BIAB and Builder Gel

Builder gel is a thicker gel that adds strength and structure to the nail. It is used for overlays on natural nails, for building an apex, and for short extensions. BIAB (builder in a bottle) is builder gel in a polish-style bottle with a brush, so it goes on like gel polish and levels itself into a smooth, strong layer.

Which one to use

VIRAA BIAB comes in 15ml bottles in eight numbered nude and clear shades. It is the easy choice for strengthening weak or bitten nails and for a natural overlay that is worn on its own or under colour, and it soaks off. The builder gel in solid colours and the glitter builder gel come in pots and are worked with a brush: they suit sculpted overlays and extensions where you want colour or sparkle built into the structure. Structure gel is for reinforcing the natural nail and building the apex before colour.

A builder gel overlay, step by step

1. Prep: push back the cuticle, buff off the shine, dehydrate, then prime. A bonder such as Viraa Pro Ultra Bond helps on nails that lift early.
2. Apply a thin first layer of BIAB or builder gel and cure it.
3. Float a bead over the centre of the nail to build the apex, let it level, then cure.
4. File the shape, then wipe or seal with a top coat, or add gel polish over it.

Builder gel or polygel?

For strengthening natural nails and short, natural-looking sets, builder gel and BIAB are quicker. For long extensions that you sculpt slowly, polygel gives more control. The difference is covered in builder gel vs polygel, and a salon routine in builder gel in the salon, from prep to refill. Everything for extensions, including tips, is in nail extension.