Makeup Brush Hair Types

Getting the right makeup tools is just as important in getting the look you want as the actual makeup itself. While most makeup compacts come with mini makeup brushes, it is always useful to own a good set of makeup brushes as it will make application easier.

When shopping for makeup brushes, the tendency is to look for the brush with the softest hairs that would not scratch your face. However, what you may not realise is that different hairs are used according to the makeup purpose, making the most of each hair's features.

So what's the difference between Synthetic-haired and Natural-haired brushes?


Synthetic-haired Brushes
Usually made from taklon or nylon, the bristles are very smooth but do not hold on to powder well. Thus, they are better suited for applying creams (liquid/cream foundation, liquid/cream concealer, cream blush, cream eyeshadow etc.). They are easier to clean as compared to natural-haired brushes. However, this type of brush have a tendency to become stiff as they age.

Natural-haired Brushes
Made from natural hair like goat, pony, squirrel, sable, kolinsky and badger. Natural-haired brushes hold on to powder well, allowing you to apply makeup more evenly. They are used for powder makeup application (loose powder, powder blush, powder eyeshadow).

Now that we know the difference between a synthetic brush and a natural brush, let's move on to the different types of natural-haired brushes.

Goat Makeup Brush
One of the most commonly used hairs found in makeup brushes, it is more coarse compared to other types of hair. The coarser hair allows you to pick up and hold more powder and makes application smooth and even. It is ideal for application of face powder, blush and bronzer.

Pony Makeup Brush
It has a consistent thickness from root to tip. Pony hair is less coarse as compared to goat hair. The bristles are soft and strong, thus making it a good brush for contouring. It is primarily used for blush and eye shadow brushes.

Squirrel Makeup Brush
The squirrel hair used is not from the hair of the typical garden-variety squirrel. Instead, they are from a type of long-haired squirrel. The hair is the softest and has a nice texture and they hold on to powder well. As the hair chosen are very fine, they are gathered into a compact head, making them a perfect brush for eyeshadow, blush and foundation.

Sable Makeup Brush
Sable is the most durable and long-lasting hair used in makeup brushes and they are also super soft. Sable hairs are thick in the middle and pointy at the tips, making them perfect for application of eyeliners and shadows. The brushes hold their shape well and will last forever with proper care. 

Kolinsky Makeup Brush
The kolinsky hair is more delicate than that of the sable hair and its tip is thinner and longer, giving it a pleasant texture. It comes from the tail of a species of mink and the hair is very rare and expensive. It is considered to be a professional grade of hair, and with proper care, the kolinsky brush will last for many years.

Badger Makeup Brush
The coarsest of the natural hair brushes, badger hair has the firmest bristles and is thin at the root and thick on the tip, making it perfect for brow and fan brushes.

I hope you have found the above information useful. Happy brush shopping!