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ASH WHITE CO

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Nail Diaries

BIAB Nails Melbourne Guide

you’ll learn about: Nail Health | healing nail biting habits | biab vs sns and acrylic systems | builder gel manicures | russian manicures | gel x extensions


Welcome to Nail Diaries by Apricot Nails, a collection of guides, nail care tips, and behind-the-scenes insights from a Melbourne nail tech. Here I share what I’ve learned about creating strong, beautiful nails, from BIAB (builder in a bottle) builder gel manicures to natural nail extensions, Japanese gel nails, and Russian manicures. Every article is based on real salon experience at Apricot Nails, where I take a tailored, prescriptive approach to support your long-term nail health.

Search Blog Articles

Featured
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Apr 3, 2026
How Much Should You Be Paying for BIAB? A Melbourne Guide
Apr 3, 2026
Apr 3, 2026
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Mar 29, 2026
How Long Does BIAB Last? What to Expect From a BIAB Manicure
Mar 29, 2026
Mar 29, 2026
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Mar 21, 2026
Is BIAB Good for Nail Biters?
Mar 21, 2026
Mar 21, 2026
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Mar 14, 2026
BIAB Infill vs New Set: What’s the Difference?
Mar 14, 2026
Mar 14, 2026
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Mar 10, 2026
BIAB vs SNS: Which Nail System Is Actually Better?
Mar 10, 2026
Mar 10, 2026
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Mar 2, 2026
What Are BIAB Nails?
Mar 2, 2026
Mar 2, 2026
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Feb 26, 2026
Can BIAB Help Nail Biters Grow Their Nails?
Feb 26, 2026
Feb 26, 2026
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Feb 23, 2026
Best BIAB Nails in Melbourne: What to Look For & Where to Go
Feb 23, 2026
Feb 23, 2026
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Feb 3, 2026
Do BIAB Nails Damage Natural Nails? The Honest Answer from a Nail Tech in Melbourne
Feb 3, 2026
Feb 3, 2026
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Jan 22, 2026
Why Cuticle Oil Isn’t Just Extra. It’s Nail Self-Care You Actually Need
Jan 22, 2026
Jan 22, 2026
Why Everyone Is Switching to BIAB Nails in Melbourne
Jan 12, 2026
Why Everyone Is Switching to BIAB Nails in Melbourne
Jan 12, 2026
Jan 12, 2026
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Jan 4, 2026
How Often Should You Get BIAB Infills or Rebalances?
Jan 4, 2026
Jan 4, 2026
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Dec 28, 2025
Your Nails Are Tired. Let’s Fix That.
Dec 28, 2025
Dec 28, 2025
BIAB vs SNS: Which One Is Actually Better For Your Nails? (A Melbourne Nail Tech Explains)
Dec 5, 2025
BIAB vs SNS: Which One Is Actually Better For Your Nails? (A Melbourne Nail Tech Explains)
Dec 5, 2025
Dec 5, 2025
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Nov 30, 2025
Why Your DIY Gel Nails Keep Peeling
Nov 30, 2025
Nov 30, 2025
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Nov 14, 2025
Gel X: Gentle Extensions That Don’t Trash Your Nails
Nov 14, 2025
Nov 14, 2025
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Nov 13, 2025
Cracked, Chipped, Sad Nails? Here’s What They’re Trying to Tell You
Nov 13, 2025
Nov 13, 2025
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Nov 3, 2025
5 Nail Myths That Need to Retire (No, Your Nails Don’t Need To Breathe)
Nov 3, 2025
Nov 3, 2025
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Oct 12, 2025
Stop Hiding Your Nails: How to Heal and Grow Them Strong
Oct 12, 2025
Oct 12, 2025
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Oct 5, 2025
Russian Manicures: Precision Meets Healthy Nails
Oct 5, 2025
Oct 5, 2025
BIAB vs Acrylic Nails: What’s the Difference?
Sep 29, 2025
BIAB vs Acrylic Nails: What’s the Difference?
Sep 29, 2025
Sep 29, 2025
Cuticle Oil Isn’t Optional (Sorry, But It’s True)
Sep 22, 2025
Cuticle Oil Isn’t Optional (Sorry, But It’s True)
Sep 22, 2025
Sep 22, 2025
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Sep 10, 2025
New Here? Here’s What to Expect at Apricot Nail Studio
Sep 10, 2025
Sep 10, 2025
BIAB vs SNS: Why I’ll Never Go Back
Sep 7, 2025
BIAB vs SNS: Why I’ll Never Go Back
Sep 7, 2025
Sep 7, 2025
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Jul 9, 2025
BIAB: The Low-Maintenance Queen Your Nails Deserve
Jul 9, 2025
Jul 9, 2025
Healthy Nails Are the Real Flex
Jul 1, 2025
Healthy Nails Are the Real Flex
Jul 1, 2025
Jul 1, 2025
Wait...Extensions Can Help My Nails Grow? (Yes, When Done the Apricot Way)
Jun 25, 2025
Wait...Extensions Can Help My Nails Grow? (Yes, When Done the Apricot Way)
Jun 25, 2025
Jun 25, 2025
How BIAB Can Help You Quit Nail Biting (And Grow The Natural Nails You Never Thought You Could)
Jun 19, 2025
How BIAB Can Help You Quit Nail Biting (And Grow The Natural Nails You Never Thought You Could)
Jun 19, 2025
Jun 19, 2025
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Jun 12, 2025
Japanese Gel Nails: Why Everyone’s Obsessed (And You Will Be Too)
Jun 12, 2025
Jun 12, 2025
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May 12, 2025
What’s the Best Nail Shape for You? How to Choose Based on Your Natural Nails
May 12, 2025
May 12, 2025

