Needles are a fundamental part of any tattooing process. They are responsible for depositing the ink under the skin and are one of the main tools a tattoo artist uses to create durable and precise designs. There are several types of needles available on the market, each with a specific purpose. In this article, we will discuss the different types of needles used for tattooing and their importance.
Single needle tattoo needles: These are the most common and are used for fine lines and minute details. The single-pointed needle creates a fine, crisp line, making it ideal for designs that require fine details and sharp lines, it can also be used to fill in small areas and for detailed shading.
Multi-needle tattoo needles: These are useful for filling in large areas of the skin. The multi-tip needle is capable of depositing ink on a larger area of the skin at one time, they are also useful for shading and creating gradient effects. Such needles are classified by the number of needles they have in a group, e.g. 5-pointed needles, 7-pointed needles, etc.
Magnum tattoo needles: these are used to fill large areas of the skin and are ideal for shading and gradients. These have a row of needles lined up in a single line that can cover a large amount of skin at a time. There are several types of magnum needles, including curved magnums, which are used for curvier areas of the body, and straight magnums, which are used for flatter areas.
Hollow needle tattoo needles: have a central tube that allows the ink to flow through the needle and deposit on the skin. These needles are common for airbrush tattooing techniques and are used to create fine, detailed lines and to fill in small areas.
Cartridge tattoo needles: Cartridge tattoo needles are a relatively new type. These are inserted into a cartridge that fits into the tattoo machine and are quickly changed without touching the needle. Cartridges come in different sizes and can be used for a variety of purposes, from fine lines to shading and filling.
These needles differ from conventional needles in that the cartridge is a complete unit that includes the needle, bar and tip in one sterile package. This allows for quick and easy changeover, making them very popular with artists.
Plus, as a bonus, they are available in different configurations, from round and magnum needles to curved and flat. These configuration options allow the artist to choose the right needle for the specific design being created.
As for the importance of using one type or another, it is necessary to keep in mind that every skin is different. Some skin may require a thicker needle to penetrate properly, while others may need a thinner one to avoid damaging the skin or causing excessive pain to the client. That’s why experienced tattooists know that it’s important to try different needle types and configurations to find the right combination that works for each client.
As we have seen, needles are a vital part of the tattooing process. By choosing the right one, artists can achieve beautiful, long-lasting designs while minimizing pain and damage to the client’s skin. If you are interested in getting a tattoo, it is important to talk to your tattoo artist about what type of needles you will be using to ensure you get the best possible results.