Tattoo Needle Styles: Let’s Focus on Different Types of Tattoo Needles

You start a business, and you really don’t have much of a budget. - Fred Deluca

When the co-founder of the Subway franchise says these words, they definitely have some value! It applies to all new businesses and starting a tattoo business is no different.

If you are new to the world of tattooing, you may be starting with a limited budget and your focus will be on choosing the best tattoo equipment at a lower cost. You may be focused on buying professional tattoo machines at the moment. But remember, you should not skimp out tattoo needles. Using the same tattoo needles for different clients is a big no-no.

Tattoo needles may be a small component of the business but they hold great importance. They have the potential to make or break the business. Even though small, they are something that you will require the most throughout your career as a tattoo artist. You need to know the differences between different types of needle styles that are used for creating tattoos. Learn everything now; so that you can make an informed purchase.

1. Round Tattoo Needles

If the needles create a circular pattern (flower-like design), they are called round needles. Multiple needles are connected to the central shaft for creating the round pattern. Round needles can be used as liners or shaders depending on needle placement.

If round needles are packed closely, they are called Round Liners (RL). They are used for detailing and technical work. If the needles are stacked loosely, they create thick, bold outlines. They are good for shading and color filling as well. Loosely stacked needles around a central shaft are called Round Shaders (RS).

Round Needles will either be Round Liners (RL) or Round Shaders (RS). For example, 7RL means seven round liner needles and 5RS means five round shader needles. Sometime, you may find a product coding such as 1205RS. "12" means the standard thickness of needles i.e. 0.35mm. And, 05RS means 5 round shader needles.

2. Flat Tattoo Needles

When the needles are stacked in a straight line, they are called flat needles. They are perfect for outlining and they deliver clearer, more defined lines in a single stroke. You can use flat needles to fill in color as well.

Flat tattoo needles are coded as FL (Flat Liner) and FS (Flat Shader). The product coding is similar to round needles. For example, 5FL means 5 flat liner tattoo needles.

3. Magnum Needles

Ideal for shading or coloring an area, the magnum needles (or mags) have needles points grouped in two rows. The taper length of magnum needles is longer than round shader needles and so, they carry more ink. As the tattoo artist can finish coloring or shading a larger area with minimal strokes of magnum needles, it is a very popular choice.

Let’s take a look at the different types of magnum needles.

a. Weaved Magnum Needles

Weaved magnum needles are not packed tightly and they create a loosely stacked "half pyramid" shape. There is space in between the needle points which allows you to hold more ink. They are ideal for filling up tattoos as well as blending and shading. Weaved magnum tattoo needles are identified as M1. For example, 9M1 means 9 weaved magnum needles.

b. Stacked Magnum Needles

Stacked magnum needles are stacked closely in two rows and they are identified by M2. Sometimes, these types of needles are also called dual stacked tattoo needles. A set of stacked magnum needles will allow you to blend, shade and fill in a large tattoo area effortlessly. They ensure faster completion of work than weaved magnum needles.

If you see tattoo needle marked as 9M2, it means it is a group of 9 stacked magnum needles.

c. Round/Curved Magnum Needles

Round magnum needles or curved magnum needles are a relatively new type of tattoo needles. In this type of needle set, the magnum needles are arranged in such a manner that the tip creates an arch in the center. The rounded edge of the needle pattern gives it the unique name.

It is believed that the curved edges of the needle grouping cause less damage to the skin and allow for better ink penetration. Round magnum needles can be recognized by RM (Rounded Magnum) or MC (Magnum Curved) in the product coding.

Special Mention: Bugpin Needles

Bugpin needles are very tiny needles that have a tighter grouping pattern. The thickness of normal needles is generally between 0.30mm-0.35mm. On the other hand, bugpin needles have thickness in the range of 0.20mm-0.25mm. It allows for smoother and finer end-results. Bugpin needles are ideal for detailed work.

Using bugpin needles is a matter of preference. If you prefer using them for finer lines, you can buy bugpin needles in varying sizes. However, they are not essential for work.

Let’s not forget Tattoo Needle Cartridges

Some tattoo machines may require tattoo needle cartridges instead of traditional tattoo needles. For example, the Cheyenne Hawk rotary machine requires needle cartridges.

Cartridges are ready-to-use modules that do not require any kind of set-up or sterilization on the part of the tattoo artist. You simply need to break open the cover and install the cartridge in the tattoo machine.

Make sure your tattoo machine is compatible with the needle cartridge that you are buying. Cartridges can hold all types of needles but you need to check the product description in detail before buying anything.

Choose the Best Tattoo Needles for your Tattoo Studio

Now that you know how different needle styles help you in creating stunning tattoos, make sure you choose the right supplier for making the purchase. Research for a tattoo supplies store that delivers to your area. Choose a reliable seller and select brands that guaranteed pre-sterilized, well-soldered tattoo needles. You also need to ensure that the needles are compatible with your tattoo machines.

Happy Shopping!

Want to buy tattoo needles in bulk? Get the best traditional tattoo needles and professional tattoo needle cartridges online. Shop for high-quality, pre-sterilized and sharp needles to ensure the safety of your clients.

My Own Way is a collection of my thoughts, experiences, and views on the way of life. From financing, lifestyle, fitness, work, to everything in between, this is my personal diary.