Measurements and Holder Information

This brush handle flares out from the bristles and is an example of a good fit for the normal/regular one inch holders. The main consideration after this is the length of the bristles. Most average 2" to 2 1/4" length. Bristles 2 1/2" or more in length need a stand or a longer stemmed holder like the nickel holders. Some brush handles, for example straight handles or some metal handles, will not fit holders, but usually fit stands. This is because the holders flair out from the actual opening and some straight handles may simply fall through. Also, some metal handles can be slippery on rounded holders.

This is the way Em's Place measures the diameter of a brush when talking about the point where the bristles meet the handle. Same measurement style would be applicable depending upon what area of the handle or bristle is being discussed.

For placing a brush in holder at the point where the bristles meet the handle and when contacting Em's Place to find out if a given stand will hold a brush you already have on hand please provide the following information and using the measuring style referenced above. Most brush handles round or bulb/flare out a little as in this first picture:

A the diameter where the bristles meet the handle.
B the diameter slightly after point "A" as the handle starts to bulge out.
C the diameter at the largest part of the handle.

Other helpful information is: Length of bristle and length of handle. The other main factor is if there is any metal at the handle base the would make the brush base heavy and therefore subject to toppling over if placed into a holder at the point where the bristles meet the handle.

If you have a very different type of handle style please refer to the second picture in this section and let us know which style comes closest to your brush together with measurement "A" and any other measurement that will be helpful. For the flat-ish style let us also know the measure at the far end of the flat area too. If you are interested in purchasing a brush and separate stand supplied on our web site simply refer to the item number/s and we can let you know if they are compatible.

This picture shows how Em's Place measures the knot. When you look at the anatomy of a brush page you will see the craftsman bundling the hair into "knots". These knots come in different diameters and discussed in millimeters (mm).  Since not all manufactures provide the knot size, we use a  pair of precision calipers to take the measurement from the inside handle lip at the point where the bristles meet the handle. Inventory and brush sizes in stock can sometimes vary slightly from shipment to shipment.

if you are looking for a specific knot size please email and provide the brushes item number or what you are specifically looking for. We generally refer to brushes as normal, large or extra large. When using the larger size brushes keep in mind that they may take a larger lather bowl as the "bloom" diameter can get quite large - see bristle styles for more information.