What are BIAB nails?
Build-A-Base, BIAB, Rubber Base Gel, Gummy Base, etc., you hear and read about them every day, but what exactly is it?
BIAB stands for "Builder in a bottle". Is it different from Build-A-Base or Rubber Base Gel? The answer is no!
The above terms are all different brand names for the same type of product, which is a “flexible base gel. Do you work with a different brand in your salon? Then your bottle of BIAB might have a different name on it.
No problem, you can do the same thing with it 
What can you do with BIAB?
Build-A-Base is Ugly Duckling Nails' equivalent of “Builder in a bottle". It exists in several natural shades: clear, pink, fufu and milky white. With those color shades, the main purpose of this product is already partially revealed: Build-A-Base is used for a natural nail treatment, a term I'm sure you've heard before.
This natural nail treatment starts with a comprehensive manicure to then strengthen your own short natural nails. To maintain the natural look, the BIAB exists in a variety of natural shades. It is a sturdy and flexible product which also makes it possible to perform a small extension of about 2 mm.
Can you also apply color to BIAB?
Would you still prefer color instead of natural nails? No problem. You can perfectly apply a gel polish or color gel on top of the Build-A-Base.
BIAB nails need touch-ups after three to four weeks. The product is also suitable for applying to toenails. Because of the thinness and flexibility of the product, you avoid pressure on the toes and there is less risk of pinching in shoes as the nails grow.
Who is BIAB suitable for?
A treatment with the Build-A-Base is very trendy and suitable for everyone. It is the ideal product to place on short nails: up to or just past the fingertips. Build-A-Base is also very good for people with thin and porous nails, but nail biters can also benefit from a BIAB treatment. A course can be started with the goal of a longer and “healthier” nail bed. With the latter target group, it is necessary to be short on time in the initial phase. It is recommended that the client return every two weeks in the beginning for touch-ups. Short nails grow faster and you want to avoid fiddling or biting the nails.
What do you need to perform a BIAB treatment?
- Shape the nails nicely. Remove the shine from the natural nails. This is quick and easy with the fine sanding rollers and accompanying router bit. You can also use a fine grit file or a fine buffer.
- Next, a comprehensive manicure is performed. It is important to remove dead skin cells for optimal adhesion of the products to the nail plate. Use custom manicure router bits for this purpose.
- Degrease the nail plate with prep. Then apply a very thin layer of primer for optimal adhesion.
- Apply a fine layer of Build-A-Base clear and cure for 60 seconds under Ugly Duckling's LED UV lamp.
- Build up the nails with the Build-A-Base of your choice. Create a slight bulge and make sure the nail is nice and even and the product is evenly distributed everywhere. The Detailer II is the perfect brush to help you do this. It is ideal for detail work. The Build-A-Base lays very easily and levels well (self-leveling). Work nail by nail and cure under the LED UV lamp for 60 seconds each time.
- If desired, color can be applied to the nails. On the Build-A-Base of Ugly Duckling you can work with color gel as well as gel polish. The color is also cured for 60 seconds in the LED UV lamp.
- Finish with the Tacky Top or the No Wipe and cure for 60 seconds under the LED UV lamp.
- Apply the cuticle oil. Polish the nails with the magic wipes for a beautiful shine. Don't forget to take a picture of your beautiful creation!
What are the benefits of BIAB?
BIAB products such as the Ugly Duckling Build-A-Base have become staples in the world of nail styling. The product is very popular and has numerous benefits:
- BIAB products are very easy to place, and it levels perfectly.
- It has a sublime adhesion.
- You can use BIAB as an adhesive layer under gel, acrylic gel and acrylics.
- It exists in beautiful natural shades.
- Most BIAB gels are soak off products and are therefore washable. (This does not apply to all brands, but Ugly Duckling's Build-A-Base and Urban Nails' Rubber Base you can soak off if you want).
- It is possible to do a short extension on BIAB nails, this is preferably done with tips.
- Higher profit margin due to low material and product costs.
- After build-up you don't have to file or buff which saves a lot of time. Saving time also means more customers and higher sales!
What is the difference between gel nails and BIAB nails?
Gel is a harder building product and ideal for longer lengthening of the natural nails. In the case of a (severe) nail biter, gel will also be chosen more quickly.
After building the nails, they are completely filed and prepared for painting tightly. A touch-up should be done between 3 to 4 weeks.
Certain techniques are easier to perform with gel. For example, baby and color tree. It is possible to create these with the Build-A-Base, but it is less easy because the product is finer and thinner.
Like the Build-A-Base, gel can be applied to the toes, but practical experience shows that toenails do not need the hardness of gel. Moreover, as toenails grow, the client experiences an oppressive and pinching feeling in shoes more quickly. This is because gel is thicker, less mobile and harder.
March 3, 2022
By: Annelies Creyf