Allergies and Nail Tech Protection

Dust Collectors: It’s Not About Speed – It’s About Airflow
When choosing a dust collector (and even an e-file), many nail techs immediately look at RPM (revolutions or rotations per minute) as the sign of power. After all, the faster it spins, the stronger it must be, right? Not quite....
How to clean your dust collector (the right way)
Your dust collector works hard every single day, keeping your salon cleaner and protecting your lungs from fine nail dust. But to keep it performing at its best, you need to clean it regularly. The key? Do it the right...
How Often Should You Change Your Dust Collector Filter?
If you use a dust collector in your nail business, you already know what a game-changer it is. Not only does it keep your workspace cleaner, but it also helps protect your health by reducing inhalation of fine nail dust....
Why a Dust Collector Can’t Be Quiet (And Why You Shouldn’t Want It To Be)
If you’ve shopped around for dust collectors, you’ve probably seen brands claiming their machines are silent or whisper quiet. Sounds dreamy, right? But here’s the truth: a dust collector can’t be silent - not if it’s actually doing its job....
Dust Collector Filters: What You Really Need (and Why HEPA Isn’t One of Them)
When it comes to keeping your salon safe, clean, and comfortable, dust control is one of the most important things to get right. Filing, e-filing, and enhancements all create fine dust that can build up on your surfaces, in your...
Why Investing in a Dust Collector Can Actually Save You Money
When you’re running a nail business, it’s tempting to focus only on tools and products that directly create revenue such as gels, acrylic and gel polishes. A dust collector might feel like an extra expense, but the truth is: investing...
Portable vs Built-In Dust Collectors: Which One Is Best for You?
As a nail technician, keeping your workspace clean and your air dust-free isn’t just about looking professional - it’s about protecting your health and your clients’ comfort. A nail dust collector is a must-have tool, but with so many options...
How a Nail Dust Collector Protects Your Lungs
As a nail technician, your hands aren’t the only part of your body exposed to daily risks. Every time you file, buff, or use an e-file, you release microscopic dust particles into the air. What you may not realise is...
Top 5 Reasons Every Nail Tech Needs a Dust Collector in Their Salon
If you’re a nail technician, your tools and setup are everything. From your e-file to your brushes, each piece of kit helps you deliver safe, professional results. But one tool that’s often overlooked yet absolutely essential is a dust collector. Here...
Why Dust Irritates the Skin – and the Importance of Gloves and a Dust Collector
As nail techs, we work with products and tools every single day that create fine dust particles from filing enhancements to prepping natural nails. While it may seem harmless, prolonged exposure to nail dust can cause irritation, allergies, and even...
How to Change Your Katie Barnes Dust Collector Filter
Your Katie Barnes Dust Collector is designed to keep your workspace clean and safe, but to perform at its best, the filter needs regular care. Changing the filter is quick and simple, and doing so ensures maximum dust capture and...
Meet the Katie Barnes Rechargable Cordless Dust Collector
If you’re a nail tech, you already know the struggle: dust everywhere. On your desk, in the air, and even in your lungs. For years, nail technicians have been asking for a dust collector that actually works - one that’s...
The Hidden Dangers of Nail Dust (and How to Protect Yourself)
As a nail technician, you’re no stranger to nail dust. Every filing, shaping, or enhancement service creates fine particles that float into the air and settle across your desk, tools, and even your lungs. It’s easy to think of nail...
The Ultimate Guide to Single-Use vs Reusable Tools in the Nail Salon
When it comes to running a safe, hygienic, and professional nail salon, one of the biggest questions techs face is: What do I throw away after one use, and what can be safely disinfected and reused? Not only does this...
Why the right lighting is essential for Nail Techs
Why Good Lighting is essential for Nail Technicians As a nail technician, creating detailed nail art and precision manicures is your craft. However, there's one crucial element that can make all the difference in achieving immaculate results – good lighting....
The Importance of E-Files and Dust Collectors for Professional Nail Technicians
For nail technicians, maintaining the quality and safety of nail services is of utmost importance. Integrating nail tools like e-files and dust collectors holds the potential to significantly enhance efficiency, precision, and the overall client experience. In this blog post,...
Why Microwaving for Sanitisation is a Bad Idea
Stainless steel nail tools are highly popular and durable in the nail industry due to their resistance to rust and corrosion. They're often sanitised, disinfected and sterilised in different ways, including warm soapy water, disinfection solutions and the use of hospital...
The Hidden Dangers of Counterfeit Nail Products: Protecting Yourself as a Consumer
Have you ever been tempted by the allure of cheap nail products that claim to offer the same results as reputable brands? The promise of saving money can be tempting, but the dangers of counterfeit nail products should not be...
The Risks of Counterfeit Nail and Beauty Products
As the CEO and Founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range, with over 16 years of experience in the nail industry, I have encountered my fair share of counterfeit products. Last year, I made a shocking discovery when I found a...
Safety First: Why You Should Avoid Using a Rechargeable E-File While Plugged In
In the nail industry, the use of electric nail files, or e-files, has become increasingly popular for filing nails. While rechargeable e-files offer convenience and portability, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with using them...
Why do nitrile gloves tear?
Firstly, it is important to check the sizing of your gloves and to remember that your hands change over time and the seasons. For example, in warmer months and climates, during pregnancy, hormonal changes, due to certain medications your hands...