10 Best Nail Art Brushes For At-Home Manicures: Buying Guide
Get your manicure on point with the right styling tools for accuracy and precision.
Tommy is a New York-based makeup artist with over a decade of experience. He originally hails from Los Angeles and Tokyo and is largely inspired by color, organic life, and spirituality. Tommy has been featured in prestigious publications like Vogue Runway, Vogue Italia, Vanguard, Playbill, and Worldwide, among others.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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As someone new to painting nails, you need to own the best nail art brushes to get started with. Nail art is a great hobby, and it also channels your artistic talent to make you look gorgeous. Scrolling through the internet, you will meet many people who display their creativity through nail art. From the most complicated arts to simple designs, you will be really inspired to try your hands in them. Acrylic nails are more than just manicured nails. They need precise tools and techniques to give a professional touch to your nails. Once you have all the nail paints and base colors, to make sure you can pull off complex designs without a sweat, you will need the perfect brush. No matter how great your colors are, using a brush not made for nail painting can ruin your entire art. So to make sure all your attempts at nail painting are flawless and picture-perfect, we made a list of the 10 best tried-and-tested nail brushes that will get you started with your hobby. Check them out to see which one is made for you.
In This Article
The Internet’s Best Nail Art Brushes For Dazzling DIY Nails
1. Best Easy-To-Clean:Modelones Nail Art Brushes Set
The Modelones Nail Art Brushes Set includes six different nail pens- nail paint brushes, a liner nail brush, a nail carved pen, an extension gel brush, and a double nail dotting pen. The brushes are designed with soft fiber bristles that are installed in anti-shedding tubes. They also have ergonomic handles. The nail art pens are incredibly lightweight and easy to handle, making them ideal for both beginners and experts.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Value for money
- Easy to use
- Ultra-soft synthetic fiber bristles
- Anti-shedding tubes
- Splinter-resistant handles
- Ergonomic
Cons
- The brushes’ paint may peel off quickly
"This set is quite a versatile selection. The stiffness of the brushes loosened up nicely after cleaning. They're just right for delicate cuticle work without the aggressive nature of metal bits. They easily remove tougher materials like poly gel. The instructional details for each bit are helpful and make the process smoother."
Quick TipWhy It’s Worth Buying: This product has garnered over 4,273 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
2. Best Durable:KADS Kolinsky Sable Acrylic Nail Art Brush
Made with glossy rosewood, the handle of this brush is a luxurious feel indeed! The soft brush hair is made with a Kolinsky sable that is renowned to be durable and sturdy as well as easy to maneuver. Since the nail brush hair is bound securely in a crush-resistant, rustless alloy brush tube, the brush hairs will not shed easily; hence, it will be a long while before you feel the need to replace them. Reviewers love the KADS fine-tipped nail art brush because it is ideal for drawing perfect lines or fine linear designs on your nail tips and is the perfect nail tool for any acrylic nail lover looking to do some DIY.
Pros
- Sleek design
- Suitable for professionals too
- Easy-to-use acrylic brush
Cons
- Slightly on the expensive side
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 3,865 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
3. Best Easy-To-Hold:Saviland Acrylic Nail Brush Set
The Saviland Kolinsky Acrylic Nail Brush Set comprises four brushes in different sizes- two brushes (sizes 10 & 14) for acrylic nail extensions and two brushes (sizes 4 & 6) for nail carving. They are attached with high-quality Kolinsky hair bristles. The metal stamping structure of the brushes securely connects their body with their tip, making them very sturdy. This hand grip nail art brush kit is suitable for both professional and personal use. The brushes come in a compact and portable case, so they are easy to store and carry.
Pros
- 4-in-1 set
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Soft bristles
- Stylish but practical design
- Easy to grip handle
- Comes in a portable case
Cons
- None
"This nail product is user-friendly, especially for beginners. The brushes retain their shape and don’t lose many fibers even after tough cleaning. The size variety and the professional feel of the bristles add to the appeal. I also like the quirky touch of the glow-in-the-dark feature."
Why It’s Worth Buying: It has received over 2,903 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
| Modelones Nail Art Brushes Set Best Easy-To-Clean | KADS Kolinsky Sable Acrylic Nail Art Brush Best Durable | Saviland Acrylic Nail Brush Set Best Easy-To-Hold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Material | Nylon | Kolinsky | Kolinsky |
| Handle Material | Wood | RosewoodColor | Acrylic |
| Color | A Colorful Nail Brushes 6pcs | - | A-4pcs |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 3,865 | - |
| Price | $7.99 | $16.2 | $16.99 |
4. Best For Precise Strokes:Sally Hansen Nail Salon Pro Tool Kit
The Sally Hansen Nail Salon Pro Tool Kit contains a detailer brush, a striping brush, a marbling or dotting tool, and stencils. You also get a glitter+gradiant brush, a clean-up brush, and a fan brush in this celebrity-inspired kit. All the tools are ideal for creating intricate designs and patterns on your nails for enhanced beauty. Tommy Tafoya, a professional makeup artist, says, “This set has the essentials – you’ll find the marbling or dotting tool very useful for details. When doing nail art, smaller, intricate brushes are a must.”
