First, invest in a protective storage system for your brushes. Many brushes are sold with matching caps, or at least shipped with small protective plastic tubes over the bristles. Make sure you hold on to these! In addition, store your brushes in a dedicated brush case or implement box, as this can stop the bristles from getting bent amongst your other supplies.
When cleaning your brushes, saturate a lint-free wipe with cleanser (alcohol for gel products, or acetone for regular nail lacquer), and then use it to gently wipe the bristles of the brush using a soft pinch. Alternatively, you can also wipe or roll the brush along the surface of the lint-free square. Repeat until the brush is clean. Always take your time, and avoid pressing down on the brushes vertically, as this can cause them to splay from the ferrule. Clean your brushes immediately after you are done using them, and before storing again.
— Sarah Waite, Phoenix
@chalkboardnails