About Us & Editorial Standards

I’m Sara Kim, a licensed nail technician with 8+ years behind the table specializing in builder gel nails, BIAB, and structured manicures. Every guide on this site reflects real techniques I use on clients—no generic AI filler, no untested claims.

Who I Am

• Licensed nail tech with eight years in salon and studio environments
• Specialize in builder gels (pot and bottle), BIAB, and soft-gel overlays
• Safety-first approach: clean prep, proper cures, and gentle removal

How I Test Products

• I apply each builder gel or BIAB on real clients and practice tips before recommending.
• I record viscosity, self-level speed, brush stiffness, and cure times under a 48W LED.
• I note reactions on sensitive clients and prefer HEMA-free options when needed.
• I compare wear after 2–3 weeks, watching for lifting, cracking, or discoloration.

Editorial Principles

• Accuracy over hype: If a formula needs 120s to cure cleanly, we say it.
• Safety first: We emphasize prep, skin avoidance, and proper removal to protect nail health.
• No pay-to-play: Brands do not buy placement. We cover only products we’d use on clients.
• Regular updates: Cure times, formulas, and best practices change—we update articles as we learn.

Builder Gel Nails & BIAB: Complete 2025 Guide (What They Are, How They Work, Pros, Cons, and FAQs)

Everything you need to know about builder gel nails and BIAB—definitions, application, removal, pros, cons, safety, and the real salon techniques I rely on.

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Affiliate Disclosure

Some links are affiliate links. When you buy through them, we may earn a commission. This never changes our verdicts; it simply keeps the site running. We recommend products only after hands-on use and ingredient review.

How We Handle Content

• Every article is written in my voice and checked for technique accuracy.
• Internal links are intentional to guide you to deeper tutorials and troubleshooting.
• Visual placeholders like ,

  Related article coming soon:

  , and other components are used so the site stays consistent as we add photos and video.

Key Mistakes We Avoid

• Publishing untested claims about cure times or product performance.
• Recommending products without noting viscosity, brush feel, and allergy considerations.
• Allowing affiliate revenue to overrule safety or honesty.
• Leaving content stale; we revisit articles when formulas or best practices change.
• Using generic AI text; everything is written in my technician voice.

Contact and Feedback

Have questions or want me to test a product? Reach out and reference the article slug so I can respond with context. If you experienced lifting, cracking, or allergies, include lamp type, cure times, and prep steps—I troubleshoot best with details.

Why Builder Gel or BIAB Is Sticky or Lifts (and How to Fix It)

Sticky inhibition layer is normal—lifting is not. Here’s how I troubleshoot builder gel and BIAB stickiness, under-curing, and sidewall lift in the salon.

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Final Note from Sara

Builder gel nails should feel like a protective shell, not a gamble. I publish what works in the salon, adjust when data proves otherwise, and keep safety at the center. Thanks for trusting me with your nails.