10 Best Acrylic Nail Brushes for Beginners of 2025 (Licensed Cosmetologist-Reviewed)
Long, strong, and smooth nails can take a long time to grow, but acrylic nails are a way to attain your nail goals in a matter of hours! When it comes to building anything, a strong foundation is absolutely crucial - acrylics are no exception. If you're trying to do your own acrylics for the first time, you'll want the right tools for dazzling results.
The technical details of the types of acrylic nail brushes can be complicated, so we've created a handy buying guide below and compiled a list of five great acrylic nail brushes for you to peruse. Our favorite is Saviland's Acrylic Nail Brush Set. This brush has the quality Kolinsky sable spring to its bristles that will enable even a beginner to lay acrylic smoothly. If you're curious about other products, keep reading! There's also a buying guide, which was reviewed by a licensed cosmetologist, to help you choose the right product for your hair.
Quick List - Top Acrylic Nail Brushes For Beginners
Saviland
Versatile And Stylish Nail Brushes For Seamless Acrylic Application
Pana
Professional-Grade Kolinsky Hair Brush for Precision and Durability
Denise is a licensed cosmetologist who advises people on certain products they should get. She formally worked at Ulta and is now headed into a salon.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Acrylic Nail Brushes for Beginners
- No. 1Saviland | 3pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set Size ｜8/10/14
- No. 2Pana | Pana｜Round Blue & White Swirl Acrylic Kolinsky Brush Handle with Hot Pink Ferrule｜Size 8
- No. 3AOKITEC INC. | 3pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set
- No. 4MakarttPro | Kolinsky Brush
- No. 5KEMEISI | Acrylic Nail Brush
- 5 more products
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How should I clean my acrylic nail brush?
- Can I use acetone to clean my brush?
- Where should I store my acrylic nail brush?
- Products to Make Your Nails Even More Dazzling
- Amazon's Best Selling Nail Art Brushes
How to Choose an Acrylic Nail Brush - Buying Guide
Brushes are an absolutely integral part of the acrylic nail process, and the type of brush you choose plays an important factor in how easily, quickly, and successfully you get your nails done. Let’s go through some important factors to consider when choosing a brush.
Choose Brushes in the 6-12 Size Range
Brushes come in a variety of sizes, generally starting at size 4 and ending at size 22. Most beginners and intermediate nail artists stick with brushes in the 6-8 range because it's easier to control the application. The ratio of powder to liquid is easier to get right with smaller brushes, which is another critical factor in doing acrylic nails.
However, seasoned nail artists prefer larger brushes in the 9-12 range because it cuts down the application time and they're comfortable enough in their craft. They know precisely how much liquid to take and how many strokes to do to get a clean application, so they can apply and finish faster.
For most people, larger-sized brushes tend to make application difficult and messy. This makes it harder to apply acrylic liquid nicely and is a potential hazard since you may get it on your fingers. Allergic reactions can happen, so we want to be on the safe side and avoid getting any acrylic liquid anywhere except for our nails!
The size of your brush will also determine how many beads of acrylic you'll need to apply the nails successfully. A smaller brush will usually mean you have to apply more beads to fully coat the nail, so you may benefit from buying a set of differently-sized brushes so you can work your way up to larger brush sizes in the future.
Decide on a Bristle Shape for the Technique You Want to Practice
Most of the time, an oval brush is used for acrylic nails. However, if you're using an odorless acrylic, you may consider using a round or square brush because the consistency of the monomer is thicker than traditional acrylics.
Round Brushes Are the Most Beginner-Friendly
Round brushes are the original form of acrylic nail brushes. They're also the easiest to use for beginners, as their shape ensures that you'll almost always absorb the right amount of liquid monomer.
Due to their rounder bellies and pointed tips, round brushes are also useful for detailed acrylic work and for reaching those crevices at the base of your cuticles. It's hard to go wrong with a round acrylic nail brush, so we recommend this shape if you've never tried painting acrylics before.
Oval Brushes Give You the Most Control
Oval brushes are the standard when it comes to acrylic nails. Oval brushes make it easier to make the balls of acrylic that will go on your nails, and the pointed tip allows you to get into small spaces with control to ensure a smooth, professional finish.
Some brushes are crimped, while others are not. Crimped brushes are set or pressed at the base with pliers or a similar tool. This creates a flatter belly that allows the brush to hold more liquid, which in turn can increase the size of your beads.
There are ways to crimp brushes yourself. However, be aware that if you crimp your acrylic nail brush, the process can't be undone. There's also the risk of causing irreversible damage to your brush if you fail to crimp it properly, so you may want to ask a professional for advice.
