The Magpie Ombre Brush has been noted as the BEST ombre brush in the industry. The ombre brush has a very stiff portion of the bristles that need to stay that way. You should only break the starch out of the very tip of the brush. 
Because the ombre bristles are short and don't have a lot of bounce, you are able to blend gel polish colors very easily. Once you get the hang of it, you will find that the Magpie Ombre Brush makes for a quick ombre as well!