Choosing the right tattoo needle is critical as it greatly affects how your designs turn out. But with so many tattoo needle brands and various types and configurations on the market, the process can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. This guide is here to help you understand all the different types of tattoo needles and what they're good for.

Tattoo Needle Code on the box

Typically, tattoo needles have a four-part code printed on the box, helping you identify all the information about the needles inside.

Diameter (Tattoo Needle Size)

The diameter of a tattoo needle, also known as gauge, refers to the measurement of the needle's widest point, indicating its thickness.

The diameter of the needle is related to the flow of ink. A narrower diameter results in finer and more controllable ink flow, making it generally more suitable for line work. Conversely, a larger diameter allows for freer ink flow, typically better suited for shading or coloring.

The diameter of a tattoo needle also influences the level of trauma it inflicts on the skin. The thicker the diameter, the larger the puncture area, leading to greater damage and making multiple punctures on the skin impractical.

Needle Count

The needle count, as the name implies, refers to the number of needles used to compose a needle grouping. The higher the needle count, the larger the needle grouping, resulting in covering a larger area and inserting more pigment during the tattooing process.

Configuration (Type)

The configuration (or type) of a tattoo needle refers to how the sharps are arranged on the needle bar. Tattoo needles come in a variety of arrangements, each producing different effects on the skin. Below are some common configurations/types.

ROUND LINER (RL)

Round liners are tattoo needles arranged in a circular grouping, clustered to a point for precise and clean lining work. The thickness of the line produced depends on the count and diameter/gauge of the needles. They are commonly used for line work, dot work, and some details.

ROUND SHADER (RS)

Similar to round liners, round shader needles also feature a circular arrangement. However, round shader needles have a looser arrangement with more space between each pin, allowing for shading and drawing thick lines.

MAGNUM (MG)

Magnum tattoo needles feature two rows of needles, soldered alternately in a flat configuration on both sides of the needle bar. Magnum needles can cover a wide area of skin, hold, and deliver a large amount of ink, making them ideal for large-scale color shading and packing.

CURVED MAGNUM (CM)

Also known as round, soft, or soft edge magnums, curved magnums are similar to standard magnums, except the tips arch at the center. This rounded edge conforms better to the skin, allowing for better dispersal of ink and more consistent lines. Curved magnums cause less damage to the skin and produce a softer overall effect, making them ideal for smooth gradations and soft shading.

FLAT (F)

Flat needles are needles that are arranged in a straight line on the needle bar. They can hold a substantial amount of ink and are easy to angle. Commonly used for line work and precise tattooing.

Taper

Needle taper is measured from the tip of the tattoo needle to the starting point of its thickest area. The length of the taper directly influences the amount and speed of ink flow from the needle. Longer taper needles release less ink with slower flow, while shorter taper needles release more ink with faster flow. Therefore, longer taper needles are preferred for finer, more intricate work. Conversely, shorter taper needles are well-suited for bold lines and color work.

Different brands of tattoo needles may have varying taper settings. Before purchasing, you can check the specific parameters on the product detail page. For Emalla Eliot tattoo cartridge needles and Emalla Eliot Pro tattoo cartridge needles, the medium taper is 3.5mm, the long taper is 5.5mm, and the extra long taper is 7mm.

Textured Needles

In addition to the four attributes mentioned above, you may also come across textured tattoo needles. Textured needles are not damaged needles; instead, they are intentionally manufactured with grooves. These small grooves enable them to hold more ink, making them suitable for color packing. However, due to their textured surface, textured needles often cause more trauma to the skin and can be more painful for clients.

Conclusion

Remember, this guide is just a starting point in your journey with tattoo needles. Every artist has their own styles and preferences, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. If you have any questions or need further guidance on selecting the right needles, feel free to reach out to our helpful service team. We're here to support you every step of the way!