Walk into any decent nail salon in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth right now and ask for a BIAB overlay. Chances are they'll say yes. Two years ago, half of them would've looked at you blankly.
That's how fast builder in a bottle has taken over the Australian nail industry.
BIAB has gone from "that thing UK nail techs post about on Instagram" to one of the most requested services in Australian salons. And for good reason — it gives clients stronger, healthier nails without the heaviness and potential damage of acrylics, it looks gorgeous on its own or under colour, and it grows out more gracefully than just about anything else on the market.
But here's the thing that most clients don't think about and every nail tech thinks about constantly: not all BIAB is the same. The brand your salon uses makes a real difference to how the overlay feels, how long it lasts, how easy it is to infill, and — let's be honest — how much your tech enjoys working with it.
So whether you're a client trying to figure out which BIAB brand to ask for at your next appointment, or a nail tech weighing up which product to stock, here's a straight-talking look at the top-rated BIAB gel brands available in Australian salons right now.
What Makes One BIAB Brand Better Than Another?
Before we get into specific names, it helps to understand what separates a great builder gel from a mediocre one. Because when you're sitting in the salon chair, you can't really tell what's in the bottle — but you'll absolutely feel the difference two weeks later.
Self-levelling ability. A good BIAB settles into a smooth, even layer after application with minimal effort. This matters hugely because it reduces the amount of filing needed after curing, which means less potential thinning of the natural nail and a faster appointment.
Viscosity. Too thin and the product floods the cuticles and won't hold any structure. Too thick and it's hard to manipulate, takes forever to apply, and can end up lumpy. The best BIAB formulas sit in that sweet spot where they're workable but still hold their shape when you flip the hand to build an apex.
Adhesion without aggression. You want it to bond firmly to the nail plate, last three to four weeks, and come off cleanly when it's time. Some cheaper builder gels grip so aggressively that removal damages the nail — which defeats the entire purpose of choosing BIAB over acrylics in the first place.
Soak-off capability. Proper BIAB should be soak-off, meaning it can be removed with acetone. Some brands offer "hard BIAB" variants that require filing off — those have their place for heavy-duty work, but for most natural nail overlay services, soak-off is what you want.
Shade range in the nudes. This sounds minor but it's a big deal in practice. Most BIAB wearers want a clean, natural look — so having a range of nudes that actually work across different skin tones (not just three variations of "slightly pink beige") makes a real difference to client satisfaction.
Ingredient safety. HEMA-free and TPO-free formulas are becoming increasingly important, both for client safety (HEMA is a known sensitiser that can trigger allergic reactions with repeated exposure) and for regulatory compliance. The EU has already restricted both ingredients, and the Australian market is following that trajectory.
The Top BIAB Brands in Australian Salons
OPAL Professional — The Australian-Made Professional Choice
OPAL Professional is an Australian-owned brand that's spent the last six years building its reputation from the ground up within the professional nail community. They didn't start with consumer marketing and work backwards — they started by putting product in the hands of working nail techs and letting the results speak.
Their BIAB range is designed specifically for professional salon use. The formula self-levels well, cures reliably under standard LED and UV lamps, and offers the kind of flexibility and wear time that salon clients expect from a premium service.
What gives OPAL a genuine edge for Australian salons is the practical stuff that often gets overlooked. Stock arrives quickly because it ships from within Australia — no three-week international waits when you've run out of your most popular nude shade mid-week. The entire product range is vegan and cruelty-free, which is increasingly something clients ask about. And because OPAL offers a complete system — BIAB, builder gels in jars, poly gel, gel polish colours, accessories, and more — you can run your entire menu off one brand without compatibility concerns.
Over 1,000 nail professionals across Australia and New Zealand already use OPAL products. That's not a figure built on discount deals or influencer hype — it's built on nail techs reordering because the product works in their chairs, appointment after appointment.
What techs say they like: Reliable self-levelling, fast domestic shipping, complete product ecosystem, vegan and cruelty-free credentials.
Ideal for: Australian salons wanting a professional-grade local brand with fast replenishment and clean formulas.
Where to stock up: Browse the OPAL BIAB range | Full builder gel collection
The GelBottle Inc (TGB) — The Brand That Started It All
You can't write about BIAB without mentioning The GelBottle. They literally trademarked the term "BIAB" and "Builder In A Bottle" — so technically, if a salon is using The GelBottle's product, they're offering "BIAB." If they're using anyone else's builder gel, they're offering a builder-in-a-bottle overlay, even though everyone (including us) uses BIAB as a generic term at this point.
TGB is a UK-based brand that's built a massive global community of nail techs. Their BIAB range includes the original soak-off builder, a "Hard BIAB" for extra strength, and over 70 shades. The product is excellent — the formula is well-balanced, the nude range is extensive, and the brand's education program and community support are top-notch.
