From BIAB to Gel X, these nail trends will make you feel like the main character.
From press-ons to Gel X, nail trends have become a full-blown culture. It starts with a seat at the salon and a deep sigh—the kind that signifies an incoming transformation. Getting my nails done is my favourite beauty ritual, and my reset button. It’s what I do to feel like myself again. And for many women, nail care is more than a routine—it’s a reflection of identity, artistry, and freedom.
As always, every shape, colour, and acrylic curve tells a story, but in 2025, the story is louder, glossier, and more powerful than ever.
BIAB is is the secret to effortless nails in every colour.
BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) is the quiet luxury of the nail world. It comes in a range of shades now, from soft pinks to milky whites and even bolder tones, but it’s the natural, nude finish that has truly captured hearts. It is the nail trend that whispers elegance rather than shouts, and that’s exactly why it’s having a moment. Its strengthening formula builds structure while giving the illusion of naturally flawless nails. The finish is soft, clean, and refined—like “your nails but richer.”
I got my BIAB nails done in May 2024 at The Nail Boutique, and I haven’t looked back since. My set stayed flawless through the daily Lagos hustle, frantic typing sessions, and a social life that demands a quick clutch grab at any hour—no chips, cracks, or dullness. It is durability in a bottle, with a finish that makes you feel put together while everything else is chaos.
BIAB is one outstanding nail trend because it caters to a diverse range of women. It’s perfect for the corporate girl who lives in tailored blazers, just as much as the minimalist creative who loves her white tees and gold hoops. And the best part? It grows out like a dream, giving you weeks of that freshly done feeling.
While getting mine done, I ensured my natural nails weren’t over-filed, so the BIAB could properly strengthen them. Maintaining my BIAB for three months was quite easy. I got infills every few weeks, applied cuticle oil daily, and wore gloves when cooking because BIAB easily gets stained. With proper care, your BIAB can last weeks and still deliver that fresh look until your next infill. Always remember to apply sunscreen on your hands before UV curing to protect your skin from long-term damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Press-ons are having their main character moment
Press-ons have officially jumped from emergency backup to beauty essentials in the nail trends list. This glow-up is an exciting shift in beauty. Press-ons are no longer a quick fix, but a fully intentional flex, especially when they come in the form of glossy, pre-shaped perfection. From Black-owned brands serving some designs in Ankara prints, chrome finishes, or hand-painted nail art that looks straight out of a gallery, press-ons are the moment.
Even Nicki Minaj is on this trend, as she launches Pink Friday Nails, a press-on line packed with drama, length, and Barbie-level attitude. The girls can’t get enough of press-on nails this period, and those who were early to the trend have definitely been keeping the secret.
Reusable, stylish, and ready on the go—press-ons give the main character energy. And they make soft life look easy. Why sit through a two-hour appointment when you can switch up your entire vibe in under ten minutes?
To apply press-ons, gently buff your nails and use a non-damaging adhesive to prevent your natural nails from peeling. If you use a UV lamp to set gel tabs or finishes, applying SPF beforehand helps to shield your skin.
Gel X is the it-girl of nail trends
Gel X is for the girls who want it all: length, strength, and a sculpted finish without the damage of traditional acrylics. It’s the modern girl’s upgrade for sleek, seamless, long-lasting nails. For it-girls only, Gel X nails make your nails look like they were born that way.
Its flawless fit comes from soft gel tips bonded to the natural nail using a gel-based adhesive and then cured under LED light for a durable, natural-looking finish. In Lagos salons, nail techs are taking it even further—blending custom shapes, intricate art, and colour palettes that range from nude minimalism to full-on glam. Gel X is now the go-to for women who want style without compromise. Its beauty lies in its flexibility, effortlessly fitting into everyday wear and glamorous moments.
Ensure your nail tech preps the natural nail properly and uses a soak-off removal method to prevent unnecessary damage. Since Gel X involves UV curing, ensure you apply sunscreen on your hands or wear UV-protective gloves.
Russian manicure is the new standard
If BIAB is the new nude, Russian manicure sets the bar for precision. This technique goes beyond your basic clean-up. It involves meticulous cuticle work with an e-file, creating a crisp, flawless base that makes the polish look like it’s growing out of your nail bed. Russian manicures have gained cult status thanks to their ultra-polished and long-lasting finish.
Nail artists across cities like Lagos, Accra, and Johannesburg are mastering the method, bringing a high level of detail and excellence to a clientele that demands nothing less. If you decide to get this done, use only trained professionals, as improper e-file use can easily injure the cuticle and cause infections. Also, if gel polish is applied, remember to protect your hands with SPF before UV exposure.
From press-ons to Gel X and now Russian manicures, the standard keeps rising with these nail trends—and we’re here for it. Gel X is for the girls who like their glam to last. Press-ons are for the fashion chameleons, and BIAB is for the sleek and sophisticated. Our nails are saying it all—style, self-expression, and the softest kind of power.
