Choosing the right plastic for hair brush handles is one of the most critical decisions in product development, affecting durability, user safety, brand perception, and cost. As a professional plastic hair brush manufacturer with over 27 years of experience, we guide leading brands through this selection daily.
This guide breaks down the key plastic materials used in hair brush production, their properties, and how to match them with your brand’s goals for OEM/ODM custom brushes.
The handle is the core interface between the user and the tool. The right material ensures:
Ergonomics & Comfort: Weight, grip, and texture.
Durability & Longevity: Resistance to cracking, chipping, and daily wear.
Safety & Compliance: Free from harmful chemicals (BPA, phthalates) and meeting international standards (FDA, REACH).
Aesthetic & Brand Value: Clarity, color vibrancy, and surface finish (glossy, matte).
Cost-Effectiveness: Balancing quality with production budget for bulk orders.
Best For: The majority of professional plastic hair brushes (detangling, paddle, vented brushes).
Pros: Excellent impact strength, good gloss finish, easily colored, lightweight, and cost-effective for high-volume production. It offers a great balance of durability and aesthetics.
Cons: Can be susceptible to scratches and has lower heat resistance than some other plastics.
Our OEM Note: ABS is our most recommended and versatile material for custom plastic brush handles, ideal for most salon and retail applications.
Best For: Budget-friendly brushes, travel hair brushes, or brushes requiring high flexibility.
Pros: Excellent chemical resistance, good fatigue resistance (hinges don’t break easily), lightweight, and very cost-effective.
Cons: Can feel less "premium," has a lower surface hardness, and is more challenging to paint or glue (often requires special treatment).
Our OEM Note: PP is perfect for economical bulk hair brush projects where flexibility and low cost are priorities.
Best For: Overmolded grips, cushion brush bases, or any area requiring a soft-touch, non-slip surface.
Pros: Provides superb comfort grip, reduces hand fatigue, enhances perceived value with a soft feel.
Cons: Typically used in combination with a rigid plastic (like ABS) as an overmold, not for the entire handle. Slightly higher cost.
Our OEM Note: We often use TPR overmolding on ergonomic plastic brush handles to create a high-end, user-friendly product for your brand.
Best For: Eco-conscious brands offering sustainable hair brushes.
Pros: Reduces environmental footprint, appeals to a growing market, can be certified (e.g., GRS - Global Recycled Standard).
Cons: May have variations in color or properties, often comes at a higher cost, and requires specialized sourcing.
Our OEM Note: As a factory with FSC and GRS certification, we actively help brands develop eco-friendly plastic hair brushes using these sustainable materials.
When discussing your private label hair brush with your manufacturer, consider these factors:
Target User & Use Case:
Salon Professional: Needs extreme durability and heat resistance (from styling tools). ABS is a strong choice.
Home User / Travel: May prioritize lightweight and cost. PP or ABS are suitable.
Premium/Luxury Brand: Values aesthetic feel. ABS with TPR overmold adds a premium touch.
Safety & Certification Requirements:
Ensure the material is compliant with relevant market regulations (e.g., FDA for the US, REACH for EU). Reputable manufacturers will provide material compliance certificates.
Design Complexity:
Intricate designs with thin walls require a strong, flowable plastic like ABS. Simple designs have more material flexibility.
Color & Finish Vision:
For bright, vibrant, and glossy colors, ABS is superior. PP is better for translucent or inherent color effects.
The choice of plastic is just the beginning. An experienced plastic hair brush manufacturer like Creative Art will:
Advise on Material Selection: We help you navigate the trade-offs based on your target price and quality.
Ensure Material Consistency: We source premium, certified raw materials to guarantee every brush in your bulk order meets spec.
Optimize for Manufacturing: Our engineers design the handle for the chosen plastic to ensure flawless injection molding, reducing defects and cost.
Provide Custom Solutions: From custom color matching to creating composite handles (e.g., ABS core with TPR grip), we bring your vision to life.
Conclusion
Selecting the right plastic for your plastic brush for hair is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It’s a strategic choice that aligns your product's function, feel, and price with your brand's market position.
By understanding the core materials and partnering with a knowledgeable manufacturer, you can develop a custom plastic hair brush that stands out for its quality, safety, and design—giving your brand a competitive edge.
Ready to develop your custom brush line? [Contact our OEM/ODM team] for a consultation and let us help you select the perfect materials for your next successful product.
