Keeping Your Acrylic Brush In Top Shape - Suzie's Pro Tips

Suzie shares her secrets on how to keep your Acrylic Brush in Top Shape, including how to prevent Acrylic curing in your brush, how to remove cured acrylic from your brush, Cleaning and Conditioning your brush.
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:09 Remove Dried Acrylic from your Brush
06:15 Condition Your Brush
10:41 Prevent Acrylic from Drying in your Brush
14:21 Cleaning Your Brush
Brush used in this video:
Premium Kolinsky Acrylic Brush
Ugly Duckling Nails Inc.
bit.ly/2UJgOwc
Pure Acetone Manicurist Solvent
Sally Beauty
bit.ly/2WM2O5w
Suzie was not paid to promote the products in this video, and does not receive a commission from sales.
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__
Thanks to the talented composers and musicians who created the music used in this video!
00.01 Blue Beach by PALA bit.ly/2TDXlgh
01:08 Winter by Fey Foxx bit.ly/2HTHUOv
05:38 And Rainclouds by Hale bit.ly/2XYx8LO
08:12 Games by GARDNR bit.ly/2Hz2Gly
10:39 Coastal by PALA bit.ly/2COEAQC
14:21 Winter by Fey Foxx bit.ly/2HTHUOv
16:05 Blue Beach by PALA bit.ly/2TDXlgh
All music © of the composers.
Music Licensed through
Soundstripe bit.ly/2HFOt4A

[@nailsbyjennifercole9396]

I’ve been using acetone to clean my brush for over 30 years. Never had a problem.

[@ekunina5410]

When I bought brush cleaner--the one ingredient was Acetone! Dumb. I buy it in Walmart’s Home & Paint Department for $13 (about a Gallon).

[@a.b.3098]

Nails by Jennifer Cole Same i found that it works for me

[@nisa3612]

Can I use isopropyl alcohol instead of acetone?

[@naildbyj7527]

Nisa no.

[@yayedior4111]

Can I use nail polish remover

[@vegasmainiac7745]

I just learned a trick to restore brushes with bent bristles! I have a bunch of crazy expensive brushes that have been stored for years since I don’t do nails professionally anymore. Several were not capped and the bristles were bent sideways or curved. Give them a dip in boiling water and reshape to point, let dry thoroughly then condition in monomer. It’s that easy! Some of mine were $100 brushes and now I can use them again. So happy and thanks Suzie for all you do!

[@NailCareerEducation]

Great tip

[@everythingwithoak]

Needed this 😭. On my third brush, thank you very much. Will try it today

[@BoogerBoy365]

I was JUST dealing with this issue. Are you a mind reader? Thank you so much!

[@charrissa97]

Me too

[@brandywine1988]

I was gonna comment the same thing 😱😱😱 Literally yesterday I lost a brush to a mess of dried acrylic🤣

[@a.b.3098]

Samara Baphomet Same acetone worked for me but i need something better

[@charrissa97]

You changed your comment, now out replies are out of place

[@BoogerBoy365]

Charrissa Cunningham Charrissa Cunningham I edited it well before anyone replied and it was asking if there was a preventative measure One could do to avoid the issue all together; that was before I even finished the video.

[@haydens.hobbies]

so acetone is like a shampoo and monomer a conditioner haha

[@DoveNative]

Yeppers

[@norcell1001]

Logically yes..I do it all the time..I never used brush cleaner. just acetone and monomer..

[@ginocanchaser]

Iant she greaf and to the po ih nt!

[@gl-jp8up]

GiannaMaria Logan wtf???!

[@ginocanchaser]

@@gl-jp8up what. What did i do?

[@andreawhisenant2718]

I use acetone every time my brush gets gooey and doesn’t pick up the bead correctly and then soak and wipe in monomer right after. Works like a charm and I’m a new tech. Never thought twice about it cause I have watched my Susie do that and I trust you Susie! Experience speaks and newbies listen.

[@kayr3883]

My brush is always frayed after I use it and then try acetone .. help :(

[@user-cm9et3uj3f]

@@kayr3883 acetone will fray low quality brushes

[@teresahagen8597]

Omg you have no idea how mad at myself I am. I've lost so many brushes. Lol I'm still learning but this omg this is amazing! I love watching your stuff!

[@hannahpotato3722]

Please make a video about brush sizes, shape , crimped , top brands (your top 5) and pricing . Please , please !! 😭

[@emilyrose6546]

Agreed!