Square Brushes Offer the Most Coverage
Square brushes offer a lot of coverage and may be easier to some for that reason. It’s easier to evenly spread the monomer down to the cuticles evenly with square brushes. The monomer is the liquid you have to mix with polymer powder to create your acrylic paint.
An even and efficient spreading of monomer can help speed up your acrylic painting process. However, when it comes to smaller nails, it may be tough to control your stokes if you use a square brush.
Since square-shaped brushes are most commonly used at nail tech schools, it may be a bit difficult to find a set for use at your home. Still, so long as you do some digging, square brushes can be an effective addition to your set!
Consider the Quality of Your Brush's Bristles
The quality of the bristles is a crucial component for getting a smooth, clean finish. Bristles that break easily, get bushy after use, or become overly spread out, are going to make it nearly impossible to get that sleek look.
Kolinsky sable hair brushes are made of tail hairs from a species of weasel. These are a tried and true favorite among many nail technicians, as they're easy to clean, maintain their shape, and last a long time.
These strong and flexible brushes can also hold a lot of acrylic liquid! They release liquid from the brush in appropriate amounts based on the pressure applied, which means you'll have a lot of control over your painting process. Kolinsky sable brushes are a good choice if you're aiming to be a professional someday.
There are other sable hair brushes that aren’t kolinsky. These are called red sable brushes and are made of marten's hair. Red sable brushes are still effective at holding the liquid monomer and laying down the acrylic mix.
However, red sable hairs aren't as long or as tapered as kolinsky brushes. This means they give you a little less control over your painting, but they're still a fine option for beginners who don't want to dish out too much money on a kolinsky sable brush set.
Synthetic brushes such as nylon also exist. They maintain their shape well and are durable. However, they don’t do as good of a job at holding the acrylic liquid, which makes it more difficult to create the acrylic ball that goes on the nail. It's easier to damage synthetic brushes while cleaning, but they're preferable if you want a cost-effective and cruelty-free acrylic nail brush.
10 Best Acrylic Nail Brushes for Beginners
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brush Size | Brush Count | Handle Material | Head Material | Brush Shape | |||||
1 | Saviland 3pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set Size ｜8/10/14 | | Versatile And Stylish Nail Brushes For Seamless Acrylic Application | 8/10/14 | 3 | Wood | Kolinsky | Round | |
2 | Pana Pana｜Round Blue & White Swirl Acrylic Kolinsky Brush Handle with Hot Pink Ferrule｜Size 8 | | Professional-Grade Kolinsky Hair Brush for Precision and Durability | 8 | 1 | Acrylic | Kolinsky | Round | |
3 | AOKITEC INC. 3pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set | | Precision Meets Perfection With Salon-Quality Nail Art | 10/12/14 | 3 | Wood | Nylon | Oval | |
4 | MakarttPro Kolinsky Brush | | Essential Reliability in Every Stroke | 8 | 1 | Acrylic | Kolinsky | Oval | |
5 | KEMEISI Acrylic Nail Brush | | Quality For All Skill Levels | 8 | 1 | Acrylic | Kolinsky | Oval | |
6 | Modelones Acrylic Nail Brush 100% Pure Kolinsky Hair ｜Size 8 | | Durable And Precise Brush With 100% Kolinsky Hair For Professional Nail Art | 8 | 1 | Wood | Kolinsky | Oval | |
7 | AIRSEE 3pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set | | Master Acrylics Like a Pro | 8/10/14 | 3 | Metal | Nylon | Oval | |
8 | MelodySusie. 4pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set | | Precision Engineered for Flawless Nails | 8/10/12/14 | 4 | Acrylic | Nylon | Oval | |
9 | MAGIC ARMOR 9pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set | | Strong, Precise, Unstoppable | 4/6/8/10/12/14/16/18/20 | 9 | Metal | Nylon | Oval | |
10 | Aokitec Acrylic Nail Brush Set - 4pcs Acrylic Nail Brushes｜SIZE 8/10/12/14 | | Versatile and Ergonomic Nail Brushes for Precise Acrylic Application | 8/10/12/14 | 4 | Acrylic | Kolinsky | Round | |
Saviland 3pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set Size ｜ 8/10/14
| Brush Size | 8/10/14 |
|---|
- Handle Material
- Wood
Versatile And Stylish Nail Brushes For Seamless Acrylic Application
Each brush in the Saviland set is equipped with a cap for protection and long-term use. The handles are made from wood, offering a sturdy grip, while the metal stamping design ensures the bristles remain securely in place. The brushes are suitable for a variety of nail art techniques, from basic extensions to intricate designs. They are easy to maintain and come with clear instructions for first-time use to ensure longevity and performance. This set is a practical and stylish choice for anyone looking to enhance their nail art skills.
