Builder gel · hard gel · BIAB

Strength for your natural nails.

Builder gel is a thicker gel brushed over your natural nail, or over a tip for extra length, to add structure. It is flexible enough to feel comfortable but strong enough to stop your own nails from bending and breaking while they grow.

BIAB (“builder in a bottle”) is a popular style of builder gel. Ours is HEMA-free, a good choice if you have reacted to gel products before. Builder gel is usually refilled every few weeks instead of removed, which helps protect your natural nail.

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Builder gel prices

BIAB HEMA-Free Builder Gel Nails$85+

Builder Gel / Hard Gel Manicure — Natural Nails Gel color included$87+Fill $77+

Builder Gel / Hard Gel Nail Extensions — With Tips Gel color included$95+Fill $85+

Bio Gel / Hard Gel Nails Gel color included$90Fill $80

Rubber Base Gel Manicure A lighter option for nails that bend$75+

Acrylic / Dip Powder / Builder Gel Removal With reapplication$15Without $20

Prices shown are US starting prices for our Los Angeles salons and may vary by salon, length, shape and design. Confirm final pricing when booking. Dubai offers gel builder overlays priced in AED; see the Dubai salon page.

Why guests choose builder gel

01

Grow your own nails

The gel layer supports the natural nail so it can grow without bending or breaking. A good fit for short to medium lengths.

02

A natural, glossy look

Builder gel gives a smooth, glossy finish that still looks like your own nail. Add French tips, cat-eye or chrome for $20 each.

03

Fills, not removal

Most guests come back every few weeks for a fill instead of a full removal, which helps protect the natural nail.

Recent work

Builder gel and hard gel from our salons.

Classic French tip builder gel nails at Nail Garden Studio City — Classic French builder gel · Studio City

Polka dot hard gel nails at Nail Garden Studio City — Polka dot hard gel · Studio City

Copper cat-eye hard gel nails at Nail Garden Studio City — Copper cat-eye hard gel · Studio City

Red cat-eye hard gel nails at Nail Garden — Red cat-eye hard gel

Builder gel nails with cat-eye at Nail Garden Studio City — Builder gel cat-eye · Studio City

Hard gel nails with summer designs at Nail Garden Studio City — Hard gel with summer designs · Studio City

Red cherry hard gel nails at Nail Garden Studio City — Red cherry hard gel · Studio City

Hard gel nails with berry dot designs at Nail Garden Studio City — Hard gel with berry dots · Studio City

See more nail designs →

Good to know

Tell your nail tech if you have reacted to gel products before. Our BIAB builder gel is HEMA-free.
Trying to grow out your natural nails? Ask for builder gel or BIAB, and add a Russian manicure for a flawless cuticle line.
Comparing options? Read Gel-X vs. acrylic vs. builder gel.

Frequently asked questions

What is builder gel?

Builder gel is a thicker gel brushed over your natural nail, or over a tip for extensions, to add structure. It is flexible enough to feel comfortable but strong enough to stop nails from bending and breaking while they grow.

What does BIAB mean?

BIAB stands for “builder in a bottle,” a popular style of builder gel. Ours is HEMA-free, a good choice if you have reacted to gel products before.

How much does builder gel cost?

BIAB HEMA-free builder gel starts at $85. A builder gel or hard gel manicure on natural nails starts at $87 with gel color included (fill $77+). Builder gel extensions with tips start at $95 (fill $85+). Prices vary by salon.

Is builder gel better than regular gel polish?

They do different jobs. Gel polish is thin and flexes with your nail. Builder gel adds real structure, so it suits weak or bendy nails and anyone growing out their natural nails. If regular gel never lasts on you, the cause may be your natural nail, not the polish.

How often do I need a fill?

Usually every few weeks, depending on how fast your nails grow. Builder gel is typically refilled instead of removed, which helps protect your natural nail.

What is the difference between builder gel, Gel-X and acrylic?

Builder gel strengthens your natural nails, Gel-X adds natural-looking length with pre-shaped soft gel tips, and acrylic is the strongest option for long or bold shapes. Our guide compares all three.

Explore the menu

More nail services.

See every service and starting price on the full services and prices page.

Read the guide: Gel-X vs. acrylic vs. builder gel: which nail extensions are right for you?

Find your Nail Garden

Book at a salon near you.

Available at our five Los Angeles-area salons, plus Bee Cave near Austin and Business Bay in Dubai. Service availability and prices may vary by salon, so confirm when booking.

Builder gel and BIAB nails in Los Angeles.