BIAB nails Bristol: builder gel with Russian prep

BIAB means Builder In A Bottle. It is a soak-off builder gel made by The Gel Bottle, although the term is also used for builder gel overlays generally. Unlike colour-only gel polish, it adds a structured overlay. It does not promise damage-free nails or guaranteed wear.

BIAB can suit weak, peeling or breaking nails. The first-time service includes a full Russian manicure, two BIAB layers, optional colour, curing, shaping, cuticle oil and a hand massage. Full-set gel sculpting extensions start at £60. Nata Beauty does not offer acrylic overlays.

The service depends on your starting point:

• First-time BIAB plus Russian manicure: £48 for 75 minutes, with optional colour.
• BIAB infill plus Russian manicure: £51 for 85 minutes, usually every 3-4 weeks.
• French, ombre or design add-on: from £9, booked with the BIAB appointment.
• IBX add-on: £15 before a gel service. Standalone IBX Nail Strengthener is £24.

Existing acrylic or hard gel must be removed before BIAB. Book the £30 removal route first so the nail condition can be assessed. Thin or peeling nails may need IBX before a new overlay.

Russian preparation covers the cuticle area as well as the overlay. Nata's first-time BIAB service includes:

1. Cleanse the nail. Each nail is prepared for the service.
2. Work around the cuticle. E-file preparation addresses the cuticle and pterygium, followed by side-wall work.
3. Refine the surface. The nail is lightly buffed and dehydrator is used.
4. Apply BIAB. Two layers are placed, shaped and cured.
5. Finish the service. Optional colour, nail shaping, cuticle oil and a hand massage complete the appointment.

This dry manicure preparation is part of the BIAB appointment.

BIAB typically lasts 3-4 weeks before an infill. Nail art follows the base service's wear cycle, and detailed designs may show wear sooner. Read the BIAB aftercare guide for practical care.

• Do not pick or peel the BIAB.
• Book the £30 removal service when ending the set or changing service.
• Tell Nata about active fungal or bacterial infection, broken skin around the cuticle, gel-chemistry allergy or persistent nail biting.

Removal is a separate service from the first-time BIAB appointment.

The right choice depends on the finish you want. These are different services, so this table gives a straightforward starting point:

Service	Main role	Typical wear	Starting price
BIAB nails	Structural gel overlay	3-4 weeks before infill	£48
Gel manicure	Gel colour on natural nails	2-3 weeks	£39
Russian manicure	Dry cuticle and nail preparation	2-3 weeks of a clean finish	Not stated as a separate seed service
Japanese manicure	Natural shine without gel	2-3 weeks of visible shine	£33

IBX can be added to a gel manicure for £15. Standalone IBX nail strengthening costs £24.

Nata Ivanishaka trained in gel-polish application and structural-layer techniques at the OPI Center for Nail Technology. She completed combined manicure and gel-based construction certification at Julia Rizhakova Nail Art Training Studio in 2016, as well as e-file manicure training there.

The studio uses single-use files and buffers, sterilised tools and a fresh station for every client. Book BIAB nails at 10 Chandos Road, Redland, Bristol BS6 6PE.