Being right-handed, my nails on that side naturally go through more – and it's always the side that lets me down. One nail will break and then I have to cut them all off and go short. Recently, I outdid myself, racking up three broken nails and being left with a hand of completely different nail lengths. I decided it was finally time to try Builder in a Bottle.
You've probably heard talk of Builder in a Bottle (it's more commonly known as BIAB), given how steadily it has grown in popularity over the last few years. But like me, you may not have got around to trying it yet.
What is BIAB?
Created by The GelBottle, BIAB is harder than a regular gel polish, but kinder to the nail than acrylics. Plus, The GelBottle made sure it can be soaked off. A strength barrier for natural nails, it can also fill cracks and ridges, give the nail shape, and be used to sculpt and form extensions.
It's loved for achieving super long natural nails, as it prevents your own nails from breaking. Which quickly helps people achieve nail lengths they previously could only dream of.
It seemed to tick all the boxes, so I went to Duck & File in Islington, where resident nail tech Precious said she could make my broken nailed hand look just like my perfect one – and I was very, very, up for that.
The current state of affairs
How do BIAB nails work?
After filing and buffing my dodgy talons, she attached fun little splints called 'forms' to the fingers that needed extensions. All nails had a slip coat of BIAB (similar to a base coat principle), which was cured in the lamp, before she began building the nails.
On the ones with forms, this meant dragging a 'bead' dollop of BIAB up from the cuticle, building over the form and shaping it for the extension. The other nails were also built up, but this was more about creating an apex and shape, as the length was already there. Each has to be individually cured in the lamp right after building to minimise running.
After all nails were cured, she removed the forms and warned me the extensions might look a little 'ugly' at this point, as they were roughly moulded and can run a bit. But after clipping, filing and smoothing, they looked exactly like my natural nails.
I chose a clear BIAB shade, though it is available in a range of pinks and nudes. If you go for clear, you can get a gel mani over the top, meaning way more colour options.
Honestly, once they were painted, the difference blew me away. Precious really had transformed my right hand to look exactly like my left, it was completely imperceptible. We then spent a considerable amount of time trying to get pics but I am the worst hand model, my hands turn into weird claws from your nightmares, so I'd say watch the TikTok for their real glory:
Can you get BIAB nails infilled?
One of the things that makes BIAB healthier for your nails is that it can be infilled. So, two weeks later, I was back to see what that process was like. The gel polish had to be removed with an e-file to get to the BIAB, a step that can be avoided if you use a colour BIAB. Then, Precious cleaned up my cuticles and any lifting BIAB, ready to have new BIAB applied over the top. She particularly concentrated on levelling out the area of growth at the cuticle. It was much more similar to the first application than I'd expected. The biggest difference was that it didn't require the forms.
I chose to round off my square nails, and the original extensions were shaped in the exact same way, as if they were my own. It wasn't till we finished that I realised only two of my nails still had a little bit of extension left on the tip. I couldn't believe that in another two weeks, my broken nails will have been completely evened out – without having to go short.
How much does a BIAB manicure cost?
It varies salon to salon. At Duck & File, the service costs around £55 for BIAB with extensions (nails dependant), and an extra £3 charge for gel colour if you go for clear. I can't believe the long-awaited answer to a broken nail is really no more expensive than luxe gel manicures.
Would I try BIAB again?
I'm very attached to my nail salon with their half-hour gel manis ( including removal, wild I know), so I don't know if BIAB will tempt me full-time. But the next time I break a nail, I will be going straight for another round of BIAB rehab, to coach it back to health with its brothers and sisters.
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FAQs
A strength barrier for natural nails, it can also fill cracks and ridges, give the nail shape, and be used to sculpt and form extensions. It's loved for achieving super long natural nails, as it prevents your own nails from breaking. Which quickly helps people achieve nail lengths they previously could only dream of.
Can biab be used on damaged nails? ›
That's why we highly recommend Builder in a Bottle manicures to those with weak or brittle nails, nail biters, or clients who struggle to grow their nails. As BIAB can be soaked off, your nail technician won't rely on drills - and that means less trauma to your nail bed.
What is the best manicure for broken nails? ›
Plexigel is a semi-hard gel, making it more durable than the soft nail gel manicure. This method is newer, and can be a problem-solver for flat, brittle, or torn nails. Plexigel is a flexible, yet tough, coating that plumps, lengthens, or repairs a multitude of nail issues.
