How BIAB Nails Helped Me Break a 20-Year Nail-Biting Habit - and the Summer Nail Trends I’m Loving
By Shannon Kate Murray, Founder & Editor of High Flying DesignBiting my nails has always been my thing - not exactly a glamorous one, but mine. I did it unconsciously, mostly when I was thinking or anxious, and always felt a bit ashamed after.
I’d tried to stop before - bitter nail polish, willpower, sheer embarrassment - but nothing stuck.
I never thought a nail appointment could actually change things. But with the right nail tech, it did.
In August 2024, I booked a spontaneous session with Francesca - and without realising it, started a full-on nail transformation.
Less than a year later, my nail beds have grown, my nails are genuinely gorgeous, and for the first time in forever, I feel proud of my hands. They tell a different story now: one of care, confidence, and softness.
Getting my nails done has become my non-negotiable ritual. Even on the days I’m in joggers and haven’t brushed my hair, I feel a little more me. It’s one of those small, high-maintenance-meets-self-care things that just grounds you.
The secret? BIAB - Builder in a Bottle. If you’ve ever struggled with short nails, breakage, or weak nail beds, it’s a total game-changer. Francesca’s taken me on a full BIAB journey, and the results speak for themselves.
My favourite look so far? Pale blue French tips - my pre-birthday set. My manager at the time actually copied them, which made me feel like the ultimate trendsetter.
Because once you’ve found the confidence that comes from healthy, glossy nails, it’s only natural to want to play. Here are the BIAB nail trends UK salons (and TikTok) can’t stop talking about this summer.
Summer 2025 BIAB Nail Trends to Try
1. Chrome 2.0: Soft, Shimmery, Summer Sheen
This summer’s chrome is subtle, soft, and beautifully wearable. Think champagne, blush, and pale gold tones that catch the light in all the right ways.
2. Blurred French Tips: A Dreamy Update
The French tip is still going strong, but this season it’s all about soft edges and sheer bases. Gentle fades, subtle blues or pinks - a fresh twist on a classic.
3. Cool-Toned Blues: Coastal Girl Energy
Periwinkle, aqua, and soft sky blues are the colours this summer. They’re playful, polished, and pair beautifully with minimal, founder-friendly wardrobes.
4. Jelly Nails: French, Glossy, Playful
Jelly nails are everywhere. Translucent, juicy pastels in soft pinks, lilacs, and peaches feel light, glossy, and full of personality.
5. Milky & Glass Nails: Clean Girl Classics
Milky whites, sheer pinks, and glossy, glass-like finishes are timeless - and right now, they’re trending hard. Perfect if you love a minimal, versatile nail that works in every room you walk into.
6. Aura Nails: Soft, Airbrushed Magic
Aura nails are pure summer energy. Soft gradients in sunset or ocean hues, layered over BIAB, create a subtle glow that feels completely your own. Ask your nail tech for an aura blend, or try an airbrush kit if you’re feeling creative.
Finding the Right Nail Tech
The right nail tech doesn’t just fit into your schedule - they fit into your life. You’ll spend hours with this person, catching up, swapping stories, and quite literally letting them hold your hands while you grow.
When you’re looking for your person:
Check their Instagram: Do their shapes, colours and styles match your vibe?
BIAB Experience: Especially if nail growth is your goal.
Schedule Compatibility: Can you realistically keep up regular appointments?
Good Energy: This is your confidence ritual - you should genuinely enjoy it.
You know you’ve found the right nail tech when you look up, nine months later, and realise you didn’t just find a brilliant nail artist - you found a friend.
Getting your nails done isn’t just about polish. It’s about feeling anchored, elevated, and quietly put together. It’s a small, steady reminder that you matter, too.
And when someone copies your nail look? That’s the kind of compliment that sticks.
If you’ve been thinking about starting your own nail journey - or investing in a regular nail routine as your next confidence or self-care ritual - this might just be your sign.
