The manicure brush is an integral tool of every nail technician, necessary to create an effective and accurate manicure. It not only helps to embody complex designs, but also significantly simplifies the process of nail extension, making work with gel and acrylic more accurate and convenient.

Today, specialized stores offer a huge variety of manicure brushes that differ in materials, shape, thickness and bristle length. For beginners in the nail industry, it is important to understand that each brush has its purpose. In order not to get confused in such diversity, we have prepared a detailed guide. In this article, we will talk about different types of manicure brushes, their purpose, how to choose the one that suits you, and also how to properly care for the tools so that they last long and effectively.

 

Cysts differ according to three main criteria:

- Material from which they are made;
- The thickness of the pile;
- Purpose.

1. Depending on the material, cysts can be natural, synthetic or combined, combining the properties of both types.

Natural brushes – this is the most expensive, but also the highest quality choice. Their hair has a porous structure that allows the material to stay longer on the brush. Therefore, such brushes are ideal for gradient techniques, watercolor painting, ombre creation and slow drawing. However, it is worth considering that the disadvantage of natural brushes is their susceptibility to damage when in contact with solutions based on acetone, which can reduce their service life.

Synthetic brushes, unlike natural ones, have soft bristles that allow the material not to linger on their surfaces for a long time. When applying the design to the nail plate, the gel quickly runs off the brush, leaving clean and neat lines. Such brushes are ideal for creating detailed drawings and lines using colored gel.

Combined brushes - the composition contains both natural hair and a synthetic element.

✅ NOTE! Each brush is labeled according to the material from which it is made.

2. The next criterion is the pile thickness

To create drawings with large elements, use a brush with a thick bristle, and for thin lines and small details - a brush with a thin bristle. On the handle of each brush there is a number indicating the thickness of the pile: brushes with the thinnest pile are marked with the numbers 0, 00, 000, while thicker brushes have numbers starting with 1 and higher, for example, 6. That is, the higher the number , тем толще кисть.

3. Depending on the application of the brush, several categories can be distinguished:

Brushes for gel polish

If you don't like the brush that comes with the nail polish bottle, you have an excellent alternative! You can purchase individual brushes that are ideal for your needs. Choose a brush depending on the desired thickness and length to achieve the best result when applying gel polish.

Acrylic brushes

Brushes for acrylic, made of stiff bristles with a pointed tip, are ideal for working with acrylic. Their thin tip makes it easy to draw small details and the thinnest lines, which makes them an excellent tool for creating complex patterns.


Brushes for gel

Gel brushes usually have a square or rectangular shape and are distinguished by stiffer bristles. They are specially developed for modeling the shape of nails in the extension technique, which allows you to reach precise lines and accurate results.


Brushes for nail design

Brushes for design can have different thickness and shape, which opens up many possibilities for design. With their help, you can create picturesque paintings, three-dimensional drawings, elegant patterns, as well as drawings made directly on the nails.

At first glance, it may seem that there are many forms of brushes in stores, but in reality there are not so many of them. Let's familiarize ourselves with the main forms and functions of each of them.

Liner brush - for lines

This brush with a tip thickness of up to 2 mm and a length of 2-3 cm is ideal for creating elegant lines. It is intended for drawing monograms, French, geometric patterns and other elements of nail design. The brush works perfectly with gel polishes and gel paints. However, it is worth noting that certain skills and experience are necessary for masterful use of this brush.

Petal brush

Such a brush has a square or rectangular shape and narrows to the tip, resembling a cat's tongue or a flower petal. With its help, you can create complex patterns, apply sequins and apply the glue technique using plasticine.

Fan brush

The fan brush got its name thanks to its unique shape, which allows its hairs to open in a semicircle. This brush is an indispensable tool for applying sparkles and glitter to nails, as well as for creating blurred backgrounds and ombre and gradient effects. With the help of a fan brush, you can easily distribute materials on the surface of the nail, achieving smooth transitions and expressive textures.

Flat brush

This brush is ideal for beginners who want to improve the coating technique. The wide working surface ensures uniform distribution of the material on the nail plate. In addition, with its help, you can capture several shades at the same time, which allows you to create multi-layered and complex patterns.

Angled Brush

This flat brush is cut at a 45-degree angle, making it a versatile tool for creating various effects. The angled brush is ideal for drawing identical elements, volumetric images and diagonal lines. The angled brush also copes well with the task of creating a French manicure. Like the flat brush, the angled brush allows you to combine several colors, which helps to implement complex and original designs.

