Builder gel has recently taken the nail world by storm! Perfect for those looking to strengthen their existing nails and indulge in the natural/short manicure trend, ‘Builder on a Brush’, is an innovative product in the world of nail enhancement.

The product is a high-quality, soak-off gel that’s used to create a strong, flexible overlay on your natural nails, promoting their health and growth. Unlike hard gels or acrylics, builder gel has a more natural feel and is less damaging to the nails. It’s available in a variety of nude shades to match your skin tone perfectly, and can be used as a base for other gel colours or nail art designs.

Nail infills are a maintenance service for hard artificial nails including acrylics, hard gels, and BOB nails. Essentially, they work to fill in the gap that appears between the base of your nail bed and artificial nail as your nails grow out.

The process involves buffing down the surface of your artificial nails, filling in the gap with more of the nail product (acrylic, gel, or BOB), and then reshaping and re-polishing the nails. Nail infills are a great way to extend the life of your manicure and keep your nails looking flawless for longer. At Hair Ministry, we typically recommend getting infills every 2-4 weeks for BOB nails.

The choice between builder gel and acrylic is ultimately down to you and your personal preferences – each offers their own benefits and drawbacks.

Acrylic tends to be a more popular option amongst those seeking long, extended nails or complex nail art. It’s a hard, artificial material that can be shaped to your desire, but tends to do serious damage to the nail surface hidden beneath it.

Those looking for a protective, long-wearing manicure that protects and promotes nail growth might prefer builder gel. Builder is a type of gel, which means it’s generally more flexible and natural feeling than acrylic. This flexibility can make it more comfortable to wear and less prone to cracking or breaking – plus, on removal, nails are generally left in very good condition. Whilst this material can’t be used to extend nails to the extent of acrylic, it’s a wonderful option for the modern short manicure trend and keeps natural nails in great shape.

How long your builder gel nails last will generally depend on the quality of the product and application. For example, BOB is designed to adhere to the nail – withstanding daily wear and tear without chipping, lifting, or peeling. For this reason, it typically lasts until the nail grows out – which, for most clients, is approximately 2-4 weeks.

The great thing about BOB is that it can be infilled! Once there’s enough room between the end of your last BOB application and the base of your nails, our technicians can work to top them up, resurfacing the original manicure, and ensuring your nails look as good as new.

Builder gel nails vary in cost across the UK according to your chosen product, salon/nail technician, location, and required design.

At Hair Ministry, we offer high-quality BOB nail services including:

At the start of your BOB journey? Why not opt for our BOB Gel Builder and Strong Overlay for just £45. This service provides an excellent foundation for colour application and helps promote natural nail growth and strength.

If it’s time for a refresh, our BOB Infill and Redo service is available at £49.

If you need to remove your BOB nails, removal is available for £22.

BOB, or Brush on Builder, is a unique builder gel product created by CJP – one of the nail industry’s leading brands and a solid salon favourite. Used in salons across the globe, you can trust this brilliant system to deliver long-lasting, stunning results every time.

Builder gel itself dates back several decades. It was developed as an alternative to traditional acrylic systems, providing a more flexible, durable, and protective layer for natural nails. Despite being around for quite some time, it’s seen some huge evolution in recent years, with CJP’s BOB being an excellent example of the latest and greatest.

Builder gel has gained huge popularity over the last year – both in salons, and across social media. Our clients love it for its ability to promote both nail strengthening and growth in one aesthetically pleasing package.

Our BOB builder gel can be used on its own for a natural, glossy finish, or as a base for gel polish, creating a flawless canvas for any nail design.

With short nails and natural-looking (yet polished) manicures becoming more popular than ever, there’s no better time to make the switch from acrylic or start investing in your nails.

Like other nail enhancements, the natural growth of your nails will eventually cause a gap between your cuticle and builder gel application point. Infills help fill this gap, maintaining the look and integrity of your manicure for longer.

Hair Ministry’s team of nail experts recommend booking in for a BOB infill appointment approximately every 2-4 weeks depending on your personal rate of nail growth. They’ll be happy to help you arrange this in advance if needed.

Yes, our BOB (Brush on Builder) is generally safe for use during pregnancy. The formula is, unlike some other gel builder formulas, HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) free – minimising the risk of allergic reactions in all clients.

With this said, it’s always recommended to consult your healthcare provider before undergoing any beauty treatments when pregnant. If you have any specific health concerns, the Hair Ministry team will be happy to discuss them.

BOB gel overlay is a strengthening gel, specifically designed to enhance the natural nail’s strength and durability. It’s applied directly to your natural nails, providing them with additional support without extending their length. This treatment is a popular choice for individuals who have weak or brittle nails and want to improve their nail health while sporting a glossy and well-manicured look.

The overlay can be left as is for a clear, glossy finish, or can be finished with your choice of gel polish colour. At Hair Ministry, we use The G