In powdering fingerprints, a fine quality brush is indispensable. Since stiff hairs can damage papillary ridges, the fingerprint brushes below are made from a type of very soft hairs, commonly known as squirrel hair. Brushes need to be replaced from time to time, since in use they inevitably absorb greasy substances and begin to pick up too much powder. The higher the number of the brush, the larger the cross-section of the head. The round brushes are packaged in a plastic tube.