First BIAB Appointment? Here’s Exactly What to Expect
Updated: Sep 12
If you've never had BIAB nails before, you might be wondering what actually happens once you sit down at the nail desk.
Do you need to grow your nails first? Should you arrive with completely bare nails? Will you need to know exactly what shape or colour you want? And what exactly am I going to do to your natural nails?
Don't worry – you don't need to become a nail expert before your appointment. That's my job.
In this guide, I'll take you through exactly what happens when you come to me for your first BIAB appointment in Paignton, from checking your natural nails to choosing your finished look and looking after your new manicure afterwards.
And if you're still wondering what BIAB actually is, start with my complete guide to BIAB nails before coming back here.
How to prepare for your first BIAB appointment
The good news is that you don't need to do anything complicated before you arrive.
In fact, I'd rather see your natural nails as they normally are so I can properly assess them.
Before your appointment:
Don't pick, peel or try to aggressively remove existing nail product
Let me know if you already have product on your nails when booking
Tell me if you have any concerns about your natural nails
Bring some inspiration photos if you have a particular colour, shape or design in mind
Don't worry if your natural nails aren't currently the length or shape you'd like – that's something we can discuss together
And please don't feel like you need to apologise for your nails when you arrive! I'm a nail tech. Seeing nails in all different shapes, lengths and conditions is quite literally part of the job.
Step 1: Your nail consultation
Before I start applying anything, I'll take a look at your natural nails and we'll have a chat about what you want from your appointment.
I'll usually want to know about things like:
Your nail goals
Your lifestyle and what your hands deal with day-to-day
Previous nail treatments
Any problems you've experienced with lifting or breakage
The length and shape you'd like
Whether you want a natural finish, colour, French tips or nail art
This isn't just small talk while I get my tools ready!
The answers help me understand what you're hoping to achieve and whether BIAB is actually the most appropriate treatment for you.
If I think another option would suit your natural nails or your desired result better, I'll tell you. The goal isn't to put BIAB on everybody – it's to give you the right treatment for your nails.
Step 2: Preparing your natural nails
Once we've agreed on the plan, I'll prepare your natural nails ready for application.
Depending on what you already have on your nails, this can include:
Safely removing existing product where required
Shaping your natural nails
Preparing the cuticle area
Carefully preparing the nail plate
Good preparation is an important part of achieving reliable retention because we're creating the right surface for the product to be applied to.
It's also one of the reasons I recommend professional application rather than picking, peeling or trying to remove nail products yourself.
Step 3: Applying the BIAB
Now it's time for the BIAB itself.
I'll apply the product to your natural nails and build the structure needed for your individual set. Each layer is cured under an LED lamp before we move on.
The aim isn't simply to make the product as thick as possible. It's about creating the appropriate structure while keeping the finished nail looking balanced.
Depending on your natural nails and the look we're creating, you'll start to see them look smoother, more even and more structured as the appointment progresses.
If you've never used a curing lamp before, I'll talk you through what to do – so there's no need to worry about knowing when your hands need to go in or come out!
Step 4: Choosing your colour or nail art
Now for the fun bit 💅
You can absolutely keep your BIAB looking natural, but choosing BIAB doesn't mean you're restricted to nude nails.
We can add:
Gel colour
French tips
Chrome finishes
Seasonal designs
Nail art
So whether you want clean and understated or you've arrived with a screenshot of something completely extra, we'll talk through what you'd like and what works with your chosen length and shape.
If chrome has caught your eye lately, I've also put together a guide to chrome nails and the different finishes you can choose.
Step 5: The finishing touches
Once your colour or design is finished, I'll complete the set with the appropriate top coat and finishing touches.
I'll also apply cuticle oil and talk you through how to look after your manicure once you leave the salon.
Aftercare doesn't need to become another full-time job, but a few simple habits – like using cuticle oil, avoiding picking and wearing gloves for household cleaning – can help you look after your nails between appointments.
