Tattoo and permanent makeup (PMU) artists have many options when it comes to their needles. Understanding how the different types of tattoo needles differ and choosing the appropriate one for your work is necessary to produce the best output possible.
Flat tattoo needles are among the most popular standard designs on the market. Curved magnum needles have become just as favored by artists over the years. These needles sometimes overlap in terms of purpose and applications, but knowing what sets them apart can help you decide which to use for which project.
This article compares curved magnums and flat needles for tattooing, breaking down their differences and ideal uses.
What are flat tattoo needles?
Flat needles, or simply flats, are tattoo needles with individual needle points soldered in a straight, horizontal line onto a needle bar. This arrangement creates a flat surface that's ideal for certain tattooing techniques.
Flats are versatile and can be used for the following:
- Bold outlining. Flat needles can create strong, thick outlines for specific tattoo designs. Their straight alignment ensures a consistent ink flow, making them perfect for designs with bold edges and shapes.
- Shading and filling. Flats excel in packing ink efficiently into the skin, making them a go-to for shading larger areas or filling in solid blocks of color. While they can be used for shading, they tend to create a more defined, less blended look than curved needle configurations.
- Geometric and line work. Flat needles offer the precision needed for tattoos with clean lines, sharp angles, or intricate patterns. This makes them an excellent choice for mandalas, geometric designs, or tribal tattoos.
- PMU applications. In PMU, flat needles are sometimes used to define sharp brows, fill lips or create bold eyeliner effects.
Conversely, you should be careful when using flats on curved parts of the body as they can create harsh lines and uneven color saturation. Flat needles can also cause more trauma to the skin due to their straight alignment, which may result in longer healing times.
What are curved magnum needles?
Magnum needles, also called magnums, feature two rows of needle points, like two flat needles stacked on each other. Curved magnums are similar to regular magnums, but the needle points are slightly curved, resembling a smile shape. As a curved needle, curved mags are ideal for the following:
- Shading and blending. Due to their curved design, these needles can hold more ink and cover larger areas with fewer passes. This makes them perfect for shading and creating smooth gradients in tattoos.
- Soft line work. Curved magnums can create softer edges than flat needles, making them suitable for realistic portraits or nature-based designs where blending is necessary.
- PMU applications. The slight curve in these needles allows artists to create more natural-looking brows or eyeliner effects than flat needles.
However, curved magnums may not be the best choice for bold outlining or creating sharp lines, as they can result in a more diffused look. Additionally, their curved shape can make achieving precise and straight lines challenging.
Should you consider hybrid needles?
Hybrid needles combine the characteristics of multiple configurations for more specialized applications. For instance, Grip Needles' TriFlat™ needles are a flat and round liner hybrid that can create multiple precise lines in a single pass. Despite being a relatively recent innovation, they are gaining popularity because of their versatility.
Hybrids are a viable alternative to standard needle configurations like flats and curved magnums, especially if you want to achieve specific effects.
Which type of tattoo needle should you use?
When choosing needles, consider your style, the design you're working on, and the client's skin type. Here are a few guidelines:
- Use flat tattoo needles for bold, geometric designs, straight lines, and areas with flat surfaces.
- Opt for curved magnum needs when working on contoured areas or creating soft, blended shading.
- Consider hybrid needles for a middle ground that balances precision and smooth shading.
Selecting the right types of tattoo needles can elevate your artistry and improve client satisfaction. Both flat needles and curved mags have distinct advantages, and understanding their applications will help you make informed choices. Don't hesitate to experiment with different needle configurations and find what best complements your style.
