If you’ve been getting BIAB nails, you may have seen two different services when booking: BIAB infill and new BIAB set. Understanding the difference can help you choose the right appointment and maintain healthy nails long term. At Apricot Nails, my private nail salon near Glenferrie Road in Hawthorn VIC 3122, most clients maintain their nails with regular BIAB infill appointments every few weeks.
BIAB infill vs new BIAB set quick explanation:
A BIAB infill refreshes existing builder gel by rebalancing the structure and adding product near the cuticle as the nail grows.
A new BIAB set involves removing all previous product and applying a fresh builder gel manicure.
Most clients maintain their nails with regular BIAB infills every 2–4 weeks, which helps support natural nail strength and reduces unnecessary product removal.
What Is a BIAB Infill?
A BIAB infill is performed when your existing BIAB manicure has grown out.
Instead of removing all the product, the existing structure is carefully rebalanced and new builder gel is applied near the cuticle. This allows the manicure to continue supporting your natural nails while maintaining strength and shape.
BIAB infills are ideal when:
your nails are still strong
there is minimal lifting
the structure remains intact
What Is a New BIAB Set?
A new BIAB set involves removing the existing product and applying a completely fresh layer of builder gel.
This may be recommended if:
significant lifting has occurred
you are switching nail shapes
your previous product needs full removal
New sets are also common for first-time BIAB clients.
Why Regular BIAB Infills Are Better for Nail Health
Regular infills help protect natural nails because they reduce the need for repeated full removals.
Instead of removing and reapplying builder gel every appointment, infills maintain the existing structure and simply rebalance the growth area.
This approach supports:
longer retention between appointments
consistent nail structure
healthier natural nail growth over time
For many clients, this is the key reason BIAB infills are the most popular maintenance service.
Not Sure Which Appointment to Book?
If your BIAB has simply grown out and the structure is still intact, an infill is usually the right choice.
However, if there is lifting, damage, or you want to completely change the shape of your nails, a new BIAB set may be recommended instead.
👉 If you're unsure, you can always book a BIAB infill and I’ll assess your nails during the appointment.
Ready to maintain strong natural nails?
Book your BIAB appointment at Apricot Nails Hawthorn to keep your manicure fresh and healthy.