nail caused by removing gel polish," explains Nicholl. It's best to have BIAB infills every 3-4 weeks.

IS BIAB bad for your nails?

In short, nope. BIAB works to strengthen the natural nail and prevent breakage or weakness that is typically caused by acrylic extensions or naturally brittle nails. If you're a nail-biter, it'll help you kick that habit too, as BIAB is too tough to bite through. It also won't chip or break, so the nail underneath remains protected and can grow.

Can you do BIAB nails at home?

Technically, yes, but only if you're extremely skilled and patient! BIAB functions like regular gel polish in terms of prep and method, so is painted on as a base coat that then needs to be cured with a UV lamp.

However, the thick and goopy texture of BIAB can make it tricky to control and apply correctly, which is where professional skill is needed. If you want to achieve the look of BIAB but lack a nail tech diploma, you could use one of the best at-home gel nail kits to replicate the effect.

Should you remove BIAB at home?

No, you probably shouldn't. Every expert we spoke to stressed the importance of professional removal. "The bulk of the product needs to be removed first by either a nail file or an electric nail file," says Abbigaile. "We will then soak a cotton pad with acetone, place it on the nail, then wrap it with foil. After a few minutes, the foil can be removed one nail at a time, by gently scraping away the product with a metal cuticle pusher."

BIAB vs Gels: which should I pick?

If you're on the fence about BIAB vs Gels, hear this: I swapped my regular gel nails for BIAB and I've never looked back. My gel nails would get scratches and chips, and during gel breaks, my (usually strong and fast-growing) nails would be weak and struggle to grow past the fingertip. I thought BIAB might be worth a try, as it could be added to each time, without the need for removal.

"Boy, was I right," I say. Five months of regular BIAB manicures left me with faultless nails that boast shine, polish, and a whole lot of strength. Not only did BIAB stop my nails from cracking, but my nails grew faster than they would naturally. BIAB manicures don't require breaks, thanks to the protein in the formula, but I'm now a month into a break, and my nails are growing towards a healthy length – unseen during a gel break. I've become a certified BIAB convert.

BIAB, also known as Builder In A Bottle, is a soak-off gel that creates a strengthening barrier for natural nails, contributing to their growth without the risk of breakage.
BIAB can last up to four weeks, offering longevity over regular nail treatments, and its glossier and plumper look keeps its shine longer than gels.
Colors for BIAB are mostly sheer and neutral, but it can be combined with bold gel shades, creating a broader palette.
BIAB is usually pricier than gel, averaging £10-15 more for the first set, with similar additional costs for infills and removal.
Infills every 3-4 weeks are recommended to maintain the treatment and reduce damage to the natural nail caused by gel polish removal.
BIAB is not bad for your nails; it strengthens the natural nail and prevents breakage, making it less likely for the nail underneath to chip or break.
Due to its thick and goopy texture, BIAB is difficult to control and apply correctly without professional skill, making at-home application challenging.
Professional removal is recommended for BIAB, as the bulk of the product needs to be removed first followed by soaking, wrapping, and scraping for safe and effective removal.
After switching from regular gel nails to BIAB, I've experienced stronger, shinier, and faster-growing nails, transforming into a dedicated BIAB convert.