Trying to create those pretty lines, dots, and designs you see online can feel tricky. Maybe your lines come out wobbly, or the polish dries before you’re done. The secret to easy nail art isn’t just a steady hand – it’s having the right brush! Using the correct nail art brush is like having a magic wand for your nails; it makes creating beautiful designs so much simpler. We’ve tested and gathered a list of the top 10 brushes you can find to help you paint like a pro.
What to Look for in a Nail Art Brush
Before we look at the list, let’s talk about what makes a brush good. You want brushes with thin, soft bristles that come to a fine point. The handle should be comfortable to hold, like a pencil. Good brushes help you control the polish, so your designs look neat and not messy.
The Top 10 Nail Art Brushes You Can Get
Here are our favourite brushes, perfect for anyone starting out or looking to get better at nail art.
- The Basic Detail Brush: This is the first brush you should get. It has a long, thin tip that is perfect for drawing straight lines, making stems for flowers, or outlining shapes. It’s a great all-rounder.
- The Super Thin Liner Brush: This brush has even thinner bristles! It is the best tool for drawing very fine lines, tiny wrinkles on animal designs, or writing small words on your nails.
- The Easy Dotting Tool: This isn’t a brush with bristles, but it’s a must-have for nail art. It’s a stick with a small ball on the end. You dip it in polish to make perfect dots of all sizes – from tiny specks to big polka dots.
- The Flat Shader Brush: This brush has a flat, square tip. It’s amazing for filling in large areas of colour. Want to paint one half of your nail a different colour? This brush will give you a clean, sharp line.
- The Angled Brush: The bristles on this brush are cut on a slant. This shape is perfect for drawing neat French tips, creating pretty petals for flowers, or filling in the corners of your nails.
- The Fan Brush: This brush looks like a tiny fan. It’s really fun to use! You can lightly sweep it over your nail to create a soft, airbrushed look or wispy grass and clouds.
- The Striping Brush with a Long Handle: Some brushes come with a very long handle. This helps you rest your hand on the table for extra stability, which is great when you are trying to draw a long, straight line.
- The Clean-Up Brush: This is a secret weapon for perfect nails. Use a small, flat brush dipped in nail polish remover to clean up any mistakes and make the edges of your manicure look super sharp and professional.
- The Brush with a Curved Tip: Some detail brushes have a slight curve at the tip. This can help you control the flow of polish better and is comfortable for making curved lines and swirls.
- The All-in-One Nail Art Set: If you can’t decide, a full set is a fantastic choice. You can find small kits at places like Clicks, Dis-Chem, or Mr Price Home that come with 5 or 6 different brushes. This lets you try out different types without spending too much money.
How to Take Care of Your Brushes
To make your brushes last a long time, you need to clean them well. After using a brush, wipe off the extra polish on a paper towel. Then, swirl the brush in a small cup of nail polish remover until the bristles are clean. Gently reshape the tip with your fingers and lay it flat to dry. Never leave a brush standing in remover, as it can ruin the bristles.
Where to Find These Brushes in South Africa
You don’t have to look far! Many of these brushes are available at your local Clicks, Dis-Chem, or PEP stores. You can also find great nail art sets on websites like Takealot or in some China shops. Start with one or two brushes, practice on a piece of paper first, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can create your own beautiful nail art at home.