Working in a salon for years has taught me one thing—nails are not just about looks, they are about feel, preference, and sometimes even lifestyle. Whether my clients are into minimalist looks or love dazzling designs, their preferences often vary widely. That is why understanding the different types of extensions is key. It is not just about beauty—it is about what works for your hands and how you live.
Now, there are many systems and techniques that people choose from. Some go for extra-long, strong nails that can withstand a heavy-handed routine, while others want something more natural-looking and flexible. Personally, I have used most of them over the years to create sets tailored to individual skin needs, allergies, and comfort levels. The overview below might just transform how you think about your next set of nails—especially if you’re aiming for trendy French tip nail designs for summer, which are all about precision, style, and staying power.
Choosing the Right Type of Nail Extension
When we talk about acrylic powder, we are talking about a durable, strong option, prefered by those with a tough routine or active lifestyle. It does not require a UV or LED lamp, and you get a great variety of colours. But here’s the real talk—it has a strong odour, and it can be damaged by acetone and chemicals, and yes, it is prone to allergic reactions. I have seen skin contact issues from overexposure, especially when clients already have allergies.
Some systems like hard gel and acrygel offer self-levelling, flexibility, and strength with a less sensitivity to household chemicals. However, they do require a UV/LED lamp, and those dreaded heat spikes during curing can be a dealbreaker for some. Still, their natural-looking finish is a winner. For something light and hypoallergenic, dipping into the dipping powder method might be your match—it is easy to remove with acetone and good for nail products sensitivities, though it takes multi-layers and can get thick.
For newer options, pre-made shapes and lengths like Flexi tips are gaining popularity—they are healthier, easy to remove, but they do not last as long. And if you are looking to build strength with a Gel Polish base, BIAB offers great durability, especially if you’re after a polished, clean look that can still handle a bit of wear. Just know your choices may be limited depending on brands, shape, or length.
BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) Nail Extension
If you are looking for a contemporary way to get strong, beautiful nail extensions, BIAB might just be your perfect match. This method comes in a handy bottle and is applied like a gel, making it easy for both beginners and pros. BIAB serves many purposes — from giving strength to natural nails to being the base for intricate nail art and various stylish designs. A technician will carefully apply and sculpt the product directly, eliminating the need for too many separate products. Because it requires less sculpting and filing, the finish is smoother and more natural-looking than traditional types. It is also versatile and commonly used to secure a broken nail or fix chipped corners with short overlays.
As someone who has tried multiple types of nail systems, I found BIAB (also known as Biogel, Rubber Base, Builder Gel, or Sculpting Base) to be especially helpful when I wanted a bit of length without the bulk. Though it’s a Hard Gel, its thinner consistency means you need to build an apex for long nails, which takes time—usually 1 to 1.5 hours. It’s primarily used as an overlay to provide strength, and the application is done in layers that are cured under a UV or LED lamp. You may feel temporary heat spikes during the curing process, but the final result is worth it. It’s a bit expensive and may not be as durable as some basic options, but it offers a high-end look that’s tough to compare.
