Get to Grips with Hard Gel in a Bottle

The nail industry is buzzing about hard gels again — and for good reason. While BIAB and soft gel systems have dominated the last few years, hard gels are making a strong comeback. But here’s the thing: this isn’t just a trend. Nail techs were already mastering hard builder gels in the 80s and 90s, alongside acrylics. The difference? Today’s modern hard gel formulas are advanced — easier to work with for the Nail Tech and more comfortable for clients.

Hard gel offers incredible results when used correctly. For the safety of your clients and the longevity of their nails, make sure you’re fully trained in hard gel application before making the switch.

So let’s break it down: When to switch, how to switch, and why it works.

When Do You Need to Switch?

Soft gel aka BIAB is fantastic for short to medium nails, but as soon as your client’s natural nails grow a free edge of 3mm or more, it’s time to move them onto hard gel. Here’s why:

• Protecting the stress point – Soft gels simply don’t provide the strength needed to support extended lengths. Long-term, this can weaken and damage the nail plate.

• Correct architecture – Longer nails require more product to build proper apex and balance. Soft gels aren’t designed to be applied in bulk. Too much soft gel = under-polymerisation, excessive heat spikes, and potential lifting or breakage.

• Daily wear & tear – The longer the nail, the more pressure it endures in daily life. Hard gel gives your clients the durability they need.

How to Make the Switch

Transitioning from BIAB doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, we’ve made it seamless:

• Many of our Apex Build BIAB shades are colour-matched to our Light Structure Ultra Light Hard Gel series.That means your clients can keep the same colours they already love, while you upgrade them to a stronger system.

Which base coats should you use?
✅ Bond Boost Base Coat
✅ Microcrystal Base Coat

Why not Rubber Base? While it is a fantastic product, it’s better suited for short nails, very strong natural nails under hard gel, with soft gels or during infills when there’s already plenty of hard gel remaining.

And don’t forget:

• Always prep with an acid-free primer.
• Use a high-quality cleanser with no emollients or additives.
• One lint-free wipe per 1–2 nails to avoid contamination.

Why It Works

Switching to hard gel isn’t about abandoning BIAB — it’s about progression and protection. Hard gels give you:

• Superior strength & durability for clients who love longer nails.
• Safer application — no overheating, no under-cured product.
• Professional flexibility to tailor services while maintaining colour continuity.

Bottom line: BIAB is perfect for natural overlays and shorter enhancements, but when nails grow longer, hard gel is the only safe and sustainable choice.

LIGHT BUILDER GEL - SOFT SILK (Ultra Light) 15g/50g - £16.50 Light Structure Builder Gel is a highly elastic hard gel designed for natural nail overlays. It is available in two consistencies: BUY NOW

APEX BUILD - SILK - £16.50 Apex Build is a high-strength, self-leveling builder gel designed to reinforce natural nails with added structure and durability. Its medium-thick viscosity and pigmented formula provide controlled application and even coverage while maintaining a lightweight, natural feel. Ideal for nail overlays, it integrates seamlessly with the natural nail, offering optimal adhesion and resistance to chipping, lifting, or breakage. BUY NOW