Why Your BIAB Sets Aren’t Lasting — And What No One Talks About

You’re doing everything “right.”

Your clients come back on time.You follow what the brands say.You’re applying BIAB just like the tutorials told you.

And still — your sets are lifting after a week.Maybe just on the sidewalls… or at the free edge.But you know something’s not right.

Let’s talk about what’s actually happening — and why so many nail artists are quietly struggling with the same thing.

BIAB Isn’t Always the Problem — But It’s Not Always the Solution Either

Here’s the truth: BIAB is a flexible product. That’s part of what makes it so popular.

But flexibility isn’t always your friend — especially on soft, flat, or downward-growing nails.

Most lifting isn’t caused by your lamp or your top coat.It’s caused by structure. And structure starts with prep, angles, apex, and product choice.

The Most Common Mistakes I See with BIAB Sets:

1. Applying too thick, too fast. BIAB isn’t acrylic. Layering a huge apex doesn’t make it stronger — it often creates uncured product, bulky nails, or worse: lifting.

2. Using the same method on every nail type. Flat nails? Downward growth? Short nail beds?They all need different structure — and sometimes a different product altogether.

3. Neglecting true prep. Removing visible skin isn’t enough. If the cuticle area isn’t lifted properly and the e-file bit isn’t used at the right angle, you’re missing the stuck-on skin that causes lifting.

4. Skipping strengthening layers. For weak or bendy nails, a thin layer of hard gel underneath BIAB can make a world of difference.

   
   

BIAB Sets Should Feel Light — But Last Heavyweight

If a client says their nails feel tight, heavy, or sore after a BIAB set, it’s a red flag. The product might be too close to the skin, too bulky near the cuticle, or not balanced at the apex.

When everything is in the right place, BIAB sets can last 3+ weeks without lifting — and feel like nothing is on the nail.

Structure Is the Silent Signature of a Premium Set

Nail art gets attention. Structure gets loyalty.

Clients don’t always know what went into a set — but they feel it.

✨ No soreness✨ No lifting✨ Smooth apex ✨ A shape that flatters the hand

That’s the difference between good and great.

Final Thoughts

BIAB is a brilliant product — but it’s not the whole story. If your sets aren’t lasting, don’t blame your clients or your lamp. Look at your technique, your angles, and your structure.

Because when you master those things? Your sets stop lifting — and start standing out.