Which brushes do I buy?

[redumbrella]

Hello Folks, This is my first day on the forum. It's been fun and informative reading the terrific info here.
I've purchased a Nail Trainer Kit (Essential Nails) from the U.S. for $400 including the articulating hand, full course of DVD training etc. But no gels, acrylics, fibreglass or BRUSHES! The brushes are my main concern, I don't live near a salon supplier and online there are only Brush-sizes advertised #8, #10, #14 etc. What do they all mean? I emailed the training company and they said to go to a particular web site that sells the right brushes. Unfortunately there is nothing printed anywhere on the internet about which type and size of brushes you need to start off with. I need to know the best quality brand (and if it makes a difference). Can anyone help Please? I haven't seen all my training DVD's yet, but I wanted to have the brushes ready to hit the ground running. Thanks in advance.

 

[Nailed.]

I would ring or email the company again and ask them, also why did they not provide them in the first place?

 

[redumbrella]

Hey there, The company told me there are no brushes in any of the 8 kits they sell. They say it keeps the cost of the kit down. The company seems professional in every other way though. Training presentations in their DVD's are well done and easily explained with great detail.
Which brush sizes I should buy? Thanks.

 

[raznik]

To answer this question, there would be so many questions that were to be asked of you.

Brushes are an individual choice (ie: feel, weight, bristle size, bead size required, etc etc) that it would be very hard to give you the answer you are looking for.

All I can advise you to do is perhaps start with a size 8 (its about the medium size brush), and after a while you'll work your preference out.

Also consider the system of gel or acrylic you will use, as it would be advised to use that manufacturers brush, as it would probably work best with their own product.

Another point to consider is dont rush in and buy an expensive brush yet, as while your training you could have a few woopsies, and need to re-purchase.

Still good advise previous post "wheres the darn brush in the training kit"

 

[MissOwen]

the brush that comes in the essential nails acrylic course in the uk is a size 10 kolinsky sable brush.

 

[redumbrella]

Miss Owen, Raznik & Nailed,
Thanks so much for your help. I contacted the company who sold the kit. They suggested an Oval size 10 & 12. I forgot to ask, but I noticed in the training dvd that a flat brush was used, which seemed necessary to distribute the solution away from the little bead towards the cuticle area. I can't see an oval brush doing this. Also, do most people have preferences for long or short brushes? Thanks again. Love this help, wish I could reciprocate...I could give you a cookie recipe ?? :green:

 

[Gigit]

For gels I prefer a flat brush #6 (also known as a petal brush,) sometimes trimmed into a curved pattern sometimes square depends on the nail shape/size. Tiny nail beds I like a #4. Toes and very wide nail beds #8 is nice. Acrylics need larger brushes that are round in shape vs flat.

Before you pick a gel or L&P line, do your research. There is a lot of junk out there or things where the cons outweigh the pros. Also be open to using different products to serve different needs (flexible soak-off gels and hard strong gels for example - one may be a terrible match for one client and suit another one perfectly.) I'd concentrate on one line or get starter sample kids at first as start up costs can get pricey. CND Brisa is a good gel that has a low cost starter kit that would include brushes and everything you need to play around with.