The detailer brush helps you draw flawless lines and shapes on your nails. The striping brush aids in creating linear designs, while the marbling or dotting tool in the kit allows you to create unique, multi-colored dotted patterns on your nails. This kit is a must-have for anyone who wants to achieve beautifully designed nails at home.
Pros
- 6-in1 set
- Easy to use
- Value for money
- Travel-friendly kit
Cons
- Flimsy bristles
"These brushes are a practical choice for at-home manicures. They perform quite well despite their modest size. The dotting tool is a star in the set, but the striping and detailing brushes are good too. They're resilient, easy to clean, and return to a soft, flexible state after use."
Why It’s Worth Buying: With 4.2 ratings on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
5. Best Ergonomic Design:Winstonia 5 pcs Nail Art Brushes
The Winstonia 5 pcs Nail Art Brushes are perfect for creating intricate and detailed nail art designs. This set includes five brushes with enhanced features that are specially designed to ace nail art techniques, including liner striping, blending, elongated lines, etc. The synthetic brushes are designed with sturdy nylon bristles, non-shedding ferrules, and ergonomic hardwood handles. These nail art brushes can also be used to paint on rocks and faces.
Pros
- 5-in-1set
- Versatile
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
- Easy to grip
- Sturdy bristles
- Value for money
Cons
- None
"This particular set offers flexibility and ease of cleaning. This makes intricate nail art more accessible, whether you're a professional or just enjoy personal nail design. These held up well to regular use and retained their shape, but be sure to keep the protective covers on for longevity. Overall, the set proved to be reliable for creating detailed nail art."
Pro TipWhy It’s Worth Buying: With over 1,376 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
6. Best Flexible:Yosly Acrylic Nail Brush And Cuticle Pusher
Built with fabulously high-end and luxurious red-hued wood, this acrylic nail brush by Yosly looks delightfully rustic like those classic paint brushes from the yesteryears. The versatile pen-style form of the brush makes it comfortable to wield and the material is easy-to-clean, while the metal alloy ferrule is of high grade, which prevents forking of the bristles and unwanted shedding. Whilst nylon wool bristles of other popular nail art brushes can get sticky and clumpy with use, the pure Kolinsky sable bristles of Yosly tend to remain persistently smooth, flexible, and shiny if properly cared for. It can be used by beginners or professionals to achieve timeless beauty!
Pros
- Comes with a handy cuticle pusher
- 100% real Kolinsky hair
- Each nib is handmade
Cons
- May soak a lot of monomer
"I've been hands-on with this nail brush and it makes acrylic application a breeze, especially for those just starting out. The construction is firm for sidewall cleaning but soft enough for nail feathering. The cuticle pusher is a useful bonus and fits various nail curves easily."
7. Best Sturdy:Twinkled T Kolinsky Professional Nail Cleaning Brush
For a flawlessly finished manicure, you need to clean up your cuticles and the leftover nail polish using a high-quality professional cleaning brush. Enter Twinkled T Kolinsky to the rescue! Available in a range of different sizes: #2, #6, and #12, this cleaning brush is comfortable to use and will sit wonderfully steady in your hands. Made of natural Kolinsky hair, the short bristles are flexible, sturdy, and should retain their shape for years if cared for properly. The handle of this nail art tool is made from delightful acetone-resistant aluminum and comes with a handy aluminum cap to protect your precious bristles when the brush is not in use. Additionally, each purchase comes with a special card that provides all the instructions needed to care for, and thus increase the life of your Kolinsky sable brush.
Pros
- Different sizes available
- Has a long brush life
- Pretty pink exteriors with sparkling crystals
Cons
- On the slightly expensive side
"This particular brush is perfect for nail clean-ups and its acetone-resistant bristles are a highlight feature. The bristles also maintain their shape without fraying. The brush design fits comfortably in hand and the capping system preserves the delicate tip effectively. A sparkling touch to the handle adds a bit of flair. It's a reliable tool for detailed nail art."
8. Best Deformation-Safe:Beetles Nail Art Liner Brushes
This striking multi-colored nail art brush set comes with 5 UV gel nail brushes of different head sizes— Pink (5mm), Dark Blue (7mm), Gold (9mm), Cyan (11mm), and Black (20mm), so you can tackle all the shapes and styles you fancy. The body of the brushes is made of metal ensuring a lightweight design and comfortable grip. Meanwhile, the expertly crafted nib consists of premium quality fibers that are durable, non-corroding, and deformation-safe. Each pointed nail art brush also comes with a thoughtful cap to protect the bristles from dust so that you can extend the life of your nail art brush kit.