| Brush Count | 3 |
|---|---|
| Head Material | Kolinsky |
| Brush Shape | Round |
PanaPana ｜ Round Blue & White Swirl Acrylic Kolinsky Brush Handle with Hot Pink Ferrule ｜ Size 8
| Brush Size | 8 |
|---|
- Handle Material
- Acrylic
Professional-Grade Kolinsky Hair Brush for Precision and Durability
The brush’s construction includes high-graded ferrules that securely attach the bristles to the handle, ensuring durability and longevity. Proper maintenance is essential to preserve its quality, with recommendations to clean the brush thoroughly after each use to prevent acrylic buildup and maintain bristle integrity. This brush, measuring 7 inches in length with a 0.3-inch tip, is designed to offer excellent control and bead placement, enhancing the nail technician's ability to create flawless acrylic nails.
| Brush Count | 1 |
|---|---|
| Head Material | Kolinsky |
| Brush Shape | Round |
AOKITEC INC.3pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set
| Brush Size | 10/12/14 |
|---|
- Handle Material
- Wood
Precision Meets Perfection With Salon-Quality Nail Art
Achieve flawless acrylic application with the Aokitec Acrylic Nail Brush Set. Designed for both beginners and pros, these brushes feature ultra-fine synthetic bristles that evenly distribute product for a smooth, bubble-free finish. The ergonomic handles ensure comfort during long nail sessions, while the compact size makes them perfect for travel or salon use.
| Brush Count | 3 |
|---|---|
| Head Material | Nylon |
| Brush Shape | Oval |
MakarttProKolinsky Brush
| Brush Size | 8 |
|---|
- Handle Material
- Acrylic
Essential Reliability in Every Stroke
Upgrade your nail game with the MakarttPro Kolinsky Acrylic Brush. Crafted with premium Kolinsky sable hair for unbeatable precision and durability. Its tapered tip effortlessly glides through liquid and powder, creating seamless blends with zero streaking. The sturdy metal ferrule prevents shedding, while the lightweight handle offers superior control. A must-have for professionals and enthusiasts who demand perfection!
| Brush Count | 1 |
|---|---|
| Head Material | Kolinsky |
| Brush Shape | Oval |
Quality For All Skill Levels
Designed for flawless acrylic application, this Kolinsky brush delivers unbeatable performance with its high-density bristles that hold shape wash after wash. The oval tip allows for precise cuticle work and effortless bead control, making extensions a breeze. Whether you're a nail tech or DIY enthusiast, this brush ensures smooth, salon-quality results every time!
| Brush Count | 1 |
|---|---|
| Head Material | Kolinsky |
| Brush Shape | Oval |
ModelonesAcrylic Nail Brush 100% Pure Kolinsky Hair ｜ Size 8
| Brush Size | 8 |
|---|
- Handle Material
- Wood
Durable And Precise Brush With 100% Kolinsky Hair For Professional Nail Art
The Modelones Acrylic Nail Brush is crafted with 100% pure Kolinsky sable hair, providing a soft, natural, and smooth application experience for acrylic nails. This brush features a round-shaped head, ideal for various nail art techniques including powder application, nail extensions, and carving. The high-quality hardwood handle is stable, durable, and sweat-resistant, ensuring comfort and ease of use during long sessions. The sturdy alloy tube firmly holds the bristles in place, preventing splitting or deformation for long-term reliability.
Designed for both professional and beginner nail artists, this brush is a versatile tool suitable for salon and home use. It's important to note that initial shedding of hairs is a normal process for new brushes, which will cease after a few uses. With proper care and maintenance, the Modelones Acrylic Nail Brush promises lasting performance, making it an essential addition to any nail art toolkit.
| Brush Count | 1 |
|---|---|
| Head Material | Kolinsky |
| Brush Shape | Oval |
AIRSEE3pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set
| Brush Size | 8/10/14 |
|---|
- Handle Material
- Metal
Master Acrylics Like a Pro
Struggling with acrylic application? The AIRSEE Acrylic Nail Brush is designed with beginners in mind! Its soft yet firm synthetic bristles make shaping and blending effortless, while the ergonomic handle reduces hand fatigue. Perfect for extensions, fills, and nail art, this brush helps you achieve a streak-free, professional finish without the steep learning curve.
