It is essential for every nail technician to have high-quality nail tools. Beautiful nail extensions are the result of more than just high-quality acrylic powder or gel paint; the tools you use, particularly the nail brushes, must be in tip-top shape for the job.
It is crucial that your brushes be clean and long-lasting. Maintaining clean brushes is an important part of maintaining good hygiene and a professional appearance, whether you’re working in a salon or doing your nails at home. When you use a dirty brush to apply acrylics or gels, you increase the likelihood of lifting and other problems with your manicure.
Here is a simple and effective way to clean your acrylic nail brushes so they stay in pristine shape. In addition to extending the life of your tools, taking good care of them will improve the quality of your nail art.
Method 1: How to clean the acrylic nail brushes like a pro
The best way to clean acrylic nail brushes is to use the same monomer that you use for your nail extensions. If nothing else works, you can use acetone nail polish remover, but the best way to keep brushes clean is to wipe them down with monomer after each use.
Clean your nail brushes well with a lint-free cloth dampened with monomer every time you’re done using them. This gentle method with monomer is often used instead of strong brush cleaners and is your first line of defense against getting your brushes dirty.
In some cases, a deeper clean may be needed because of tough product residue that won’t go away. To get rid of it for good, do these things:
- Pour some monomer nail liquid into a shallow dish.
- Submerge your brushes in the liquid, allowing them to soak—this process may span from 2 hours to overnight, depending on the tenacity of the acrylic buildup.
- Rinse the bristles gently under warm water.
- Lay your brushes flat on a towel, enabling them to air dry completely.
- Once dry, immerse them again in fresh monomer for an additional 2 hours.
- Lay the brushes flat on a towel once more, allowing the monomer to dry naturally.
Is acetone good to use to clean acrylic nail brushes?
If you want to use acetone to clean your acrylic nail brushes, it depends on the type of brushes you have.
Extra care must be taken when working with natural brushes, especially those made from Kolinsky Sable hairs, to keep them in good shape. It is true that these high-quality natural hair brushes last longer and hold more product than manufactured ones, but they are also more likely to get damaged.
Acetone is not a good way to clean natural-hair acrylic nail brushes. Acetone damages these brushes because it is too harsh and dries out the hair. As a result, you may notice that the bristles are spreading out too much and losing their ability to hold acrylic beads well.
If you want to clean natural brushes safely, monomer is the best choice. But be careful even with brush cleaners, since some of them may contain acetone. Before use, you should always carefully read the list of chemicals to avoid any harm.
It has been shown that synthetic nail brushes can handle acetone better than natural ones. Still, being exposed to acetone for a long time can dry things out over time. For this reason, using a monomer to clean plastic brushes is suggested whenever possible to keep them working well and lasting a long time.
Tips and Techniques for Using Acetone to Clean Acrylic Nail Brushes
Prevent Acetone Contact with the Brush Body
Acetone can hurt the brush body and make the bristle adhesive less strong, so don’t let it touch the brush body. To keep the brushes from getting hurt, only let them soak in the acetone solution.
Revitalize the Brush Post-Soak
It is vital to rehydrate the brush bristles after using acetone because it tends to dehydrate them. Just put the brushes in liquid monomer and let them soak. If the brush has been wet for a long time, putting oil on it before soaking it in monomer helps. Any kind of oil will do the job.
Use a Separate, Deep Container for Soaking
Use a different bottle to soak the brush so that you don’t get the rest of your acetone dirty. Make sure the container can handle acetone and is deep enough so the brush can soak without hitting the bottom, which could change the shape of the bristles.
Handle with Care: Use Gloves and Gentle Techniques
It’s better to use your fingers than rough tools like a cuticle brush to remove acrylic from the bristles. This gentle method helps keep the brush from getting damaged. Putting on gloves when working with acetone and monomer also keeps your skin from getting irritated.
How do I clean gel nail brushes?
Cleaning gel nail brushes is different from cleaning acrylic ones because gel brushes are made of synthetic fibers, which make them stronger and easier to clean.
Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the gel brush clean after each use. This will keep it clean and in good shape. You can clean them with alcohol once in a while, but not too often because it could dry out the brushes. Most of the time, they don’t need to be soaked; a quick dip and wipe is enough.
Related Articles:
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Method 2: Clean acrylic brushes without monomer
Want to know how to clean acrylic brushes without the monomer? Most of the time, it’s not a good idea, but sometimes you need a stronger way.
You could try acetone if your brush is really jammed and you’re about to throw it away. First, use an acetone-soaked pad to clean the brush. You could soak it for a while if that doesn’t work. But be careful not to leave it on for too long. Check on it often, and rinse well when you’re done. The brush should then be left to soak in monomer for two hours before it can be used again.
Please be aware that this method may damage your brush, so only use it if you’re really stuck and have no other choice.
Related artilces: Best ways to Remove Acrylic Nails without Pain
Method 3: how to clean acrylic nail brushes with brush cleaners
A brush cleaner is a special liquid made to clean acrylic and gel nail brushes safely. A lot of people think they are safer than acetone, but they can take longer and cost more.
Here’s a simple way to use a brush cleaner:
- Pour some brush cleaner into a container.
- Soak your acrylic nail brush in the solution for 5–10 minutes.
- Gently remove any acrylic residue using your fingers.
- Wipe the brush on a paper towel.
- Finally, dip your brush into some monomer to rehydrate it.
Recommended Acrylic Nail Brush Cleaners:
- Tammy Taylor’s Brush Cleaner: A premium and highly effective option that’s also very safe.
- Super Nail’s Brush Cleaner: A budget-friendly choice.
Related articles: The Easiest way to Fix Broken Nail or Cracked Acrylic Nails
