Menus have gotten confusing. BIAB, builder gel, hard gel, gel polish, acrylic overlay — here's the plain-English version of the three options that cover most of what clients ask for.
Gel polish (shellac-style colour)
Think: nail polish's stronger, longer-wearing cousin. It adds colour and a little protection, lasts 2–3 weeks, and adds no length. Best for: nails that already hold a decent shape and length, and anyone who wants low-commitment colour. Not for: building length or rescuing very weak nails — it will flex and peel where the nail flexes.
BIAB (builder in a bottle)
Think: a flexible strengthening layer painted on like gel polish, but substantially stronger. It adds structure and a small amount of length, can be infilled instead of soaked off, and is one of the most useful tools we have for growing weak, peeling, or post-acrylic natural nails. Best for: growing your own nails, nail biters in recovery, and 'my nails never get past my fingertips' clients. Lasts 3–4 weeks between infills.
Acrylic
Think: maximum strength and maximum length. Acrylic can create long shapes from day one and take hard wear. Best for: dramatic length, detailed 3D art foundations, and very physical jobs where nails take knocks. The trade-off: it feels firmer, and fills are non-negotiable every 2–3 weeks.
The 10-second decision guide
- Happy with your length, want colour that lasts? Gel polish.
- Nails weak, peeling, or won't grow? BIAB.
- Want length you don't have? Acrylic (or hard gel extensions — ask us).
- Coming off long-term acrylics and want a break that isn't bare nails? BIAB.
Products can also be combined — BIAB under gel colour is a popular everyday combination. When in doubt, book BIAB or gel and let your tech assess your nails in person; we can adjust the plan at your consultation.
Starting prices and times
Here are our starting prices for BIAB and acrylic. Gel polish is added to a manicure, so its price depends on the service you pair it with. Ask us when you book.
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| Option | Time | Starting price | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIAB builder gel | About 60 min | From $65 | Infill every 3–4 weeks |
| Acrylic extensions | About 90 min | From $85 | Fill every 2–3 weeks |
Want light length that soaks off? Gel-X starts at $85 and takes about 105 minutes. Nail art is extra and quoted by the design. See the full price list.
Five questions to ask yourself
- How long do you want your nails? For more length than you have, choose acrylic or Gel-X. To keep your own length, choose gel polish or BIAB.
- How hard are you on your hands? Heavy use favours acrylic. Everyday use suits BIAB.
- How often can you come in? Gel polish needs a redo every 2–3 weeks, BIAB an infill every 3–4 weeks and acrylic a fill every 2–3 weeks.
- Are your nails weak or peeling? BIAB is made for this. Our 8–12 week plan shows how to grow them out.
- Do you want detailed art? Acrylic and Gel-X are the strongest bases. BIAB suits minimal designs and micro French tips. See our nail art page.
Switching between them
Coming off acrylics? Many clients move to BIAB to give their nails a break while keeping some protection. Going from BIAB to acrylic for a special event is easy too. If you are wearing product from another salon, add a removal when you book (from $25, about 30 minutes) and tell us what you want to achieve.
Removal and nail health
Whichever you choose, careful removal protects your natural nails. Gel polish and acrylic are usually soaked off. BIAB is filed down and refreshed at an infill, and removed fully every few months so we can check your natural nails. Please do not peel any of them off at home, because peeling can take layers of your natural nail with it.
Quick answers
Is BIAB better than gel polish? It depends on what you need. BIAB adds strength, so it suits weak or peeling nails. Gel polish is a thinner colour layer for nails that already hold their shape.
Can I have gel colour over BIAB? Yes. Many sets use BIAB underneath and gel colour on top.
Which one lasts longest? Acrylic holds up best to heavy use, with a fill every 2–3 weeks. BIAB lasts 3–4 weeks between infills, and gel polish lasts 2–3 weeks.