The standard here
Strength first, length later.
BIAB is the route we suggest before extensions, not instead of a manicure. The nail is checked under magnification first; if it is infected or lifting, we tell you and we do not cover it.
Prices as of 9 November 2026. Offers, when there are any, are applied on the booking page.
Natural length, stronger
01 — What BIAB is
Builder in a bottle, in plain words.
BIAB stands for builder in a bottle: a builder gel thin enough to brush on like polish but strong enough to hold a shape. It is applied over your natural nail, cured under the lamp, and finished with colour. There is no tip and no added length. What you get is your own nail, reinforced.
It is the product we reach for when someone says “my nails break before they grow” or “I’ve just taken extensions off and they feel like paper.”
02 — The difference
BIAB, gel polish, or extensions?
Gel polish (₹1,000) is colour and shine, no strength. BIAB (from ₹2,200) is strength and shape on your own length. Extensions (from ₹2,200) add length. If you want to grow your nails rather than wear someone else’s, BIAB is the one. If you want length for an event next week, see nail extensions.
03 — How often
Every three to four weeks, for about three months.
BIAB is refilled every three to four weeks: the growth is filled, the apex rebuilt, the colour redone. Three cycles is usually when people notice their natural nail has grown out stronger underneath. That is the goal: a nail that no longer needs the gel, not one that depends on it.
Removal is a soak, never a scrape. If you book removal with us we check the nail plate before and after.
04 — Booking
An hour in Kilpauk.
Book the Builder Manicure (BIAB) on the booking page, or WhatsApp a photo of your nails to +91 98848 96963 and we’ll say whether BIAB or a plain manicure makes more sense for them. Open every day, 11 AM to 8 PM.
05 — Questions people ask
Frequently asked questions
What does BIAB cost in Chennai?
At Based Aesthetics the Builder Manicure (BIAB) starts at ₹2,200 for both hands, with nail prep and one solid colour included.
Does BIAB add length?
No. It strengthens and shapes your natural nail. For added length see our nail extensions page.
How long does BIAB last?
Three to four weeks between refills. Most clients do three cycles and then find their natural nail has grown out stronger.
Is BIAB better than gel polish for weak nails?
Yes. Gel polish adds colour, not structure. Builder gel adds a thin, flexible layer of strength that stops the nail bending and peeling at the free edge.
Can BIAB be used after removing extensions?
Yes, that is the most common reason people book it. The nail is checked under magnification first; if a nail is lifting or infected we leave it uncovered and tell you.
How is BIAB removed?
By soaking, then gentle filing. Never scraped. Gel polish removal is ₹400.
Free first
Check the nail before you cover it.
The free nail scan reads one photo in 60 seconds and tells you whether your nails need strength, rest, or nothing at all.