BIAB: How to Remove at Home & When & How to Infill

BIAB gel nails are similar to hard gel in that they are very durable and long-lasting.

But they are way easier to remove and also to do infills. This allows them to be both removed and filled in at home.

So in this article, we are going to walk you through how to DIY remove BIAB also known as Builder in a Bottle gel at home. And how to DIY in-fills.

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Can BIAB Gel be Soaked off

BIAB gel can be removed by being soaked in acetone. Unlike hard gels which require filing with an electric nail file to be removed.

I usually remove BIAB manicures by filing off the top coat and then soaking the rest off with acetone.

When to Remove BIAB Nails

You should remove BIAB nails when they are peeling, lifting, or chipping, or if you want to completely change your manicure.

But if your BIAB nails are in good condition you don’t necessarily need to remove them instead you can do an in-fill. BIAB nails can potentially last for 4-5 weeks with an in-fill.

How to Remove BIAB Gel

Firstly, you need to use a nail file to file away the top coat on the BIAB – if you don’t file away this layer you would need to soak for a very long time.
For filing off the top layer of the BIAB you can use a 100-grit file but avoid the 100-grit reaching your natural nails
Secondly, soak cotton pads or balls in acetone and wrap your nails with them
Then cover them with foil wrap to prevent the cotton pads from coming off.
Let the cotton pads soak on the BIAB nails for 15 minutes
Next, remove the cotton pads and then use a cuticle pusher to scrape away the gel.
If the gel is still stubborn you can use your nail file to file away any remaining gel.
Finally, apply some cuticle oil to rehydrate your nails.

Video of How to Remove BIAB Gel at Home

How long do you need to soak your BIAB gel in Acetone

You will need to soak your BIAB gel in acetone for 12-15 minutes. But exactly how long you need to soak will vary based on how much filing you do before soaking and how old and worn out your BIAB manicure is.

Recommended acetone to use when removing BIAB

I use pure acetone when removing BIAB – it works faster, you can click here to see the price for a bottle of 100% pure acetone on Amazon.

Now acetone will dry out the nails and cuticles so after removal I will always use cuticle oil to rehydrate them back.

How to Remove BIAB Nails Without Acetone

You can remove your BIAB Nails without acetone either by:

Filing your BIAB manicure off using an electric nails file (quickest & most effective removal method)
Soaking your BIAB nails in a mixture of soap, water, and vinegar (Will only work in certain situations like where a fake nail is used to make extensions)

To learn how to remove Gel with soap, water, and vinegar, you can click here.

How to File Off BIAB Nails without Acetone

I have a video below that will guide you step by step on how to use an electric nail file to file off your BIAB gel.

Now you can use a regular nail file but this will take a very long time and require a lot of work.

Recommended Nail File to Use to Remove BIAB

You can click here to see the price for an electric nail file that is great for beginners. It’s very affordable yet powerful enough to get the job done.

Click here for a great manual 100/180 nail file that is great at removing nail products like BIAB.

Can You Infill BIAB Nails

BIAB nails are so durable and long-lasting that you can easily do a fill-in or infill. And because BIAB is so easy to use I tell my clients to do their fill-ins right at home no need to come to the salon.

A fill-in or infill is where you cover the gap at the back of your nails with nail product rather than completely removing and reapplying the manicure. In-fills are faster and more affordable.

When to do an Infill for BIAB Nails

You can do an infill or fill-in for BIAB nails after 2-3 weeks, but only if they are not lifting, peeling, or chipping.

If your BIAB nails are chipping, peeling, or lifting you would need to remove them and do a fresh new manicure.

How to InFill BIAB Nails at Home

First, you need to buff down your BIAB nails to get rid of some of the bulk
This allows for the new gel to be applied.
Then, you need to use the edge of your nail file to file the cuticle area this will remove any dead cuticle skin there.
Next, use a cuticle pusher to push back your cuticles
Once your cuticles are pushed back wipe your nails clean with rubbing alcohol.
Next, apply a thin coat of BIAB over your entire nails and then cure.
Finally, apply a bead of BIAB gel to the cuticle area and then build out your nails to your liking and then cure.
I have a great video down below that will guide you step by step.