Whereas in the past the manufacture of professional cosmetic brushes relied solely on natural hair, various synthetic alternative materials have also been available for some time now. Extremely high-quality synthetic hair has been developed in recent years. The areas of application vary depending on the material properties.
Synthetic brush hair is made from either nylon (nylon fibers) or Taklon (polyester fibers). These fibers can be mechanically beveled, sanded, sharpened, etched or otherwise chemically treated to increase the paint carrying capacity or make the brushes softer.
Taklon
Most high-quality, vegan brushes are made of Taklon. Taklon fibers are produced in different sizes, in the range of 0.08 mm to 0.15 mm to imitate hair and around 0.20 mm to imitate bristles. The diameter influences the stiffness or softness of the brush.
Properties of synthetic brush hair
Natural hair has an irregular surface in which residues of powder, dander, bacteria and chemicals can become trapped. Washing out such brushes rarely removes all residues, so regular disinfection is essential. Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, have no unevenness, which makes them more hygienic to use. This also makes the brush easier to clean.
Another advantage is that synthetics are more resistant than animal hair and therefore last longer. Synthetic brushes are also better for applying liquid and creamy consistencies in several layers than natural hair, which is why concealer brushes and foundation brushes in brush sets are always made of synthetic hair.
Last but not least, vegan brush hair is also ideal for people with animal hair allergies!
We can therefore confidently do without badger hair, red sable hair, squirrel hair, mink hair, pony hair, goat hair etc.!
The pictured professional make-up brushes with vegan hair and styles made from sustainable bamboo or hand-painted, recycled wood are available in the organic make-up store “Pretty & Pure” at Rotbuchstrasse 16 in Zurich. www.prettyandpure.ch
