What sort of manicure should I get?

[bendmeoverbackwards]

I don’t understand all the different terms - acrylics/gels/BIAB/dipping powder etc?

My own nails are ok but some are very short due to picking/biting. I’m trying hard to stop but in the meantime I want them to look nice for a party next weekend.

I want to avoid the UV lamp if possible, any recommendations please?

All of the above require using a uv lamp apart from acrylics. Can I ask why you want to avoid? The uv in the lamps are so low they aren’t damaging.

if you want to avoid a uv lamp then polish is your option or acrylics but again you’d need polish on top as shellac requires a lamp

I started off with builder gel under Shellac as my nails were awful and thin from biting.

I’m just not keen on UV light on my hands.

What about dipping powder?

The dipping powder itself doesn’t require uv as it’s acrylic but they won’t be able to top coat it without a lamp unless they put nail polish on