All about Tattoo Needles

All about Tattoo Needles

Now, you probably don't need, have to or want to know anything about the different needles used in different style of tattoo's with either solid lines, outlines or shading.
If you are anything like me, I love information.  Having my first tattoo, I lay in a very uncomfortable position but still able to see the artist and the needles jumping in and out the artists machine I start wondering how many different needles are there.  If there are so many different ones, why are there so many different needles and what to these magic workers use it for.  Well, you are in luck.

We have thought it great to write to you and educate those individuals on the different needles used and why.  What they do, why they are used and so on, and so on...

 

 

What Tattoo Needles do What

So what tattoo needles do what? RL or round liner needles are used for lining.
RS or round shader are used for shading.
Flats are used for geometric shapes and shading areas.
Weaved magnums are used for shading, blending and coloring large areas.
Stacked magnums are used for shading, blending and coloring tighter large areas. Both can be used for lining if you turn the needle to the side. This does take a bit of skill to do, so only do it if you have practiced the technique enough or else you may end up damaging the skin.
Round curve magnums are used for shading, blending and coloring large areas with less impact to the skin. The needles are made in an arch formation to better deflect the skin when it goes in and out. With a regular magnum, there is potential for the edges of the mag to dig into the skin, with a round magnum, the arch of the needle will allow you to move more freely on the skin without the risk of the edges digging in.

How to use Tattoo Needles

So how to use tattoo needles like rounds, magnums and curved magnums? Rounds are quite straight forward. The larger the area of coverage, the larger count needle you would use. For thicker lines, use a larger count round liner. Pigment dispersal using a magnum is smoother than rounds. A good comparison would be a round liner is a pen while a magnum is a magic marker. Proper use of a magnum takes a bit of practice. The magnum should always hit the skin at an angle. If it goes in straight and not at an angle it will stick into the skin which will cause the needle to jump. Your artist needs to always drag the magnum across the skin by pulling it across. Do not push forward as this will cause the magnum to dig into the skin causing pain and getting the needle caught. Color in a circular motion, a magnum being wider, will cover more area than a conventional round. Your skin needs to be wiped often so the artist can pay attention to the texture while he is using a magnum. 

Now who will be educated getting your next tattoo.

You're welcome.

T