What Kind Of Bristle Does An Acrylic Nail Brush Made Of?

Have you ever worked with a brush that wouldn't hold its shape? Maybe a brush that couldn’t pick up the right size bead. Or worse, a brush where the bristles fell out when you were working on a customer.

That would be a complete disaster. In this article, we’ll learn more about what kind of bristle does an acrylic nail brush made of.

What Makes An Acrylic Nail Brush So Important?

It takes more than just knowing the right techniques to be a pro in the acrylic nail industry. If you want to be a good nail technician then it’s important to have the right acrylic brushes.

So, why is an acrylic nail brush different from other nail brushes?

This is because of the bristles. The material your bristles are made of makes all the difference.

What Is The Difference Between Acrylic Brushes And Gel Brushes?

The main difference between an acrylic brush and a gel brush is the kind of bristles they are made from.

Gel brushes typically use a nylon bristle called Taklon, which is an affordable and effective material known for its stiffness.

On the other hand, acrylic brushes are usually made from natural animal hairs like sable or kolinsky.

When it comes down to it, the choice between acrylic brushes and gel brushes ultimately depends on your personal preference and the type of nail artistry you specialize in.

If you're all about acrylic nails and crave that precision and liquid-holding power, then an acrylic brush made from natural hair fibers is the way to go.

But if you're a gel guru who values durability and easy cleaning, a Taklon gel brush will be your new best friend.

What Should The Bristles Of An Acrylic Nail Brush Be Made From?

The acrylic nail brush is commonly made up of natural animal hair. The bristles of a good acrylic brush are made from the fur of two animals, Kolinsky and Sable.

Kolinsky is the name of the small forest weasels in the forests of Asia. The tail fur they produce during winter makes the best bristles for acrylic nail brushes.

Sable is also a small weasel-like animal primarily found in Russia, Siberia, and other parts of Asia. Their fur is also very popular in the acrylic nail brush industry as it works almost as well as the Kolinsky while being a bit less expensive.

Why Must Acrylic Nail Brushes Be Made From Sable Or Kolinsky?

The natural hair bristles hold the acrylic liquid much better than the synthetic one. The cuticle on the hair absorbs just enough monomer that enables you to pick up that perfect bead.

Kolinsky sable brushes have a full belly with a naturally pointed and thin tip that makes applying and shaping the acrylic possible. The natural bristles have the perfect combination of strength and suppleness to smear the acrylic in any direction.

Acrylic brushes with natural bristles, especially Kolinsky, last a whole lot longer than synthetic nail brushes

Vegan Acrylic Nail Brushes

Understandably, you might not want to buy one of these to apply acrylic nails. There is an increasing demand for synthetic acrylic nail brushes that have the same benefits as natural ones without harming any animals.

Manufacturers are developing high-quality acrylic nail brushes with synthetic bristles that have a very similar structure to natural hair. However, the brushes with bristles from Kolinsky-sable currently remain the best option.

What Is the Best Acrylic Brush for Beginners?

If you're just starting out in the world of acrylic nails, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by all the different brushes out there.

You see, the brush is an extension of your hand when it comes to creating stunning acrylic nails. It's your tool for precision and control, so it's important to choose one that feels comfortable and allows you to create beautiful nail enhancements.

The Top Contenders

Now that we understand the importance of a good brush, let's take a look at some of the top contenders for the best acrylic brush for beginners:

1. Kolinsky Sable Brush

When it comes to acrylic brushes, Kolinsky and Sable are the gold standards. These brushes are made from the hair of the Siberian weasel, known for its ability to hold and distribute the acrylic liquid evenly.

The bristles are firm, yet flexible, allowing for precise application. Many nail technicians swear by Kolinsky sable brushes for their durability and ability to create crisp lines.

2. Synthetic Bristle Brush

If you're looking for a more affordable option, a synthetic bristle brush might be the way to go. These brushes are made from nylon or taklon bristles and are known for their durability.

They can be a bit stiffer than Kolinsky sable brushes, but they still offer good control and are great for beginners who are just starting to get the hang of acrylic applications.

3. Hybrid Brush

If you can't decide between Kolinsky sable and synthetic bristle, why not go for a hybrid brush? These brushes combine the best of both worlds, with synthetic bristles in the center and Kolinsky sable bristles on the outer edge.

This design allows for better liquid retention and control, making it a great option for beginners who want the best of both worlds.

Choosing the Right Size

Now that we've covered the different types of brushes, let's talk about size. Acrylic brushes come in a range of sizes, typically ranging from #2 to #20.

The size you choose will depend on the length and shape of the nail you're working on. Here's a general guide to help you choose the right size:.

• #2 to #8: These smaller brushes are great for shorter nails and intricate designs.
• #10 to #14: These medium-sized brushes are versatile and can be used for a variety of nail lengths and shapes.
• #16 to #20: These larger brushes are ideal for longer nails and creating larger designs.

Remember, it's always a good idea to have a few different sizes on hand to accommodate different nail lengths and shapes.

Learn about the best acrylic brush size here for more details.

How Do I Know If My Acrylic Nail Brush Is Kolinsky?

As with all beauty products, there are always fakes circulating the market. You can also end up buying brushes with mixed bristles from other animals.

Truth is, you can not always be sure if the bristles of your new brush are truly made from where it says. But one good way to check is if the tip of the brush is a darker shade than the belly of the brush.

This is how the Kolinsky tail hairs are naturally arranged and it’s a good indicator.

Another thing you could do is to check the reviews for that product but beware of fake reviews!

How To Take Care of Your Acrylic Brush

You probably don’t want to buy a new Kolinsky brush every 6 months. That’s why taking care of those bristles and the whole brush, in general, is important.

Pro tip: How To Make Your Acrylic Nail Brush Last Long

• Don’t let the bristles come in contact with your skin. Once won’t hurt but constant exposure to the oils produced by your skin will damage the bristles.
• Take care of the bristles like it’s your hair, and don’t use harsh agents such as acetone or detergent to clean your brush. Always use a monomer. Here is how to clean your acrylic nail brush.
• Allow your brush to dry before storing it.
• If available, cover the brush with a brush cap or store it by placing it vertically in a brush holder with the bristles facing up.

Phew and that’s that on acrylic nail brush bristles.

Buying a new acrylic nail brush can be a bit of a hassle. Especially if you don’t have the experience or know the best brushes to buy. I certainly hope this article helped clear some doubts.

Don’t forget to leave a comment if you found this article helpful. We always love to hear about your experiences and insights!