Have you ever spent so much time trying to read the needle package labels that you just end up
picking some at random? If so, this guide is for you!

Using the right needles can make or break a tattoo, which is why it’s crucial for artists to be able to
read and understand the needle box labels. Additionally, knowing the various configurations and their
meanings is equally important. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, ensuring you’ll
never have to randomly choose configurations again!

Needles & Cartridges
Let’s start with the two different types of needles.
Traditional tattoo needles are groups of needles soldered together on a needle bar, forming various
configurations. These are used with old-school machines, also known as tattoo guns, or for hand
poking.

Tattoo cartridges, on the other hand, consist of a plastic casing that houses the needles. The needle
configuration is attached to a plastic piece called a plunger, which is contained within the housing
sealed by a membrane cap. The membrane mechanism pulls the needle back into the housing.

How to Read the Labels
If you look at needle boxes from any brand, you’ll notice that a labeling system is used to identify the
different needles. This labeling system creates a code of sorts which consists of the same four
components. The components are: diameter, needle count, configuration, taper.
Understanding the labeling system will help you identify which needles suits you and most
importantly, why. You’ll gain the freedom to optimize and customize your needle selection to better
meet your needs.

With this in mind, let’s go through each component.

Diameter
Needle diameter refers to the thickness of the needle at its widest point, typically indicated by the first
two numbers on a label. The three most commonly used diameters are:

– 0.25mm (#08)
– 0.30mm (#10)
– 0.35mm (#12)

Usually the first two numbers on a label will be 25, 30 or 35, though some brands uses #8, #10 or #12
instead. The standard needle thickness is #12 or 0.35mm. Our collection includes needles with
thicknesses ranging from 0.18mm to 0.40mm.

The diameter of a needle affects ink flow and the amount of ink deposited into the skin. A larger
needle diameter provides more ink and creates thicker lines, ideal for covering larger areas with
generous ink flow. Smaller diameters hold less ink and create thinner lines, making them suitable for
fine lines, intricate designs, shading, and gradients

Needle Count
The needle count, the second number on the label, indicates how many needles are grouped together.
The amount of needles in a group is the determining factor for how thick your lines will be. The
spacing between these needles can vary to achieve different effects.

Configurations
Needle configuration refers to how a group of needles is soldered together. Different configurations
are used for different techniques and effects. There are four primary configurations:

– Round Liner (RL)
– Round Shader (RS)
– Magnum (MG)
– Curved Magnum / Soft Edge Magnum / Round Magnum (CM / SE / RM)

The configuration of a needle is read as the third component of the label. There is often a small
illustration of how the configuration looks on the label as well. We’ll get back to the configurations
later to explain the differences.

Taper
The taper refers to the part of the needle that gradually narrows from the shaft to the tip. Shorter tapers
are commonly used for lining, while longer tapers are preferred for shading, where a finer needle point
is ideal. The taper is the final component on the label.

We usually divide tapers into three lengths:

– Standard (short) taper (ST): 1.5mm
– Medium Taper (MT): 2.5mm
– Long Taper (LT): 3.5mm

Different taper lengths also influence the thickness of lines produced; shorter tapers create thicker
lines, while longer tapers produce finer lines.

The Main Configurations

Round Liner
Round liner needles are primarily used for outlining. They consist of circular needle groups arranged
to form a pointed tip. These needles feature a rounded taper and are suitable for both bold and finer
line work. Medium taper liners are ideal for thicker lines, while longer tapers are used for creating
thinner lines with reduced trauma to the skin.

Round Shader
Round shader needles are used for shading, and have the same circular needle configuration as round
liners. The difference is the shaders have increased spacing between each needle to create better ink.
Round shaders are versatile; used for filling in small areas with color, blending, and shading. Medium
taper shaders are popular for color work to maximize pigment deposit, while longer tapers are
preferred for achieving smooth black and gray gradients.

Magnum
Magnum needles feature two rows of needles stacked in a flat configuration. They are primarily used
for solid color packing and covering larger areas of skin. Magnum needles have a slightly larger, more

open taper and can be used for both lining and shading purposes. Medium taper magnums are typically
used for filling in colors, while longer taper magnums are suitable for blending and shading
techniques.

Curved Magnum
Curved magnum, also commonly known as Soft Edge Magnum or Round Magnum, are similar to
regular magnums but have a shorter taper at the edges, creating a curved alignment. This curvature
allows artists to manipulate the needle for varied ink effects. Like regular magnums, curved magnums
have a larger taper and are used for both lining and shading applications.

Other Terms You Should Know

Bugpin Needles
Bugpins are the same as regular needles but thinner, usually 0.25mm instead of 0.35mm. Used when
wanting a slower flow of ink for intricate or detailed work.

Because bugpin needles are thinner, you can think of them as having a two-needle difference from a
standard 0.35 needle. A 7 bugpin will be equal to a regular 5 liner for example. It’s important to note
that some brands make their bugpins textured instead of thinner, giving the same result without
making the needles thinner, which means the size-difference rule does not apply.

Textured Needles
Textured needles are needles with micro indentations to hold ink better, which will help put more ink
under the skin in a shorter time.

Turbo Needles
Turbo needles are not as tightly soldered and the middle needle is slightly backwards. This allows ink
to be stored in the cartridge for longer, and you can spend less time dipping the needle in ink.