Last time we talked, I had just gotten builder gel nails, also known as BIAB. Now that I’ve had them for a couple of months, I wanted to share my updated thoughts—the good, the bad, and everything in between.
As I mentioned before, switching to builder gel was part of my journey toward healthier beauty choices as I grow into the woman I aspire to be. I wore acrylics for years, and while I adored the sleek, short square shape, they caused significant damage to my natural nails. As pretty as they were, they weren’t the most practical choice for me.
Fast-forward two months, and here’s where I stand: No matter how much you love a particular nail style, it has to fit your lifestyle and body chemistry. I learned this the hard way. About a month in, I noticed the corners of my builder gel nails lifting and separating. Initially, I thought my nail tech might have made an application mistake, but I quickly realized that wasn’t the case.
When I returned to the salon for a fix, they gave me a fresh set (which was a whole ordeal in itself—maybe a story for another day). But just a month later, the same thing happened again. Frustrated, I was determined to make builder gel work because, at this point, I had exhausted my options.
During my next refill appointment, my nail tech decided to remove the builder gel and assess my nails more closely. That’s when she pointed out something surprising—my body was producing too much oil, (it’s actually a good thing because it helps your nails grow) which was preventing the gel from adhering properly. I was shocked. But when I thought about it, it made sense. My T-zone doesn’t stand a chance in hot weather, so why would my nails be any different?
As she prepped my nails for a fresh set, she showed me a thin, shiny layer across my nail beds—proof of my natural oil production. Then, she compared them to her own, which were completely matte. It was a lightbulb moment: my oiliness isn’t just limited to my face; it affects my nails, too. The builder gel wasn’t bonding well because the oils in my nails were interfering with the product. She also asked if I worked with oils frequently, and I immediately realized—yes! From my natural haircare routine to product reviews for my business, oils are a major part of my daily life.
So, what does that mean? Are builder gel nails even compatible with my lifestyle?
As unfortunate as this discovery was, I wasn’t about to give up on finding a solution. If you follow MyType4Hair LLC, you may have noticed me wearing gloves in my recent posts. That’s because I’m now actively protecting my nails from excess oil exposure. And while I can’t change my body’s natural oil production, I can choose to live with it and adapt. Yes, my nails may still lift slightly, but it’s not bad enough to interfere with my day-to-day life. If you’re not a nail lover like me, you probably wouldn’t even notice! As long as I stick to my monthly maintenance appointments, I can manage it just fine.
To make things even better, my nail tech switched the base product she uses for my builder gel, and I can confidently say it has helped! As I type this, it’s been a full month since my last appointment, and my nails look WAY better than before. Everything is intact, and while I see a tiny lift in one corner, I’m completely fine with it. My next appointment is just after Valentine’s Day, and I’m hopeful and excited for my refill!
Overall, despite the minor inconveniences (which I literally can’t control), I still love builder gel. I 1000% recommend it and don’t see myself switching to another nail type anytime soon. If you’re experiencing similar issues, I hope this post reassures you that there are ways to make it work. Don’t give up—just find what works best for you!
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