What are BIAB nails? Popular manicure style and more details explored

How BIAB nails are trending and changing the manicure world? (Image via Pexels/ Designcologist)
How BIAB nails are trending and changing the manicure world? (Image via Pexels/ Designcologist)

Beauty trends are ever-growing and changing, even in the manicure world. BIAB Nails is one of the viral trends that caught our attention this year. BIAB stands for Builder In A Bottle, or 'builder gel,' a product that Daisy Kalnina of The Gel Bottle Inc. invented.

As the name suggests, the builder gels protect your natural nails. This gel lays the foundation for technicians to craft extensions with a more durable and chip-resistant finish. While traditional manicures, like acrylic gels, are here to stay, builder gels are gaining rapid popularity and are also a relatively durable alternative.

How is the BIAB nail manicure different from other nail trends? (Image via Unsplash/ Kris Atomic)
How is the BIAB nail manicure different from other nail trends? (Image via Unsplash/ Kris Atomic)

BIAB nails manicure taking over TikTok is the new trend of the season

Like other beauty trends, even manicure trends have taken over the Internet. (Image via Pexels/ RDNE)
Like other beauty trends, even manicure trends have taken over the Internet. (Image via Pexels/ RDNE)

It is common for social media influencers to spot new looks now and then, including manicures. One particular trend that has reached viral status is BIAB nails. While nail gels have become much more popular recently, they are not a recent phenomenon. Daisy Kalnina launched the gels in 2015 and has expanded her collection to 500+ vegan gel colors.

Daisy's products address an important gap in the manicure market. Although acrylic and shellac nail gels have dominated the manicure world for their solid and attractive finish, they can damage one's natural nails. While there are ways to remove acrylic gel nails, they can weaken your natural nails and often involve a harsh removal process.

BIAB nails cocoon your natural nails and protect them in the long run. Additionally, the nail gels are. Some gels, such as the creator base gels, are air-dried and not cured, making it easier to remove them. The video below shows a demonstration of how the creator base is used.

While the builder gels give a similar finish to their counterparts, such as shellac, acrylic, and soft gels, they are much thicker in application. The thickness of the base allows your natural nails to grow without being vulnerable to damage. A major advantage of using these nails is that they don't need artificial glue, which can increase the chances of damage.

On average, beauticians recommend wearing the BIAB gel nails for three to four weeks and giving the natural nails rest after the removal. Additionally, a new set can cost between $40 and more.


With new formulations joining the manicure party, customers have many options. This gives you multiple options for aesthetic yet cost-friendly nails. Instead of tugging at your nails, BIAB nails are a gentler yet solid option if regular manicures are your thing.

Have you tried the builder gels yet? Tell us in the comments below.

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Edited by pshmueni