Micro Dust, Soakable Systems, and Why It Matters to Us
When people think about air quality in a nail salon, they usually think about strong smells. What they don’t think about is dust. Not the kind you see on a surface, but micro dust. The kind that can linger in the air after a service is finished.
What is micro dust?
Micro dust is made up of extremely fine particles created during nail prep and product removal. When gel products are filed, tiny polymer fragments are released into the air. These particles are small enough to remain airborne for periods of time, which is why air quality and dust management matter in salon environments. Unlike heavier debris that settles quickly, fine dust can travel beyond the immediate workstation and become part of the shared air. Over months and years inside a salon, repeated exposure adds up.
This isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness.
The role of soakable systems
Not all nail products behave the same way during removal.
Hard Gel, non-soakable systems typically require dry filing to break through the product. Acetone has little effect, so removal relies on mechanical abrasion, which can create more lightweight airborne dust.
Soakable systems, on the other hand, are designed to soften and release. The soaking process actually changes the dust itself.
When filing does happen during our services, Acetone begins softening the cured gel before filing starts. This changes the physical behavior of the material being removed.
Softer gel:
Breaks into heavier, less dry particles
Is less likely to linger in the breathing zone compared to dry-filed dust
This does not mean there is zero dust. It does mean the dust behaves differently and settles more quickly instead of staying suspended in the air. So if you see filing during your service, there’s no need to be alarmed. We are not dry-filing fully cured product into the space.
The difference you don’t see
You won’t always notice micro dust visually. What you will notice is how the space feels. Lighter. Easier to breathe in. Less harsh on the body over time. That’s intentional.
Clean air isn’t just about what we add to a space. It’s also about what we actively choose not to put into it.
A note of respect for hard gel technicians
It’s important to say this clearly: hard gel systems can be used safely. Independent technicians who work with proper source-capture ventilation, high-quality dust collectors, and appropriate masks can absolutely perform services responsibly and safely.
This post is not a critique of those practices or the professionals who use them well.
The part of this story that’s personal
There’s also a very human reason behind this choice. I have sensory sensitivities. Fine dust in the air, on surfaces, and settling on skin creates a level of nervous system overload that’s hard to ignore. It’s not logical. It’s visceral.
The feeling of particles floating, landing everywhere, and lingering in the space makes my skin crawl. Once you notice it, it’s impossible to un-notice. Designing a salon where I could work comfortably meant designing a space where that sensory overload was minimized, not constantly managed.
Different paths, same goal
There is more than one way to practice responsibly in this industry. So many thoughtful nail systems are available today, each designed for different working styles, spaces, and needs. There’s no single right approach, just the one that fits best. This is simply the path that works best for us.