If you have ever gotten acrylic or gel nails applied at a salon, you have likely seen the small, stiff brushes used to apply product to the natural nails. But have you ever wondered what these unique brushes are made of?<\/p>\n
The short answer is that most artificial nail brushes are crafted using nylon or a blend of both nylon and natural hairs.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the materials used to create quality artificial nail brushes. We will explore the most common types of synthetic and natural hairs used, compare the benefits and downsides of each, and provide tips for identifying high-quality nail brushes.<\/p>\n
Nylon is one of the most common synthetic filaments used in artificial nail brushes. It is a strong, flexible material that is durable and resistant to damage. Nylon bristles have a smooth texture that is gentle on natural nails and allows for easy application of nail products.<\/p>\n
Some key benefits of nylon include:<\/p>\n
Polyester is another synthetic filament that offers stiffness, springiness, and resistance that is advantageous for nail brushes. Compared to nylon, polyester is a bit more rigid and less prone to losing its shape. Key benefits of polyester include:<\/p>\n
The firmness of polyester makes it ideal for nail art brushes intended for fine details or one-stroke paintings. The bristles resist “splaying” and can hold their point nicely. Quality polyester filaments are a smart choice for intermediate to advanced nail artists.<\/p>\n
Microfiber filaments are very fine synthetic hairs that create ultra-soft, smooth brushes. They are usually made from a blend of synthetic materials like nylon and polyester. Key traits of microfiber include:<\/p>\n
Microfiber nail brushes are a top choice for advanced nail technicians doing intricate designs. The soft, tiny bristles allow jaw-dropping nail art while being gentle on the nails. Salon-quality brush sets often feature microfiber for specialty brushes.<\/p>\n
Sable hair brushes are made from the fur of sable animals like marten, kolinsky, or fox. This type of hair is appreciated for its strength, elasticity, and ability to hold a fine point for detail work (critical properties for quality nail art brushes<\/b>).<\/p>\n
The finest sable hair used in nail art brushes comes from male kolinsky sable animals found in cold climates like Russia and China. This fur is harvested during winter when the hair follicles produce the thickest, most resilient fur to protect against the cold temperatures.<\/p>\n
Kolinsky sable hair is considered the gold standard for nail art brushes<\/b> given its superior snap and precision for polish control. A single kolinsky sable hair is strong enough to hold a fine tip while having enough flexibility to smoothly drag color along the nail surface.<\/p>\n
Statistics show that a quality kolinsky brush can maintain a sharp point through over 1000 strokes<\/b> before a retouch is required (source<\/a>).<\/p>\n Pony hair, often called squirrel hair, is another natural hair valued for its appliction in nail brushes. This silkier hair comes from pony animals residing in the northern-most climates like Siberia. The extreme cold climate helps pony hair hold its shape better while the softer texture allows for smooth polish application.<\/p>\n In testing, pony hair nail brushes are not as durable as sable hair for holding a super fine tip through repeated strokes. However, the softness of pony hair creates beautiful blends when doing transitions or ombre effects on nails.<\/p>\n Many nail techs actually prefer pony hair for bigger nail art brushes used for abstract designs, color blocking, or bold strokes requiring soft edges (the elasticity prevents unwanted hard lines<\/b>).<\/p>\n Goat hair is not typically used for professional quality nail art brushes but may be found in cheaper brush sets. While the natural texture helps grab and hold polish well, goat hair does not have the snap and precision of sable or pony hair when used on nails.<\/p>\n The porous structure causes goat hair to fray and lose shape faster. Most nail artists consider brushes with a high percentage of goat hair substandard for detailed manicures or pedicures.<\/p>\nPony Hair<\/h3>\n
Goat Hair<\/h3>\n