Wouldn't it be nice if there were a type of polish that could make your nails stronger and longer without using acrylics?
The solution is at hand! Builder gel is a thick polish that creates overlays or extensions for natural nails.
There are two types: builder gel in a bottle (BIAB) and hard gel. Both kinds require a UV or LED nail lamp to dry.
Hard gel is excellent for sculpting but has a little more of a learning curve to use correctly. However, builder gel in a bottle is nearly as easy to apply as regular gel polish. You need to learn only one particular technique, and we'll discuss that in a moment. Keep reading to learn what builder gel is and how to apply it.
Builder Gel in a Bottle
If you can paint your nails with gel polish, you can use builder gel. It creates a beautiful, smooth overlay to strengthen the nails. Therefore, it’s perfect for nail biters and people who want to grow out their nails.
It comes in various colors like clear, nude, and pastel tints. Apply it as a standalone polish or underneath regular gels. It's also possible to use builder gel in a bottle for short extensions.
Let's look at LAVIS builder gel as an example of what a salon-quality BIAB is like.
LAVIS Builder Gel In The Bottle - B10 - Gel Polish 15ml
Lavis Builder Gel
We like the LAVIS guilder gel because it’s long-lasting, flexible, and easy to work with. The glossy finish can stay chip-free and resist peeling for three weeks or more if properly applied.
Moreover, the professional formula is odorless and won't harm natural nails. It does double duty as a base coat and cures in only 60 seconds.
This BIAB comes in 36 colors, including white, nude, beige, and pink, from sheer to magenta. LAVIS is unique for offering such a wide selection of builder gel colors.
What's more, the bottles are elegant in appearance and design. The rectangular shape is a space saver for storage, and the hexagonal lids are easy to grasp. Even the brush has an efficient shape for rapid application.
Finally, removal is straightforward and gentle on nails. No drilling is needed—just a few minutes in acetone, and LAVIS BIAB comes off just like a gel polish. Now, let’s compare LAVIS to another brand, KUPA.
KUPA - Enrichrx Sheer White
Unlike LAVIS builder gel, KUPA needs a base coat, preferably from the same brand. It comes in five colors and cures in 60 seconds. When it's time for removal, it's best to use an e-file to take off the top layer before soaking it in acetone. Then, more filing is required. That can be harsh on natural nails.
Keep in mind that this is a soft builder gel, not a hard gel like IBD.
IBD Hard Gel - Natural II
Hard gel like this is appropriate for sculpting nail art and doing extensions. It comes in a pot, not a bottle, and requires a brush (typically sold separately) for application. It's more viscous than builder gel in a bottle and creates a hard layer over the nail. Although it feels hard like acrylics when cured, it's more flexible and less likely to crack.
IBD hard gel is self-leveling and handy for shaping natural-looking overlays. Just flipping the hand over lets the gel settle naturally into an apex.
Furthermore, IBD gel is odorless and free from toluene and formaldehyde. Although it only comes in a few colors, it cures rapidly in a nail lamp and can be painted.
At removal, it’s recommended to file the surface before soaking off the hard gel.
Now you’ve had an overview of what builder gel is, but how do you use it? Keep reading to find out.
HOW TO APPLY BUILDER GEL
When applying builder gel at home, you’ll need a few supplies:
- A base coat, if required, and a top coat
- An application brush, if one is not included
- Colored polish if desired
- A nail lamp
- 240-grit file for natural nails and 180-grit for shaping the hardened gel
- Alcohol and acetone for cleanup
- Manicure tools like clippers, a cuticle pusher, a buffer block, and lint-free wipes
First, here’s how to use builder gel in a bottle.
Steps to Apply BIAB
Begin by prepping the nails as you would for any manicure. Remove old polish, shape the nails, push back the cuticles, and lightly buff the nail plate. Wipe the nails with alcohol or acetone to remove debris and oil.
Next, brush on a base coat if needed. LAVIS builder gel in a bottle doubles as a base coat, which saves time and money.
When you're ready to apply the builder gel, we suggest watching a video first to understand how the brush strokes differ from applying regular polish. Instead of vertical strokes, builder gel needs short, horizontal strokes across the width of the nail moving toward the tip. This helps form the apex for a natural, strong shape.
Watch this video to understand LAVIS BIAB application.
Use thin layers to build the overlay or extension and cure between them. If you use LAVIS builder gel, you'll find it's forgiving and unlikely to bubble or wrinkle. The consistency is close to regular gel polish, making it feel more comfortable to use.
If you want to sculpt long extensions or nail art, use hard gel. Here’s how to apply it.
Steps to Apply Hard Gel
You’ll need a brush if the hard gel comes in a pot without one. Also, check the instructions to see if you need a special primer or dehydrator.
Complete the usual nail prep by shaping the nails, pushing back the cuticles, and buffing the nail plate. Cleanse the surface with alcohol or acetone.
For IBD gel, brush on the dehydrator or primer and then the base coat. After the base is cured, apply a thin layer of hard gel with short horizontal strokes.
Remember to brush the free edge of the nail, too.
Cure that layer, apply a second coat, and cure again. At this point, you can wipe off the inhibition layer and file the nails if needed. Wipe off the dust and finish with a top coat.
Conclusion
We hope this article provides practical insights into the world of builder gel. If you’re ready to try BIAB or hard gel, check out our wide range of builder gels in stock.
Here’s an incentive to stock up: we offer free shipping on orders over $75!