Not sure how to remove BIAB nails? We’ve got you covered!
Removing BIAB can be tricky and we often assume it has to be done by a professional. But, did you know that you can actually remove BIAB at home too?
We got the inside scoop from our expert team of manicurists, who explained exactly how to remove BIAB nails at home!
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Your Comprehensive Guide on How to Remove BIAB Nails
BIAB nails (which stands for Builder In A Bottle), are made using a specific type of gel polish that’s put on over your natural nail to form a strong, durable manicure.
They’re typically harder than your traditional gel nail polish, but softer and less damaging than acrylic nails.
BIAB manicures have gone absolutely viral because they’re extremely gentle on your natural nails and can help restore weak, brittle, and splitting nails.
If you don’t fancy going back to the salon to get your BIAB removed, you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s actually quite simple to remove your BIAB nails at home!
Here’s exactly how to remove BIAB without breaking the bank at a salon.
Understanding the BIAB Nail Removal Process
BIAB nails are trickier to remove than your regular drugstore nail polish, so it’s a bit more complex than just a tissue and some nail polish remover.
People opt for BIAB nails due to their strength and durability, which means they’re going to be fighting not to come off.
But luckily, you won’t need anything as complex as a drill to get them off!
It’s perfectly safe and okay to remove BIAB nails at home, as long as you do a bit of research and be as gentle as you can.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Remove BIAB Nails at Home
To remove your BIAB nails at home, you’re going to need a few essentials first:
- A nail file
- Acetone
- Aluminium foil
- Cotton balls or cotton pads
- An orangewood stick or cuticle pusher
- A moisturiser or cuticle oil
And now, here’s exactly how to remove BIAB nails, step by step.
- You’ll want to use your nail file to gently remove the top, shiny layer of your manicure. It’s sad to see that lovely finish go, but this will help the acetone penetrate deeper.
- Soak your cotton balls or cotton pads with acetone until they’re drenched, then place the soaked cotton on your buffed nail. You’ll want to make sure the entire area of the polish is covered, otherwise it won’t come off.
- Now it’s time to wrap your finger and the cotton in foil, to keep the acetone-soaked cotton in place. It might look a little odd, but this is going to keep the acetone pressed against the nail and really soak in there, making it much easier to remove. And it means you don’t have to worry about getting that stinky acetone all over the place!
- Repeat for all your nails, and wait for 15-20 minutes. Boring, yes but it’s important to give it time to work. Once the time is up, you can unwrap your nails.
- Use a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick to gently scrape the softened gel off your nails. Be gentle to avoid damaging your natural nails, but it should come right off.
- Now you can wash your hands, and apply a moisturiser or cuticle oil to protect your newly naked nails.
Top Tips for Removing BIAB Nails Without Causing Damage
It’s important to start in a well-ventilated area, and away from anywhere you could accidentally spill the acetone. It can bleach fabrics it comes into contact with, so maybe steer clear of staining carpets and expensive rugs…
Try to stay away from metal tools if you can too – a plastic cuticle pusher or orangewood stick is going to be a lot more gentle on your nails.
Troubleshooting Common Issues in Removing BIAB Nails
If you’ve followed the steps and your BIAB still isn’t coming off, you can always repeat the process a few times.
Similar to removing gel nails, soak your nails in acetone for 15-20 minutes at a time, and don’t scrape the gel off too hard. It’s better to repeat the steps than to be too aggressive and damage your nails.
If you’re finding that the acetone is irritating your skin and cuticles, take a break and apply some petroleum or a nice thick moisturiser. Give your skin a chance to rest, and you can always come back to it later!
Don’t forget, you can always have a professional manicurist come to you to do the legwork. Wecasa can connect you with expert local beauticians and nail artists who are well-trained in BIAB application and removal.
You can get your old BIAB removed quickly in the comfort of your own home – and a fresh new coat applied in no time at all!