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Corina Koch, Interior + Photographic Stylist, Sydney, NSW

March 11, 2021

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're passionate about?

I’m an interior & photographic stylist who produces content for brands, homes and publications. I’m very much addicted to my job and enjoy daydreaming about working when I’m not working. I’m really passionate about the creative process - the best jobs have always the ones where you are given the opportunity to take the lead.

How did you get into interior design?

I’ve always had an interest in interiors but I actually began in fashion and chose to study visual merchandising, which covered fashion, interiors and props. So I grew more of an appreciation for interiors through that. When I started work experience at an interiors magazine, it was a very quick dive into the interiors world and I’ve been hooked since.    

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What's been a memorable project so far, and why?

My first magazine cover. I guess it was a milestone moment for me and it was a really big deal as I truly had started from rock bottom and put in years of hard work to get to that moment. And when I heard the news, it was just a wonderful surprise and acknowledgement of how far I’d come.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

Oooo, so tough. It’s forever evolving but I would say it’s a fusion of vintage finds paired with unique contemporary pieces and handmade artisanal objects. It’s feminine, can be a bit rouge and is heavily influenced by fashion and textiles.

What kind of shapes, texture, or colours are you drawn to?

I love my neutral colours and use them for all my bigger furniture items as a foundation of the room. I tend to go more gaga over unusual shapes and textures, things that wiggle and twist, velvets, thick knotted weaves, stripes and oriental prints.

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Who are some other interior designers or creatives that inspire you?

There are a lot of people's style I admire, even if it’s not to my own taste. But it’s the risk takers that I really appreciate, the Kelly Wearstlers of the world. You can tell it’s authentic and she always pushes boundaries- which I find incredibly exciting.

What kind of flower brings you the most joy?

Anything that feels like I’m in a romantic garden, like Dogwood or miniature garden roses still on the branch. I love the mix of leaves and flowers.

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What do you hope to achieve in 2021?

I really feel 2021 has been critical for me in my career journey. I’ve taken some risks and have really learned to understand who I am as a brand, to embrace my true aesthetic, which in turn has helped me undertake my next steps. I have a special project in the works - I’ve never been so excited about something in my life. But you’ll have to wait and find out.

A fun fact about yourself?

It’s not so much fun, but it’s probably important to be documented. I really hate coriander. I can smell it if it’s in my food and will not eat anything it touches. I can even taste it if someone has just “removed” it as a garnish. Super freaky!

You can find more of Corina’s Work here:

Website

Instagram

In Interior Design Tags interiors, interior styling, styling, photography, nsw, decor
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Jade Fisher, Abstract Artist, Gerringong

July 14, 2020

Tell us about yourself and what you do?

