After trying acrylic nails for the first time at Westover Beauty in Bournemouth, I was excited to return to the salon to try something new – BIAB nails!

As a beauty blogger who has tried countless nail techniques over the years, I’m always curious to see how different systems compare, and BIAB had been highly recommended to me for anyone wanting stronger, healthier natural nails.

If you’re someone who loves having your nails done but doesn’t want the heavy or unnatural feel of acrylics, then this one is definitely for you.

When it comes to nail treatments, finding the right balance between beauty and nail health is so important.

With so many salons and nail systems available, it can be tricky to know what will actually work for your lifestyle and your natural nails.

So if you’re considering BIAB nails, read on to see my honest thoughts on the process, the results, and why I’ve already signed up for more appointments.

Just like my previous visits, I was warmly welcomed into Westover Beauty and instantly felt relaxed.

My nail artist Milena was absolutely lovely – so easy to chat to, genuinely friendly, and really entertaining.

It honestly felt more like catching up with a friend than sitting through an appointment, which made the whole experience fly by.

Before starting, we chatted about what I wanted from my nails and why I was keen to try BIAB. One of the biggest reasons for me is that acrylics, while beautiful, can sometimes feel quite unnatural on my nails.

BIAB, on the other hand, is designed to feel much more like your own nails – and that’s exactly what I was looking for!

The prep process began with gently buffing my natural nails and tidying up my cuticles to create the perfect base.

Unlike acrylics, BIAB focuses on strengthening your natural nails rather than adding length, which I really loved.

The builder gel was applied carefully to enhance my natural shape while still keeping everything lightweight and comfortable.

Throughout the process, Milena explained each step and made sure I was happy with how everything looked and felt. I loved how involved and informed I felt the entire time – it really reassured me that my nail health was being prioritised.

Once finished, my nails honestly felt like my nails but better. They were strong, smooth, and glossy without feeling thick or heavy. The biggest win for me is how natural they feel compared to acrylics – no awkward bulkiness, just strong, flexible nails that still feel like me.

Another huge reason I’ve fallen in love with BIAB is how much it promotes healthy nail growth. You can see in my photos – snowflakes on my first visit, moon on my second – how much growth I have had from just a single BIAB treatment, and the difference is honestly amazing. Seeing that progress alone has completely sold me on this!!

I loved my BIAB nails so much that I’ve already signed up for more appointments – which probably says it all.

Not only do they look beautiful, but knowing they’re actively helping my natural nails grow stronger makes me feel even better about keeping them up.

Overall, my experience getting BIAB nails at Westover Beauty was amazing. From the welcoming atmosphere and friendly, to the incredible results, I couldn’t fault a thing.

If you’re looking for a more natural-feeling alternative to acrylics that still looks polished and put together, I can’t recommend BIAB enough – and Westover Beauty is the perfect place to try it.

Alongside nails, they also offer a wide range of treatments including massages, facials, and some great-value pampering packages if you fancy treating yourself.