Nail salon brushes can be really delicate. Therefore they will need specialised treatment to keep them working efficiently. There are three main different types of brushes that are commonly used in all salons. These include gel brushes, liquid and powder brushes and nail art brushes. Each requires different care and attention. So just how do you care for each brush properly?
Powder and Liquid Brushes
Powder and liquid brushes should be mentioned first. This is because they generally require the most care. They are delicately created using natural fine hair which makes them easy to ruin if they are not cared for properly.
To clean them you have to use liquid monomer. Any other cleaner can completely ruin the brush and so you should only ever use liquid monomer. When using a monomer you will need to keep your skin protected through the use of gloves. Monomer should never be allowed to come into contact with the skin.
When you first purchase liquid and powder brushes you will need to clean them before you use them. Dirt or "dressing" as it is often referred to builds up whilst the brush is waiting to be sold. So by removing it the brush will be a lot more efficient. However, you will need to follow specific instructions if you want to do the job properly.
Place a small amount of monomer in a Dappen dish. Take the brush and rub the hairs gently with your fingers. This will help to loosen any dressing that is in the bristles. Next dip the brush into the monomer solution and then bring it out and wipe it onto a disposable towel. A paper towel will work well. You will find that you will need to repeat this step up to three times for the best results. Once you have finished, shape the brush by placing the bristles into a point. Do not just leave it to dry as the acrylic can clog up the bristles and ruin the brush completely. If the bristles have become clogged, try soaking them in a little more monomer to loosen them up a little.
Gel and Nail Art Brushes
When you are shopping for nail art brushes you will find that they come in a large variety of different styles and sizes. No matter which ones you choose the care of them will always be the same. If they are being used with oil based products or with varnish then you will need to clean them with a remover solution. If on the other hand you are using them for paint only, it is possible to get away with cleaning them purely in water. After they are dry, store them in a sealed container.
Gel brushes should also be stored in a sealed container and they should be cleaned with a wet wipe. They are mainly created using synthetic hair and it would be much better to use a specialised brush cleaner to clean them after each use.
