About Tattoo Needles
About Tattoo Needles
一. What are the types of tattoo needles?
There are various types of tattoo needles, mainly classified according to the shape, arrangement, number of needles, and purpose of the needles. The following are common types of tattoo needles, their characteristics, and applicable scenarios:
1. Classify by needle shape
Round Liner (RL):
Characteristics: The needles are arranged in a circular shape, with a typical number of needles such as 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, etc.
Purpose: Mainly used for outlining lines, the thickness of which depends on the number of stitches. The more needles, the thicker the lines.
Applicable scenarios: Traditional style, Japanese style, tribal style, etc., suitable for drawing rough lines and patterns.
Flat Shader (F for short):
Characteristics: The needles are arranged in a straight line, and the number of needles is usually 3, 5, 7, 9, etc.
Usage: Mainly used for line decoration, shadow transition, and large-scale coloring.
Applicable scenarios: Suitable for traditional styles, Japanese styles, etc., especially for patterns that require extensive coloring or line decoration.
Magnum Shader (M):
Features: The needles are arranged in an arc shape, divided into single row (M1) and double row (M2).
Usage: Mainly used for large-area coloring and gradient, the double row needle (M2) is more suitable for large-area coloring, and the single row needle (M1) is more suitable for delicate gradient.
Applicable scenarios: Realistic style, large-scale colored patterns.
Round Shader (RS):
Characteristics: The needles are arranged in a circular shape, but the needle tips are scattered, and the number of needles is usually 3, 5, 7, etc.
Usage: Mainly used for small area fogging, transition, and shadow effects.
Applicable scenarios: Realistic style, sketch style, etc., suitable for patterns that require delicate transitions.
2. Classified by needle usage
Liner needle:
Characteristics: The needle is relatively thin, usually round (RL) or fine needle (F).
Purpose: Mainly used to outline clear lines, suitable for fine patterns.
Applicable scenarios: small fresh style, sketch style, traditional style, etc.
Shader Needle:
Characteristics: The needle is relatively thick, usually a flat needle (F), curved needle (M), or loose round needle (RS).
Usage: Mainly used for shadow transitions and gradient effects.
Applicable scenarios: realistic style, sketch style, etc.
Color Shader:
Characteristics: The needle is relatively thick, usually a curved needle (M) or a lined needle (F).
Usage: Mainly used for large-scale coloring.
Applicable scenarios: traditional style, Japanese style, realistic style, etc.
3. Classify by needle material
Stainless steel needles: the most common, durable, and suitable for most tattoo styles.
Titanium steel needle: higher hardness, longer service life, suitable for fine work.
Disposable needles: Discard immediately after use to avoid cross infection, suitable for scenarios with high hygiene requirements.
4. Classify according to the special design of the needle
Hollow Round Liner
Features: The needle is hollow inside and has a large ink storage capacity.
Usage: Mainly used for large-scale coloring, suitable for patterns that require quick color filling.
5. Classify by the number of needles
Fine needles (such as 3RL, 3RS): suitable for fine lines and small area transitions.
Medium needle count (such as 5RL, 5RS, 7F): suitable for medium thickness lines and transitions.
Coarse needles (such as 9RL, 11RL, M2): suitable for large-area coloring and thick lines.
二.How to choose tattoo needles that are suitable for different tattoo styles?
The selection of tattoo needles suitable for different tattoo styles needs to be comprehensively considered based on factors such as the type of tattoo, line thickness, coloring requirements, and degree of skin damage. Here are some common tattoo styles and tattoo needle matching suggestions:
1. Traditional style (Old School/Neo Traditional)
Characteristics: Rough lines, bright colors, strong contrast, and patterns mostly consisting of geometric shapes or animals.
Recommended needle type:
Round Needle (RL): Used to outline clear and rough lines, commonly used needle types are 7RL, 9RL, and 11RL.
Needle arrangement (M1, M2): Used for large-area coloring and gradient, M1 cross needle arrangement is suitable for delicate gradients, and M2 double row needle arrangement is suitable for large-area coloring.
2. Realism style
Characteristics: Emphasis on details and layering, pursuing realistic effects.