Pros
- Lightweight brush for gel nails
- Fun and stylish colors
- High-quality stunning nail design brushes
Cons
- Brush hairs are a bit thick
"The overall performance of this set is good. They're particularly effective for detailed nail art. They have a sturdy build and bristles that hold polish well. These brushes offer a good experience, especially for passionate nail artists."
Quick Tip9. Best For Beginners And Professionals:SQULIGT Nail Art Liner Brushes
A set of 3 wonderfully designed nail liner brushes of different head sizes: Black (7mm), Gold (9mm), and Cyan (11mm), these are the ideal tools for drawing lines or other charmingly fine details on your fingertips. The metal handle gives a good grip while the high-grade nylon wool gives sturdy and durable bristles. As per reviews, people experience exceptional results with each item in the kit. They make the perfect gift to friends and family for doing nail extensions, UV gel nails, applying ordinary nail lacquer or even detailed acrylic art. Each kit also comes with 3 transparent acrylic tubes to protect the bristles of your brushes when not in use. They make for great affordable brushes for newbie DIYers and will also satisfy a professional’s needs.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle
- Convenient, easy-to-hold design
- Different sizes available
- Attractive metallic colors
Cons
- Nylon wool bristles may get too stiff
"These nail art brushes are precise enough for small, intricate designs and even serve well for subtle eyeliner application. Regular cleaning with acetone and oil for maintenance helps to keep them in good shape. I like their overall durability for at-home manicures."
10. Best Rust-Resistant:Vanana Wood Handle Kolinsky Acrylic Nail Art Brush
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These premium Kolinsky nail art brushes from Vanana are ideal for both personal and professional use. Made with a sturdy, high-quality wooden handle that sits comfortably in the designer’s hand, the red hue of its exterior is bold yet charming. The natural Kolinsky brush bristles are wondrously soft, smooth, and quick to hold product; a brilliant companion for acrylic nail art. Meanwhile, the metal alloy ferrule is strong, rust-resistant, and secures your bristles from shedding.
Pros
- Long brush life if provided proper care
- Made of high-quality Kolinsky sable
- Available in different sizes
Cons
- Requires extra care for maintenance
"This brush is reliable for newcomers to acrylic nails; it's user-friendly and maintains its shape with proper care. It lasts for over a year with regular use but is a good option for practice work for beginners and at-home use."
Beginning to feel like a pro? You certainly are on your way to becoming one once you up your nail painting game with our picks of the top-rated nail art brushes of 2024! But before you (and your virtual shopping cart) race across to the crowded and, admittedly, confounding pages on the internet, take a quick peek at our handy buying guide for some helpful buying tips.
A Nail Enthusiast’s Guide To Buying The Best Nail Art Brushes!
How To Choose The Best Nail Art Brush
There are several different types of nail art brushes in the market. And most of their names are rather esoteric, which can be a tad discouraging for a first-time DIYer looking to enter the dazzling world of acrylic nails. In order to choose the best nail art brush for your nail enhancement needs, you must first figure out the, well, said needs. Depending on the designs you aim to create, you’ll need different types of nail art tools. Here’s a quick low-down on what each brush is suitable for:
1. Flat Angled Brush:
The angular nail art brush is ideal for creating pretty flowers. In comparison to the other nail art tools, the angulation of this brush makes it relatively easier to paint the silhouette of blooming petals, which yields you a good shape. That being said, to wield this brush with results requires a considerable amount of experience. As a beginner, you may find it awkward to use or angle. But once your hands learn the rhythm of the sequence, this brush will become your go-to for making the popular floral motifs most nail salons provide.
2. Detail Brush:
Also known as the nail art liner brush, this is your partner in crime for painting those exquisite small details that elevate your nail design to pro level. Compared to the other nail art brushes, the brush hair is rather thin for this particular tool. It also, be warned, becomes a lot thinner once you get it wet. This allows you to create a level of precision for painstakingly small details in your nail art, which is essential when working on the significantly small surface area that makes up the nail bed. If you’re looking for salon-worthy nails, a detail brush is a must-have for detailed nail art to ensure your nails look fabulously complete.
3. Dotting Tool:
The spoiler is in the name! This rounded tool is used to make satisfyingly even dots. We are happy to report that they come in several different sizes, so you can effortlessly make as small or big dots as you fancy. But this also means you can’t survive on one size alone if you wish to create a dynamic dot pattern. These tools usually come equipped with a nail art brush on one end whilst the dotting tool lies on the other. Don’t be fooled by their function, dots are a frequent and beloved part of most nail designs, so you’ll be using this brush a lot more frequently than you’d expect during your DIY nail art endeavors.
