How the brushes are made

Inside the art of brush making: passion, precision & how to make your brushes last

Behind every flawless set of nails is a brush that does more than just apply product—it performs. It glides. It delivers precision. But have you ever stopped to wonder what makes a great brush... truly great?

At our core at Magnetic Nail Design, we believe in quality over shortcuts. That’s why we work with a professional brush maker—someone who doesn’t just assemble brushes but crafts them by hand with dedication, skill, and years of experience. Each brush you hold is the result of meticulous work, attention to detail, and an understanding of what nail professionals really need.

The journey from loose hair to your favourite brush

Creating a professional-quality brush starts with choosing the right hair—be it natural (like Kolinsky Sable) or high-performance synthetic. The hair is selected for key attributes like softness, bounce, elasticity, and resilience. These traits are essential for controlling product, especially in techniques that demand high precision.

Once the perfect bundle is selected, the brush maker weighs and aligns the hairs manually. This isn’t just about measuring—it’s about craftsmanship. The hair must lie uniformly and be placed in a ferrule (the metal casing) in a very specific shape: flat, angled, or pointed, depending on its intended use.

The exposed length of the hair is carefully trimmed by hand. If it’s even slightly off, the entire process is redone. Once the alignment is perfect, the ferrule is glued onto the handle, and the hair is shaped and set using arabic gum. This final step helps the brush keep its form and stay protected during shipping.

Why Handmade Quality Matters

Most brushes in our collection are fully handmade—each one crafted to ensure it meets the standards of serious nail professionals. Only certain utility brushes (like those used in glue bottles) are produced mechanically. Our premium brushes often feature Kolinsky Sable hair—a gold standard in brush quality due to its strength, flexibility, and fine point.

Yes, handmade brushes come at a premium price—but they’re an investment. When properly cared for, they can serve you beautifully for a longtime.

The ultimate brush care routine: easy tips for long life

A high-quality brush deserves proper care. Whether you’re using it for acrylic, gel, or nail art, following a few simple habits will keep your brushes soft, sharp, and in great shape:

• Always clean your brush thoroughly after each use.

• Use the right cleaner for the right brush:

  • Acrylic brushes: clean with fresh acrylic liquid

  • Gel brushes: use Geal Cleaner or 70% alcohol, or a finishing wipe

  • Nail art brushes: rinse with base gel and dry wipe only.

• Reshape the bristles after cleaning to maintain form.

• Avoid exposing gel brushes to UV light, which can damage the hair.

• Store your brushes horizontally in a case, brush book, or with the Click-On system.

• Protect your tools from dust and debris.

• Never leave your brush standing in a jar of liquid. The liquid can oxidise the metal ferrule and lead to contamination.

What if acrylic cures in your brush? First Aid!

We get it—it happens! If an acrylic product hardens in your brush, act fast:

1. Soak the tip of the brush in pure acetone (don’t let it stand bristles-down—this will ruin the hair).

2. Use a clothespin or clip to suspend the brush so the bristles hang freely in the solution.

3. After 10–20 minutes, rinse thoroughly in clean acrylic liquid.

4. Think of the acetone as shampoo, and your acrylic liquid as conditioner.

Warning: If gel cures in your brush, it cannot be saved and will need to be replaced.

Storage tip: Click-On brush hack

When using Click-On brushes, always store them bristles-down when not in use. This prevents leftover liquid from creeping up into the ferrule and damaging the metal, helping your brush last longer and perform better.

Love your brush

A great brush is more than a tool—it’s an extension of your artistry. With expert craftsmanship and a little daily care, your brushes will stay in top form, ready to help you bring your boldest, most beautiful designs to life.