Recommended needle type:
Fine round needle (0.25mm-0.30mm): such as No.08 or No.10 needle thread, suitable for drawing delicate lines and details.
Loose round needle (RS): used for small area fogging and transition, commonly 3RS and 5RS.
Curved Needle (RM): Suitable for large area gradients and soft shadow effects.
3. Sketch style
Features: Mainly black, white, and gray, emphasizing the layering of lines and shadows.
Recommended needle type:
Fine round needle (0.25mm-0.30mm): suitable for drawing fine lines and shadows.
Loose round needle (RS): used for small area fogging and transition.
4. Japanese style
Features: Rough lines, complex patterns, and rich colors.
Recommended needle type:
Round needle (RL): used to outline clear lines, commonly 7RL, 9RL.
Needle arrangement (M1, M2): used for large-area coloring and gradient.
5. Minimalist style
Features: Simple patterns, fine lines, emphasis on simplicity and delicacy.
Recommended needle type:
Fine round needle (0.25mm-0.30mm): suitable for drawing fine lines and delicate patterns.
6. Tribal style
Features: Rough lines, mostly geometric patterns, emphasizing contrast.
Recommended needle type:
Round needle (RL): used to outline thick lines, commonly 5RL and 7RL.
Needle arrangement (F): Single needle arrangement is suitable for trimming and decorating sharp corners.
7. Dotwork style
Characteristic: Forming patterns through dense dots, emphasizing details and layering.
Recommended needle type:
Fine round needle (0.25mm-0.30mm): suitable for drawing dense points.
8. Large area coloring (Full Color)
Recommended needle type:
Needle arrangement (M1, M2, RM): Used for large-area coloring and gradient, M1 is suitable for delicate gradient, and M2 is suitable for large-area coloring.
Hollow round needle (HRL): With a large ink storage capacity, it is suitable for large-area coloring.
summarize
When choosing a tattoo needle, it is also necessary to consider the diameter, sharpness, and skin tolerance of the needle. For example, blunt needles are suitable for large-area coloring, while sharp needles are suitable for outlining lines.
三.Precautions for using tattoo needles
The lifespan of tattoo needles depends on various factors, including the material of the needle, frequency of use, operation method, and whether it has been properly disinfected and maintained. Here are some key points about the lifespan and maintenance of tattoo needles:
1. Disposable use
Legitimate tattoo shops usually use disposable tattoo needles to avoid cross infection. This type of needle is discarded after one use to ensure hygiene and safety.
2. The lifespan of reusable needles
If tattoo needles need to be reused (such as in some professional tattoo studios), their lifespan is usually shorter. This is because the tattoo needle will wear out during repeated punctures of the skin, and the needle tip will become dull or deformed, affecting the tattoo effect.
The wear and tear of needles: The needle of a regular medical syringe is already severely worn after six uses, while tattoo needles, due to their high frequency of piercing the skin, may already approach the wear limit after one use.
Suggested replacement cycle: Even after disinfection and maintenance, the recommended replacement cycle for tattoo needles usually does not exceed one day or after completing a tattoo project to ensure tattoo effectiveness and hygiene.
3. Factors affecting service life
Frequency of use: High frequency use will accelerate the wear of the needle.
Disinfection and maintenance: Proper disinfection and maintenance can extend the lifespan of needles, but cannot completely avoid wear and tear.
Operation method: The tattoo artist's operating skills and strength can also affect the degree of needle wear.
4. Maintenance suggestions
Disinfection: Tattoo needles must undergo strict disinfection treatment after use to prevent cross infection.
Check the needle tip: Before each use, check if the needle tip is sharp, deformed, or damaged.
Avoid overuse: Even if the needle looks functional, it is recommended to replace it after completing a tattoo project to ensure optimal results.
5. Special needle type
Some tattoo needles (such as one-piece needles) are designed for specific types of tattoo machines, and their durability may be slightly higher than traditional needles, but wear and tear and disinfection still need to be taken into account.
In short, the lifespan of tattoo needles is relatively short, especially when used frequently. To ensure the effectiveness and safety of tattoos, it is recommended to use disposable needles or replace them promptly after completing a project.