Can you use builder gel to fix a broken nail? ›
To use, apply a thin layer of the builder gel over your broken nail and cure for 60 seconds under a UV or LED lamp. Once cured, your nail will be strengthened and protected. Essentially, this adds a strong overlay to the crack, glueing it back together.
What to do if your nail broke really far down? ›
Cover the nail with tape or an adhesive bandage until the nail has grown out enough to protect the finger or toe. If you trim off the detached nail, you will have less worry about the nail catching and tearing. If you leave the detached nail in place, it will eventually fall off when the new nail grows in.
Can you fix a broken nail with biab? ›
A strength barrier for natural nails, it can also fill cracks and ridges, give the nail shape, and be used to sculpt and form extensions. It's loved for achieving super long natural nails, as it prevents your own nails from breaking. Which quickly helps people achieve nail lengths they previously could only dream of.
What are the cons of BIAB nails? ›
The beauty of BIAB is that is can be used on its own or as a base underneath gel nails to minimise any damage gel polish may cause. The only downside is that BIAB sometimes does not fit into the edges or creases like gel or shellac does. However it does dry harder, meaning it is more durable against chipping.
What can I put on severely damaged nails? ›
Experts recommend applying a nail hardener to your nails to help strengthen them. These products come in oils and polishes and give your nail an extra layer of protection, especially if you paint or get them done often.
What is the best treatment for breaking nails? ›
A lotion with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid may soothe your nail area. Some people use a layer of clear nail polish to protect cracked nails. To prevent more splits, wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when your hands are in water. Gently file down any nail snags or uneven edges so they don't lead to more cracks.
What is the healthiest manicure for brittle nails? ›
Overall, Dip Powder Manicures are a great way to get a healthy manicure that will protect and strengthen your nails without causing any damage. Just like any nail treatment, you do have to make sure you properly remove it to keep your nails safe and healthy – Don't pick at your manicure!
Potential for Damage
Builder gel does contain chemical ingredients such as irritants, toxic substances, and drying alcohols which can have an adverse effect on the nails if they come into contact with them. Furthermore, removal of builder gel requires soaking in acetone or remover which can make nails dry or brittle.
How much should biab nails cost? ›
How much should it cost? The cost of your service will differ depending on location and your nail tech's experience, however, “a general advisory is that BIAB overlay services are no less than £10.00 on top of the cost of your gel polish manicure,” says Giorgia (so between around £35 to £80).
Is biab worth it? ›
“A BIAB nail manicure allows you to grow your natural nails far longer than you would ever achieve with a regular gel nail polish treatment. It's revolutionary, especially if you have weak nails and have always struggled to grow them.”
What vitamin deficiency causes cracked nails? ›
- A deficiency in B-complex vitamins, especially biotin, will produce ridges along the nail bed. - A diet lacking in calcium contributes to dry, brittle nails. - A lack of folic acid and vitamin C can lead to hangnails. - Insufficient dietary essential oils, like omega-3, cause cracking.
How to fix a nail that keeps splitting vertically? ›
Treatments and home remedies
- Try glue. One potential home remedy involves reattaching the nail with glue. ...
- Use a tea bag. Another home remedy involves using a tea bag. ...
- Try a gel and silk wrap. Another potential remedy is to try a gel and silk wrap to hold the nail in place. ...
- Use a fake nail. ...
- Medical treatments.
Split nails may happen due to nail biting, excess moisture, infection or injury, or psoriasis. You can't always prevent split nails, but using moisturizer and nail hardening products may help. Cracks in your nails are common and will usually heal as your nails grow.
Does builder gel help damaged nails? ›
Builder Gel has been long hailed a game-changer for helping to strengthen and lengthen natural nails. The thick gel is a brilliant alternative to getting acrylic extensions and can even be used to repair damaged or broken nails.
Does BIAB work on bitten nails? ›
It is a good option for nail biters. As a nail tech it can be really hard to get good results when you have someone that's bitten their nails to the quick! BIAB allows for natural nails to grow strong underneath and styles don't necessarily need extensions.
Can biab ruin your nails? ›
“When it comes to BIAB nails, we always recommend a fresh treatment,” says Juanita. “Continuous infilling without proper removal can actually lead to nail damage.” However, Giorgia says: “You can consistently infill BIAB as long as the natural nail health is checked regularly.
Can BIAB cause Onycholysis? ›
“BIAB products can contain certain ingredients that could cause onycholysis, which is the separation of the nail from the nail bed. This can be very serious when it occurs, and treatment may take months involving cutting away the separated nail as it grows out and a prescription of antifungal medications.”
