A: Our brushes are shipped with a starch mixture applied to the bristles to ensure their shape is held until you are ready to use them. It's extremely important to prep your new brush(es) properly before use: Gently work the bristles back and forth using a lint-free wipe, piece of paper towel, or a clean orange wood stick to gently break up the starch. While doing this, you will notice small particles falling from the brush head, continue working the brush head back and forth until there are little to no particles falling. Once the starch is free from the brush, prep your new Natural Hair Brush by working the brush head back and forth in a clean dish of monomer to "season" the bristles. FOR PREMIUM CRYSTAL BRUSHES: Gently replace the cap after each use and store on its side or with the brush head facing down to avoid monomer from leaking into the ferrule (metal part) of the brush. FOR PEARL WOOD BRUSHES: Store on its side or with the brush head facing down to avoid monomer from leaking into the ferrule (metal part) of the brush