// Nails · Gel vs Polish · Builder Gel — L3 data

const OILY = {
  type: "Builder Gel",
  parent: { title: "Gel vs Polish", href: "/en/nails/gel-vs-polish/" },
  grandparent: { title: "Nails", href: "/en/nails/" },
  totalCount: 67,
  hero: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604654894610-df63bc536371?w=1800&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop",
  heroAlt: "Close-up of nail extension being shaped with builder gel, nail file in hand",
  h1: "Builder gel — structure, strength, and how it differs.",
  deck: "Structural overlay for natural nails and extensions. What BIAB is, how hard gel differs from soft gel, and when you need thickness rather than colour.",
  intro: "Builder gel sits in a different category from gel polish. Where gel polish is colour with longevity, builder gel is structural — it adds mass, length, and tensile strength to the nail. The distinction matters because the application technique, the cure requirements, and the removal method are all different. BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) has made builder gel accessible for home use, but the term is often confused with regular gel base coats. True builder gel has enough viscosity to self-level into a dome shape, enough tensile strength to support extended length, and enough flexibility to move with the nail without cracking. Filing is part of the process, not a sign something went wrong.",
  byline: "Edited by Nelly · Beauty & Style Director",
  meta: { count: 67, updated: "Updated 2 May 2026", reading: "Avg. 5 min per piece" },
};

const TYPE_SIBLINGS = [
  { id: "regular-polish",  title: "Regular Polish",  n: "01", href: "/en/nails/gel-vs-polish/regular-polish/" },
  { id: "gel-polish",      title: "Gel Polish",      n: "02", href: "/en/nails/gel-vs-polish/gel-polish/" },
  { id: "builder-gel",     title: "Builder Gel",     n: "03", cur: true, href: "/en/nails/gel-vs-polish/builder-gel/" },
  { id: "dip-and-hybrids", title: "Dip & Hybrids",   n: "04", href: "/en/nails/gel-vs-polish/dip-and-hybrids/" },
  { id: "safe-removal",    title: "Safe Removal",    n: "05", href: "/en/nails/gel-vs-polish/safe-removal/" },
];

const QUICK_FACTS = {
  defn: {
    h: "What builder gel actually is",
    body: "Builder gel is a thick-viscosity UV/LED-curable gel formulated to provide structural support rather than just colour. Its oligomer chains are longer and more cross-linked than those in gel polish, giving it higher tensile strength and resistance to cracking under lateral stress. The gel is dense enough to hold a dome shape on the nail without slumping before cure — this self-levelling property is what makes it useful for overlays and extensions. It cures to a semi-rigid but flexible film that can be filed and buffed to shape. BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) is a subset: builder gel packaged in a brush-top bottle with lower viscosity, designed for overlay use on natural nails rather than extension building.",
  },
  myths: [
    { m: "Builder gel is the same as acrylic.",
      t: "They share the goal of structural support but differ in chemistry. Acrylic uses a powder-liquid monomer system that polymerises in air. Builder gel is a pre-mixed UV/LED formula. Builder gel is generally more flexible than acrylic and doesn't require a separate liquid monomer." },
    { m: "BIAB is just a thick base coat.",
      t: "BIAB is a true builder gel with structural properties — it adds measurable thickness and strength to the natural nail. A standard gel base coat is designed only to improve adhesion and is too thin and soft to provide overlay support." },
    { m: "Builder gel has to be filed off — you can never soak it off.",
      t: "Soak-off builder gel formulas exist and dissolve in acetone with extended wrapping (20–30 minutes). Hard gel does require filing. The distinction is on the product label, not the category name." },
  ],
};

const BEGINNER_PATH = {
  h: "Start here, if builder gel is new to you.",
  deck: "Five pieces, in order. About twenty-two minutes of reading. The structural foundation before you pick up a file.",
  steps: [
    { n: "01", t: "Builder gel vs gel polish — the structural difference",    time: "4 min", note: "Why viscosity and oligomer chain length change the application entirely." },
    { n: "02", t: "BIAB application on natural nails — the overlay method",    time: "5 min", note: "Surface prep, application zones, cure sequence, and first filing." },
    { n: "03", t: "Hard gel vs soft gel — which one you're working with",      time: "4 min", note: "Soak-off potential, strength trade-offs, and how to check your product." },
    { n: "04", t: "Filing builder gel — grits, direction, and apex placement", time: "5 min", note: "The apex, the c-curve, and why barrel-filing direction matters." },
    { n: "05", t: "Builder gel removal — file-off vs soak-off protocol",       time: "4 min", note: "The e-file shortcut and the manual alternative. Both done safely." },
  ],
};

