Introduction to
BIAB / OVERLAY
Start
Contents
BIAB
BIAB Introduction
Application
Knowledge Check
This is your introduction to all things BIAB.
You’ll learn how BIAB works, who it’s for, and how to master it.
Introduction
BIAB
Introduction to BIAB / Builder Gel
A layer of Builder In A Bottle (BIAB) is available to our clients as an add-on. This extra-strong gel is applied prior to polish or gel and is specifically designed to reinforce the strength of the nails. This is one of the services you need to be able to perform to become a Session Nail Artist. This course will cover the theory of BIAB and prepare you for the sign-off session, so that you can begin performing this treatment on customers.
What is BIAB?
Why BIAB?
BIAB vs Extensions
Introduction
BIAB
Who to recommend BIAB to?
You'd typically recommend BIAB to customers who
We generally wouldn't recommend BIAB to customers who
Application
BIAB
Product Consistency
Application Fundamentals
All about that APEX
Application
BIAB
Correct placement on a short nail:
Correct placement on a long nail:
Application
BIAB
Common Challenges
BIAB
Click on each image to find out more about common chalenges with BIAB application.
Social beings
Troubleshooting
BIAB
Troubleshooting
Small corrections = flawless sets
Reduce product, clean before curing.
Use correct bead size, clean before curing
Title
Title
Flooding
Bulk
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Subtitle
Apply thinner and flash cure, or use low heat setting
Check prep,avoid overworking
Title
Title
Shrinking
Heat spikes
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Subtitle
Why don't we offer BIAB infills?
Aftercare
BIAB
After your service is finished we should be providing our customers with the correct aftercare and mention our best products to support them with this.
BIAB Aftercare Essentials
Wear gloves when cleaning / washing up
Don’t pick orbite your nails.
Title
Title
Title
Apply cuticle oil daily.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Subtitle
Subtitle
Book maintenance every 2-3 weeks
Title
Title
Avoid using nails as tools
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Subtitle
SupportingTownhouseProducts
Quiz 1/5
BIAB
Quiz 2/5
BIAB
Quiz 3/5
BIAB
Quiz 4/5
BIAB
Quiz 5/5
BIAB
good job
Congratulations on completingBIAB - Theory!
BIAB has become a hugely popular nail treatment because it combines strength, flexibility, and a natural finish - all in one product.
- Protects and reinforces natural nails, encouraging growth and reducing breakage.
- Can be worn alone or used as a base for colour or nail art.
- Offers long-lasting, chip-resistant wear with easy soak-off removal.
Why BIAB?
- Always start with thorough prep - this will prevent any lifting of the BIAB
- Apply a thin layer first on all ten nails, cure, then build structure nail by nail.
- Build the apex one-third down from the cuticle and blend to the free edge.
- Fully cure each layer in a LED lamp for sixty seconds.
- Keep all nails even in shape and thickness.
- Proper apex = stability, comfort, and elegant balance.
Bulky / Thick Nails
Bulky nails often happen when too much product is applied. To prevent this, ensure to use just enough product for structure:Short nails - grain of rice sized amount of product Medium nails - lentil sized amount of product Long nails - small pea sized amount of product Tip: Let the product level before curing- overbuilding wastes time and product.
BIAB is thicker than gel polish but thinner than hard gel. It’s self-levelling, giving you time to create and perfect structure on the nail before curing. Tip: work with gravity — let the product settle before curing.
Uneven / Patchy
Uneven areas come from not letting BIAB self-level before curing
- Work one nail at a time
- Use thin, even layers
- Watch it smooth before you cure
If the above has been followed and there are still patches on the nails you may need to add slightly more product.
The apex is the strongest point of the nail. It absorbs stress and prevents breakage.• It should start slightly behind the centre of the nail
• It should follow the natural curve of the nail
• It should be smooth and subtle and definitely not bulky!
Top Tip: Correct apex balance = strong + beautiful looking nails
- Have weak, brittle, or peeling nails and want to grow them out without extensions.
- Prefer a natural look but still want added strength and durability.
- Experience frequent chipping with regular gel polish.
- People who work with their hands and need extra durability compared to gel polish.
Why We Don’t Offer BIAB Infills
- Any tiny bit of lifting can trap moisture or bacteria , not what we want for our customers!
- A full soak-off keeps nails fresh, allows us to keep a close eye on nail health and ensures a perfectly smooth reapplication.
- Starting from scratch each time means a flawless finish and happy, healthy nails every visit!
- Those allergic or sensitive to acrylates/HEMA — since BIAB still contains these common nail ingredients, it can trigger allergic reactions
- Need very long or extreme extensions — BIAB is best for natural nails as an overlay.
- Have severe nail trauma where the nail plate is missing or extremely damaged — these cases may require medical attention first.
- Have active nail infections or skin conditions (fungal infections, severe eczema, open cuts), treatment should be avoided until resolved.
Flooding
This is where product has run onto skin or down sidewalls. Causes: Too much product or working too close to the skin Fix: Clean with an orangewood stick before curing and leave a 1mm gap. Tip: Never cure flooded gel - it risks lifting and allergies.
BIAB stands for Builder In A Bottle.
It’s a hybrid builder gel that sits between hard gel and gel polish, packaged in a bottle for easy application.
BIAB has a higher concentration of hard gel than regular gel polish, giving it extra strength, but it’s still porous — meaning it can be soaked off with acetone (unlike hard builder gels).
Here at Townhouse BIAB is offered as an add on to a Signature or Luxury Manicure.
