BIAB or acrylics: which is right for your nails?

It is the question we hear most at the nail desk: "Should I have BIAB or acrylics?" Both give you a strong, glossy set that lasts weeks, so it is easy to see why people mix them up. But they are made differently and they do different jobs. Here is how we help clients choose.

What BIAB actually is

BIAB stands for Builder In A Bottle. It is a thicker gel that we brush over your own nails and cure under a lamp. It builds a little structure on top of the nail, which makes it stronger and less likely to bend or snap.

BIAB works with your natural length. It is not designed to add much length on its own. Think of it as armour for your own nails while they grow.

What acrylics actually are

Acrylic is a liquid and a powder mixed into a bead that we sculpt onto the nail, usually over a tip. It sets hard as it dries. Because it is sculpted, we can build length and shape that your own nails do not have: a long almond, a coffin, a stiletto or a neat short square.

Once the shape is right, we finish with gel polish, a French tip, chrome or nail art.

Choose BIAB if

• your nails bend, peel or break before they get any length
• you are growing out bitten nails and want to stop picking
• you like a natural look and a nail that feels like your own
• you want short or medium nails that look neat for weeks

Choose acrylics if

• you want length straight away
• you love a particular shape that your nails will not hold
• you are hard on your hands and want something very tough
• you want a bold set for an event or a holiday

And if you just want colour?

If your nails are already strong and you are happy with their length, gel polish may be all you need. It is thinner than BIAB and gives you glossy, chip-free colour for two to three weeks.

How long each one lasts

Acrylics usually need an infill every two to three weeks, as your nail grows and a gap appears at the cuticle. BIAB usually goes three to four weeks between infills. Both can be soaked off properly when you want a break, and we always take them off gently so your own nail underneath stays healthy.

Still not sure?

That is fine. Book the one you are leaning towards and tell us at the start of your appointment. We will look at your nails, ask how you use your hands, and help you decide before we begin. You can see every price on our treatments and prices page.