“Better tools help achieve enhanced beauty, and a makeup brush is an artist’s tool.”
If the bristles of a makeup brush are its soul, the quality and type of ferrules and handles are used to define its persona. A professional makeup artist must have confidence in quality before adding one to a vanity box.
The ferrule is what holds the bristles together. The better grip, the longer the durability of the brush. Hairs are usually glued onto the ferrule, which retains the bristles’ shape.
While the handle supports the entire structure, it provides a proper grip to the user. Plastic or metal goes as raw material to make the handles. Customization can be applied to handles as well. A Guide to Makeup Brush Construction
![handle factory](https://sophienia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/1321608208850_.pic_hd.jpg)
Types Of Handles
With innovation and globalization, nothing is the same. Different trends and attractive designs are always coming up. The internet has opened new doors for new ideas in the makeup industry.
The design and the craftsmanship of the makeup brushes do not go unnoticed. Unique designs and collectibles are being launched by different brands.
Generally, the following goes into the composition of handles and ferrules –
- Acrylic
- Plastic
- Wooden pole
- Bamboo pole
- Metal pole
- Resin
Plastic And Acrylic
Wood
Colors On The Handles
Every color tells us a story. Colors associated with objects we use or come across mark territory in our memories. It positions brands in a unique way to the consciousness of the target audience.
Manufacturers may choose colors for handles and ferrules based on their brand identity. There are many ways to color the handles;
- Electroplating – Usually used for metallic colors such as gold, silver, and bronze
- Roll printing – The pigment is roll-pressed onto the handle/ferrule
- Oil spraying – Oil paint is sprayed, and the extra coating is provided for durability.
Coloring is usually done on the Plastic handles. Having no natural color of their own comes with an opportunity to get creative with colors.
There is a rise in demand to color the handle of the brushes golden. For this, the usual coloring methods are oxidation, electroplating, and wire drawing. The price depends on the production process and flow.
Production Flow Of A Standard Makeup Brush
Taking a birch pole as an example, let’s take a look at the typical process of making a handle:
![wooden handle](https://sophienia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/1311608208790_.pic_.jpg)
- Shaping – The shape of the brush pole is made according to the design and the agreed method.
- Painting – The processed wooden pole is painted per the client’s requirements. Generally, it is essential to apply two primers and 6-8 finishes. This way, saturation, and hardness will be better.
- Drying and resting – A cool and dry storage option should be used for a month to dispose of the smell of paints and primers from handles. If the brush is not rested enough, it may scratch or damage the paint.
If the brush you bought carries an odor, you can leave it in a cool and dark place for half a month.
Types of Ferrules
![ferrule image](https://sophienia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/1391608217277_.pic_.jpg)
Ferrules keep the brush’s hair and brush together, making it durable and perfect in shape.
Ferrules have to be maintained well and have to be devoid of water. Bristles and ferrule is glued together with an industrial adhesive. If this gets damp, the glue starts to lose its grip, and shedding the hair is possible.
Ferrules are made from the following metals- copper ferrule and aluminum ferrule.
Copper Ferrule is more rigid and thicker than Aluminum ferrule. Also, Copper has a natural brightness that adds a glow to the color coated on the ferrule.
The texture of copper is great, which gives an authentic feel. Yet, copper requires good maintenance. After washing the brush, it is crucial to dry the mouth of the ferrule. If left in a damp environment, the mouth of the pipe will oxidize and accumulate green rust. At the same time, the aluminum ferrule will oxidize to white rust.
Color, size, and style can be customized per the customers’ needs. Current trends and new designs can be executed with ease. In the market, there is a non-oxidized ferrule available. This adds to the longevity of the brush.
The ferrule is made by machine stamping and needs polishing and oxidation. Often after production, the selection of nozzles is manually made before use. Only those with zero errors in shape and color can be used for the next step.
To avoid any post-construction scrape, the ferrules are wrapped in PP paper.
Conclusion
We hope this article gave a gist of the thought processes and complexities involved in making a makeup brush.
By realizing what goes into making handles and ferrules, one can better understand the scope of customization that a makeup brush has.
We at Sophienia assist you in bringing your creative vision to reality in the best way possible.