Wormholetattoo

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned tattoo artist, selecting the right tattoo needle is essential for achieving clean lines, smooth shading, and consistent color packing. But with so many needle types and configurations available, how do you choose the one that fits your tattooing style?

In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of tattoo needle types, configurations, and use cases — so you can confidently pick the right tools for your next masterpiece.

🧷 1. Understanding Tattoo Needle Numbers

Tattoo needles are usually labeled with a code such as 1207RL, which can be broken down as follows:

12 – Needle diameter (commonly 0.30mm)

07 – Number of needles tips in the group

RL – Needle configuration/type (Round Liner in this case)

Here are the most common diameters:

08 (0.25mm) – Very fine, suitable for detailed lines

10 (0.30mm) – Medium precision

12 (0.35mm) – Common for bold lines and packing

Bugpin (0.20mm / 0.25mm) – Super fine for realism and soft shading

✒️ 2. Needle Configurations and Their Uses

1. RL (Round Liner)

Configuration: Tight group of needles in a circular shape

Use: Sharp, clean lines and detailed work

Popular for: Linework, outlines, geometric tattoos

👉 Try: Wormhole 1205RL for crisp small-line tattoos.

2. RS (Round Shader)

Configuration: Loosely grouped round shape

Use: Softer lines and small shading areas

Popular for: Color blending, soft shading around edges

👉 Recommended: 1207RS – ideal for soft shading in small areas.

3. M1 (Magnum Shader / Standard Magnum)

Configuration: Two rows of needles stacked like a comb

Use: Smooth shading, color packing in large areas

Popular for: Black & gray realism, traditional shading

👉 Suggested: 1215M1 – great for fast, even shading.

4. RM (Curved Magnum / Soft Edge Magnum)

Configuration: Same as M1, but curved along the edge

Use: Soft gradient transitions, better skin flow

Popular for: Color realism, portraits, soft color blending

👉 Artist favorite: 1213RM – for smoother curves and blends.

🔁 3. Disposable Cartridges vs. Traditional Needles

Cartridge Needles: Easy to switch during sessions, more hygienic, compatible with rotary tattoo pens.

Traditional Needles (on bar): Used with coil machines, cost-effective, still preferred by many artists.

👉 Explore our Wormhole Pro precision cartridge needle line for effortless swapping and consistent performance.

💡 4. Tips for Choosing the Right Needle

Match needle configuration to your tattoo style (e.g., realism vs. traditional).

Consider needle diameter and count based on the detail and area size.

Use Bugpin needles for soft shading and portraits.

Always buy from trusted sources to ensure hygiene and quality.

Needle Type & Use Reference Table

Needle Type Use Case Popular Size RL Lining 1205RL RS Soft shading 1207RS M1 Packing 1215M1 RM Smooth gradients 1213RM

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What’s the best tattoo needle for lining?

The best tattoo needles for lining are Round Liners (RL). They are tightly grouped in a circular formation, designed to produce crisp, clean lines. For fine detail, try a 1203RL; for bolder outlines, a 1207RL or 1209RL is ideal. 👉 Explore Wormhole Liner Needles → Shop RL Needles

2. Can I use the same needle for shading and color?

While it’s possible to use the same type (like Magnum shaders) for both shading and color packing, most professionals choose specific needle configurations:

Use M1 (Magnum) for heavy color saturation

Use RM (Curved Magnum) for smoother shading transitions 👉 Find versatile shaders here → Shop M1 & RM Needles

3. Are cartridge needles better than traditional ones?

Cartridge needles offer convenience, hygiene, and easy switching — especially with rotary or wireless tattoo pens. They’re beginner-friendly and perfect for fast-paced sessions. Traditional bar needles still appeal to coil machine users and old-school artists. 👉 See the full range → Explore Wormhole Pro Cartridge Needles

🛒 Ready to Upgrade Your Setup?

Wormhole Tattoo offers professional-grade cartridge needles designed for precision, safety, and smooth flow — no matter your style.

👉 Browse all configurations now: 🔗 Wormhole Tattoo Needle Collection →

👉 Shop Tattoo Needles Now →

Related articles:

Tattoo Cartridge Needles vs. Traditional Needles – What’s the Difference?

So why be tied to a cable?

Our Wormhole Wireless Tattoo Pen gives you real freedom: long battery life, clean power, and a lightweight grip that feels right in your hand.

No surprise it became one of the most popular machines at MITF 2025 in Malaysia.

If you move, your machine should move with you.

Tattoos happen everywhere now — studios, guest spots, backstage, on the road.

So why be tied to a cable?

Our Wormhole Wireless Tattoo Pen gives you real freedom: long battery life, clean power, and a lightweight grip that feels right in your hand.

No surprise it became one of the most popular machines at MITF 2025 in Malaysia.

If you move, your machine should move with you.

Tattooing is more than just technique—it’s a balance of precision, patience, and the right materials. Among all tools, tattoo ink plays a vital role in determining how a design heals and how vibrant it remains over time. Yet, many beginner artists make critical mistakes that can easily be avoided.