The drawback for Australian salons is logistics. TGB ships internationally, which means longer delivery windows and higher shipping costs compared to a domestic supplier. If you're a busy salon that burns through product quickly, running low and waiting two weeks for a restock isn't ideal. Some Australian distributors carry TGB, which helps — but availability can be patchy depending on where you are and which shades you need.
TGB has also introduced HEMA-reduced formulas (their NU range contains 50% less HEMA), though they haven't gone fully HEMA-free across the board yet.
What techs say they like: Original BIAB formula, huge shade range, strong education and community support.
The catch for Australian salons: International shipping times and costs, occasional stock availability issues locally.
Ideal for: Salons that are already invested in the TGB ecosystem and have reliable supply chain access.
CND Plexigel — The Legacy Brand's Answer
CND (Creative Nail Design) has been in the professional nail space for decades. They're the brand behind Shellac, which essentially created the soak-off gel polish category. Their entry into the builder gel space is Plexigel — a system that includes a bonder, shaper, builder, and protective top coat.
Plexigel is well-regarded among experienced nail techs. The "Shaper" product in particular is popular for natural nail overlays — it's thinner than a traditional builder gel, which gives a lightweight, natural feel that clients love. The "Builder" is thicker and better suited for extensions and structural work.
CND's strength is their professional infrastructure. They've been supplying Australian salons for years, they have established distributor networks, and their education programs are comprehensive. If you've trained through a CND course, using their products is seamless.
The trade-off is that Plexigel doesn't quite have the cult following that BIAB has earned. It's a great product that sometimes gets lost in a conversation dominated by TGB on one end and newer, fresher brands on the other.
What techs say they like: Lightweight feel, professional support network, reliable quality.
Ideal for: CND-trained techs and salons already using the Shellac system who want to add builder gel services without switching ecosystems.
Gelish Structure Gel — The Quiet Achiever
Gelish, by Hand & Nail Harmony, doesn't get talked about on social media the way TGB does — but walk into salons that have been operating for a decade or more and you'll find Gelish sitting on a lot of trolleys. Their Structure Gel is a brush-on builder gel that's been a reliable workhorse for natural nail overlays and strengthening.
The formula is straightforward. It applies well, cures cleanly, and provides a solid protective layer without excessive bulk. It's not going to win any awards for shade variety in the nude department (the range is more limited than TGB or OPAL), but for techs who primarily use BIAB as a clear or basic nude base under gel colour, that matters less.
Gelish has good Australian distribution through professional beauty suppliers, so stock access is generally reliable. The product integrates well with Gelish's broader gel polish range, which is a plus for salons that are already using their colour system.
What techs say they like: Consistent, reliable formula with no surprises. Solid distribution in Australia.
Ideal for: Established salons that already use Gelish products and want a no-fuss builder gel addition to their menu.
NSI (Nail Systems International) — The Builder Gel Specialist
NSI has been in the structural nail product space since the 1980s. They're not a trendy brand by any measure, but they know builder gels. Their Balance Builder In A Bottle range is formulated with the strength and workability that comes from decades of experience in the extensions and overlay category.
What's interesting about NSI's approach is that their BIAB is actually a hard gel in a bottle — meaning it has the structural strength of traditional pot builder gel but with the convenience of a bottle-and-brush application. This makes it an excellent option for techs who want to offer BIAB-style services but need the durability to hold up under more demanding conditions (clients who work with their hands, for example, or those who want added length).
The trade-off is removal. Because it's a hard gel, it needs to be filed off rather than soaked off with acetone. For some salons, that's fine — especially if they do a lot of infill work where the product stays on and gets maintained rather than fully removed each time. For others, the soak-off convenience of a soft BIAB is non-negotiable.
NSI has an Australian presence through their local website and distributors, so access isn't a major issue.
What techs say they like: Exceptional structural strength, decades of builder gel expertise, holds up well for active clients.
The catch: File-off removal only — not soak-off.
Ideal for: Techs who prioritise durability and structure over soak-off convenience, and salons with a high proportion of extension and heavy-wear clients.
Gella (via Diamond Nail Supplies) — The Budget-Friendly Australian Option
Gella has built a growing following through Diamond Nail Supplies, one of Australia's largest online nail product retailers. Their builder gel range covers both BIAB bottles and pot-format builder gels, with a decent colour range that includes some genuinely nice nudes and tinted options.
The positioning is professional-grade product at a lower price point than some of the bigger names. For new nail techs building their kit on a budget, or for salons that want to offer BIAB services without a huge upfront product investment, Gella represents decent value.
The formulas are soak-off and cruelty-free, and because Diamond ships from within Australia, delivery is quick and affordable. The trade-off is that the brand doesn't have the heritage or community infrastructure of TGB or CND — there's less in the way of branded education, and the product range is still maturing compared to more established lines.
What techs say they like: Affordable pricing, fast Australian shipping, expanding shade range.
