If you've been anywhere near Instagram or TikTok lately, you'll have seen BIAB nails popping up everywhere. But beyond the social media hype, BIAB has become one of the most requested nail services at our Edinburgh salon — and for good reason. It genuinely changes the game for anyone who's struggled with weak, brittle, or short nails.
Here's everything you need to know about BIAB nails, what makes them different from gel and acrylics, and why so many of our clients in Edinburgh are making the switch.
What Actually Is BIAB?
BIAB stands for Builder in a Bottle. It's a professional-grade builder gel created by The Gel Bottle Inc, and it works as an all-in-one product — combining primer, base coat, colour, and strengthening builder gel into a single formula.
Your nail technician applies it in thin layers using a brush, curing each layer under an LED lamp. The result looks similar to a gel manicure but with noticeably more structure and strength. Think of it as armour for your natural nails.
Unlike acrylics, which sit on top of the nail as a hard extension, BIAB bonds to the natural nail and moves with it. That flexibility is what makes it so much gentler — your nails can actually grow underneath without snapping or peeling.
BIAB vs Gel Polish vs Acrylics — What's the Difference?
This is the question we get asked most often at the salon, so let's break it down properly.
Gel polish is thin, lightweight, and great for a glossy finish that lasts a couple of weeks. But it doesn't add any real strength. If your nails are already prone to breaking, gel polish alone won't fix that.
Acrylic extensions are strong and allow for dramatic length, but the application involves a liquid monomer and powder that can be harsh on the natural nail bed. Removal typically requires filing, which thins the nail over time.
BIAB sits right in the middle. It's thicker than gel polish, so it adds genuine reinforcement. But it's softer and more flexible than acrylics, meaning less risk of damage to your natural nails. And when it's time to remove it, BIAB soaks off with acetone — no aggressive filing needed.
For most of our Edinburgh clients, BIAB hits the sweet spot: strong enough to stop breakage, flexible enough to feel comfortable, and beautiful enough that you don't need anything else on top.
Who Is BIAB Best Suited For?
Honestly, almost anyone. But it's particularly brilliant for:
People with thin or weak nails — BIAB creates a protective shell that lets your natural nails recover and grow stronger underneath. Several of our regular clients have gone from nails that snapped at the slightest knock to nails that hold their length comfortably for weeks.
Nail biters — the thickness and durability of BIAB makes it much harder to bite through, which helps break the habit. It's one of those services where clients often say they wish they'd tried it years ago.
Anyone who wants length without acrylics — your technician can build up BIAB to create short extensions or repair broken nails, giving you a bit of extra length that looks completely natural.
Busy people who need their manicure to last — a properly applied BIAB set can last three to four weeks without chipping. For anyone juggling work, the gym, cooking, and general life in Edinburgh, that kind of durability is a massive plus.
What Does a BIAB Appointment Look Like?
When you book a BIAB manicure at Hello Beauty, here's roughly what to expect.
Your nail technician will start by shaping your nails and tidying up the cuticles. This preparation stage matters — good prep is what makes the gel adhere properly and last longer.
Next comes the BIAB application itself. A thin base layer is applied and cured under the LED lamp, followed by a thicker building layer that adds the structure and strength. Your technician will shape and smooth this layer carefully to make sure the finish is even and natural-looking.
You can leave the BIAB in its natural shade — which is a lovely, clean nude pink — or add a gel polish colour on top. We also offer nail art designs if you're after something more creative.
The whole appointment typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on whether you're adding colour or art.
Aftercare: Making Your BIAB Nails Last
Good aftercare makes a real difference to how long your manicure lasts. A few straightforward tips:
Apply cuticle oil daily. It keeps the nail bed hydrated and helps prevent lifting at the edges. We sell professional cuticle oils at the salon, but any quality oil works well.
Wear gloves for heavy cleaning or washing up. Prolonged exposure to water and harsh chemicals is the main reason any nail treatment loosens early.
Don't pick or peel at the edges. If you notice any lifting, come back to the salon and we'll sort it properly. Peeling off builder gel can pull layers of your natural nail away with it, which is exactly what we're trying to avoid.
BIAB Infills vs Full Removal
One of the best things about BIAB is that you don't need to remove and reapply it every time. After two to three weeks, as your nails grow out, you can book an infill appointment instead.
During an infill, your technician files down the existing BIAB, fills in the new growth area near the cuticle, and reapplies colour if needed. This approach is kinder to your nails because the product is never fully removed — meaning less exposure to acetone and less disruption to the natural nail surface.
When you do eventually want a full removal, BIAB soaks off with acetone, similar to regular gel polish. No drilling, no heavy filing.
Book Your BIAB Manicure in Edinburgh
At Hello Beauty in Charlotte Square, our nail technician Laraib specialises in BIAB, gel polish, and gel extensions. She's brilliant at creating sets that are tailored to your nail type — whether you want a clean, minimal look or something with a bit more flair.
We're open seven days a week, 10am to 7pm, right in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town. You can book your BIAB appointment online in a couple of clicks.
If you're not sure whether BIAB is right for you, feel free to pop in or drop us a message — we're always happy to chat through the options. You might also want to have a look at our full nail services page or check out our price list for current rates.
Hello Beauty Salon, 13 South Charlotte Street, Edinburgh EH2 4AS. Open Monday to Sunday, 10:00–19:00.
