The Difference Between GEL, SNS, BIO & BIAB Nails | A Nail Glossary
Treating yourself to a manicure is as much about making yourself feel good as it is looking after yourself. What you choose to wear on your nails can have a lasting impact on the health of your nail bed, so it’s important to be across all options. While some of us choose to paint our nails at home, there’s nothing quite like a salon-quality finish.
Considering there are plenty of options available, here we take you through the most popular; Gel, SNS, Bio Sculpture and BIAB, all available at The Parlour Room, so you’re well informed for your next appointment.
WHAT ARE BIAB NAILS?
Similar to a gel, BIAB (which stands for Builder In A Bottle) is the latest product innovation from The Gel Bottle Inc. Its unique formula mimics the strength and durability you find with SNS and acrylic but is by far much healthier for your nail plate underneath.
Where SNS and acrylic can be quite restrictive and harsh on your nails, often leaving your nail plate extremely weak, dry and dehydrated, BIAB on the other hand, can last longer than a typical gel mani (anywhere up to 3-4 weeks) and combines all the benefits people know and love from these treatments, including flexibility, strength and durability, without impacting the health of the nail.
With BIAB you don’t need to book in for a soak off each time, rather much like your acrylics, you can get infills every 3-4 weeks and if you like the look of longer nails, you can book in for BIAB with extensions as well.
WHAT ARE GEL NAILS?
Gel nails provide a soft, neat, glossy finish, where the treatment consists of a base coat, two coats of colour and a topcoat with each layer cured and set under UV lights. People often get confused between gel and shellac however, they are the same thing, shellac is a popular brand of gel polish.
One of the many benefits of gel nails is that you don't need to account for any drying time as each layer, first, a base coat, followed by multiple layers of polish and finished with a top coat and cuticle oil, is cured as you go. So it’s perfect if you’re short on time. Around 45 minutes is all you’ll need.
The gel treatment is quite flexible however, because of this, they tend to only last around 2 weeks before you need another appointment. This is because they’re very soft and can quite easily chip or breakaway, especially when they’ve been exposed to regular household chemicals such as soaps and cleaning products.
It’s always best to book in with a professional if you want to remove them, that way the technician can ensure there is no damage to the nail bed when doing so and can treat them after.
Gel Nails
WHAT IS SNS?
SNS stands for ‘signature nail system’. SNS is a well-known brand of a powder dipping treatment, where you first apply a base coat and then dip your nails in the desired colour powder of your choice, and set with a topcoat.
If you’re after strength and durability, SNS is a great option. Compared to gel, it doesn’t chip as easily and can typically last up to 2 - 3 weeks before it appears to lift at the edge or starts to grow out from underneath.
Application takes around 60 minutes and although it is possible to remove your nails at home, we highly recommend you book in and see a professional instead. Because they’re so strong, it can be quite painful if you rip them off and cause damage to the nail bed.
SNS Nails
WHAT IS BIO SCULPTURE?
Bio Sculpture is a specific gel-like treatment which has the added benefit of acting like a protective layer while stimulating overall nail health at the same time. Because of this, Bio Sculpture is generally considered one of the best options for your nails, where its composition contains vitamins and minerals which promote strength and length.
A much more versatile product than other manicures which are applied as a permanent polish, Bio Sculpture allows you to manipulate and ‘sculpt’ the product to the desired length and shape which holds together for up to 2 - 3 weeks.
Application takes around 45 minutes however not all salons offer this as a treatment as it does require specific training to undertake. As such you should always book into the same salon for removal to ensure it’s done correctly.
Bio Sculpture Nails
If you’re still not sure what treatment you would prefer, you can always book an appointment at The Parlour Room and ask one of our friendly technicians when you come in. The girls are always happy to help and can give you the best advice based on your individual needs.