Ideal for: New techs and budget-conscious salons who want solid BIAB products without the premium price tag.
What to Ask For at the Salon (If You're a Client)
If you're reading this as someone who gets their nails done (rather than someone who does nails), here's some useful knowledge for your next appointment.
Ask which builder gel brand they use. Not in a testing way — just out of genuine interest. A salon that uses professional-grade product will happily tell you what's on your nails. If they're vague or defensive about it, that can be a flag.
Ask if it's soak-off or hard gel. This affects how the product comes off. Soak-off BIAB is removed with acetone, which is gentler on the natural nail. Hard gel needs to be filed off, which requires more skill and carries a higher risk of nail damage if done carelessly. Neither is inherently better — they serve different purposes — but you should know which one you're getting.
Ask about HEMA. If you've had gel products before and experienced itching, redness, or swelling around the cuticles, you may have developed a sensitivity to HEMA. HEMA-free builder gels like those in the OPAL range eliminate this risk entirely. It's worth asking, especially if you plan to wear builder gel long-term.
Check the pricing structure. BIAB services in Australian salons typically range from $55 to $90 for a natural nail overlay, depending on location and salon tier. Prices with extensions or gel colour on top will be higher. If a salon is charging significantly below this range, it's worth asking what product they're using — deeply discounted services sometimes use cheaper, unbranded products.
Ask about infill vs full removal. One of the big advantages of BIAB is that you don't need to remove and reapply the entire product every visit. A skilled tech can infill the growth area at the base of the nail and maintain the existing overlay, which is faster, cheaper, and gentler on your nails. If your salon insists on full removal every three to four weeks, they may be using a product that doesn't infill well — or they may not be trained in the infill technique yet.
What to Look For If You're a Nail Tech Choosing a Brand
Choosing a BIAB brand is one of the more important product decisions you'll make for your salon. It affects your service menu, your appointment times, your client retention, and your costs. Here are some things worth weighing up beyond just "does it apply nicely."
Supply chain reliability. Can you consistently get the product when you need it? International brands can have stock issues, shipping delays, and unpredictable costs. Domestic suppliers like OPAL have a real advantage here — you can reorder today and have product within days, not weeks.
System compatibility. Does the builder gel work with your existing base coats, top coats, and gel polish colours? Mixing brands can work, but it can also cause adhesion issues, curing inconsistencies, or unexpected reactions between products. Using a complete system from one brand simplifies your workflow and removes that variable.
Ingredient credentials. Clients are asking about HEMA, cruelty-free status, and vegan formulas more than ever. Being able to say "yes, everything I use is vegan and cruelty-free" is a genuine selling point — especially with the 18-35 demographic that drives BIAB demand.
Education and support. Some brands offer training courses, application guides, and troubleshooting support. Others sell you a bottle and leave you to figure it out. If you're new to BIAB, brand support can make the difference between a confident service launch and a frustrating trial-and-error period.
Cost per service. Work out what each BIAB application costs you in product. A more expensive bottle that gives you 40 clean applications might actually be cheaper per service than a budget bottle where you waste product due to inconsistent viscosity or poor pigmentation. Think in cost-per-set, not cost-per-bottle.
Client experience from start to finish. Consider the full arc — application speed, comfort during the appointment, how the finished product looks and feels, how it holds up over three to four weeks, and how gentle the removal or infill process is. The brands that get all of these right are the ones your clients come back for.
BIAB at Home — Is It Worth It?
Plenty of people are doing BIAB overlays at home now, and honestly? With the right products and a bit of practice, you can get pretty impressive results without a salon appointment.
The same brand considerations apply whether you're working on clients or on yourself. Quality matters, ingredient safety matters, and having the full system matters. The OPAL BIAB collection is designed for professional use but is absolutely accessible for skilled home users — especially if you've done gel nails at home before.
If you're thinking about trying BIAB at home, a few of our other guides will help you get started:
Your nail prep is the single biggest factor in how well your BIAB adheres and lasts. Don't skip this.
When it's time for a fresh set, safe removal protects your natural nails and keeps them healthy for the next application.
And if you want colour over your BIAB, the OPAL gel polish range is formulated to work seamlessly with the builder gel as a base layer.
The Bottom Line
The BIAB category in Australia has matured quickly. Two years ago, your options were limited to importing from the UK and hoping for the best. Now, there are genuine, professional-grade choices available with Australian shipping, Australian-based support, and formulas that hold their own against — and in some cases outperform — the international names.
If you're a client, you now have the knowledge to ask informed questions at your next salon appointment. You know what to look for, what to ask about, and what the differences between brands actually mean for your nails.
If you're a nail tech, you've got a clearer picture of the options available to you in the Australian market — from the original TGB through to homegrown brands like OPAL that are built around solving the exact supply and support challenges that come with running a salon here.
The right BIAB brand is the one that works for your nails, your salon, and your workflow. Not the one with the prettiest Instagram page.