const TRENDING = [
  { rank: "01", t: "BIAB explained — what it is and whether it's worth it",             time: "5 min", auth: "Nelly", date: "May 01", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604654894610-df63bc536371?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", reads: "14,220" },
  { rank: "02", t: "Hard gel vs soft gel — the strength and removal trade-off",          time: "4 min", auth: "Iris",  date: "Apr 27", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1522337660859-02fbefca4702?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", reads: "11,034" },
  { rank: "03", t: "Builder gel over natural nails — length limits and stress points",   time: "4 min", auth: "Nelly", date: "Apr 22", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604902396830-aca29e19b067?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", reads: "8,901" },
  { rank: "04", t: "The apex in nail extensions — what it is and how to find it",        time: "3 min", auth: "Nelly", date: "Apr 17", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1599948128020-9a44505b0d1b?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", reads: "7,340" },
  { rank: "05", t: "Builder gel filling — when to infill vs remove and reapply",         time: "4 min", auth: "Iris",  date: "Apr 12", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1608248597279-f99d160bfcbc?w=1100&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", reads: "6,180" },
];

const FORMAT_GUIDE = {
  h: "Builder gel format comparison",
  deck: "BIAB, hard gel, and polygel serve different use cases. The right choice depends on whether you need an overlay, length, or a hybrid sculpting system.",
  formats: [
    { name: "BIAB (Builder in a Bottle)", when: "Natural nail overlay, strength without extension, home use",    avoid: "Extensions beyond 2–3mm past free edge — insufficient for full length", note: "Lower viscosity builder gel in brush bottle. Self-levels on natural nail. Soak-off in most formulas.", verdict: "Best for natural nail" },
    { name: "Hard gel (sculpting gel)",   when: "Extensions, significant length, maximum durability",            avoid: "If you want soak-off removal — hard gel must be filed",               note: "High-strength, file-off formula. Used for tip extensions and sculpted forms.", verdict: "Extensions only" },
    { name: "Soft gel / soak-off builder", when: "Overlay with removal flexibility, salon infill appointments",  avoid: "Very long lengths — softer formula has less tensile strength",         note: "Builder viscosity with acetone-soak-off properties. Middle ground.", verdict: "Flexible choice" },
    { name: "Polygel",                    when: "Sculpted extensions, combination of hard gel strength + workability", avoid: "If you don't have dual forms or nail tips to sculpt over",       note: "Acrylic-gel hybrid. Doesn't self-level — requires slip solution and sculpting technique.", verdict: "Advanced use" },
    { name: "Rubber base (thick)",        when: "Surface levelling, ridge fill, light strengthening",            avoid: "Confusing with builder gel — rubber base is not structural",           note: "Thick gel base coat with some self-levelling. Not the same viscosity or strength as true builder gel.", verdict: "Not a substitute" },
    { name: "Gel tip extension systems",  when: "Press-on length with gel overlay finish",                        avoid: "Natural nail health — adhesive tips require prep and careful removal", note: "Pre-shaped tips bonded with gel. Faster than sculpting. Less customisable.", verdict: "Speed option" },
  ],
};

