Synthetic brushes are made of special multi-diameter extruded nylon filament. The most valuable hair used in artist brushes is obtained from the tail of the Kolinsky. Often known as sabeline, ox hair provides reasonably good flow control but lacks durability and snap. It is economic and sometimes mixed with more expensive brush filaments. Not taken from the camel, this is a generic term for many types of less expensive hair that are dyed to a pleasing colour.
Every bristle has a split end and oil or acrylic colour sits between the division.
Hog hair is plentiful and generally used in the production of industrial brushes and brooms. It is available in lengths of up 8 inches long. It ranges in colour from light to dark brown, is straight and soft but does not have the fine points which distinguish squirrel hair does. In recent years, synthetic hair filaments have become generally excepted as an excellent alternative to natural hair. The best synthetic brushes are constructed using a mixture of filament diameters to achieve the flow of colour from the brush to substrate.