We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Cosmetic

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Squirrel Brush?

By Christine Hudson
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 12,710
Share

A squirrel brush is a makeup application brush made of squirrel hair. Higher-quality squirrel hair brushes are typically made with the hair of the gray or blue squirrel native to Russia. Brown squirrel hair is more readily available, and brushes made from it are usually cheaper and considered medium-quality. Sometimes, squirrel hair is mixed with other hair in the brush to lower the cost.

Squirrel hair is generally very soft and gentle on the skin. It is also considered durable, and many prefer it over other natural brush types. If a person has sensitive skin, they might consider a squirrel brush to apply makeup. Before choosing a brush, however, it is a good idea for individuals to be sure that the hair is not mixed with other, more coarse hair, which may irritate the skin. An allergy test may also be a good idea before purchasing a squirrel brush.

Most squirrel brushes are not made from the hair of the typical garden-variety squirrel. Instead, longhair squirrels native to Canada and Russia are usually used. The longer hairs from the tail are most often used, and they are generally kept as natural and unprocessed as possible. The hair chosen is very fine, so the brushes can be packed more densely. They are typically good for eyeshadow and powder foundation brushes—some art brush companies also use squirrel hair in their paintbrushes, and they are said to be very good for watercolor.

While some consider a squirrel brush to be a high-quality product, others choose not to use them. Some of these brushes are made in countries with little or no animal welfare laws and regulations. Even those manufactured with strict regulations and minimal animal cruelty might not be purchased by those against using animal products of any kind.

Typically, any cosmetic salon or shop will carry the squirrel hair brush. It is important to keep all makeup brushes clean, but natural brushes may require even more care. Natural makeup brushes tend to trap and hold dirt and bacteria, which can cause infections or other complications when they come into contact with the face. To clean a squirrel brush, individuals should swirl it around in a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of shampoo, then rinse the brush under running warm water thoroughly. It generally takes several hours for a squirrel brush to dry completely, so it is best for users to lay it flat and allow it to dry overnight.

Share
BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By LisaLou — On Oct 07, 2011

I have never spent a lot of money on my blush brushes. I usually use whatever comes with the blush or buy my makeup brushes at a discount store.

Since squirrel brushes are considered higher quality, I probably have never used one. I guess I never thought much about what type of hair they use for makeup brushes.

I know some makeup brushes can be quite expensive. Someone told me once to go to an art supply store and you can buy great brushes for a much more reasonable price.

Even though they are sold as art brushes, they work great for your makeup as well. These are probably not made from squirrel hair, which is fine with me.

From now on, I will probably make sure to notice what type of material my makeup brushes are made of.

By sunshined — On Oct 06, 2011

I never knew they used squirrel hair for makeup brushes and applicators. If I have ever bought one to use for myself, I was unaware that it was made with squirrel hair.

As I watch the squirrels outside my window run up and down the trees, I have a hard time thinking about using their hair on my face. I know they don't make the brushes from this type of squirrel, but the concept is still the same.

Even though they can be a nuisance and my mom tries to keep them out of her yard, I don't like the idea of using their hair to apply my makeup.

Share
https://www.beautyanswered.com/what-is-a-squirrel-brush.htm
Copy this link
BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.