When browsing through a website or catalog for tattoo needles, the variety of options can feel overwhelming. Don't worry! We're here to simplify things for you.
Tattoo needles come in six main types: Round Liners, Round Shaders, Magnum Shaders, Curved Magnum Shaders, Flat Shaders, and Double Stack Magnums. Each one has specific uses, which we’ll break down for you below.
Round Liner Needles
Round Liners are the go-to needles for creating precise, clean lines. The pins are grouped in a circular pattern, and the thickness of the line depends on both the needle size and the gauge of the pins. For instance, a 01 Round Liner will give you a very fine line, while a 14 Round Liner will provide a thick, bold line. These needles are designed to release just the right amount of ink to avoid making lining difficult.
Common Uses: Dot work, script and lettering, traditional and neo-traditional, geometric designs, tribal tattoos, and Samoan styles.
Round Shader Needles
Similar to Round Liners but with a wider spread between the pins, Round Shaders can handle thicker lines and basic shading work. They’re great for color filling and soft shading.
Common Uses: Line work, shading, color packing, Japanese, geometric, and tribal designs.
Magnum Shader Needles
Magnum shaders are the preferred choice for shading large areas. They hold more ink, making the shading process faster and less traumatic to the skin. Less passes are needed, making them ideal for color packing and smooth shading.
Common Uses: Black and grey shading, color realism, large color fields, traditional and tribal styles.
Curved Magnum Shader Needles
Also called soft magnums or round magnums, these needles feature a curved design that follows the natural contours of the skin, distributing ink more evenly and minimizing damage. They’re perfect for creating softer, more blended shading.
Common Uses: Black and grey, soft shading, and color realism.
Double Stack Magnum Shader Needles
Not as widely used anymore, Double Stack Magnums have tightly packed pins, making them ideal for intricate shading and detail work.
Common Uses: Precision shading and detailed color packing.
Flat Shader Needles
Flat Shader needles have pins aligned in a straight line, making them perfect for bold lines and shading. These needles deliver more ink with each pass, resulting in clearer lines and solid color fills.
Common Uses: Intricate shading, geometric designs, mandalas, and some styles of semi-permanent makeup.
Tattoo Needle Sizes Explained
Now that you know about the different types of needles, let’s dive into needle diameters, also known as gauges. The diameter affects how the ink flows—smaller gauges allow for finer, slower ink flow, while larger gauges release more ink.
#8 Gauge (0.25mm diameter): Perfect for detailed work and slower ink flow.
#10 Gauge (0.30mm diameter): A versatile, middle-range needle suitable for various tattooing styles.
#12 Gauge (0.35mm diameter): Provides fast ink flow, ideal for bold lines and large color fills.
Tattoo Needle Count
Each needle is made up of individual pins, and the count refers to how many pins are grouped together. For example, a 1209RL means a 12 gauge needle with 9 pins grouped as a round liner. The higher the number, the thicker the line or shading.
Buying Tattoo Needles: What to Look For
When purchasing tattoo needles, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Pre-sterilized Needles: All our needles come pre-sterilized and individually blister-packed, ready for use. Always check that the needles are sterile and have a valid expiration date.
Quality of the Needles: Ensure that the needles are straight and securely soldered. Bent needles can damage the skin and result in poor tattoo quality.
Compatibility: Make sure the needles you buy are compatible with your equipment, including your tattoo machine, tips, and tubes.
Conclusion
Tattoo needles play a vital role in the outcome of your tattoo work. While this guide provides a comprehensive overview, every artist has their own preferences when it comes to needle types and configurations. It’s essential to experiment and find what works best for your style. For more information or to discuss your specific needs, feel free to contact our team!
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