It's the manicure trend on everyone's lips (and fingertips). Here's everything you need to know about BIAB

BIAB is the word on everybody's lips at the moment.

It's the new nail and manicure trend that is absolutely changing the game, even leaving many to ditch their acrylics and embrace their natural nails.

You've probably heard about it at your local nail salon or via friends embracing the trend, while stars including Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian and even Hailey Bieber are said to be huge fans.

Watch the videos above.

So what, exactly, is BIAB? And what do you need to know about it ahead of your next nail appointment? We spoke to an expert to give you the rundown.

BIAB stands for Builder In A Bottle, by The Gel Bottle.

Studio.m nail technician Mandy Farrell, 31, whose studio is based in Sydney's Paddington and who has more than 15 years' experience in nail health, tells nine.com.au the technique has been incredibly popular for the last five years or so.

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Farrell says it definitely has its benefits for your nails.

"Builder gels have been around for years before the name BIAB came out, there is now better formulas and it comes in a bottle form rather than a pot," she explains.

"BIAB offers the natural nail to grow and build strength as it is an overlay, whereas if you are using an extension and an acrylic overlay, your natural nail is not going to strengthen over time like it would under just a BIAB application.

"It's an easy to soak off product that leaves you're nail plate looking healthy and with no damage.

"What girl doesnt want healthy natural nails of their own, rather than extensions and risks of breaks and serious damage to the nail?"

However, Farrell insists she is not against acryllics.

If you're ever feeling overwhelmed at the nail salon, allow her to explain the difference between gels.

"Hard gel is still a builder gel, it drys as hard as an acrylic and has to be filed off, whereas BIAB is a softer gel," she says.

"So if you ask me, both are booming in the nail industry."

Farrell, who offers an exclusive one-on-one nail experience at her studio, said it's important to note healthy nails are a must to begin with for BIAB.

The one must she swears by for healthy nails is cuticle oil.

"A good healthy nail will look shiny with no ridges or marks to the nail plate and a super white free edge with cuticles hydrated," she says.

"The key to this is regular manicures, not using your nails as tools, wear gloves when cleaning and of course the Holy Grail, cuticle oil.

"It's your only aftercare that will hydrate and strengthen your cuticle and nail plate.

"I have been doing nails for 15 years and surprisingly my passion has just grown so much more.

Farrell, who says she often has clients asking for the Hailey Bieber 'glazed donut' nails, loves Rihanna's nails and willingness to "have her nails out there'' in terms of the design.

She added to be mindful of where you have your manicure done, as a private nail technician.

"I think the problem I see so often with the 'traditional nail shops' is hygiene, number one," she says.

"Skills, secondly, as not everyone working in these shops are correctly educated or trained in all aspects of nails, so they believe in a one size fits all."

"I have turned clients away several times because of the damage caused to their nails from these shops and I would not be a good nail tech if I was to take their money and do it anyway."

In terms of costs, with BIAB often being on the pricier side, Farrell says you have to consider the cost of the products and your nail technician's experience.

"Usually clients do monthly appointments and across board. It is not that expensive if you take into consideration how expensive our products are, our skills and experience," she says.

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