4 Best Tattoo Kits for Beginners

Summary

To succeed as a tattoo artist, you’ll not only need the skills to pull off everything from basic to complex designs, but you’ll also need the right tools. Enter: the tattoo kit. Tattoo kits aren’t just convenient, but are lifesavers for new tattoo artists looking to make their mark. Here, we’ll explore the best tattoo kits for beginners, including what exactly a tattoo practice kit contains, and how to know which one will work best for your needs. 

What Is a Beginner Tattoo Kit?

At its simplest, the best professional tattoo kits are one-stop kits created to help new tattoo artists succeed. They include all the necessary equipment to practice and get started, because let’s face it: figuring out what you need as a newbie can be overwhelming. 

Here’s what you’ll typically find in the best tattoo kits:

A tattoo machine

This is your bread and butter (or in this case, your needle and ink). The tattoo machine (sometimes referred to as a tattoo gun) is your go-to tool for inserting ink into the skin. Beginner kits often include a standard coil or rotary machine. 

While it’s likely, as a professional, that you’ll gravitate toward your own favorite over time, a beginner machine is a no-frills option that’s easy to use and will offer the versatility you need when you’re starting out. 

Power supply

Your tattoo machine needs juice, and that’s where the power supply comes in. Think of it as your machine’s lifeline. A reliable power supply guarantees a consistent flow of energy to keep your tattooing smooth and steady. 

Pro tip? Look for kits that provide adjustable power supplies, so you can fine-tune based on your specific machine and tattooing style.  

Different types of needles

No tattooer can work without needles, and a quality tattoo kit should include a selection of them. 

Different needles serve different purposes - round liners for bold outlines, magnums for shading and filling, and so on. An assortment allows you to experiment with techniques and figure out what works best for your budding style.  

Other items

You might also find some bonus items tucked into your kit, like practice skin (because your old notebooks don’t deserve any more doodles), ink caps for quick and organized use, and even some basic inks to help you start laying down those first lines. 

While the professional inks will come later, these help you practice your strokes without spending too much upfront.  

Why Do You Need a Tattoo Kit As a Beginner?

Beyond just being handy, the best tattoo kits for beginners will help you master the craft without breaking the bank. Here are a few reasons why investing one makes all the sense in the world:

Kits are cheaper than buying individually

Starting a tattoo business is thrilling, but it can get pricey, and fast. The machine, the needles, the power supply, the inks – purchasing each item individually can be a major drain on your budget. 

Beginner kits cut down on costs by bundling all the essentials together, making them significantly cheaper than buying everything separately. For new artists taking their first steps, the best professional tattoo kits are an economical way to get off the ground without sacrificing quality.  

Offers a convenient way to get started

When you’re new to the tattooing world, knowing which items to buy can be as confusing as deciding what your first design should be. A beginner tattoo kit removes the guessing game entirely. Everything is pre-selected and bundled for you – all you need to do is unpack and get to work.  

Allows for practice

Practice makes perfect, something that’s non negotiable when you’re wielding a tattoo needle. Beginner tattoo kits often include practice skin as part of the package. Even if they don’t, the other equipment provided within the kit will help you practice your craft without spending a lot of money.

4 Best Tattoo Kits for Beginners

Cracking your knuckles and headed into the tattoo industry as a freshly licensed artist is nothing less than exhilarating. But before you sit down to ink your first masterpiece, you need to make sure you have the right gear. So without further ado, here are some of the best tattoo kits for beginners.

1. CNC Q2 Professional Shader Kit

If shading is your thing, the CNC Q2 is what you need. This kit boasts a lightweight, pen-style machine that’s easy to maneuver. The motor is smooth, and its precision is top-notch, which is why it’s a favorite for beginners stepping into the shading game. 

What makes it beginner-friendly? The pen-style design guarantees a natural grip, which mimics holding an actual pen, making it easy to control. The CNC Q2 kit comes with needles, practice skins, and even sample ink to get you started. It also has a 35 mm aluminum alloy sleeve.

As a bonus, it works brilliantly for both shading and fine linework, giving you versatility from day one. But if you need even more convincing, its durability and low vibration mean you’ll reduce the chances of wrist fatigue after long tattoo sessions. It’s a win-win for any aspiring artist. 

2. Wormhole Tattoo Kit

Wormhole. The name alone is cool enough to buy it blind, but there’s a reason it’s a staple in beginner tattooing. This kit is equipped with a user-friendly rotary pen-style machine that can handle both lining and shading without missing a beat.  

But here’s the kicker. The Wormhole kit doesn’t stop at just giving you great hardware. It delivers a complete setup: tattoo needles, practice skins, caps, and a power supply station that makes everything feel “pro.”  