const HOWTOS = [
  { t: "BIAB application on natural nails — the full overlay sequence",         time: 5, tech: "Application", auth: "Nelly", date: "May 01", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604654894610-df63bc536371?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Technique", pick: true },
  { t: "Hard gel vs soft gel — strength, flexibility, and removal",             time: 4, tech: "Format",      auth: "Iris",  date: "Apr 27", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1522337660859-02fbefca4702?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Format",    pick: true },
  { t: "Filing builder gel — grits, the apex, and c-curve technique",           time: 5, tech: "Filing",      auth: "Nelly", date: "Apr 22", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604902396830-aca29e19b067?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Technique", pick: true },
  { t: "Builder gel removal — file-off method without damage",                  time: 4, tech: "Removal",     auth: "Nelly", date: "Apr 17", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1599948128020-9a44505b0d1b?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Removal",   pick: true },
  { t: "BIAB vs gel polish — when to choose structure over colour",             time: 4, tech: "Format",      auth: "Iris",  date: "Apr 12", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1608248597279-f99d160bfcbc?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Format",    pick: true },
  { t: "Builder gel infill — timing and zone prep",                             time: 4, tech: "Application", auth: "Nelly", date: "Apr 07", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604654894610-df63bc536371?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Technique", pick: false },
  { t: "Polygel sculpting — dual forms, slip solution, and shaping",            time: 5, tech: "Polygel",     auth: "Iris",  date: "Apr 02", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1522337660859-02fbefca4702?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Technique", pick: false },
  { t: "Builder gel lifting — why it happens at the stress wall",               time: 3, tech: "Troubleshoot", auth: "Nelly", date: "Mar 28", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604902396830-aca29e19b067?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Troubleshoot", pick: false },
  { t: "Natural nail length with BIAB — how much extension is safe",            time: 3, tech: "Format",      auth: "Iris",  date: "Mar 23", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1599948128020-9a44505b0d1b?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Format",    pick: false },
  { t: "The apex — why it matters and how to build it correctly",               time: 3, tech: "Filing",      auth: "Nelly", date: "Mar 18", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1608248597279-f99d160bfcbc?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Technique", pick: false },
  { t: "Builder gel over gel polish — layering rules",                          time: 3, tech: "Application", auth: "Iris",  date: "Mar 13", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604654894610-df63bc536371?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Technique", pick: false },
  { t: "Sculpted extensions without tips — the foil form method",               time: 5, tech: "Application", auth: "Nelly", date: "Mar 08", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1522337660859-02fbefca4702?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Technique", pick: false },
  { t: "Wattage requirements for builder gel cure",                             time: 3, tech: "Lamp",        auth: "Iris",  date: "Mar 03", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604902396830-aca29e19b067?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Format",    pick: false },
  { t: "Gel tip systems — press-on with gel overlay vs sculpted extensions",    time: 4, tech: "Format",      auth: "Nelly", date: "Feb 26", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1599948128020-9a44505b0d1b?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Format",    pick: false },
  { t: "Builder gel on bitten nails — prep and application adjustments",        time: 4, tech: "Application", auth: "Iris",  date: "Feb 21", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1608248597279-f99d160bfcbc?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Technique", pick: false },
  { t: "Curing thick builder gel — layers vs single application",               time: 3, tech: "Application", auth: "Nelly", date: "Feb 16", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604654894610-df63bc536371?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Technique", pick: false },
  { t: "E-file basics for builder gel shaping",                                 time: 4, tech: "Filing",      auth: "Iris",  date: "Feb 11", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1522337660859-02fbefca4702?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Technique", pick: false },
  { t: "Builder gel colour — pigmented builder vs clear overlay with gel colour", time: 3, tech: "Format",   auth: "Nelly", date: "Feb 06", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1604902396830-aca29e19b067?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Format",    pick: false },
  { t: "Nail prep before BIAB — dehydration and bonding agents",                time: 3, tech: "Application", auth: "Iris",  date: "Feb 01", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1599948128020-9a44505b0d1b?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Technique", pick: false },
  { t: "Breaking builder gel — stress points and how to reinforce them",        time: 4, tech: "Troubleshoot", auth: "Nelly", date: "Jan 27", img: "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1608248597279-f99d160bfcbc?w=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop", kick: "Troubleshoot", pick: false },
];

const TECH_FILTERS = ["All", "Application", "Filing", "Format", "Removal", "Lamp", "Polygel", "Troubleshoot"];

const TYPE_CROSSLINKS = [
  { id: "regular-polish",  title: "Regular Polish", deck: "No structure, full transparency. Traditional lacquer explained.",    count: 78, href: "/en/nails/gel-vs-polish/regular-polish/" },
  { id: "gel-polish",      title: "Gel Polish",     deck: "UV/LED cure for colour and longevity without added structure.",      count: 92, href: "/en/nails/gel-vs-polish/gel-polish/" },
  { id: "dip-and-hybrids", title: "Dip & Hybrids",  deck: "Powder systems and hybrid formulas — the in-between options.",      count: 58, href: "/en/nails/gel-vs-polish/dip-and-hybrids/" },
  { id: "safe-removal",    title: "Safe Removal",   deck: "How to remove builder gel without thinning the nail plate.",        count: 45, href: "/en/nails/gel-vs-polish/safe-removal/" },
];

Object.assign(window, {
  OILY, TYPE_SIBLINGS, QUICK_FACTS, BEGINNER_PATH, TRENDING, FORMAT_GUIDE, HOWTOS, TECH_FILTERS, TYPE_CROSSLINKS,
});