Builder gel, sometimes referred to as BIAB, was everywhere in 2024 and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Clients love it because it allows them to get the long, natural nails they’ve always dreamed of. Plus, with the demand being so high; there are so many builder gel colours and finishes out there to choose from these days!
Explore some of our favourites below…
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Our round-up of the best builder gel for every set
You’ll find everything you need to finesse your builder gel set on Amazon. They stock professional brands, as well as options for novices if you want to try applying it at home.
Nude builder gel
Mylee 5 in 1 Builder Gel – Peach
Mylee is the go-to home nail care brand, which means you can always trust their products. Mylee’s builder gel offers the perfect solution for amateur nail techs to practise their skills.
£13.00
Bluesky Nude Builder Gel
This builder gel from Bluesky gives you the opportunity to sculpt your client’s nails to the gods. Use your chosen nail brush to apply the product smoothly.
£8.95
Beetles Builder Gel
For those who prefer a more brown/neutral undertone to their base, this solution from Beetles is the one for you.
Specifically designed for longevity and strength, you can easily grow your natural nails with this gel.
£9.99
The Gel Bottle 18 BIAB TM
We can’t mention nude builder gel without giving props to the OG, The Gel Bottle.
You’ll catch this iconic shade on the fingertips of celebs, friends and family alike. It’s everywhere!
£20.47 incl. VAT (20ml)
Clear builder gel
NYK1 Builder Gel In A Bottle
This 120W nail lamp has 4 timer settings to suit your exact needs. Flitter through clients in an instant with this powerful LED gel nail lamp.
£21.95
Modelones Clear Builder Gel (Double Pack)
Make sure you never run out of this builder gel with this 2-in-1 set from Modelones.
It gets excellent reviews for its durability and longevity. Give it a try!
£9.99
IBD Hard Gel – Builder Clear Gel
IBD is a renowned name in the nail industry, so you know you can trust their products.
This clear gel is the ideal solution for nail techs. Simply pick up your brush and start shaping!
£13.68
Glossify Naturabuild Clear
Stock up on Glossify’s alternative to BIAB. This clear builder gel offers a durable base for any gel nail design.
£13.49
Builder gel sets
Saviland Builder Gel Set w/Nail Forms & Brush
This starter set has everything you need to practise your technique. Featuring 4 essential gels that your clients will always use, a white, pink and a base coat and top coat.
£27.99
AIMEILI 8 in 1 Builder Nail Gel Set
You can use AIMEILI gel solo as a builder gel, base coat, for building your apex, as a colour gel, to strengthen or repair nails, shape them up, or even stick on tiny nail decorations. What’s not to love?
£17.99
Mylee 5 in 1 Builder Gel Trio
This starter set has everything you need to practise your technique. Featuring 4 essential gels that your clients will always use, a white, pink and a base coat and top coat.
£27.99
What is builder gel?
There’s nothing complex to it, builder gel is simply a strong gel nail polish that allows you to grow your natural nails. Due to it’s tough exterior, it protects your natural nails and prevents breakage.
Similarly to hard gel, shellac and other nail enhancements, you’ll need to go for infills when your builder gel grows out. You can also get fancy nail art and designs on your nails, as you would with other types of treatments.
Builder gel vs acrylic
Builder gel is very different to acrylic and as a nail tech you’ll need to know both application processes inside and out. The key differences include:
- It’s a one step solution applied via brush, whereas to apply acrylic you’ll need acrylic powder and monomer liquid.
- It’s considered to be less damaging for the natural nails because there is no e-filing needed.
- Acrylic nails are generally more expensive than builder gel
- Acrylic nails are generally thicker and stronger than builder gel
