Tattoo needles: understanding markings

Needles are one of the main consumables in tattooing. First, let's talk about their varieties.

RL (Round Liner) - contour needles

1RL, 3RL, 5RL, 7RL - the number means the number of needles soldered into a circle. The greater their number, the thicker the contour will be. Initially designed to bring out the finest details and lines, and of course drawing a contour (the sacrament is stored in the name). The clarity of the line is achieved by sharpening all the needles to one point. They are used both in applying permanent makeup (max 3RL) and other tattoos.

RS (Round Shader) - needles for shadows and shading

We have needles 3RS, 5RS, 9RS, which are optimally suited for working with shadows and light shading in permanent makeup. But the number of needles in this type can reach 18. Again, the more needles, the thicker the line. It is logical, isn't it?) Only here they are no longer brought to the center, but stand parallel to each other. What is actually different from the previous RL.

F (Flat) - needles for soft shadows

Flat translated from English - flat. So we have tightly soldered needles in one row. Ideal for drawing midtones and shadow transitions. Universal for all skin areas 5F and 7F.

RM (Round Magnum) - soft shading

All Magnum type needles are for shading only. But we only recommend Round Magnum for face work. Due to their specific structure, they cause less trauma to the skin, and the tattoo heals faster. Only this type of tattoo needles are crescent shaped so they are easy to recognize).

M1 (Magnum Weaved Mag) - needles for painting from transparent to dense

Magnum is the most common and popular type of tattoo needles. This view looks like a double Flat (2 strips of needles soldered to each other, in a checkerboard pattern). It is better not to use for PM.

M2 (Magnum Stacked Mag) - solid paint needles

The same as the previous one, except that both strips are soldered parallel to each other.

Why are some needles suitable for applying permanent makeup, and some are not?

The specific sharpening of the M1 and M2 needles does not allow them to be used on thin facial skin, as they can injure it too much. We can all imagine the consequences on the client's face. You don't wish it on your enemy. But in areas where the skin is denser, they are ideal for work. Since painting with them will not require many subsequent adjustments, improvements, repeated penetrations with a needle, because this is not very pleasant for the client.

If you have pens that use needles of different lengths, acupuncture needles for tattooing are the best for you. They can be cut to any desired length. They also fit all straight needle tattoo machines. The acupuncture needle has a smoother edge, which allows it to enter the skin more easily. Presented in sizes 0.25 and 0.30 mm.

Do not forget that the thicker the needle, the more pigment it will inject. The most popular are needles from 0.25 to 0.35 mm thick. Not too much pain for the client, and not too many repetitive touch-ups.

In the choice of needles, each master is unique. Before determining the ideal ones for themselves, many specialists go all the way, but it's worth it. The work gets better every time. We wish you to achieve the highest skill!