Which Tattoo Needles Should Beginners Use?
14 Jul 2025
🎨 Why Choosing the Right Tattoo Needles Matters for Beginners
When starting out in tattooing, many beginners focus only on designs and techniques, but overlook needle choice. Different types of needles directly affect:
- ✅ Whether your lines are clean
- ✅ Whether your shading is smooth
- ✅ How well the skin heals afterward
Pro Tip: Choosing the right needle helps you improve faster and reduces bleeding or skin trauma.
📌 Basic Types of Tattoo Needles Every Beginner Should Know
Here’s a quick reference table for common beginner-friendly needle types:
| Needle Type | Abbreviation | Features | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round Liner | RL | Tightly grouped, sharp clean lines | Outlining and fine details |
| Round Shader | RS | Looser grouping, smooth shading | Small area shading, light filling |
| Magnum | M1/M2 | Needles in a flat row, wider coverage | Large area coloring and gradients |
✏️ How to Choose Tattoo Needles as a Beginner
- Decide Your Goal: Want to practice clean lines? Go with RL. Want to practice shading? Try RS.
- Start with Medium Sizes: Sizes like #7RL or #9RS are versatile—easy for beginners.
- Test Different Brands: Try a few trusted brands and see which feels best in your hand.
✨ Tips for Beginners Using Tattoo Needles
- ✔️ Always ensure needles are sterile: use single-use needles and check packaging before opening.
- ✔️ Control your depth: avoid going too deep, practice on fake skin first.
- ✔️ Master one needle type before moving to others.
Quick Reminder: Start with practice skin or pigskin before moving on to real clients.
✅ Final Thoughts
Choosing the right tattoo needles is a big step toward becoming a skilled tattoo artist. Start with the basics—RL and RS—and gradually learn the feel of each type. Your lines and shading will only get better with practice.
👉 Click here to check out our beginner-friendly tattoo needle kits!
