Frequently asked questions

BIAB stands for Builder in a Bottle. It’s a builder gel applied over your natural nail to strengthen and protect it as it grows. It’s more durable than regular gel polish, and instead of soaking it off at every visit, I infill it, which is far gentler on your nails.

Gel polish is colour: a thin, glossy layer over your natural nail that wears for two to three weeks. BIAB is structure: a builder gel that adds strength as well as colour, lasts three to four weeks, and is infilled rather than soaked off each visit. If your nails are already strong and you just want colour, gel is plenty. If they bend, peel or snap before they get anywhere, BIAB gives them the backup to grow.

No — applied and removed properly, BIAB protects your nails while they grow. The damage people worry about almost always comes from removal done badly: picking or peeling gel off takes layers of natural nail with it. That’s why I infill BIAB rather than removing it every visit, and when a set does come off, it’s soaked off gently. The healthy nail underneath is the whole point.

BIAB works with the length you already have: it strengthens your natural nail so it can grow without breaking. Gel-X adds length straight away, using lightweight full-cover soft gel tips shaped to sit like your own nail. So it mostly comes down to patience — if you’re happy growing your own nails with some backup, BIAB; if you want length or a new shape today, Gel-X.

With proper prep, which every appointment includes, gel polish typically wears for two to three weeks. BIAB lasts three to four weeks and is maintained with infills rather than a full removal each time.

Around three to four weeks, much like BIAB. As your natural nail grows, a gap appears near the cuticle — that’s when you book an infill to keep the set going, or a removal if you’re ready for a break. Daily habits stretch the wear too: cuticle oil each day and gloves for cleaning genuinely make a difference.

An infill is maintenance: if your BIAB or Gel-X is still sitting well and there’s simply regrowth at the base, I fill the gap, reshape and refresh the colour. Every three to four weeks is the usual rhythm. A new set makes sense when you want a real change of length, shape or system, or when there’s been a lot of lifting or breakage. Not sure which you need? Book your best guess and mention it in the notes — I’ll confirm the right one when I reply.

Gently, and never picked off. The product is buffed back, soaked off with acetone, and finished with a conditioning treatment so your natural nail is left in good shape. Removal is a service you can add to any booking. If you’re wearing product from another salon, just mention it in your booking request so I can set aside the time.

I keep it simple and I’m always happy to talk it through. Send a booking request with the service you’re after, or a quick message with what you have in mind, and I’ll let you know what to expect before anything is locked in. Nothing is a surprise on the day.

Anything from a single chrome accent to full hand-painted sets, including French variations, ombré, foils and fine-line work. The design you have in mind shapes how long I set aside, so tell me what you’re after when you book and I’ll plan the time and talk you through it.

Come with clean, bare nails if you can. If you’re wearing gel, BIAB or acrylic from another salon, mention it in your request so I can allow removal time. And skip the hand cream just before you arrive, because gel adheres best to a clean, oil-free nail.

Yes. Vouchers can be for a specific service or an amount you choose. Send a request through the booking page or the contact form and I’ll arrange it with you personally.

Gift vouchers are valid for 3 years from the date of purchase, in line with Australian Consumer Law. That’s plenty of time to find an appointment that suits.