3. Fan Brush:
If you’re a ‘fan’ (no pun intended) of the Insta-famous “gradient effect,” this is the best nail art brush for you! The seamless merging of complementary colors is in popular demand at nail salons, so if you’re hoping to do nails for friends and family, be prepared to face this request. Additionally, a fan brush is also superb with the application of tinsels or glitter. Especially in the case of beginners, juggling the correct placement of glitter on the small surface of a freshly painted (and hence, very wet and sticky) nail can be time consuming and exhausting. Luckily, the fan brush is a precise, easy, and quick alternative to your clumsy fingers.
4. Striping Brush:
This is a rather interesting brush. The striping brush possesses long and very thin brush hair, and is the perfect go-to nail art brush for drawing lines, painting geometrical shapes, etching the small lines for a French manicure, or doing just about anything else that requires you to make those anxiety-riddling perfectly long and straight lines. The striping brush is here to straighten your mess!
How To Maintain Your Nail Art Brushes
If you don’t want your nail art brushes to fray, clump or shed and lose their shape over time, the cardinal rule for avoiding frequent repurchases and replacements is good maintenance! And though it may seem a wee bit overwhelming at first, once you get into the routine, you’ll have flawless brushes that last you a good while. Here are the maintenance tips to adhere to:
- Firstly, invest in a good storage system to protect your nail art brushes.
- A lot of the brushes available online are sold with companion caps to preserve the brush hair. Or, at the very least, nail art brushes are shipped with a handy protective tube of plastic that surrounds the bristles. Ensure that you keep these safe! Even if you get a dedicated storage case for all your brushes, the simple plastic tube can prevent your brush’s bristles from getting entwined and bent amongst the other nail art tools.
- Always clean your nail art tools immediately after use or you risk clumping of the bristles.
- While cleaning your nail art brushes, remember to saturate your wipe with a suitable cleanser: run-of-the-mill nail lacquer requires acetone, whereas gel products need alcohol. Use the wipe to gently clean the bristles with a soft pinching motion. Keep repeating until your brush is visibly clean.
- Avoid applying pressure on your nail art brushes vertically as this will result in them splaying free from the ferrule that binds them.
Infographic: Tips To Clean Nail Brushes Correctly
Nail art brushes can help you achieve salon-like manicures at home. They help you master pretty nail details from heart shapes and dots to stripes. However, to keep them hygienic and effective and enhance their lifespan, it is imperative to keep them clean. Check out the infographic below to learn how. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Be it pastel elegance or glittery glamour, for a flawless finish to your nail salon-worthy acrylic art, you need more than just the correct shade of nail polish or expertise in smoothly applying nail paint coats. You also need to possess the right tools to produce the stunningly precise details nail art requires. Try the Modelones Nail Art Brushes Set for its super soft fiber bristles that allow you to create intricate nail art designs. The KADS Kolinsky Sable Acrylic Nail Art Brush has a rustless alloy tube that prevents shedding and is crush-resistant. Choose the Saviland Acrylic Nail Brush Set for its bold tips and excellent grip for your detailed designs. And with our list of the Internet’s 10 best nail art brushes to conquer the enchanting world of painted nails, you can now treat yourself to a private nail salon from the comfort of your very home. Let your inner Van Gogh out, missy. Stay beautiful!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a stand for my nail art brushes?
During use, you don’t necessarily need one to purchase one, an old coffee mug will suffice too. But when not in use, it’s recommended to store your high-quality nail art brushes in a protective storage system to ensure they last.
Can I use brushes that aren’t made for nail art?
Yes, you absolutely can. However, they won’t be as easy to maneuver on the small surface of a nail. Additionally, the nail polish formula will ruin the bristles of these brushes over time. Nail art brushes are your best bet if you wish to continue doing nail art long-term.
How long do nail art brushes last?
The life of your professional nail art brushes depends on the frequency of use and how regularly you care for them. If you know how to properly clean and protect your brushes, an average-quality brush can last for up to 6 months.
Which is the most frequently used nail art brush?
For basic abstract designs, the most commonly used nail art brushes include the detail brush and the stripper brush. The fan brush and angled flat brush are usually for more elaborate designs.
What is a good brush size for nail art?
You can use a brush of size 6-8 for a good nail art experience.
Can you use nail art brushes for nail polish?
Avoid using nail art brushes to polish your nails, as nail polishes can destroy their bristles. Also painting oil-based paints with them will also affect their durability.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Srijani Roy Chowdhury, the author of this article, has a keen interest in makeup and nail art. She believes it is always important to choose the right nail brush to get that perfect nail art done. This has made her study different brushes in detail and review user feedback online to prepare this list. These nail brushes help create flawless and picture-perfect nail art.
Read full bio of Tommy Tafoya
Read full bio of Srijani Roy Chowdhury
Read full bio of Rajeshwari Das
Read full bio of Srijita De
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