[@jasminegenus1186]

Please 🙏

[@joannasaadati8810]

Acetone is such a useful product. We use it in the lash extension world for dissolving the glue off of our tools.

[@NailCareerEducation]

Yup - we do that to 👍🏼

[@joannasaadati8810]

@@lil4z really?? It's too toxic to be using it for cleaning big spaces?

[@cortneypruitt]

Could it be used to clean false lashes too??

[@joannasaadati8810]

@@cortneypruitt I don't think so but I don't know for sure. We use a very different glue for lash extensions than false lash strips, it's basically a black super glue that can't touch the skin. It's impossible to dissolve it without acetone or a glue remover.

[@cortneypruitt]

@@joannasaadati8810 oh okay. Thank you for your help.

[@10069MillefioreTime]

You can use a clip for hanging clothes to hold the brush in the bottle of acetone without it dropping in and messing its shape!

[@sugadiamond]

This is brilliant, thank you

[@MissKellyBean]

Oooh good one!

[@qwaneasia]

i added rubber bands so it stops the brush from hitting the bottom of the small bottle so it doesnt mess up the shape of bristles

[@ekunina5410]

Excellent Idea, Thanks! 💋

[@mvelenagarcia]

There are some special vases for holding the brushes :)

[@SeabassFishbrains]

I have that exact same glitter acrylic and I swear, if someone so much as breaths or walks past it too quickly while the lid is open, the glitter flies everywhere! I love it though, it fades like a dream!

[@trinity.]

What is the name of the acrylic? Do you know where I can get it ?

[@gofishblowfish]

I'm just about to start doing my own nails so this is extremely helpful to learn 💕💕💕

[@patticharles2905]

Me too

[@RandeT73]

When I was in school, a classmate used my brush and didn't clean it. It was a horrific mess. I went to Sally's (because that's what was close) and looked at their brush cleaners. One of the main ingredients is Acetone. I looked at other brands, same thing, they all had acetone in them.

[@barbiejake4801]

You are so right Suzie this is how we was taught at my training course to use acetone, I’ve got brushes that are 25yrs old I bought them after I passed my training in 1995 and got my certificate if you saw those brushes they are 100% better than the brushes I’ve bought today in 2020 my brushes are sable haired some crimped some pointed but I clean them in acetone and finish them off in brush cleaner they still look brand new after 25yrs, I’m so glad to see a top tech here talk about acetone and brush cleaning👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽✅✅✅acetone is the best way to clean the brushes so thank you for sharing this Suzie🙏🏽👍🏽🥰

[@NailCareerEducation]

Yeeeeeeesssss! Thank you ✅😁💜

[@starseedgirl]

We’re can I buy your older brushes what’s the name

[@LegS-fo3fb]

Thank you!! I've been a self-taught nail tech for my own nails for at least 15 years & still learned some great & very helpful tips & clarification regarding cleaning brushes. Always aiming to perfect my nail applications & definitely starts with the proper tool/brush & knowing how to care for them.

[@charlottecundall7379]

Your first video dealing with this issue gave me the confidence to invest in quality brushes.... My main brush has remained in great condition since that first instructional video... Thank you so much for saving me quite a lot of money! Xx

[@cxxtrippyxx2396]

someone i work with used my brush and left a little bead that i found the next day. i was so mad i wanted to cry! 😂 DONT TOUCH MY BABY

[@meganthomas3212]

It works.great!! I think when people are saying don't use acetone. They might be having issue because acetone will melt the glue holding the hairs into the brush. But if you are careful like you showed us I wouldn't be an issue!!! Great video!!!!!♡

[@tanz909]

I just soak in monomer and it cleans anything clogged in the brush

[@royalgoddess664]

Very helpful! TOO MANY BRUSHES RUINED

[@internaloptometrist2702]

Im not a nail tech, nor do I ever do anything but polish my nails but I love watching your Videos Suzie!

[@jp8649]

I'm going to try this with my natural paint brushes, they're already ruined by dried acrylic paint so it won't hurt anything if it goes wrong. Thanks so much for putting the idea in my head!

[@schws001]

J P good luck I have a feeling it will probably work

[@floridagirl386]

Acrylic paint wont come off as easy & idk whyyyy

[@jenny9343]

@@floridagirl386 it does with pure acetone. I do nails and also love painting with acrylic paint and if i don't wash them right away i use alcohol or acetone and it cleans them pretty well. I also dont use the most expensive brushes for painting so if one gets ruined it wont be a problem but still never happened

[@floridagirl386]

@@jenny9343 it doesn't for me. ..