Oval Brush

This brush with rounded edges is ideal for applying gel nail polish, as well as for creating exquisite designs. In one stroke, you can create the perfect flower petal, adding sophistication and artistic touch to your manicure.

Silicone brush

Silicone brushes are an innovative tool that uses a silicone tip instead of traditional bristles. Such a brush offers a variety of tip shapes, which allows you to diversify your approach to design. One of the main advantages of silicone brushes is that materials do not stick to them, which greatly simplifies the work process and creates neat lines. In addition, silicone brushes are durable, which makes them a good investment for any master.

Dots

Dots are a special tool with balls of different sizes on both ends, which is often used in manicure. In fact, dots can be considered a brush for drawing, since with its help you can create not only dots, but also more complex designs on nails. In some cases, it can successfully replace both a dotting brush and an eyeliner brush, allowing the master to be creative in nail art.

Of course, there is no need to buy all types of brushes at once! To start, it is enough to buy only those that you really need. As you master new techniques, you can expand your collection and get acquainted with different techniques. This way, you can focus on learning and improving your personal skills, and not on the number of tools.

- Before buying a brush, we recommend holding it in your hand. Make sure it fits comfortably in your palm and suits your working style.

- Make sure the brush head is securely attached to the handle. Otherwise, the brush may shift or even fall off during work, which will negatively affect the result.

- To begin with, it is recommended to choose brushes made of synthetic material, as they are more affordable compared to brushes made of natural bristles. If they get damaged during work, you will not regret your choice, especially if you are just starting out and mastering the technique.

- Pay attention to the hairs of the brush: they should be neat and firmly fixed at the base. If you notice long hairs during the process, carefully trim them with scissors, leaving a few millimeters from the base. This will prevent hair loss in the future.

 

Proper care and storage of brushes can significantly extend their service life. To ensure the longevity of the tool, follow a few simple recommendations:

- Use brushes only for their intended purpose. Avoid drawing on paper, as this can ruin the fibers.

- New brushes are covered with a protective glue that can be easily removed with a napkin.

- Acrylic brushes should be thoroughly rinsed with water after use, while gel brushes should avoid contact with water to maintain their shape and quality.

- If you work with acrylic paints, it is important to wash your brush after each use. Acrylic dries quickly on the hairs, which can make further work difficult. Trying to remove dried paint with acetone can damage the brush, which will reduce the quality of the brush itself. Proper care of your tools will help keep them in excellent condition and ensure better painting.

- Rinse your brushes in warm water, following the direction of the hairs. Gently run your fingers through the hairs to ensure good cleaning.

- Do not leave the brush in water for a long time to avoid damage. After washing, let the brush dry well to maintain its shape and quality.

- If the brush is slightly curved, try holding it in hot water for 2 minutes, and then let it dry. This will help return the brush to its original shape.

- Use the brush only after it is completely dry to avoid problems during the work process and achieve a high-quality result. This will help ensure an even application and prevent accidental mistakes.

- To clean the brush from gel polish, use a viscous base. Apply a drop of base to the surface and gently dip the brush into it. Then wipe the brush with a paper napkin, trying not to bend the hairs. You can also use special solutions for cleaning manicure brushes, which provide gentle removal of gel polish residue.

- When working, try to keep the brush away from the nail lamp to avoid accidental polymerization of the material on the hairs.

- If you use a palette to mix colors, make sure its surface is smooth. This will help avoid damage to the brush hairs and ensure a more even distribution of colors.

- There is no need to disinfect the brushes.

- Store the brush vertically, with the hairs facing up, to prevent damage. Make sure the brushes are thoroughly dry before storing.

- To store brushes, you can use special transparent caps that are put on the hairs. It is important that the hairs are completely dry before putting the cap on the brush. This will help to maintain the shape and quality of the hairs for a long time.

- Store your brushes in a special case or pouch to protect them from light and dust. It is recommended to use opaque cases to avoid exposure of brushes to sunlight and artificial light. This will help keep them in excellent condition for a long time.

High-quality manicure brushes are an indispensable tool in the arsenal of any nail artist! With their help, you can implement the boldest designs and add sophistication to both your manicure and your client's manicure. The right brush is the key to fine lines, neat details and a professional result. Invest in your brush collection and discover new horizons in the world of nail art!

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