I am a Mum of 3 boys and I live in Gerringong. My days are spent doing 'the juggle' between parenting and trying to fit in some painting when I get a spare minute.

Have you always had an interest in creating art?

Yes. I have always loved creating things from a young age. I was always painting and drawing. I went to Art college and then studied Textile Design at University. I had a 15 year career in Fashion Design so painting sort of took a back seat during those years but sketching fashion figures was my favourite part of Fashion Design.

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What inspired you to begin painting?

I guess I just remembered how much joy it brought me and I live in such a pretty part of Australia that it's hard not to be inspired everyday when you live here. Starting a family and moving away from the city gave me the perfect opportunity to pursue my dream of getting back to my painting roots.

What’s your creative process?

I like to take photos when I'm out on walks of flowers, plants, nice compositions and textures. That's where my inspiration usually stems from. My technique is to paint layer upon layer until each section of the painting has pleasing colour combinations and textures that delight.

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Are there any other artists that inspire you?

So Many. My Instagram is a daily dose of inspiration, So many artists doing great things. My favourites at the moment are Stanislas Piechaczek, Lola Donoghue, Elle Campbell, Georgie Wilson, Spencer Shakespeare, Brittany Ferns and Janey Forbes.

Tell us about the most memorable event you can think of in your career?

Probably when I got sent to Ibiza for a week for work to take photos of what people were wearing. That was a pretty amazing highlight. Take me back.

Any music, or books, that you’re loving right now?

Unfortunately I don't get time to read books these days. But music is my second love and my husband used to be a DJ so you'll often find me bopping away to some old trance tunes whilst painting.

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Favourite weekend activity?

Bush walks and Beach hangs with family and friends. I've started doing a few creative workshops recently Pottery, Candle making, fibre art. I'd love to do more of those.

What kind of flower brings you the most joy?

Probably English ones because they remind me of my Grandma and living in England. Tulips, Freesia's, Sweet Peas.

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How has COVID affected the art industry, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this?

I think people seem to be buying more art because they are home a lot more and probably staring at their blank walls. I know I've bought more art than ever during these COVID months ( But don't tell my husband) I also think that the consumer has become more savvy about buying Australian made art, which is a great thing.

Top tip for surviving lockdown?

Slow down, pause and try to enjoy this time we've been given. Easier said than done when you have 3 crazy boys running around the house and a list of stockists wanting more paintings.

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YOU CAN FIND MORE OF jade’S WORK HERE:

Instagram

R2 Designs

Greenhouse Interiors

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In Visual Arts Tags visual artist, abstract art, flowers, plants, nsw, painting, acrylic, covid19, lockdown, editorial, blog post, journal entry, jade fisher

Latest Posts

Featured
Apr 3, 2026
How Much Should You Be Paying for BIAB? A Melbourne Guide
Apr 3, 2026
Apr 3, 2026
Mar 29, 2026
How Long Does BIAB Last? What to Expect From a BIAB Manicure
Mar 29, 2026
Mar 29, 2026
Mar 21, 2026
Is BIAB Good for Nail Biters?
Mar 21, 2026
Mar 21, 2026
Mar 14, 2026
BIAB Infill vs New Set: What’s the Difference?
Mar 14, 2026
Mar 14, 2026
Mar 10, 2026
BIAB vs SNS: Which Nail System Is Actually Better?
Mar 10, 2026
Mar 10, 2026
Mar 2, 2026
What Are BIAB Nails?
Mar 2, 2026
Mar 2, 2026
Feb 26, 2026
Can BIAB Help Nail Biters Grow Their Nails?
Feb 26, 2026
Feb 26, 2026
Feb 23, 2026
Best BIAB Nails in Melbourne: What to Look For & Where to Go
Feb 23, 2026
Feb 23, 2026
Feb 3, 2026
Do BIAB Nails Damage Natural Nails? The Honest Answer from a Nail Tech in Melbourne
Feb 3, 2026
Feb 3, 2026
Jan 22, 2026
Why Cuticle Oil Isn’t Just Extra. It’s Nail Self-Care You Actually Need
Jan 22, 2026
Jan 22, 2026