Let’s unpack how brush hair affects makeup performance, quality feel, brand values—and customer trust.

What Are the Parts of a Makeup Brush?

Before picking materials or designing packaging, it’s important to understand how a makeup brush is built from the inside out.

A makeup brush has three parts: the bristles (also called brush hairs), the ferrule (the metal part), and the handle. Each one affects how the brush performs and feels.

The three parts of a makeup brush

Here’s a simple breakdown I often use when training new sourcing teams:

Part	Function	Material Examples
Bristles1	Applies makeup, defines performance	Natural, Synthetic, Mix
Ferrule2	Connects bristles to handle	Aluminum, Copper, Brass
Handle	Offers grip, brand expression	Wood, Plastic, Resin

The bristles are the most important part of a brush. They decide how the brush feels, how it picks up pigment, and how it blends product onto skin. The ferrule holds everything together. A poor-quality ferrule often causes shedding or loose bristles. The handle isn’t just decorative—it affects balance, control, and your branding.

According to MAC Cosmetics Pro Education, subtle changes in brush length and ferrule width can directly impact user technique and makeup results.

What Are the Different Types of Brush Bristles?

If you’re unsure what “PBT,” “kolinsky,” or “taklon” really mean, you’re not alone. I get messages every week from founders asking, “Is goat hair vegan?” or “What’s the difference between synthetic bristles?”

Makeup brush hairs fall into two big categories: animal hair (natural bristles) and man-made fibers (synthetic bristles). Each type gives a different finish, feel, and brand meaning.

Animal Hair Bristles

These bristles come from real animals. They’re widely used in pro-level brushes, especially for powder makeup. But they’re not vegan and not cruelty-free.

Bristle Type	Animal Source	Common Use	Benefits	Challenges
Goat Hair	Goats	Powder, blush, bronzer	Great pickup, versatile, durable	Not vegan, may shed
Squirrel Hair	Squirrels (grey/red)	Finishing, soft blending	Ultra-soft, even diffusion	High cost, fragile
Pony Hair	Ponies	Eye brushes, general use	Soft, good shape retention	Slightly coarse, not luxury
Kolinsky Sable3	Weasel (Kolinsky)	Precision, eyeliner, lips	Firm point, smooth lines	Very expensive, not cruelty-free
Badger Hair	Badgers	Brows, contour	Stiff, natural-looking application	Coarse, limited supply

Natural bristles are still favored in many professional setups. Makeup Artist Magazine notes their ability to “move pigment more organically,” especially in theatrical or HD applications. But for ethical brands, animal-derived fibers⁴ remain a risk.

Synthetic Hair Bristles

These are lab-made fibers. They’re vegan, cruelty-free, and now high-performance enough to rival natural hair. Over the last 5 years, they’ve become the first choice for most private label brands.

Fiber Type	Polymer Source	Common Use	Benefits	Limitations
Nylon	Polyamide	Brow, liner, lip, detail	Firm, holds shape, durable	Can feel stiff, not good for blending
Taklon	Polyester	Foundation, blush, blending	Soft, antibacterial, hypoallergenic	Less pickup for powder
PBT	Polybutylene Terephthalate	Multi-use, high-end brush lines	Heat-shaped, springy, holds form well	Slightly more expensive
Recycled PET	Post-consumer plastic	Eco-line brushes	Sustainable, eco-marketing friendly	May lack softness
DuPont™ Natrafil®5	Patented synthetic fiber	Powder & foundation	Mimics cuticle feel of natural hair	Licensed, may cost more

According to DuPont™’s materials research and L’Oréal’s Innovation Reports, Natrafil® and PBT are becoming core materials in sustainable and luxury brush lines due to their performance consistency and heat-shaping abilities.

Which Makeup Brush Hair Is Best?

Clients often ask me, “Which hair is the best?” And my answer is always: “It depends.” It depends on your makeup formula, price point, customer values, and even your storage expectations.

The best brush hair depends on what product it’s used for, what feeling you want, and what values your brand stands for.

Match brush hair to your product

Use Case	Recommended Hair	Reason
Powder Products	Goat, Squirrel	Holds powder, blends naturally
Liquid/Cream	Taklon, PBT	Smooth finish, no product loss
Blending/Soft Finish	Squirrel, Hybrid	Gentle on skin, seamless transitions
Detail Work	Nylon	Firm tip, precise application
Vegan Product Lines6	PBT, Taklon	Cruelty-free, consistent quality

Statista’s 2024 Beauty Tools report shows that 67% of brush SKUs launched in Europe now use vegan bristles. For ethical brands, this is no longer a niche—it’s the new normal.

I’ve had clients switch from natural goat to synthetic PBT, not just for claims—but for consistency and batch control. If your customer expects soft, smooth results and you want repeatability in scale, heat-formed PBT⁷ is often your best bet.

What Are Synthetic Brush Hairs Made Of?

Many of my customers choose synthetic brushes for ethical reasons. But they also want to know what the fiber is made of. Not all synthetics are created equal.

Synthetic bristles are made from man-made fibers like taklon, nylon, or PBT. They are cruelty-free, consistent, and good for creams and liquids.

How to choose the right synthetic fiber

Here’s a breakdown:

Material	What It’s Made Of	Best For	Feel
Nylon	Polyamide	Precise lines, brows, lip brushes	Firm, sometimes stiff
Taklon	Polyester derivative	Blending, foundation, beginners	Soft, hypoallergenic
PBT	Polybutylene terephthalate	Pro-level brushes, hybrid formulas	Soft, springy, holds shape

According to Cosmetics Design Europe’s formulation materials report, the move toward PBT⁸ and eco-polymers⁹ is accelerating. In my experience, PBT is the most stable across large-scale OEM production. It holds its curl, resists split ends, and gives a luxury feel on the skin.

Conclusion

Choosing the right brush hair shapes how your product feels, performs, and is remembered. If you’re still unsure, I’m here to help you find the perfect fit—no guesswork needed.