[@jenny9343]

@@floridagirl386 maybe theyre too dried in there?

[@55MissyLou]

Never used acetone and didn't know. Thank you so much Suzie for sharing this. Finally something to save my brushes.

[@lydiamc1918]

Your voice is so relaxing!! It's like hypnotic!! My daughter has asked for everything she needs to do her own acrylic nails for Christmas. Your videos have helped me so much since I've never done my own nails before. I feel confident that I'll be able to do her nails by the time Christmas is here 😊

[@mightyspouse4663]

I always wondered why, "brush cleaner," always smelled, suspiciously, like acetone.

[@leighgifford4050]

You still amaze me every time I watch your videos. Thank you, for sharing all your experiences and education, Suzie.

[@qwaneasia]

01:09 Remove Dried Acrylic from your Brush 06:15 Condition Your Brush 10:41 Prevent Acrylic from Drying in your Brush 14:21 Cleaning Your Brush

[@missk9127]

thank you! very helpful!

[@joh8491]

I simply love your videos. They are so clear and concise yet never condescending to your viewers. This problem has bugged me for some time and I have tried nearly everything except aceton. 🙏

[@kittydiva25]

I'm going to start school soon for nails and watching your videos have giving me a heads start and excited me. I can't wait to begin.

[@trudystroup9640]

How do you always know what my questions are before I ask them?! I love you, Suzie, you are a great teacher!

[@bryrayne9666]

Omg Suzie thank you so much for this video. Most techs say the acetone takes away the natural shine of the brush but i find that this works as well. 32 years is definitely worth People listening to your advice. Experience is everything. Last night i got blue, black really fine glitters into my brush and couldn't get it out lol but now i know how to get them all out thanks to you.

[@DoveNative]

Very, very helpful! And I never knew that monomer conditions the brush after cleaning, that is great to know too! Thank you and cameraman!

[@annal3208]

I'm so glad you posted this, thank you Suzie. I am brand new to nails and get acrylic jammed in my brushes pretty much every nail. I was afraid to use acetone because of all the other people but am not really in a position where I could buy special cleaner or a new brush. I can't wait to try this tomorrow!

[@Bubs2375]

Thank you Suzie, I learn soo much from your tutorials, and I'm very grateful for all your hard work and inspiration... much love from over the sea...🌟💖🌟

[@rooniqueboutiquenails2192]

Another great tutorial Suzie, I've always used an orange wood stick to regularly check for hidden acrylic drying in my brush since watching you do it in another video months ago, it's really helped to save me from having the problem of getting dried acrylic in my brush, so thanks for all the amazing tips and tricks you constantly show us, you've taught me so much and really helped me on my journey to becoming a nail tech.. 😍😍💕💕💅💅Xxx

[@stephk3221]

I've been wondering more about this! Thanks for all the details suzie

[@alvanaa]

Thank you for sharing Suzie 🙂 have a good continuation!

[@leahmonica1631]

Great video Suzie! 💕 Looking Stunning as always!

[@Samnas83]

Susie helped me with this tip on FB and ever since it’s been a month or so THIS WORKS, I wish I could afford her classes 😢 I know that they are very beneficial

[@ladylotusinc]

Suzie the life saver! I just purchased one of the most expensive brushes I've ever had and have almost been afraid to really use it because I was afraid of this very thing. Thank you so much! 💗💞💗💞💗💞

[@ASMRbyKittyy]

The Lady Lotus which brush did you purchase?

[@slimgirls78]

Thank you Suzie, such helpful advice, which is appreciated.

[@zeej80]

Damn this explains so much! I’ve been doing my nails for a few years,& this was always something I’ve struggled with! Thank u so much, Susie! 💜

[@corylcreates]

Suzie, video idea! How about some design ideas for shorter nails? How to make something beautiful/unique with limited nail estate? I'd love to see your take on that!

[@cherylgreen1957]

Thankyou Susie…new to acrylic nails. I have to say my brushes need this …. You have helped me soooooo much

[@ashleyturner1409]

I learned a lot from this video, I have been struggling a lot with acrylic drying in my brush and with my application. I didn't realize if I didn't completely remove the acrylic on my brush after releasing the bead that it can make shaping the acrylic more difficult. Thank you for the tips!

