A professional gel overlay BIAB vs at-home gel polish are both popular options for keeping natural nails looking beautiful, but they have several key differences.
Gel overlay / BIAB
A gel overlay (BIAB) is a professional service performed by a trained nail technician where a thin layer of gel is applied to natural nails to improve their strength, durability and appearance. The gel is cured with a UV or LED lamp and can remain beautiful for several weeks without crumbling or peeling.
BIAB is a more durable and long-lasting alternative to traditional gel nail polish and can be used to create beautiful nails such as French Fade (Baby Boomer) nails.
How to do a BIAB / Gel Overlay
Step 1: Push back the cuticle
Push the excess skin (eponychium) back with a cuticle pusher
Step 2: Scrape away the excess skin
Take a cuticle scraper (see picture) and gently scrape away any dead skin under the cuticle
Step 3: Remove all dead skin cells with an e-file bit
In this step it is important that you remove all biological material from the nail
Step 4: Shape the nail
Take a file and shape the nail (file in one direction, this prevents barbs)
Step 5: Buff the nail
Take a buffer file and buffer the nail surface (this is important for adhesion).
Step 6: Remove the dust from the nail
Take an alcohol wipe and wipe the excess dust from the nail
Step 7: Wipe the nail surface clean and under the free edge
Take a cloth with acetone and clean the entire nail plate, do not forget the free edge
Step 8: Apply a thin first layer of gel
Apply a thin layer of gel. Then cure it for 60 sec (LED), 99 sec (Low Heat). Don't forget to include the free edge!
Step 9: Apply a second thin coat
Same as the previous step. The reason why we do this in 2 times is because the gel is very liquid and runs off the nail plate differently. You also have more influence on the gel in thin layers.
Step 10: Apply a good amount of gel for reinforcement (apex)
This is the most difficult step. Apply a good amount of gel to the apex. Place the ball of gel wherever the photo places it. Then gently work it backwards. Be careful not to let gel adhere to the cuticle. Leave a small edge free at the back. Work the gel forward and ensure that the gel is evenly distributed over the entire nail.
Step 11: Remove the sticky layer after curing in the lamp
Take a cloth with alcohol and remove the sticky layer from the nail.
Step 12: File the gel evenly
Take a file and go well along the edges, sides, bottom, nail walls. Make sure that all irregularities have disappeared from the gel.
Step 13: Remove the dust and residue from the nail
Take an alcohol wipe and wipe the nail surface clean.
Step 14: Apply the top coat and cure for 60 seconds
Apply topcoat thinly and then cure under the lamp for 60 seconds.
Estimated costs: 30 EUR
Deliver:
- Base Coat
- Builder
- TOP COAT
- Alcohol (cloth)
- Acetone
- UV/LED Light
Tools:
- Cuticle pusher
- File
Gel polish manicure
Supplies
- Cuticle pusher
- File
- Alcohol wipes
- Layer 1: Base Coat
- Layer 2: Color Coat
- Layer 3: Top Coat (Take the same brand of all 3 layers)
- UV Lamp
Estimated costs
That depends entirely on which brand you choose, usually the purchase prices are between 10-50 euros for a kit.
Description
A gel polish manicure, on the other hand, is a do-it-yourself (DIY) option that allows you to apply gel polish directly to your natural nails using a kit that includes a base coat, color coat, and top coat, as well as a UV or LED lamp to harden it.
This option is more affordable and practical than a professional gel overlay, as it can be done at home in a matter of minutes.
However, the nails do not last as long as a professional BIAB and the quality and durability of the gel polish are highly dependent on the brand and the application process.
The differences
The biggest difference between the two options is that BIAB lasts longer than gel polish. BIAB is usually applied to the natural nails with a layer of 2-3 millimeters thick, while gel polish is applied to the nails as a thin layer. This makes BIAB last longer and is also more durable than gel polish.
Another important difference between BIAB and gel polish is that BIAB requires more skill and knowledge to apply correctly. Because the gel must be applied in multiple layers and cured under a UV or LED lamp, it is important that the nail technician knows how to properly apply and harden the gel. In contrast, gel polish is much easier to apply and requires no special skills or knowledge.
Conclusion
Finally, both a professional gel overlay (BIAB) and gel polish have their pros and cons and the best option depends on your personal preference, budget and needs. If you are looking for a more durable and long-lasting solution, a professional BIAB is a better option. However, if you want a cheaper and easier option, at-home gel polish is a good choice.
It is important to remember that regardless of which option you choose, it is important to properly care for and maintain your nails
