'BIAB is perfect for clients with weak natural nails who want to grow them out, or clients who want the strength of extensions without the length,' explains Nicholl. Luckily BIAB is a fairly adaptable service for almost any nail preference, and as you'll see from my diminutive talons, BIAB on short nails looks just as good as it does on long ones. There are those who prefer a cute squoval nail in a single on-trend color, then there are acrylic addicts who love ultra-long nail shapes and nail-art adorned talons. There are those who like to keep things short, clean, and au naturale. The world can be divided into a few nail personalities. Cuticle oil is then applied, and I was treated to a mini hand massage with cream.

You can either choose a clear topcoat, as I did, or have gel color applied for a more vibrant look. Cleaning and top coat: The nail is then cleaned again to remove any oils and a topcoat is applied and cured, much like step 1.Filing: Once each individual BIAB nail has been created, your nail tech will gently file and buff the top of the nails to create a smooth look.Precision is essential at this stage, as your nail tech needs to create a perfect shape and then quickly cure the BIAB in place so it doesn't move or set unevenly. BIAB shaping: Next, a very fine brush is used it to gently shape and push the BIAB gel into a smooth and plump layer, before curing it under the lamp.BIAB application: Now, your nail tech will work on one nail at a time, applying a thicker layer of the BIAB color (I chose a creamy milk nails hue) working it all over the nail by fanning out the brush and 'building' the nail up with the gel.This step is the same as gels and creates an even base for the BIAB to be created on top of. Base: Working one hand at a time, a thin layer of BIAB is painted on all five nails and cured under a lamp.

Short nail overlay