What is BIAB? Here is Why Everyone is Talking About Builder in a Bottle

BIAB Manicure

In the world of nail care, there’s always something new popping up, but some things just stick around for good reason. One of those game-changers is BIAB, short for Builder In A Bottle.  Though, it’s not a new technique, it gained popularity in Western Europe just few years ago. Formerly known as rubber base, flexy base, hybrid gel polish…it found its identity when the UK brand Gel Bottle branded it as BIAB. Despite the name isn’t appropriate, as it can also be in a jar, BIAB stuck and became synonymous with excellence.

So, What Exactly is BIAB?

It’s a revolutionary treatment that brings together the best of both worlds: strength and flexibility.

Gel and acrylic nails had their moment—and it was a big one. Long, dramatic shapes like almond, ballerina, gothic almond, pipe… were everywhere. Nails weren’t just part of your look; they were the accessory. The bolder, the better. To achieve those looks, strong and durable materials were a must. Hard gels, polygels, and acrylics were the norm, and clients didn’t mind spending hours in the salon to get that perfect, sculpted set that would last for weeks.

But like all trends, this one began to fade. More and more women started looking for a natural look—shorter, clean, and low-maintenance, but still durable enough to last a few weeks. And, let’s be honest, no one wants to spend their entire afternoon in the salon.

The Journey To BIAB

That’s when CND launched the first-ever gel polish and called it Shellac (yes—Shellac is gel polish!). Other brands followed.

The idea was to give nails the shine and colour of regular polish but make it last longer—without all the intense filing or damage to the natural nail. However, gel polish turned out to be too fragile for most people. Only those with naturally strong nails could enjoy a long-lasting manicure. For the majority, chipped nails after just a few days became the norm. And the removal process? Soaking in acetone was meant to be gentler than filing, but in reality, acetone dries out the nail, making it prone to breakage. Add in the regular buffing every 2–3 weeks natural nails started becoming thinner and weaker over time.

In the mid-2010s, nail salons in Eastern Europe started offering something new: rubber base. And that’s how it all started.

Rubber base is basically a gel polish base that contains rubber, which makes it more flexible and perfect even for weaker nails. One of its best features is that it doesn’t have to be removed completely. A thin layer always stays on the nail, so there’s no need for soaking in acetone or heavy buffing every time.

Yes, we still file it, but thanks to the thin application, it’s a fast and easy process.

Over time, the formulas kept improving - fiber bases for very weak nails, thicker consistency to smooth out ridges, lighter for faster application…

 Today, there are all kinds of bases designed to suit different nail types and client needs. Base coats are no longer just thin layers applied before colour—they are builder products used to create the proper structure and strength of the nail. (This is the moment when your nail tech flips your hand upside down! ) This technique helps protect the natural nail while still keeping it light, natural-looking, and beautifully shaped.

More than a decade after first rubber base hit the market, what we now call BIAB has become the best treatments out there—and honestly, we can't imagine salon life without it.

Our Preferred Brand-DUTCH NAIL COSMETICS

At The Pamper Room, we’re committed to excellence and the highest standards —so choosing the right brand wasn’t an easy task. After careful research and testing, we proudly chose Dutch Nail Cosmetics, a trusted brand based in the Netherlands.

Not only do they offer a wide range of stunning shades and ultra-glossy topcoats, but more importantly, their products are high quality, long-lasting, and help us deliver manicures that resist chipping and breakage. We also love that Dutch Nail Cosmetics is forward-thinking—they’re in the process of transitioning their entire production line to be TPO-free and HEMA-free.

Two Ways To Wear Your BIAB

At The Pamper Room, you can enjoy your BIAB manicure in two different styles.

If you love a clean, natural look, go for tinted bases—beautifully soft, milky shades that give your nails a fresh, barely-there finish.

But if you’re in the mood for colour, take your pick from over 150 gorgeous shades available in the salon

Is BIAB for Everyone?

Yes! BIAB is suitable for all nail types—whether your nails are naturally strong or a bit on the weaker side.

The choice between BIAB and other treatments really comes down to your personal preferences and lifestyle.

If you love wearing very long nails, we’d still recommend hard gel and extensions. While BIAB can be used to fix small breaks or chipped corners, for longer lengths we prefer stronger materials to ensure durability.

If you’re looking for something more temporary—maybe just for a holiday or special occasion—and plan to return to natural nails afterward, then gel polish might be the better choice. Occasional removal with acetone won’t damage your nails, especially because at The Pamper Room, we choose base coats tailored to your natural nail type for maximum protection.

But for everything in between—strength, flexibility, a natural look, and long-lasting wear—BIAB is our absolute go-to recommendation

Ready To Try BIAB?

Have you tried BIAB before—or are you thinking about giving it a go?We’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below!

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