An artist's tools can make a lot of difference in their output—this is also true for the needles that tattoo and permanent makeup (PMU) artists use. There is currently a wide range of standard and hybrid tattoo needles available in the market, and this post will talk about two of them—the 3 round liner (3RL) and 6 curved flat (6CF). In particular, we'll take a look at what these needles can do and why you should consider them for your tool kit.
What are 3RL needles?
Belonging to the round liner family of tattoo needles, 3RLs are among the most frequently used tools in both traditional body art and PMU. As their name indicates, they consist of three needles grouped in a triangular formation. These needles are arranged to form a sharp point ideal for creating fine lines and details.
Because a 3RL's points are concentrated in a tiny space, they are ideal for drawing dots, lines, and small elements. You can use them to outline designs or create intricate details like hair, fur, and scales. They're also great for designs and styles that use a lot of lines, such as calligraphy and geometric patterns.
Although not considered ideal, some artists use 3RLs to pack color in small areas, particularly when working on smaller tattoos or intricate designs. This takes advantage of the needle's sharp points, allowing the artist to precisely fill spaces that larger configurations might miss.
However, because 3RLs cover a tiny area of the skin, you need to do more passes to color a large design, which eats up your time, productivity, and energy. And the more passes you do, the greater the risk of your client experiencing skin trauma, bleeding, and scarring.
In PMU, 3RLs are often the go-to tool for creating precise and detailed strokes in eyebrow, eyeliner, and lip procedures. They can also be used to shade small areas or create hair-like effects for a more natural look.
What are CF needles?
Curved flats are similar to regular flats, featuring a single row of needle points. However, unlike traditional flats, where the points are of equal length, curved flats feature points that are longer in the middle and shorter at the sides, creating a curved line.
CFs are often used for shading and coloring, as their broad shape allows artists to cover larger areas in less time. The curved formation of the points also creates a softer, more diffused effect compared to traditional flats, making them ideal for creating gradients and smooth blends. You can use them to create realism in portraits and other designs that require a soft touch.
Do not use CFs to outline or create fine details. The curved shape makes it difficult to control the needle's movement, resulting in uneven lines and imprecise strokes. Using them for these purposes may also cause excessive trauma to the skin, leading to scarring and discomfort for your client.
In PMU, CF needles are often used to shade and fill large areas, such as eyebrows or lips. They can also be used for powder brows, which require a shaded effect rather than drawing individual hair strokes.
Are 6CFs hybrid tattoo needles?
The designation "6CF" may refer to a standard configuration, but such a needle is practically nonexistent. In fact, you're more likely to find hybrid 3RL/6CFs from manufacturers like Grip Needles. But unlike standard curved flats, each point in a 3RL/6CF is a tattoo needle 3RL. The points are also wider apart, allowing for better coverage while facilitating precise ink control.
As more of a hybrid needle for tattoo arts than PMU, the 3RL/6CF takes the capabilities of regular curved flats to the next level, enabling you to create bolder textures and richer gradients. But like standard 3RLs, you can use it to draw details like hair and fur in less time.
RL and CF needles have their strengths and weaknesses, which you should consider when choosing which to use for your project. Of course, you can always get the best of both worlds by trying out hybrid needles like Grip Needles' 3RL/6CF. Just make sure to practice and familiarize yourself with the needle before using it on a client to ensure optimal results.
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