Brushes » Brushes by Use » Cosmetic Brushes » Hair Brushes

Hair brushes come in thousands of styles, materials, and designs. A variety of hairstyling brushes ranging from natural bristle to wooden quills to accommodate different hair types. A number of bristle patterns are available and they're used for different purposes. Each one is designed to create different styles or to care for specific types of hair.


Types of bristles

Boar: This bristle is the actual hair of a boar (hog). Boar bristles are considered ideal because they close the cuticle layer, the outside armor of the hair and create shiny hair. Boar bristles are natural, soft, flexible bristles that gently brush the hair and are suitable for use on children.

Nylon: This name represents a category for all types of bristles made of plastic, nylon, rubber, or similar materials. Nylon bristles can be soft and flexible or stiff and firm and offer little to maximum control, depending on how closely the bristles are placed and how flexible the material.

Porcupine: Porcupine is a term used for a tufted bristle, multiple bristles grouped together that usually includes a combination of boar and nylon bristles. It's gentle, but it exerts a good hold on the hair. This design is excellent for controlling fine hair, as well as for thoroughly brushing thick hair right down to the scalp.


Type Of Hair Brushes

Vented Brush: This brush has widely spaced, flexible bristles. Openings in the head, where the bristles are attached, allow for good airflow.

Cushioned brush: This category of brushes includes the oval-shaped cushioned brush with padded head, used for simply brushing out the hair and the flat paddle brush with an air cushion that's used exclusively for long hair.

Round brush: Many round brushes have wooden or plastic handles with a variety of grips that ensure good traction and fit your hand. Round brush are used to have some bend or curl in the hair.

Brushes used for acrylics have long handles that allow the artist to work at a distance from the canvas. Acrylic paints are more caustic than oils, so acrylic brushes are designed with synthetics and bristle. Acrylic brushes are usable in other mediums, particularly oils, while brushes designed specifically for oil painting and watercolors are unsuitable for acrylics. Artists can very effectively use glazing and layering techniques when using acrylic brushes.

Both natural and synthetic bristles can be used with acrylics, depending on the artist's preference. But, acrylics, being alkaline in nature, can be hard on natural hair brushes. Those made with high quality synthetics have excellent durability and offers excellent stiffness, snap and hair shape retention for maximum control. The brushes must be kept clean. If acrylic paint dries in a brush it is very hard to get out without using strong solvents that might damage the brush. Brushes are cleaned promptly by washing them with warm water and mild soap when finished painting.