| Brush Count | 3 |
|---|---|
| Head Material | Nylon |
| Brush Shape | Oval |
MelodySusie.4pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set
| Brush Size | 8/10/12/14 |
|---|
- Handle Material
- Acrylic
Precision Engineered for Flawless Nails
The MelodySusie Acrylic Nail Brush is a game-changer for nail techs and enthusiasts alike. Made with high-quality synthetic fibers, it provides the perfect balance of flexibility and control for seamless acrylic application. The reinforced ferrule prevents shedding, ensuring long-lasting use. Whether you're sculpting extensions or perfecting nail art, this brush delivers smooth, bubble-free results with minimal effort.
| Brush Count | 4 |
|---|---|
| Head Material | Nylon |
| Brush Shape | Oval |
MAGIC ARMOR9pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set
| Brush Size | 4/6/8/10/12/14/16/18/20 |
|---|
- Handle Material
- Metal
Strong, Precise, Unstoppable
Meet the MAGIC ARMOR Acrylic Brush—your secret weapon for durable, high-shine nails! Engineered with stiff yet flexible bristles, it effortlessly picks up and distributes acrylic for a smooth, even application. The non-stick coating ensures easy cleanup, while the comfort-grip handle provides superior control. Perfect for extensions, overlays, and intricate nail art, this brush is a must-have in any nail kit!
| Brush Count | 9 |
|---|---|
| Head Material | Nylon |
| Brush Shape | Oval |
Aokitec Acrylic Nail Brush Set - 4pcs Acrylic Nail Brushes ｜ SIZE 8/10/12/14
| Brush Size | 8/10/12/14 |
|---|
- Handle Material
- Acrylic
Versatile and Ergonomic Nail Brushes for Precise Acrylic Application
The brushes boast a fashionable white handle adorned with black stars, offering an ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. These handles are sweat-proof and non-slip, enhancing the overall user experience. Proper maintenance, including soaking the brushes in hot water before the first use and cleaning them after each session, is recommended to preserve their quality. This set is an excellent addition to any nail artist's toolkit, combining style, functionality, and precision.
| Brush Count | 4 |
|---|---|
| Head Material | Kolinsky |
| Brush Shape | Round |
Frequently Asked Questions
Acrylic nail brushes are important aspects of your paint job, so it's vital that you care for your brushes the proper way. Here are some commonly asked questions about acrylic nail brushes and how to treat them before and after your nails are done.
How should I clean my acrylic nail brush?
Acrylic can be a difficult thing to clean out of your brush head, especially if it's made of synthetic fibers. Either way, you'll want to clean your brush after each use to ensure hardened acrylic doesn't build up between the bristles.
First, pour fresh monomer liquid into a small container and let your brush soak for at least an hour. Then, rinse your brush with warm water. Be sure to do this gently, without tugging at the bristles or trying to rub them against your hand.
Once you've rinsed the brush head, swipe it softly against a paper towel or dry, clean cloth. Set it out to dry naturally to ensure there isn't residual moisture. You don't want your brush to get moldy!
Can I use acetone to clean my brush?
You shouldn't use acetone to clean your acrylic nail brushes, as it can actually strip and damage them. This is especially true if your bristles are kolinsky sable. Stick with the monomer method we mentioned above, and your brush should stay soft and clean!
Where should I store my acrylic nail brush?
Acrylic nail brushes need to be kept away from dust. Some brushes come with a cap or a plastic tube; we recommend making good use of these. If your brush didn't come with a storage accessory, wrap it in a soft towel or keep it in a box.
We also recommend that you store your acrylic nail brush on its side. Sticking it in a jar with its bristles facing up can lead to monomer running down from the bristles and damaging the ferrule and handle.
Finally, always be sure that your brush is completely dry before putting it away. Any residual wetness can lead to mold or reduce the quality and lifespan of your bristles.
Products to Make Your Nails Even More Dazzling
Ready to make your acrylic nails pop? Check out the following links to take you there. And yes, you can use gel polish on top of your acrylics!
Top 5 Acrylic Nail Brushes For Beginners
No. 1: Saviland ｜3pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set Size ｜8/10/14
No. 2: Pana｜Pana｜Round Blue & White Swirl Acrylic Kolinsky Brush Handle with Hot Pink Ferrule｜Size 8
No. 3: AOKITEC INC.｜3pcs Acrylic Nail Brush Set
No. 4: MakarttPro｜Kolinsky Brush
No. 5: KEMEISI｜Acrylic Nail Brush
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