[@judith5862]

How awesome is this❗️This video was posted on my...Birthday‼️I am looking for “nail brushes for acrylic nails” and decided to choose this one since it’s from Nail Career Education. Best of everything is that you’re cleaning the brushes 😍I’ve only used acetone and had nooo idea that the monomer would be the moisturizer 😳. Thank you sooo much for this. Will definitely save this video.

[@mandicoleman7433]

I have finally got to the point of not clogging my brush after a year n half

[@castrocristinaol87]

That is so awesome! There is hope for me then lol

[@MrCrucial30]

I love the fact you teach us the right way it isnt just super glue lol thank u so much for you help now im get all the stuff i got the lamp an nails stuff so far

[@katiyafosdick6190]

Omg I love this woman. Such a sweetheart!

[@emilyrose6546]

Thank you so much! I wasted a brush cutting it up recently and just got my new one in the mail. This is super helpful!

[@wandareyes9397]

This is what i needed to see how to remove the acrylic while doing my nails. A big thank you it helps alot.

[@laredoswagdistrict]

Do I do nails? No. Do I plan on doing nail? No. Yet here I am watching this lol

[@ExoticasEmpire]

Very helpful as always Mrs. Suzie thanks luv for sharing and showing much love always 💅💕💕💕

[@safinaglamnails3926]

Amazing nail tec love her she's the best susie always explains everything in detail

[@NailsbyCammi]

Thank you so much for this awesome video Suzie 💖 Saved for when i'm starting to learn acrylic💕

[@PunkinPants420]

You are a fantastic teacher. Thank you so much for these videos!!

[@auntied4950]

Thank you Suzie! 💜

[@MariaMartinez-jb3zn]

I haven’t been practicing acrylic for awhile so I always come back to S… the beads were starting to stay in powder…🙁 needed to freshen up brush…all I had to do was look up Susie…it’ s nice nice knowing you can bring things back to life! 🙏🏽🙋🏻‍♀️👍🏽

[@debbiepruitt3893]

That was great! I have always cleaned my brush with acetone... but I was as you called it, a painter. Now I can clean with success‼️🥰. PS. Instead of using tape to hold the brush in the bottle, clothespins work great ❣️😉

[@aliyanaamor2733]

I love you so much especially for helping me out in this moment

[@MissMalikaA]

I love your little trick of cleaning the brushes. when i first learnt acrylic nails i use to clog the brushes up all the time

[@NailCareerEducation]

Ya youre not alone - we all do it 😊

[@joyceboston5536]

Thank you Suzie. I needed this.

[@joseortiz-fw7by]

“We don’t wanna do that” “we don’t do that with these specific brushes” what a great way to give a student confidence. This wording keeps one from feeling stupid and that is very valuable when learning a new skill

[@NailCareerEducation]

I agree - we are all learning, i learn something new everyday and ive been doing nails for years

[@sboyce246]

Suzie I love you! You saved me having to buy a brush tomorrow!

[@Diamondbliss247]

Thanks for sharing your technical skills I love these gems😍❣

[@morganpriscilla6032]

These tips are great! I was having these problems but this is really helpful😀

[@antoinettematheney8626]

Thank you 😊 i didnt know as a newbie what to do this workes so well

[@itsss.maleah]

I just love your style

[@gymeni]

Informative video! There are also inexpensive cups/containers with incorporated brush holders of various sizes made specifically for keeping your brushes upright while soaking and cleaning them.

[@jessicamolapo1311]

thanQ so much, this was mighty informative. you just checked like 2 of my bad, recurrent habits. now i know how to solve the problem because i actually know what the problem is! 👏🏽

[@allthingsglaicy5872]

SUPER HELPFUL. ILOVEYOU SUZIE! ❤️

[@beanygirl6144]

And you have the best cameraman. Love the closeups. Makes things easier to understand when I can see what you are talking about.

[@PolarLand]

Yes thank you I knew i was right, at first people would tell me to use just monomer but I’m glad now you tell me the right way to do & tips to prevent that happening again. ❤️

[@joannedelorenzo8011]

Thank you Suzie! I needed this

[@ivanajackson5980]

I am a self-taught so I do my own nails I’m so happy now I know I was trying to figure out how to do this thank you so much

[@MysticWater11]

Thank you so much I just saved two good brushes because of this video!!