An add on of BIAB will give you an extra 20 Minutes on top of your treatment to perform this.
You must be able to complete a BIAB manicure in 1 hour and 5 mins to pass your BIAB training.
What is BIAB?
- BIAB enhances the natural nail, while hard gel and acrylics extend it.
- BIAB Is flexible, soaks-off, and is used as a natural overlay.
- Hard Gel/Acrylic Not flexible, file-off only, and adds length.
- BIAB grows with the natural nail because it’s flexible — it moves as the nail grows, instead of sitting solidly on top.
BIAB vs Hard Gel Extensions
Inconsistent Shape / Structure
Aim to create as much of your nail shape and structure as possible with your brush while the product is still wet.Always check the nail from multiple angles - including the client’s view - to ensure balance and symmetry, especially around the apex, as this is key for strength. Once cured, you can refine and smooth any uneven areas with a hand file and buffer.
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Transcript
Introduction to
BIAB / OVERLAY
Start
Contents
BIAB
BIAB Introduction
Application
Knowledge Check
This is your introduction to all things BIAB. You’ll learn how BIAB works, who it’s for, and how to master it.
Introduction
BIAB
Introduction to BIAB / Builder Gel
A layer of Builder In A Bottle (BIAB) is available to our clients as an add-on. This extra-strong gel is applied prior to polish or gel and is specifically designed to reinforce the strength of the nails. This is one of the services you need to be able to perform to become a Session Nail Artist. This course will cover the theory of BIAB and prepare you for the sign-off session, so that you can begin performing this treatment on customers.
What is BIAB?
Why BIAB?
BIAB vs Extensions
Introduction
BIAB
Who to recommend BIAB to?
You'd typically recommend BIAB to customers who
We generally wouldn't recommend BIAB to customers who
Application
BIAB
Product Consistency
Application Fundamentals
All about that APEX
Application
BIAB
Correct placement on a short nail:
Correct placement on a long nail:
Application
BIAB
Common Challenges
BIAB
Click on each image to find out more about common chalenges with BIAB application.
Social beings
Troubleshooting
BIAB
Troubleshooting
Small corrections = flawless sets
Reduce product, clean before curing.
Use correct bead size, clean before curing
Title
Title
Flooding
Bulk
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Subtitle
Apply thinner and flash cure, or use low heat setting
Check prep,avoid overworking
Title
Title
Shrinking
Heat spikes
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Subtitle
Why don't we offer BIAB infills?
Aftercare
BIAB
After your service is finished we should be providing our customers with the correct aftercare and mention our best products to support them with this.
BIAB Aftercare Essentials
Wear gloves when cleaning / washing up
Don’t pick orbite your nails.
Title
Title
Title
Apply cuticle oil daily.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Subtitle
Subtitle
Book maintenance every 2-3 weeks
Title
Title
Avoid using nails as tools
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Use this side to give more information about a topic.
Subtitle
Subtitle
SupportingTownhouseProducts
Quiz 1/5
BIAB
Quiz 2/5
BIAB
Quiz 3/5
BIAB
Quiz 4/5
BIAB
Quiz 5/5
BIAB
good job
Congratulations on completingBIAB - Theory!
BIAB has become a hugely popular nail treatment because it combines strength, flexibility, and a natural finish - all in one product.
Why BIAB?
Bulky / Thick Nails
Bulky nails often happen when too much product is applied. To prevent this, ensure to use just enough product for structure:Short nails - grain of rice sized amount of product Medium nails - lentil sized amount of product Long nails - small pea sized amount of product Tip: Let the product level before curing- overbuilding wastes time and product.
BIAB is thicker than gel polish but thinner than hard gel. It’s self-levelling, giving you time to create and perfect structure on the nail before curing. Tip: work with gravity — let the product settle before curing.
Uneven / Patchy
Uneven areas come from not letting BIAB self-level before curing
- Work one nail at a time
- Use thin, even layers
- Watch it smooth before you cure
If the above has been followed and there are still patches on the nails you may need to add slightly more product.The apex is the strongest point of the nail. It absorbs stress and prevents breakage.• It should start slightly behind the centre of the nail • It should follow the natural curve of the nail • It should be smooth and subtle and definitely not bulky! Top Tip: Correct apex balance = strong + beautiful looking nails
Why We Don’t Offer BIAB Infills
Flooding
This is where product has run onto skin or down sidewalls. Causes: Too much product or working too close to the skin Fix: Clean with an orangewood stick before curing and leave a 1mm gap. Tip: Never cure flooded gel - it risks lifting and allergies.
BIAB stands for Builder In A Bottle. It’s a hybrid builder gel that sits between hard gel and gel polish, packaged in a bottle for easy application. BIAB has a higher concentration of hard gel than regular gel polish, giving it extra strength, but it’s still porous — meaning it can be soaked off with acetone (unlike hard builder gels). Here at Townhouse BIAB is offered as an add on to a Signature or Luxury Manicure. An add on of BIAB will give you an extra 20 Minutes on top of your treatment to perform this. You must be able to complete a BIAB manicure in 1 hour and 5 mins to pass your BIAB training.
What is BIAB?
BIAB vs Hard Gel Extensions
Inconsistent Shape / Structure
Aim to create as much of your nail shape and structure as possible with your brush while the product is still wet.Always check the nail from multiple angles - including the client’s view - to ensure balance and symmetry, especially around the apex, as this is key for strength. Once cured, you can refine and smooth any uneven areas with a hand file and buffer.