What’s particularly great is the balance of the machine. Lightweight and easy to handle, it practically does the hard work for you (well, almost). If you’re looking for the best tattoo gun kit for beginners, Wormhole has to be in your top three.  

3. Solong Tattoo Kit

If you’re someone who likes variety in your setup, the Solong Tattoo Kit is here to impress. Known for its wealth of extras, this is one of the best tattoo gun kits for beginners, as it comes with everything you need to get started and more. We’re talking 54 bottles of tattoo inks, a selection of needles for every kind of line and shade, and it even includes practice skins.  

Solong’s durability makes it stand out, too. The rotary tattoo machine in this kit is built for heavy use, which means it can grow with you as you advance in your career. Don’t know where to start with the 54 inks? The vibrant array of colors are perfect for experimenting and expanding your skills.  

4.  InkMaster Pro Tattoo Kit 2

For those who want to dip their toe into tattooing without breaking the bank, the InkMaster Pro Kit is a phenomenal choice. Not only is it affordable, but it also comes with the essentials to hone your craft.  

It comes with a V76 wireless pen, something that’s great for locking in those beginner techniques. The kit also comes stacked with needles, practice skins, and even bonus additions like gloves, ink cups, and bandages.

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4 Tips to Consider Before Purchasing a Tattoo Kit

When you’re choosing a great new tattoo kit, you’ll need to find one that fits your budget. But you also need to make sure you’re investing in tools that will help you deliver safe and professional results. Whether you’re shopping for basic rotary machines or all-in-one, complete hygiene set-ups, here are a few things to consider before you hit “Add to Cart.”

1. Prioritize quality over price 

Budget tattoo kits might look tempting with their low prices and multiple items, but they can be a trap. Poor-quality machines can lead to inconsistent results, unreliable performance, and increased risk of damaging your client’s skin (and your reputation). 

Instead, focus on kits that come with sturdy, high-performing tattoo machines. Look for trusted industry brands that provide great products and reliable warranties. Try not to view purchasing quality equipment as an expense, but rather, an investment in your career. 

You don’t have to look for the cheapest option. Instead, look for the best value.  

2. Research which machine types are included 

Are you vibing with rotary or leaning toward coil? Each has its benefits, and most beginner kits will only include one type, so you’ll want to know what works best for you before you buy.

As a quick review, rotary machines are lightweight and operate quietly, perfect for beginners who are just starting to master their lines and shading. Coil machines have a heftier feel and are better suited for detailed, bold work once you’re comfortable with the basics.  

Some kits also include dual-function machines, letting you switch between lining and shading without needing separate devices. Check the details before you buy!

3. Make sure it has hygiene and safety items 

This one’s a no-brainer, but so important that it bears repeating. Never compromise on hygiene. A quality tattoo kit for beginners should include all the essentials, like disposable gloves, sterilized needles, ink caps, and disposable tubes.

Look for kits that provide an autoclave or pre-sterilized supplies to make sure you’re always meeting the highest standards of hygiene. As an added bonus, some may even come with extra inks and stencils. Not safety items, necessarily, but definitely a plus to consider.

4. Don’t forget about tattoo practice skins

As we mentioned earlier, if you’re still mastering your technique, you’ll want to make sure your tattoo practice kit includes practice skins. These silicone sheets allow you to work on designs, shading, and machine settings without testing your skills on actual human skin. They’re cheap, practical, and indispensable.

Grow Your Tattoo Artist Career with GlossGenius

Once you’ve got your tattoo kit squared away, it’s time to think bigger. Much bigger.

Starting your solo business means learning how to tattoo and how to run a successful venture at the same time, which can be overwhelming, to say the least. 

That’s where we come in. At GlossGenius, we provide tools that make turning your tattoo craft into a smashing business easier than you imagined. From setting up online bookings to building a custom website that showcases your portfolio, we help you focus less on admin and more on creating. We even offer business loans to help you expand your setup when you need it. 

Ready to bring your tattoo game up a notch? Start your free trial of GlossGenius today.

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FAQs

What is the best starter kit for a tattoo artist?

The best beginner tattoo kits combine high-quality tattoo machines, basic hygiene supplies, and practice materials. 

Do you push or pull a tattoo gun?

It depends on the technique, design, and personal preference. However, for beginners, pulling is generally easier to control and provides smoother lines.  

What is the best tattoo needle brand for beginners?

Look for safe and sterile options from reputable brands like Solong or Inkmaster. They’re renowned for consistency and reliability, something that’s important for any professional, but especially for new artists still learning needle configurations. 

What do beginner tattoo artists practice on?

Synthetic skins made of silicone are the best option to practice on, though you could also use fruits like oranges and grapefruits in a pinch.