[@tanishathomas7533]

This is all I do lol.....THANK YOU I don't feel wrong now Suzie Thank you. I've only been doing my nails for 2 years and this is the only thing that works for me😁 you are Awesome!!!

[@collinjohnson8772]

I’m so glad you made this video love your videos ❤️

[@ravenradeke3443]

Thanks so much. That is really important.

[@NailsbyGGRNVLE]

Same I’ve used acetone for over 25 years to clean my brush and after it’s clean I leave monomer in it to keep it conditioned. Works wonderful.

[@erikajohnson743]

THIS IS WHAT I WAS TAUGHT IN BEAUTY SCHOOL! I HAVEN'T HAD TOO MUCH LUCK WITH BRUSH CLEANER. IF YOU HAVE QUALITY BRUSHES YOU HAVE BETTER RESULTS IN YOUR WORK AND CAN CLEAN THEM THIS WAY. LOVE YOU AND CAMERAMAN LOL!! 💓💓💓BLESSINGS

[@czbarbie17]

Great video Suzie and cameraman. One thing I would do differently is to pour a separate amount of acetone to use to dip the contaminated brush instead of poking it into the whole acetone container if you’re going to use the acetone on other customers. Unless you’re meant to use that container only to clean the brush, which is what Susie may be doing and idk. But I just wanted to point that out for others who are beginners.

[@jacquelinedimattia774]

Thanks for the great advice Suzie!

[@larissa_he212]

Thank you for this helpful Video. Im a acrylic beginner and this was one of the big questions. Greetings from germany🙋‍♀️🤗

[@Evangelicalstory]

You explained this perfectly!!!

[@LydiaAshley]

Thanks Susie! I just purchased my first brush and I’m trying to keep it as long as I can lol

[@MJ_n_Prophet]

I.agree. I have been doing that for 20 years... I have a brush cleaner cup that has a lid with. varible sizes to hold the brushes and they dont sit on the bottom also So you dont contaminate the acetone. Quality is key! Great video.

[@femketjeNL]

Saving this video right away for when I'm going to start out doing acrylic nails :3

[@cassiemccarty2790]

Thank you. I just tried acrylic my first time yesterday and it was a disaster. This really helped me.

[@multibuttercup101]

Suzie! This was super helpful, thank you!! It would be really helpful if you did a video on Advice for gel enhancements on thin/eggshell nails! I struggle with this myself, they've been that way for years and it sucks because I often get lifting and breakage easily.

[@lanitalopez1383]

Just love ur videos and way of teaching thank you !!!!from a nail newbie ❤💜💙

[@teagan1311]

Needed this video!! Thank you Suzie

[@kayleenhowey6333]

This has been my biggest problem! Thank you!

[@flor9868]

Bestie you almost saved me but sadly I had already cut the brisles to my brush that had the acrylic stuck and now I had to get a new one but I tried this and it works 100% ima do dis next time fs so ion have to ruin my brushes. Thank you😭 ( it was my first time I didn’t know🧍🏽‍♀️)

[@autumn7ful]

Oh thank you for that fabulous tip because my acrylic brush I forgot about it and it’s hard as a rock and I have the exact same acetone is you have so I will give that a try tomorrow

[@courtneysmith2762]

Im so glad i found ur channel!! Im just startin out and ive been havin this issue and had no idea what to do😅

[@LisaOwensTrophyPetNanny]

I'm not a professional but do my own acrylics and I just had this issue last night. I never heard or noticed that you should wipe the brush after placing a bead. How did I miss this! Now I can go clean that brush from yesterday. I thought it was a goner. I also had no idea monomer was conditioning! I assumed it was harsh like acetone. Thank you so much.

[@karen4003]

Just a little FYI. I have found if I need to let it sit longer I use a clip and put my brush in brush cleaner or acetone just till it touches, then I put the clip and let it hold it resting on the side of the bottle. Hopefully you will understand this

[@drewholt4573]

i found that really helpful thank yoy suzie love watching your videos x

[@sandramitchell4031]

Very helpful. Exactly what I was looking for thanks hun

[@tammyyoungmua]

This was really helpful, I literally asked this question into a nail tech fb group a few weeks ago as I’m leaning nails but using a cheap brush, I ruined my brush the first day 😩 as I got acrylic hardened and I pulled it out so people were telling me the acetone likely ruined it with it being a cheaper brush. Glad to say I’m getting better lol ❤️

[@exoticnails-by9uv]

Omg thank you so much ive cleaned all my brusches yay you are the best