Although we all know that tattoos are made with needles, did you know that there are different types of tattoo needles? Here’s a breakdown of the different types and what they’re used for.
Tattoo Needles
With the wide range of different types of needles and machines available, as well as the lack of standardization in nomenclature for sizes and shapes, it’s easy to get confused.
The 4 characteristics that define them are diameter, conical shape (tip), grouping, and configuration.
Types of Tattoo Needle Diameter
The type of diameter of the needle can be found in the first two numbers on the packaging. If you look at the packaging, you’ll see a number with letters, for example: 1207RL. The first two numbers, which are 12, indicate the diameter.
The 4 most common types of diameters are #12, #10, #8, and #6. The #12 is the largest diameter, which is 0.35 mm. The #10 is a diameter of 0.30 mm, the #8 is 0.25 mm, and the #6 is 0.20 mm.
The #12 diameter of 0.35 mm is the most common type of tattoo needle, while the #10 of 0.30 mm is the most common for outlining in tattoos.
Tip of the Tattoo Needle
The conical shape or tip length indicates the shape of the tip of the tattoo needle. A short cone will have a small tip.
A long cone will have a larger tip. Different manufacturers have their own specifications for the cone length.
A standard short cone is usually 1.5 mm. A long cone would be 2.0 mm. Extremely long cones can be up to 7 mm.
Grouping of Tattoo Needles
The grouping indicates the number of needles that are precisely grouped together. In the example we used earlier, a needle 1207RL, where 12 is the diameter, 7 indicates the grouping. So, a needle 1207RL will have 7 needles soldered to the tip of the bar.
Types of Tattoo Needles and Their Function
The configuration indicates how the needles are grouped together. The configuration determines the shape or pattern of how the ink is introduced into the skin.
So, in the example of 1207RL, where 12 is the diameter, 7 is the number of needles grouped together, RL indicates the configuration.
RL is synonymous with round liner, a round liner is a grouping of needles in a circular formation, this formation is used for outlining.
The other configurations are RS (round shader) for round shading, F (flats) for flat or linear, M1 (weaved magnum) for interlaced shading, M2 (stacked magnum) for interlaced shading but with needles closer together, and RM (round magnum) for interlaced shading with a larger tip.”
Tattoo Needle Configurations
The configurations represent the different types of tattoo needles or groupings. The RL needles are grouped in a tight, round formation.
The RS needles are grouped in a more separated, round formation.
The F needles are grouped in a line.
The M1 needles are grouped with 2 rows of needles in a woven formation, so a 7M1 will have a row of 4 and a top row of 3.
The M2 needles are stacked and grouped in the same way as the M1 but are tightly stacked.
So, what do tattoo needles do? The needles used for outlining the tattoo are known as “liners” or also as “rounds” (rounded) due to their tip and because they are grouped in a circle. For example, the RL needles are used for outlining.
The needles used for filling in the tattoo are known as “shaders” and also as “magnum” or “mag” and can be grouped in 9 or more. These can come grouped in a circle or in a line. An example of these are the RS needles.
The Flats needles are used for areas with geometric shapes and shadows. The weaved magnums are used for shading, blending, and coloring large areas.
The stacked magnums are used for shading, blending, and coloring large, narrow areas. Both can be used for outlining if the needle is turned to the side.
This takes a bit of skill to do, so only do it if you’ve practiced the technique enough, or otherwise you may end up damaging the skin.
The round curve magnums are used for shading, blending, and coloring large areas with less impact on the skin.
The needles are made in an arc or curved formation to better divert the skin when entering and exiting.
How to Use Tattoo Needles
So, how do you use tattoo needles like magnums or curved magnums? Rounds are relatively simple. The larger the coverage area, the larger the grouping of needles will be. For thicker lines, use a larger in-line grouping.
The dispersion of pigment using a magnum is smoother than rounds. A good comparison would be that a line with a round is similar to a pen, while a magnum is like a marker.
Using a magnum effectively takes a bit of practice. A magnum should always hit the skin at an angle. If used straight and not at an angle, it will stick to the skin, causing the needle to enter and exit.
Coloring in a circular motion with a magnum, being wider, will cover a larger area faster than a conventional round. Clean the skin frequently so you can pay attention to the texture while using a magnum.
About Author
- Axel Duncan is an American tattoo artist with over 15 years of experience in the art of tattooing. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Axel was drawn to the world of tattooing from a young age. His father, an avid collector of art and design, would take him to visit local tattoo shops, where he would marvel at the work of the artists.
Axel began his career in tattooing in 2005, at the age of 20. He started as an apprentice at a local tattoo shop in Minneapolis, where he worked under the guidance of renowned tattoo artist, Mark "The Master" Jenkins. During his apprenticeship, Axel focused on perfecting his skills in drawing, anatomy, and tattooing technique.
His designs are often detailed and precise, with a focus on anatomy and proportion. He specializes in character tattoos, landscapes, and mythological motifs.
