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ASH WHITE CO

Nail Artist & Illustrator
  • Apricot Nails
  • BIAB Nails
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    • What To Expect
    • BIAB FAQs
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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
nails-biab-near-me-hawthorn-nail-salon-booking-glenferrie-road-14.jpg
Mar 21, 2026
Is BIAB Good for Nail Biters?
Mar 21, 2026
Mar 21, 2026
nails-biab-near-me-hawthorn-nail-salon-booking-glenferrie-road-117.jpg
Mar 14, 2026
BIAB Infill vs New Set: What’s the Difference?
Mar 14, 2026
Mar 14, 2026
best-nails-hawthorn.jpg
Mar 10, 2026
BIAB vs SNS: Which Nail System Is Actually Better?
Mar 10, 2026
Mar 10, 2026
IMG_3366.jpg
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
biab-russian-manicure-nail-art-hawthorn.jpg
Feb 23, 2026
Best BIAB Nails in Melbourne: What to Look For & Where to Go
Feb 23, 2026
Feb 23, 2026
biab-hawthorn-natural-nails.jpg
Feb 3, 2026
Do BIAB Nails Damage Natural Nails? The Honest Answer from a Nail Tech in Melbourne
Feb 3, 2026
Feb 3, 2026
IMG_8509 2.jpg
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
biab-pastel-nails-hawthorn-clean-girl.jpg
Jan 4, 2026
How Often Should You Get BIAB Infills or Rebalances?
Jan 4, 2026
Jan 4, 2026
IMG_7778.jpg
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
IMG_9269.jpg
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
IMG_6874.jpg
Nov 13, 2025
Cracked, Chipped, Sad Nails? Here’s What They’re Trying to Tell You
Nov 13, 2025
Nov 13, 2025
AF2A3B9D-CCBF-494A-97AA-D657161F63E4.jpg
Nov 3, 2025
5 Nail Myths That Need to Retire (No, Your Nails Don’t Need To Breathe)
Nov 3, 2025
Nov 3, 2025
IMG_6015.png
Oct 12, 2025
Stop Hiding Your Nails: How to Heal and Grow Them Strong
Oct 12, 2025
Oct 12, 2025
IMG_8509.png
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
IMG_1617.jpg
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
IMG_5368 4.jpg
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
IMG_4972.jpg
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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Apr 28, 2025
Nail Art in Melbourne: How Your Nails Became the Ultimate Form of Self-Expression
Apr 28, 2025
Apr 28, 2025
Why I Love Full Coverage Tip Extensions (and Why They’re Perfect for Soft Gel Lovers)
Apr 21, 2025
Why I Love Full Coverage Tip Extensions (and Why They’re Perfect for Soft Gel Lovers)
Apr 21, 2025
Apr 21, 2025

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Why I Love Full Coverage Tip Extensions (and Why They’re Perfect for Soft Gel Lovers)

April 21, 2025

If you’ve ever fallen in love with soft gel but wished for a bit more length, structure, or drama—without leaving the soft gel world behind—I’ve got some exciting news for you.

Let me introduce you to the magic of full coverage tip extensions. Specifically, I use KOKOIST’s full coverage tips in the studio, and honestly, they’ve completely changed the game for soft gel specialists like me.

Benefits:

  • Allows soft gel specialist to stay within our niche of soft gel, no hard gel necessary.

  • Pre-etched for adhesion

  • Pre-shaped + strong at the free edge

  • Pre-sculpted

  • Flexible for c-curve apex customisation 

  • Thin at the base for seamless blending

  • Soak-off friendly

  • No primer or dehydrator necessary

So, what are full coverage tips?

Think of them like perfectly pre-shaped nail enhancements that get adhered directly to your natural nail using soft gel. They’re lightweight, flexible, and beautifully designed to give that polished, sculpted look—without the bulk or damage of traditional enhancements.

No acrylic. No hard gel. No dipping powders. Just pure soft gel bliss, extended.

Why they’re a dream for soft gel specialists

As someone who specialises in soft gel, I’m always looking for ways to elevate nail looks while staying true to what I do best. Full coverage tips let me do just that. Here’s why I love them:

  • They keep us in our soft gel lane – No need to branch into hard gel or acrylics just to offer length.

  • Cleaner, faster application – The tips are pre-shaped and ready to go. You just size, prep, and bond.

  • No sculpting needed – Say goodbye to time-consuming forms and shaping. The shape is built in!

  • Damage-free removal – Because it's still soft gel, it soaks off gently, just like your usual BIAB or overlay.

Why I use KOKOIST full tips

KOKOIST’s tips aren’t just any tips—they’re beautifully made, ultra-lightweight, and come in stunning shapes that don’t need much filing. They bond like a dream with KOKOIST’s bonding gels and base layers, making the whole process super seamless.

Plus, I know I can trust the quality. KOKOIST is a pro-level Japanese gel brand known for performance and gentleness on the nail. That means my clients get longer nails and healthier nails—not a trade-off.

Perfect for:

  • Short nails looking for a glow-up

  • Anyone who’s growing out their natural nails

  • Special events or just wanting that “put-together” vibe

  • Clients who want length without the damage

The takeaway?

Full coverage tips let me stay 100% within the world of soft gel, while still offering the elevated looks and long-lasting wear my clients love. If you’re curious to try them at your next appointment—just say the word. I promise, you’ll be hooked.

How I adhere them

I use: Kokoist Mega Stick Base as the base gel, and then Gelip Super Bond to adhere the nail tip to the nail. Buff away the shine and blend with the e-file and as a last step with acetone and brush, to add that final seamless finish and then they’re ready to paint!

📍 Fill out a new client intake form at Apricot Nails in Hawthorn.

apricot nails
← Nail Art in Melbourne: How Your Nails Became the Ultimate Form of Self-ExpressionHow to Remove Gel Nails at Home Safely and Easily →

Latest Posts

Featured
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
Jan 12, 2026
Why Everyone Is Switching to BIAB Nails in Melbourne
Jan 12, 2026
Jan 12, 2026
Jan 4, 2026
How Often Should You Get BIAB Infills or Rebalances?
Jan 4, 2026
Jan 4, 2026