As a traditional tattoo or permanent makeup (PMU) artist, using the right tools can make a whole world of difference in your output. However, this doesn't apply only to your tattoo needle collection; it's true for the inks you use as well. This article will guide you through selecting the best ink for 15cm curved magnum needles and how your choice affects your masterpieces' precision, longevity, and vibrancy.
What are curved magnum tattoo needles?
Regular magnum needles consist of two straight rows of needle points, much like two flat needles stacked on each other. Curved magnum needles are the same, although the needle points at the center of the configuration are slightly longer than the ones on the outer edges, creating a curved edge.
The unique design of curved mags helps control ink flow, helping avoid oversaturation and harsh lines. This trait is why they're among the best needles for tattoos requiring soft shading and smooth gradients. Curved mags are also ideal for blending and adding depth in certain tattoo designs and PMU procedures.
Why does ink choice matter?
Your chosen ink directly impacts the performance of your needles and the final result of your tattoo or PMU procedure. Incompatible inks and needles can lead to various issues, including clogging, inconsistent saturation, blurred lines, and even infection.
Moreover, different inks have varying compositions and qualities that affect their flow rate, pigment concentration, viscosity, and stability. These differences make certain inks more suitable for specific needle sizes and configurations over others. Therefore, understanding ink properties is crucial for selecting the correct ink for your curved magnum needle.
How do you pair inks with curved mags?
When choosing which ink to use with 15cm curved magnum needles, make sure to consider the following factors:
Pigment concentration
Rich pigment concentration, a trait common in high-quality inks, ensures better color saturation and longer-lasting results. Highly concentrated inks produce solid and vivid colors with fewer passes, ensuring attractive results without significant skin trauma.
However, you should opt for more diluted inks if you're blending or creating gradients, as they promote smoother color transitions and easier needle control. You should also opt for less concentrated inks if you're using your curved mags for PMU procedures, as overly saturated colors can appear harsh and unnatural.
Consistency and viscosity
Thicker inks produce more solid lines, while thinner consistencies are ideal for shading and blending. When it comes to curved mags, you should settle for medium to thin viscosity inks. Thick inks can clog the needles, leading to inconsistent ink flow and blotchy results.
On that note, be careful about using very thin viscosity inks, which can easily lead to uneven application. This is especially crucial for PMU procedures, where precision is necessary for achieving realistic results.
Skin compatibility
Whether you're drawing traditional body art or performing PMU procedures, always ensure that your ink does not cause adverse reactions to your client's skin. Some people are sensitive to specific ink ingredients, which can lead to allergies and infections.
Always inquire about your client's medical history and perform patch tests to determine their skin compatibility with different inks. To avoid any risks, it's also essential to use sterile, high-quality inks from reputable brands.
Fade resistance
Because curved mags are the best needles for tattoo designs with gradients and shadows, it's crucial to use fade-resistant inks. Otherwise, your masterpieces may end up looking washed out and blurred within a few months.
Opt for high-quality, professional-grade inks with long-lasting formulas that resist fading due to environmental factors like UV exposure and friction. These types of inks ensure your tattoos retain their vibrancy and sharpness for years.
Curved mags make fine additions to your tattoo needle collection, thanks to their impressive versatility. However, making the most of them requires selecting the best ink for specific requirements. Keeping the above tips in mind and always prioritizing quality and proper hygiene will help you create stunning works of art that stand the test of time.
Do not forget to practice your tattooing skills and experiment with different needle and ink combinations to find your unique style and technique. Keep learning, exploring new possibilities, and having fun while creating beautiful art. And when you need high-quality tools, always buy your tattooing supplies from reputable manufacturers.
