It's easily the question I'm asked most at the studio: "should I get gel or BIAB?" They look similar in the bottle and both give you a glossy, long-lasting colour, but they do quite different jobs. Here's the honest version, so you can choose the right one for your nails.
What is gel polish?
Gel polish is a coloured gel that's painted on like a normal polish, then cured (set hard) under a lamp. It gives you a high-shine, chip-resistant colour that typically lasts two to three weeks without the dulling or chipping you get from regular polish. It's thin, light and all about the colour.
Gel is perfect if your natural nails are already in good shape and you mainly want a fresh, glossy colour that survives a holiday, an event, or just a few busy weeks.
What is BIAB?
BIAB stands for "builder in a bottle" — a thicker builder gel that's brushed on to add a protective layer of strength over your natural nail. It can be worn clear, with a natural pink, or under a colour. The key difference is that it reinforces the nail rather than just colouring it.
BIAB is the one to pick if your nails are prone to bending, peeling or snapping, or if you're trying to grow your own length and want a bit of help getting there without acrylics or extensions.
So which lasts longer?
BIAB usually wins on longevity. Gel polish tends to look its best for around two to three weeks; a BIAB overlay often holds up well for three weeks or more, partly because the extra strength means less snagging and lifting. If you want to stretch the time between appointments, BIAB is generally the better value. (I've written a whole post on how long BIAB lasts and how to make it last longer.)
Is BIAB better for your nails?
Neither one damages healthy nails when it's applied and removed properly — that's the important bit. The damage people talk about almost always comes from picking or peeling product off, not from the gel itself. BIAB does give weak or bendy nails more protection day to day, which is why a lot of people find their natural nails grow better underneath it.
A quick way to choose
Choose gel polish if your nails are healthy and you just want gorgeous colour. Choose BIAB if you want strength, length or a bit of rescue for nails that keep breaking. Still not sure? Tell me a bit about your nails when you book and I'll point you to the right one — and remember, every nail appointment here includes a full manicure either way.