I've got a full guide to making your nails last longer if you want the complete aftercare routine.
Does a BIAB appointment hurt?
A BIAB appointment shouldn't be painful.
I'll carry out the preparation and application carefully, and you should always tell me if anything feels uncomfortable during your treatment.
Some people can experience a brief heat sensation while certain gel products cure under the lamp. If anything feels uncomfortable, don't sit there quietly wondering whether you're supposed to put up with it – tell me.
I'd always rather know how you're feeling so I can make your appointment as comfortable as possible.
What happens after your first BIAB appointment?
Once your first set is finished, I'll explain how to look after your nails and when I'd recommend coming back.
BIAB isn't a treatment you apply once and then forget about indefinitely. Your natural nails continue growing underneath, so the position of the product changes as they grow.
For many clients, maintenance is around every 2–3 weeks, although I'll recommend a schedule based on your natural nail growth, lifestyle and how your set is wearing.
Between appointments, keep an eye out for lifting, cracks or damage and let me know if something doesn't look right rather than picking at it yourself.
Want to understand why maintenance timing varies? Read my guide to how long BIAB nails actually last.
Your first BIAB appointment in Paignton
The Nail Fairy is based at Southern Strands in Paignton, and I welcome clients from across Torbay, including Torquay and Brixham, as well as the surrounding South Devon area.
If you've never had BIAB before, please don't feel like you need to know exactly what to book, what shape suits you or what condition your nails are in.
First appointments are partly about getting to know your nails.
I'll look at what we're starting with, listen to what you'd like to achieve and help you choose a treatment and finished look that makes sense for you.
So if you've been searching for your first BIAB appointment in Paignton or Torbay and you're feeling slightly nervous about walking into a nail salon without knowing the terminology – you really don't need to be 💖
Ready for your first BIAB appointment?
If you've been thinking about trying BIAB but weren't sure what to expect, hopefully there are a few fewer mysteries now!
You don't need perfect natural nails.
You don't need to understand all the nail terminology.
And you definitely don't need to arrive knowing exactly what treatment, shape and design you need.
Bring me your nails and an idea of what you'd like to achieve – I'll help with the rest 💅✨
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First BIAB Appointment
Do I need to prepare my nails before my first BIAB appointment?
You don't need to do any special preparation yourself. Avoid picking, peeling or aggressively removing existing product before your appointment. If you already have gel, BIAB, acrylic or another product on your nails, let me know when booking so enough time can be allowed for any removal that's needed.
Can I get BIAB if my nails are really short?
Yes, BIAB can be applied to short natural nails where the treatment is suitable. You don't need to grow your nails before your first appointment. I'll assess your current length and condition and talk through what we can realistically achieve.
Can I have nail art with BIAB?
Absolutely. BIAB can be worn naturally or combined with gel colour, French tips, chrome, seasonal designs and other nail art. Your chosen design can be discussed during your appointment.
How long does a BIAB appointment take?
Appointment times vary depending on the condition and length of your nails and whether you're having colour or nail art added. Your nail technician can give you a more accurate idea when you book.
Will BIAB damage my natural nails?
BIAB itself isn't inherently damaging when it is correctly applied, maintained and removed. Problems can arise from incorrect preparation, application, removal or picking and peeling product away from the natural nail.
Does a BIAB appointment hurt?
A BIAB appointment shouldn't be painful. Nail preparation and application should be carried out carefully and professionally. If you experience pain during a treatment, tell your nail technician immediately.
Can I choose the shape and length of my BIAB nails?
Yes. Your nail shape and length can be discussed during your consultation. Your technician may also recommend a practical length based on the condition of your natural nails and your lifestyle.
What should I tell my nail technician at my first appointment?
Tell them about your nail goals, your lifestyle, previous nail treatments and anything you've noticed about your natural nails. The more information your technician has, the easier it is to tailor the treatment to you.
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