28 de agosto de 2025

BIAB vs Builder Gel vs Gel Polish: What's the Difference?

If you’ve been exploring the world of nails lately, chances are you’ve come across the terms BIAB, builder gel, and gel polish. They’re three of the most popular products in salons and at-home nail kits — but the differences aren’t always clear.

Do you need BIAB for strong nails? Is builder gel better for extensions? Can you just stick to gel polish? These are questions nail lovers across the UK and Ireland ask every single day.

In this guide, we’ll break down what each product is, how they compare, and which one might be the best fit for your nail goals.

What Is Gel Polish?

Gel polish is the product that transformed the nail industry over the past decade. It’s applied like regular nail varnish, but it cures under a UV or LED lamp, meaning it lasts much longer than traditional polish.

Texture: Thin and smooth
Application: Comes in a bottle with a brush (easy to use)
Wear time: 2–3 weeks with proper prep and removal
Best for: Colour, shine, and chip-resistant wear

Pros of Gel Polish:

Wide variety of colours and finishes
Beginner-friendly application
Dries instantly under a lamp — no smudging!

Cons of Gel Polish:

Doesn’t strengthen or build length
Nails underneath may still be prone to breaking if weak
Requires careful removal to avoid damage

👉 Explore our Gel Polish Collection for shades to suit every style.

What Is Builder Gel?

Builder gel is thicker than gel polish and is designed to add strength, structure, and length. Nail techs often use it for overlays (on top of natural nails) or for sculpting extensions.

Texture: Thick, self-levelling formula
Application: Usually comes in a pot and applied with a separate brush
Wear time: 3–4 weeks
Best for: Long-lasting strength, extensions, and repairing nail breaks

Pros of Builder Gel:

Strong and durable
Can create longer nails with forms or tips
Great for reinforcing weak or brittle nails

Cons of Builder Gel:

Requires more skill and precision
Slightly more time-consuming to apply
Typically needs filing for shaping and removal

👉 Shop our Builder Gel Collection for salon-quality strength.

What Is BIAB (Builder in a Bottle)?

BIAB, short for “Builder in a Bottle,” is a type of builder gel that comes packaged in a bottle with a brush — just like gel polish. It’s often described as the “best of both worlds” because it combines the strength of builder gel with the ease of gel polish.

Texture: Thicker than gel polish, but still self-levelling
Application: Bottle + brush = easy for beginners and pros alike
Wear time: 3–4 weeks
Best for: Overlays, strengthening natural nails, and short extensions

Pros of BIAB:

Easy to apply — no separate brush required
Adds strength and flexibility to natural nails
Perfect for those growing out their nails or wanting a natural, salon look

Cons of BIAB:

Not quite as strong as pot builder gels for very long extensions
Limited colour ranges compared to gel polish

👉 Discover our bestselling BIAB Collection for strong, natural-looking nails.

BIAB vs Builder Gel vs Gel Polish — At a Glance

Here’s a quick comparison to make things easier:

Feature	Gel Polish	Builder Gel	BIAB (Builder in a Bottle)
Strength	✖ Minimal	✔✔ Very Strong	✔ Strong & Flexible
Ease of Use	✔ Very Easy	✖ Needs More Skill	✔✔ Beginner-Friendly
Best For	Colour & Shine	Extensions & Repairs	Strengthening Natural Nails
Application Method	Bottle & Brush	Pot & Brush	Bottle & Brush
Lasts	2–3 Weeks	3–4 Weeks	3–4 Weeks

Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s how to decide:

Choose Gel Polish if you want beautiful colour and shine that lasts longer than normal varnish but don’t need extra strength.
Choose Builder Gel if your nails are weak or you want to create long, sculpted extensions. It’s the strongest option.
Choose BIAB if you want a strengthening base that’s easy to apply, perfect for overlays and natural-looking nails.

💡 Pro Tip: Many nail lovers layer their products. For example, apply BIAB as a strengthening base, then finish with gel polish for colour. That way, you get strength + style!

Application & Removal Tips

Whichever option you choose, correct application and removal are key to healthy nails.

Prep properly: Always start with clean, filed nails and push back cuticles.
Avoid skin contact: Touching the product to the skin can lead to lifting or irritation.
Cure correctly: Follow your lamp’s instructions to ensure each layer cures fully.
Removal matters: Never peel or pick — soak off with acetone or use a nail file gently.

FAQs: BIAB, Builder Gel & Gel Polish

Q: Is BIAB stronger than builder gel?
A: Not usually. Builder gel in a pot is typically stronger, especially for long extensions. BIAB is better for overlays and short to medium nails.

Q: Can you remove BIAB with acetone?
A: Yes — BIAB can be soaked off with acetone or filed off, depending on the formula. Always follow instructions for best results.

Q: Can you put gel polish over BIAB or builder gel?
A: Absolutely! Many people apply gel polish over BIAB or builder gel to combine strength with colour.

Q: Does BIAB damage your nails?
A: No — when applied and removed correctly, BIAB actually protects natural nails by adding strength and reducing breakage.

Q: What is HEMA Free Gel Polish?
HEMA-free gel polish is a formulation that replaces 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA), a common ingredient in gel polishes, to reduce the risk of allergic reactions and sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

At first glance, BIAB, builder gel, and gel polish might all seem similar — but once you know the differences, it’s easy to see which one fits your nail goals.