BIAB, what is it and why is it so popular?

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BIAB Nails, what is it?

In a relatively short time, BIAB nails have become very popular. But what exactly is BIAB? What exactly do we mean by BIAB nails or a BIAB treatment? We notice that there is still a lot of confusion about it and that is quite logical. We will explain it to you:

The term BIAB is an abbreviation for Builder In A Bottle. The abbreviation was created by a certain brand. And that's where the confusion arose. A builder is a firm gel with which you can build up and extend your nails. The product they called BIAB cannot do that. In fact, the product is a rubber base and not a builder. Can you still follow?

A rubber base is a thick base that is flexible, adheres well, can be used to strengthen natural nails and with which you can extend natural nails by a few mm. So it is a completely different product than a builder.

Due to the popularity of BIAB, every brand has brought a similar product to the market. Some of these products are rubber bases, others are real builders. That you as a layman do not understand anything anymore is perfectly logical!

Features of BIAB nails

The most important characteristic of BIAB nails is that they are short natural looking nails. Most BIABs come in different natural shades. The product is applied as reinforcement to the natural short nail. By first applying a manicure, the result is a beautiful and well-groomed short nail. Nowadays, there are also different colors available as BIAB or rubber base.

BIAB Do-it-yourself nails

Pretty Polish has several BIABs in its range. Some are rubber bases, others are real builders. With both products you achieve the same result with the BIAB treatment, also called Natural Nail Treatment.

Applying rubberbase or BIAB is fairly easy to do yourself. However, we always advise you to follow a workshop or training for the best and most beautiful result.

How do you apply BIAB?

The method differs slightly from brand to brand, but in general you can follow the step-by-step plan for BIAB below;

1. File nails to desired length. Gently push back cuticles with a cuticle pusher. Then use a buffer file to remove any remaining dead skin from the nail plate.
2. Remove the filing dust with a cellulose swab and some cleaner.
3. One of the most important steps is to degrease the nail. Use a dehydrator for this. It does not need to be cured in a lamp.
4. Apply a thin layer of BIAB to the nail plate. By this we mean a very thin first layer. Go over the product several times with the brush to 'polish it in' as well as possible. Are you using a colored BIAB? Then you can apply the layer with a transparent BIAB for better adhesion. Make sure you do not touch the skin, cuticle and nail folds. Did you accidentally touch something? Then remove it immediately, for example with a wooden stick or a gel brush. You do not have to harden this layer. If you prefer, you can first harden it in the lamp.
5. For the 2 ^nd layer, take more product on your brush. Place the product on approx. 1/3 of the nail, counting from the cuticle. Then move the product lightly with the brush to over half of the nail, by moving it from left to right. Try not to apply too much pressure.
6. Then use a nail art brush to finish the nail. First, gently pull the BIAB towards the cuticle with the brush. Then, draw light stripes of product towards the free edge. Finally, turn the nail a little and make sure there is also enough product on the sides of the nail.
7. For the best result, turn your hand upside down. The BIAB will level out. After 30 seconds, turn your hand back. Check that the BIAB is evenly distributed and that there is nothing in the cuticle or nail folds and then cure it immediately in the lamp. The curing time varies per brand, in most cases this will be 60 seconds when using a UV/LED lamp.
8. Apply a layer of topcoat and cure this in the UV/LED lamp as well.

What is a BIAB treatment?

A BIAB treatment is also called the Natural Nail Treatment. With a BIAB treatment, the natural nail is reinforced with a BIAB or a rubber base, often in a natural nude color. A professional nail salon will also perform a manicure so that the nails look super cared for.

We advise you to use a good cuticle oil after the treatment and then daily. NOTE: give the topcoat time to cool down immediately after the treatment. If you apply the oil too soon, you run the risk of the topcoat becoming dull.

Excited? Here you will find all the different BIABs.