Here are ten of the most common tattoo ink mistakes beginners make, plus expert tips on how to prevent them and elevate your work to a professional level.

1. Choosing Cheap Ink to Cut Costs

Budget-friendly inks often compromise on pigment quality, stability, and safety. Poor-quality ink can fade quickly, heal unevenly, or even cause irritation.

Pro Tip: Always invest in professional-grade inks that undergo purity and safety testing. Many artists prefer higher-end options such as the Wormhole Pro Series Ink, known for its stable pigment flow and long-lasting vibrancy.

2. Incorrect Dilution Ratios

Over-diluting ink or using the wrong diluent can lead to washed-out tones and poor shading results.

Pro Tip: Use sterile diluents or distilled water only. Test your mix on practice skin first, and gradually build tone and depth.

3. Poor Ink Storage Habits

Exposure to sunlight, heat, or humidity can degrade ink quality. Once pigment separates or thickens, it’s no longer safe to use.

Pro Tip: Store inks in a cool, dark place, tightly sealed after every use. Avoid storing near heat sources or direct sunlight.

4. Using Expired Ink

Expired inks lose chemical stability and may cause allergic reactions or uneven healing.

Pro Tip: Track open dates and expiration periods. When ink changes texture, smell, or appearance—discard it immediately.

5. Overloading the Needle

Too much ink on the needle can cause blowouts and blurred lines.

Pro Tip: Dip lightly and wipe off excess ink before touching the skin. Controlled flow ensures clean lines and consistent color.

6. Skipping Color Testing

Ink looks different on skin than in the bottle, and different skin tones absorb color uniquely.

Pro Tip: Always test on practice skins or small patches before large sessions. Build your personal swatch chart to track real-skin results.

7. Ignoring Aftercare Instructions

Even perfect tattoos can fade or get infected if clients neglect proper aftercare.

Pro Tip: Educate clients on cleaning routines, moisturizing, and avoiding sunlight or swimming post-tattoo.

8. Not Considering Skin Tone Compatibility

Some colors appear dull or uneven on certain skin tones.

Pro Tip: Adjust your palette: use more saturated tones for darker skin, and softer blends for lighter complexions.

9. Unstable Ink Flow

Inconsistent ink flow often results from improper machine setup or poor pigment suspension.

Pro Tip: Maintain your tattoo machine regularly, and use inks designed for stable, smooth flow during long sessions.

10. Poor Hygiene Practices

Cross-contamination is a serious risk when reusing caps or touching bottles with soiled gloves.

Pro Tip: Always use disposable ink caps, sterilized tools, and single-use gloves to prevent infection and ensure safety.

Professional Insight: Why Quality Ink Matters

Seasoned tattoo artists know that ink performance directly affects artistry. Reliable pigment flow, accurate viscosity, and safe ingredients make all the difference between amateur and professional outcomes.

For those looking to upgrade their supplies, the Wormhole Ink Collection offers a full range of pigments—from beginner-friendly options to the Pro Series favored by advanced artists. These inks feature rich saturation, fade resistance, and smooth flow consistency designed for both lining and shading.

Explore the complete ink range here: WormholePro Ink Collection.

Final Thoughts

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Tattoo Practice Kit With Rotary Pen

“Only $20+ Sets Left — Rotary Pen Kit”

Get a full practice kit upgrade before it’s gone.

Start practicing like a pro. Our Rotary Pen Practice Kit includes everything you need: pen, inks, practice skin, and power supply. Act fast — when 20 sets are sold, you unlock the complete upgrade!

One of the most frequently asked questions we hear from first-time clients and aspiring artists is: “Does getting a tattoo really hurt?” The short answer is yes—but it’s not as intimidating as it sounds, especially with the right tools and preparation.

At WormholePro, we’re not only committed to delivering precision tattoo equipment—we also believe in helping artists and clients feel confident about every step of the tattooing experience. In this article, we’ll break down what causes tattoo pain, which body areas are more sensitive, and how using professional-grade tools can make all the difference.

🔍 Why Do Tattoos Hurt?

Tattooing works by repeatedly puncturing the skin with ultra-fine needles to deposit ink into the dermis layer. It’s more than just a surface scratch—it's controlled micro-trauma. That’s why the sensation can vary from annoying to intense, depending on the location and duration.

With modern equipment like the WormholePro Wireless Tattoo Machine – Aquila, artists can now work with minimal vibration, smoother voltage control, and efficient power delivery—all of which help reduce unnecessary irritation on the client’s skin.

📍 Pain Levels by Placement

Certain areas of the body are naturally more sensitive. Here’s a quick guide: Pain Level Areas 🔥 High Ribs, spine, knees, armpits, hands, sternum ⚖️ Moderate Forearms, calves, chest, shoulders 🌿 Low Outer upper arms, thighs, buttocks

Pro tip: The more nerve endings and less fat in an area, the more it’s likely to hurt.

🛠️ Equipment & Technique Matter

Not all tattoo machines (wormhole electrical device) are created equal. Choosing a high-precision machine can directly influence both the tattoo outcome and the client’s pain experience.

