Shellac, BIAB, Bio Gel, Gel-X or acrylic: which should you book?

"Do I want gel or BIAB?" is one of the most common questions at the front desk. Fair enough. The names don't explain much, and the right answer depends on your nails, your lifestyle and how long you want the set to last.

Here's the short version of each, then a quick way to decide.

Shellac and gel colour

What it is: colour, on your own nails. A gel polish brushed on in thin coats and cured under a lamp. Shellac is a well-known brand of it.

Lasts: about two to three weeks without chipping.

Best for: strong, healthy natural nails, people who like to change colour often, and anyone who wants a manicure that's shiny and dry before they leave.

Good to know: it adds colour, not strength. If your nails bend or break easily, a gel colour alone often won't make it to week three.

BIAB (builder gel)

What it is: a thicker, strengthening gel layered over your natural nail to give it structure. It can be clear, milky or a colour.

Lasts: three to four weeks. Instead of being fully removed each time, it's usually infilled as your nail grows.

Best for: weak, peeling or thin nails, people trying to grow their own nails, and anyone who loves a natural look but wants it to last.

Good to know: BIAB can add a little length with a well-shaped free edge, but it isn't an extension. For real length, look at Gel-X or acrylic.

Bio Gel

What it is: a soft, flexible gel used as an overlay on your natural nails, or as a new set. It's lighter than acrylic and bends a little with the nail.

Lasts: around two to three weeks before a refill.

Best for: people who want more strength and a smoother shape than gel colour, without the feel of acrylic.

Gel-X

What it is: soft gel extensions. A full-cover tip in the shape and length you choose is attached with gel and cured.

Lasts: around three to four weeks.

Best for: length that feels light and looks natural, special events, and anyone who wants extensions that soak off instead of being filed down.

Good to know: Gel-X is usually removed and redone rather than refilled.

Acrylic

What it is: a powder and liquid that form a hard, durable layer, sculpted or applied over tips.

Lasts: two to three weeks between refills.

Best for: dramatic length and shapes like coffin and stiletto, heavy nail art, and nails that take a lot of daily wear.

Good to know: acrylic is the strongest option, but it's also the heaviest. It needs regular refills and a proper removal when you're done.

A quick way to decide

• "I just want colour." Shellac or gel colour.
• "My nails keep breaking." BIAB.
• "I want my own nails to grow." BIAB, with infills.
• "I want length, but light." Gel-X.
• "I want long, strong and dramatic." Acrylic.
• "I want something in between." Bio Gel.

Every one of these can take the trends of the season: chrome, cat eye, French, a micro detail or full nail art. Choose the service for your nails, then choose the look.

Still not sure?

Book the one that sounds closest and tell your technician what you're hoping for. They'll look at your nails and suggest the best option before they start. You can book online at Etobicoke, North York or Aurora, and every menu shows prices and times before you confirm.

— The Luxify Nails team