From acrylic extensions to gel to shellac trying to find the perfect way to keep our nails healthy whilst looking beautiful can be long and exhausting journey. Having struggled with my nails for years and years, I think I might have just found a solution that will not only rescue your nails from damaging but will also save your credit card, energy and time. So what is the answer to all of our nail prayers?
BIAB, which stands for Builder In A Bottle is a hard gel treatment that is applied as thin or as thick as it needs to be to your natural nail, depending on the quality of your nails. My nails have been through it all which left them very damaged and paper thin. One of the reasons why I decided to give my nails a well needed break - no nail polish, no gel, no shellac for 6 months. Some people might say 6 months would not make any noticeable difference to your nail quality, but believe me it made a huge difference to my nails.
Every 'nail healing journey' starts with research, testing and most importantly patience! The last one I struggle with a lot and usually end up giving up on products if I don't see a noticeable difference in couple of weeks. Some of these products might work in a long run, but I guess we will never know. The products I would like to talk about have worked magic for me and have dramatically improved the quality of my nails in couple of months.
Firstly I would like to talk about natural products, almond oil and garlic. This magic duo has been recommended to me by a professional nail technician and has worked wonders on my nails. I've started using almond oil every morning and evening, I would gently rub it into my cuticles and nails. With a garlic it's been a bit more difficult as you would guess, I would rub it in my nails in the evenings before I've applied the almond oil. As almond oil is considered to be quite heavy in texture it nicely balances the strong smell of garlic. One thing I would also recommend is getting a pair of disposable gloves, if you leave them on over the night, the almond oil and garlic will nicely absorb into your nails and won't leave your bed sheets and pillowcase with stains.
One of the other products that I loved is Duri Rejuvacote - hands down the best nail strengthener I've ever used, I have noticed a visible difference in my nail quality as soon as one week after using it. I used it in combination with CND Rescue Daily Keratin Treatment, another amazing product that makes your nails look healthy and shiny. I would apply the Duri Rejuvacote strengthener once a week because of it's amazing texture and longevity. The CND Rescue comes in a small practical bottle which makes it easy to carry around in your handbag. I would gently rub it in my cuticles couple of times during the day, it absorbs quickly and smells really nice which makes using it very enjoyable.
Is BIAB for you?
Instagram @sudan.london
Builder in a bottle is for everyone trying to improve the quality of their natural nails. Make them stronger and healthier whilst looking beautiful. Even though BIAB is a gel product and creates the same hardness, look and strength as acrylics or SNS nails, this builder in a bottle cures hard under an LED light and is more durable than your regular shellac.
How long does BIAB last?
Builder in a bottle would not only save your nails but also your credit card. I've used Shellac for last couple of months and it would not last on my nails longer than 2 weeks. So I would eventually have to go do my manicure every couple of weeks and ended up spending a lot of money. On the other side BIAB lasts on my nails for over 4-5 weeks and even after four weeks my nails still look acceptable.
How much does it cost?
Prices for builder in a bottle may vary depending on the nail technician, location of the studio etc. The general price for BIAB manicure should cost you anywhere between £35-50 depending on the design / nail art you would like to add to your manicure. I visited Sudan Studio located in Tooting Broadway for my manicure and pedicure, where I got to meet the lovely nail technician Saba.
BIAB inspiration
Instagram @jadenailedit
