If you keep a keen eye on the latest beauty trends, you’ve likely noticed that Biab nails are having a major moment. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa and Kim Kardashian have been flaunting this new nail obsession all over Instagram, while the #biab tag has racked up over 480 million views on TikTok, per Glamour. But what exactly are Biab nails, and why are they becoming the go-to choice for A-listers? Here’s the TL:DR breakdown: this revolutionary nail enhancement is transforming the way we think about manicures.

Biab is a hybrid between gel and acrylic nails, providing the strength and flexibility of acrylics with the longevity and ease of gel. It’s essentially a brush-on gel that can also be used to sculpt and extend nails, creating a durable yet natural-looking finish. The Biab formula was created by UK-based The GelBottle Inc.

What are Biab nails? Professional manicurist and international nail educator Fran Méndez explains that Biab is an acronym for “builder in a bottle”. “It’s a product where the gel comes in a ‘polish bottle’ format. Basically, it’s used for services like enhancements, gel baths, and capping on the natural length of the nail, or also what’s sometimes called a ‘micro extension’, which is a very short extension of the nail.

” Biab was originally created to offer a solution for those seeking strong, durable nails without the hassle and damage often associated with acrylics. It’s designed to promote natural nail grow.