How to Do BIAB Nails at Home with BIAB Nail Polishes

Builder in a Bottle, is known as BIAB. It is one of the most popular nail techniques today. It offers the strength of builder gel with the gel polish, making it ideal for those who want strong, long-lasting nails without the mess of acrylics or extensions. Let’s talk about Biab nails, biab nail polishes, how to prep, apply and remove it. 

What Is BIAB Nail Polish?

BIAB stands for Builder in a Bottle. It’s a type of soak-off gel builder that combines base, builder, and strength layers into a single product. Not like other gel polish, BIAB strengthens the natural nail and let the nails grow, all while providing a clean, natural finish.

Can You Apply BIAB at Home?

Yes, you can apply BIAB at home if you have the right tools and biab nail gels and if you follow the correct steps. While professional application offers the best finish, especially for paying clients, home application is a practical option for personal use.

For the best results, you should learn the technique through a professional BIAB nail course, that teaches about product handling, nail preparation, safety, and filing techniques in depth.

Tools and Products You’ll Need

To do BIAB nails at home, gather the following tools and products:

• BIAB nail polish (builder gel in a bottle)

• Nail file and buffer

• Cuticle pusher and nippers

• Nail dehydrator or alcohol wipes

• Base coat and top coat 

• Primer (optional, depending on nail condition)

• UV or LED lamp 

• Lint-free wipes

• Cuticle oil (for aftercare)

Quality products will deliver better results. Choose the best products from known brands and always follow the instructions on them.

1. Clean and Prep the Nails

• Remove old polish or gel if necessary.

• Wash your hands and nails thoroughly.

• Push back the cuticles and remove the dead skin around the nail.

• Lightly buff the surface to remove shine.

• File the nails into your desired shape. (almond, coffins etc)

Proper nail prep is essential to help the nails to stay longer and to prevent lifting.

2. Dehydrate and Prime

• Apply a dehydrator on the nail to remove natural oils.

• Use a primer if you have oily nail beds or issues with lifting.

• Let the primer air dry completely.

Some BIAB brands contain primer within the formula, so check your product label before applying this step.

3. Apply a Thin Base Layer

• If your BIAB requires a base coat, apply a thin layer and cure under the lamp for the recommended time (usually 60 seconds under LED).

• If your BIAB is a 3-in-1 formula, you may skip the separate base.

Thin layers stop the bulkiness and make the surface smooth. 

How to Apply BIAB Nails at Home Step By Step

4. Build the Nail with BIAB Nail Gel

• Apply a small bead of BIAB gel in the center of the nail plate.

• Use your brush to spread the product gently 

• Spread it toward the cuticle and down toward the edge.

• Keep the layer slightly thicker than a polish layer, and make sure it self-levels.

• Cure under the UV lamp for the time that is mentioned on the instructions. 

This step creates the strength BIAB is known for and creates a structured manicure.

5. File and Shape (If Needed)

• After curing the nails, wipe the top layer using cleanser.

• File the surface lightly to enhance the shape and smooth out the bumps (if there are any).

• Buff for a smooth finish.

Avoid over-filing to maintain the strength of the builder layer.

6. Apply Top Coat and Cure

• Use a gel top coat to secure the builder layer.

• Apply thinly and evenly, then cure again.

• Wipe off any residue after curing, if necessary.

7. Finish with Cuticle Oil

• Hydrate your cuticles using a nourishing oil.

• Massage it into improve circulation and protect the skin.

These steps help to maintain nail health. 

How Long Do BIAB Nails Last?

With proper prep and application, BIAB nail gel can last 3 to 4 weeks without lifting or chipping. Avoid peeling the nail polish.

Can You Remove BIAB Nails at Home?

Yes, but you must do it carefully. Most BIAB products are soak-off gels, which means you can remove them easily with the help of acetone.

How to Remove BIAB:

• File down the top coat of the nail to remove the top layer of the polish.

• Soak the cotton pads in acetone. 

• Place the soaked cotton pads on the nails.

• Wrap the nails with foil and leave for 10–15 minutes.

• Gently push off the softened gel by using cuticle pusher.

• Buff and hydrate nails afterward.

Never force or pick the product off, as this can damage your natural nails.

Learning how to do BIAB nails at home can be easy and save money, but perfecting the process takes time, and for those looking to be pro in it, a professional BIAB nail course provides the structure, support, and certification you need to get it right every time.