BIAB vs Gel vs Acrylic: Which Nail Enhancement Course Should You Take?

• Posted on 30 August 2026
• By Louisa Flanagan
• 0

BIAB vs Gel vs Acrylic: Which Nail Enhancement Course Should You Take?

 If you're choosing your first nail enhancement course, the BIAB vs gel vs acrylic question is the one we get asked most. Each system suits a different type of client and a different type of technician – here's how to decide.

Acrylic: the strongest, most established system

Acrylic is the original nail enhancement system and still the strongest option for length and durability, which makes it the go-to for clients who want dramatic length or who are hard on their hands. It has the steepest learning curve of the three, but it's also one of the most in-demand skills on a salon menu.

Start with our NSI Beginner Acrylic Course if you're new to enhancements.

Gel: faster to apply, more natural finish

Gel enhancements are quicker to apply than acrylic and give a more natural, glossy finish that a lot of clients prefer for everyday wear. It's a slightly gentler system to learn on, which makes it a popular starting point for beginners who find acrylic intimidating.

Learn it on our NSI Beginner Gel Course, or if you only want to offer gel polish rather than full enhancements, our Gel Polish Course is the shorter route.

BIAB (Builder in a Bottle): the low-damage, fast-growing option

BIAB has grown fast in Irish salons over the last few years because it strengthens and lengthens the natural nail with minimal damage on removal – it's become the go-to for clients who want their nails to actually improve, not just look good short-term. It's a genuinely different skill set from acrylic and gel, and one of the highest-demand services salons are asking for right now.

We run three ways in: the Beginner Build It (BIAB) Masterclass (€100) for complete beginners, the Build It (BIAB) Workshop for technicians upskilling, and the Build It (BIAB) & Efile Combo if you want to pair it with e-file technique in one booking.

So which should you choose?

If you want the strongest, most requested professional skill and don't mind a steeper learning curve, start with acrylic. If you want a faster, more approachable system with a natural finish, start with gel. If you want the fastest-growing service in Irish salons right now, with a genuine low-damage selling point to clients, start with BIAB.

Most working nail technicians eventually train in all three – that's exactly what our Nail Technician Masterclass 10 in 1 is built for: acrylic, gel, BIAB and more in one bundled programme.

Not sure? Ask us

Every course runs from our Dublin training centre in Swords with small class sizes and hands-on practical training. See all our nail and beauty courses, or get in touch and we'll help you pick the right one for where you're at.