How long does BIAB last? The real length of time to wait between nail appointments

Cosmopolitan

29-05-2025

NGL, I'm a sucker for BIAB now. I am a part of the cult, and I do not care. For the past two years, I've had my BIAB redone with the same nail tech in the same shade every single time (The Gel Bottle BIAB in Teddy, by the way), and it brings me joy and an untold number of compliments. Because I am such a BIAB stan, I get asked a lot of questions about it, and I get it, it's confusing right. It's gel but it's not gel, and it makes your nails look like acrylics but they deffo aren't acrylics. But without a doubt, the question I get most is how long does BIAB last. Again, another fair question given that it's an investment of time and money. So, I checked in with Giorgia Cappella, Cosmo's Contributing Nail Expert and educator at The Gel Bottle to get the definitive answer.
'BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) is designed to flex with the natural nail, helping to strengthen and support healthy nail growth. When applied correctly, BIAB mimics the natural apex of the nail, providing reinforcement at the nail's stress point to reduce the risk of premature breakages,' she tells us. 'As each person's nails grow at different rates, the position of the stress point naturally shifts over time. To maintain optimal strength and structure, we recommend BIAB maintenance appointments every 2– 4 weeks, depending on individual nail growth. These appointments allow the apex to be repositioned to suit the new length of the nail.'
So, yes, it can be a real investment in beauty maintenance if you have nails that grow quickly. I do, but tend to push my appointments to one per month to save my bank account if I'm being completely honest. If you have weaker nails or you have a job where you do manual labour and therefore your nails are more at risk of breaking, you should keep appointments regular, as breaking your nails with BIAB on is not pretty and can be painful (in my experience) because the gel sets so hard.
'If maintenance is not kept up, the apex will no longer align with the correct stress point, increasing the risk of breakages. In short, BIAB is highly durable and will remain bonded to the nail, but regular maintenance is essential to ensure long-lasting results and prevent damage.'
On that point, BIAB shouldn't lift easily because, as mentioned, it's a hard gel that binds to your nail in a way stronger way than traditional gels. 'If you notice your BIAB beginning to lift – whether from the cuticle or the free edge – it's important to inform your technician as soon as possible and arrange a maintenance appointment,' warns Cappella. 'Prompt assessment allows your technician to address the issue early, ensuring BIAB continues to provide the necessary strength and support for healthy nail growth.'
It's the thing we are always told in beauty for any treatment – aftercare is essential. 'Regularly applying cuticle oil and hand cream helps to hydrate the skin and stimulate healthy cell renewal, keeping both your skin and nails nourished and your manicure looking fresh between appointments,' says Cappella. 'To protect your nails, avoid direct contact with harsh chemicals by wearing gloves during cleaning or household tasks. Chemicals can dry out the skin and dehydrate the nail, compromising the longevity of your BIAB.'
'And remember", says Cappella, 'jewels, not tools! It's tempting to use your nails for tasks, especially as they grow longer, but applying pressure can weaken the nail's stress point over time—regardless of how well the BIAB is applied. Treat your nails with care to keep them strong and beautiful.' Amen!
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.