OPI’s NEW Chrome Effects and Infinite Shine Glaze Toppers
After seasons of barely-there manicures and minimalist nail looks, chrome is officially back in the spotlight.
by Staff
Brushipedia
There are many different types of brushes used in the nail business. Some of the most common types are listed here. You can read more about these terms and reference other topics by visiting our Encyclopedia.
March 28, 2013
Danalynn Stockwood used a fan brush to blend the background colors on these nails.
1 min to read
Stripette Brush
A shorter version of the striper brush, creates vertical and horizontal lines but in shorter strokes.
Striper Brush
A brush with a few long hairs; efficient for creating elongated vertical or horizontal lines.
This striper brush nail art was done by Steven McHenry.
Shader Brush
A versatile brush with a slightly tapered rectangular head, good for backgrounds and drawing larger images.
A shader brush was used to blend the colors for the petals in this example by Tina Panariello.
Marbler Brush
A brush used to mix and blend colors together in free, uneven patterns in nail art.
Fan Brush
A brush with fanned hairs, used to create an airbrushed effect in nail art.
Danalynn Stockwood used a fan brush to blend the background colors on these nails.
Detailer Brush
A pointed brush used for intricate nail art, especially suited for painting flowers.
Liner Brush
A nail art brush with a finely tapered cylindrical head, excellent for short strokes and to draw small lines and details.
A liner brush was used to create the petals in this flower nail art by Donna Dewberry.
Angular Brush
A nail art brush with an angled head used to create intricate designs; bristles are cut at a 45° angle for control when drawing a slant.
View our Encyclopedia here.
SPONSORED CONTENT: Alpha Brush offers a wide variety of brushes for everything from gels to fine nail art.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Nail Design
Press-Ons Aren’t the Enemy, They’re an Opportunity
For years, press-on nails have been treated as the alternative to professional services. But the category has evolved and so has the client.
More Is More - Junk Nails: When Maximalism Meets Nail Art
Junk nails continue to steal the spotlight within the professional beauty industry.
Lunar New Year Nails: Wealth, Renewal and a Little Extra Luck
The lucky cat in this design signifies fortune and abundance--yes, please!
NYFW: Elevated French and Chrome by Gina Edwards and KISS
“You can’t go wrong with a classic French elevated with a high-shine, chrome finish that’s continuing to trend. The stiletto shape of the nails echoes the precision and structure seen throughout the collection.”
The 2026 Vamp Romantic Trend
Romantic goth hairstyles are trending for 2026, and these Sebastian Professional artists have long anticipated the look.
by Anne Moratto
Get the Look: Chic Nails from the 2026 Grammys Red Carpet
Check out what beautiful looks these celebrity nail artists cooked up for famous attendees and nominees of the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Showstopping Wintry Nails from the MODERN SALON 100 2025
Check out these beautiful holiday and winter nails, created by the talented nail artists of our MODERN SALON 100 of 2025. Top-tier inspiration!
Pink Goes Good with Green! Wickedly Good Polish Picks from Dazzle Dry
In anticipation of Wicked: For Good, here are some stunning pink and green polishes from clean nail brand Dazzle Dry.
TRENDING: The Deep French Nail of the 90s Is Back
The return of the deep French is a trend with staying power.
by Anne Moratto
Sweeten Your Client's Summer Mani with Zola Ganzorigt’s Lemon Drop Manicure
OPI Global Ambassador and celebrity manicurist Zola Ganzorigt just merged two of summer’s most buzzy trends – butter yellow and polka dot nails -- to create this adorably sunny trend on Hailey Bieber.
These Were Our Favorite Nails at the 2025 BET Awards
Our favorite part of any award show or celebrity event is seeing what those celebrities are wearing on their fingertips! These celebrity manicurists shared how to recreate some of our favorites.
Nails of the 2025 Oscars: Our Favorite Celebrity Manis
The stars at the 2025 Oscars and their talented manicurists did not disappoint, and we've chosen a few of our favorite nail looks to share with you.
The Coolest Celeb Nails at the 2025 Grammys
See some of the most decorated fingertips at the Grammys, created with Aprés Nail.
NAILS Winter Roundup: Discover Pro Polish & Skincare
Looking for some new stuff to get excited over during this post-holiday quiet period? We've got just the selection for you, including new polish formulas, colors, and even botanical skincare.
NAILS' Top 10 Articles of 2024
Which of our 2024 nailsmag.com articles did you find most intriguing last year? The results are in!
Our Favorite Nail Moments from the Golden Globes
See how these celebrity manicurists used Aprés Nail to create some of the Golden Globes' most stunning nail looks.