If you’re an aspiring tattoo artist looking to build your own business in the industry, GlossGenius has the information you need to elevate your game. With so many tattoo needle sizes and configurations to choose from, deciding between which to use (and when) can be overwhelming, but we’re here to keep you sharp with needle knowledge!

Tattoo Needle Sizes: A Complete Guide

Tattoo artists have a big responsibility: permanently inking their client’s vision on a canvas of skin. With little room for error (and someone’s whole vibe on the line), it’s important to get familiar with all the necessary tools you’ll need to nail those details and create the perfect work of art. Becoming a professional tattoo artist is no easy feat, and becoming a great tattoo artist is even harder. Below, we’ll share what you need to know about tattoo needles (along with their boxes), as well as provide you with a handy tattoo needle size chart, ultimately helping you choose the best tattoo needles for your ink work. 

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

Understanding A Tattoo Needle Box

Since it’s not often you can test out tattoo needle sizes on skin (unless you have a daring volunteer), the best you can do is refer to the needle box. The tattoo needle box uses a unique code to display the specs of the needle type, which at a glance can tell you the diameter, needle count, configuration, and taper length. The types of tattoo needles at your disposal can impact which styles or visual effects you can do.

Diameter

Also referred to as the “gauge,” the diameter will tell you the width of each tattoo needle at its thickest point. Large diameters mean a wider tattoo needle and more ink deposit, while smaller diameter tattoo needles create finer line work. The code is usually a whole number like 10 or 12, but may also include the millimeters–for instance, a 10 gauge tattoo needle has a .30mm diameter, 

Needle Count

Tattoo needles can have multiple needles in one grouping, and the needle count can tell you just how many. You can have as little as a single needle, but you can also have four, seven, or even 15 needles in a single grouping. More needles means your tattoo machine deposits more ink into the skin at a time. 

Configuration

Where the needle count reveals the number of needles on the tool, the configuration is how they get grouped together–round shaders, round liners, flats, etc. Different configurations create a variety of effects. For instance, a round shader has a circular needle grouping great for tight shading, whereas flats have a linear layout and are better for traditional shading or shapes. The configuration will appear as letters on the box, such as RS (round shader) or RL (round liner). 

Taper

The taper refers to the steepness of the needle point, measured from its diameter to the tip. With a steeper taper, you have less ink flow but can create finer, more precise lines. These measurements also use letters in their code. Professionals refer to taper sizes differently. Examples of some commonly referenced taper sizes include: 

• Short tapers (ST): At 1.5mm, short tapers are quite common and considered the standard size. A short taper creates larger holes in the skin and allows tattoo artists to pack more color to create bigger, bolder images. However, because they create larger holes in the skin, a short taper needle can also cause more skin trauma. 
• Long tapers (LT): At 2.0mm, long tapers have a finer ink flow and are the best tattoo needles for thin lines and more precise work. 
• Extra-long tapers (ELT): Extra-long tapers are at least 3.5mm in length, and have a much more delicate tip than a short taper. These make smaller holes in the skin, and are great for tattoos requiring thin lines, detailed portrait work, or multiple passes. 

[CTA_MODULE]

Tattoo Needle Diameters

Size matters when it comes to tattoo needles, as different widths change the flow of ink and help produce different style tattoos. Knowing the most common needle diameters is necessary knowledge for any tattoo artist, and we’ve broken these down below: 

#12 (0.35mm)

Commonly referred to as the “standard,” this needle diameter produces a quick ink flow and is great for shading larger-sized tattoo areas or color packing. 

#10 (0.30mm)

Also known as ‘double zeroes,’ this needle diameter is another standard size often used for general coverage. Less wide than the above standards, but still provides a balanced ink flow. 

#8 (0.25mm)

Sometimes referred to as ‘bugpins,’ these types of tattoo needles are smaller than the .30mm and .35mm needles and provide a slower ink flow, which is preferable for detail work and smaller-sized tattoo areas. 

Tattoo Needle Configurations

Needle configurations refer to the layout or pattern of the needle points. Along with the size and taper of the needle, the arrangement of the needles in a grouping can also significantly affect your ink job. See below for some of the more common needle configurations available. 

Round Liner (RL)

Round liner tattoo needle configurations, as the name suggests, come in a round pattern. These types of needles are configured more tightly toward the end tips, allowing for fine line tattoos and cleaner needle work. This needle type is also best for making dots, outlining, and shading small areas. 

Round Shader (RS)

Similar to the round liner configuration, except the needles have more space between them, and the end points don’t taper together. It is not recommended that tattoo artists use round shader needles for line work, but rather for shading, blending, and filling in. 

Flats (F or FS)

Arranged in a single, straight line, these needle types work best for shading, color filling, and geometrics. 

Curved Magnum (CM or RM, for Round Magnum)

Curved magnums, also called round magnums, have a tapered needle grouping, where the longest needles are in the center and taper out toward the shorter needles. These needle types cause less trauma to the skin, so you can use them for soft shading and color blending. 

Weaved Magnum (M1)

Weaved magnums have two rows of equal-length needles, with more needles usually on the bottom row. There is slightly more space between the needles in comparison to the stacked magnum needle types. Weaved magnum needles are great for shading and blending. 

Stacked Magnum (M2)

Stacked magnums are similar to weaved magnums in their configuration, except their needles are more tightly packed together. Stacked magnums deposit a lot of ink, making these needles better for color packing and shading. 

Tattoo Needle Configurations & Uses

Tattoo needle sizes are only one part of the picture. Their needle groupings, also called configurations, play a part in the tattoo application process and how the finished work looks. The tattoo needle size chart below has a few sample groupings to help you figure out which configurations will get you the results you’re looking for. 

The number before the letters indicates the number of needles per grouping. 

[CTA_MODULE]

FAQ

• What are 3RL tattoo needles used for? “3RL” is a round liner (RL) needle that has three points grouped in a circular formation. This type of tattoo needle is quite thin, making it perfect for tracing, fine shading, intricate details, portraits, or realism-style tattoos. 
• How do I know which tattoo needles to use? The type of needle to use depends on the image you’re creating and how much ink you need. Bigger tattoo needles (with short tapers) will cover more area quicker, and allow you to create broader images. However, if you need to make multiple passes over the same area, using larger tattoo needle sizes on skin will cause more trauma, which can affect both the healing process and the final result. If you’re looking to create thin lines or detail work, smaller diameter needles (with longer tapers) are the best tattoo needles to use for the job. 

Remember, the best tattoo needles are sterile ones. Taking the proper sterilization steps for your tattoo machines and other equipment will help keep your clients’ skin safe and infection-free when you’re injecting that ink. Clean and positive experiences at your parlor means customers are more likely to return for new business–or refer you to others!

Join GlossGenius And Grow Your Tattoo Business

Professional tattoo artistry is a way for both clients and tattooists to express themselves. Honing in on your particular style to help elevate an idea and create masterpieces is how you can establish a loyal client base, as well as impress newcomers to your business. The fine details of a tattoo can mean everything to a customer, so knowing your tools and how to use them properly will make a massive difference in your abilities and style. 

Try GlossGenius free for 14 days!

While you’re busy perfecting your craft, GlossGenius can help streamline your tattoo business with useful tools like Online Booking, Client Management, and Scheduling. Let us take care of your day-to-day so you can focus on the most important part: the art! Start your free trial today and let GlossGenius help your business shine.