WormholePro machines like the Virgo Wireless Tattoo Pen feature:

Ultra-stable motor performance

Adjustable needle stroke (2.4mm–4.2mm)

Real-time digital screen for voltage and mode

Lightweight ergonomic design for better control

These features help minimize trauma and allow artists to work more gently—especially when shading or color packing.

🧠 What Tattoo Pain Feels Like

Pain is subjective, but here’s what most clients report:

“It’s like a sharp cat scratch.”

“It feels like buzzing heat.”

“The first few minutes are the hardest—then it levels off.”

Tattooing generally starts with linework, which can feel sharper, followed by shading or coloring, which some find more tolerable. Proper breathing, communication with your artist, and short breaks help keep things manageable.

💡 Tips to Minimize Tattoo Pain

Whether you’re an artist or a client, these practical tips can help:

Stay hydrated before and after

Eat a balanced meal 1–2 hours before the session

Avoid caffeine or alcohol

Wear comfortable clothing

Use numbing cream if approved by your artist

Choose reliable equipment that reduces vibration and noise

👉 Artists: Explore our complete range of professional tattoo needles, power supplies, and wireless machines designed for low trauma and consistent results.

🧷 Final Thoughts: It’s Pain with a Purpose

Yes, tattoos involve some discomfort—but they’re safe, manageable, and often even meditative. When done by a skilled artist using high-quality tools, the process is far more comfortable than most people expect.

At WormholePro, we believe your gear should work with you—not against you. Our mission is to empower artists with the tools they need to deliver exceptional results with confidence and care.

📦 Explore Our Best-Sellers for Comfortable Tattooing

🖋 Aquila – Wireless Rotary Tattoo Machine Extended battery life, smooth power, minimal hand fatigue

⚡ Virgo – Precision Wireless Tattoo Pen Advanced needle adjustment + digital control interface

🧷 Wormhole Tattoo Cartridges (50pcs) Ledge-style grip, consistent flow, premium membrane

Discover how tattoo practice skins can help you improve your line work, shading, and design confidence. Learn tips, tools, and Wormhole’s best practice skin products.

Whether you're a beginner learning your first lines or a pro testing new techniques, tattoo practice skin is an essential tool for improving precision and confidence — without touching real skin. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about using tattoo practice skins and how Wormhole Tattoo can help elevate your craft.

🧠 What Is Tattoo Practice Skin?

Tattoo practice skin, often made of synthetic rubber or silicone, is designed to simulate the texture and resistance of human skin. It allows tattoo artists to:

Practice line work, shading, and color packing

Experiment with needle depth and machine settings

Build portfolios with custom designs on flat or curved surfaces

Train safely before working on clients

🔍 Why Use Tattoo Practice Skin?

Using fake tattoo skin is not just for beginners — it’s a professional tool for:

Testing new machines, inks, and needles

Rehearsing complex designs

Improving speed and consistency

Training apprentices or students

Portfolio building without live models

At Wormhole Tattoo, we provide premium-quality silicone tattoo skins that are thick, durable, and responsive to real tattoo conditions.

🛠️ What Makes Wormhole Tattoo Practice Skin Stand Out?

Wormhole’s practice skins are trusted by thousands of artists for their:

✅ Realistic Texture

Crafted to replicate the elasticity of real skin — ideal for creating true-to-life designs.

✅ Durable Thickness

At 3mm+, our skins are thick enough for both coil and rotary machines, withstanding multiple passes.

✅ Versatile Shapes

Flat sheets for beginners and arm/hand-shaped skins for advanced placement training.

✅ Beginner-Friendly & Pro-Grade

Great for students, apprentices, or professionals testing custom stencils, ink blends, or equipment.

💡 Tips for Tattooing on Practice Skin

Stretch the skin just like you would on a real person.

Use transfer paper or stencil pens for clean design placement.

Set your machine as you would on real skin — don’t lower power unrealistically.

Practice consistent hand speed and depth for muscle memory.

After each session, clean the skin and reuse when possible.

🎨 Creative Uses for Tattoo Skins

Build a tattoo portfolio with completed art on displayable skins

Create tattoo flash boards for conventions or studio decoration

Offer custom sample designs for clients to preview

Train on 3D-shaped skins to simulate real placement and ergonomics

🔗 Recommended Products

Explore our most popular practice tools:

[Flat Tattoo Practice Skin – 8x6 inch | Silicone]

[3D Arm Tattoo Practice Skin – Life-sized & Flexible]

[WormholePro Transfer Paper – For Clear, Clean Stencils]

[Beginner Tattoo Kits – Perfect Pair with Practice Skins]

All products are available with fast shipping, bulk pricing, and worldwide delivery.

📦 Special Offer

🎁 Buy 3, Get 1 Free on Practice Skins – Add any 4 eligible items to your cart and one will be FREE. No code needed. [Shop Now →]

🧩 Final Thoughts

Tattoo practice skin isn’t just a tool — it’s your training ground. With the right material, you’ll build muscle memory, refine technique, and grow your confidence. Whether you're just starting or advancing your style, Wormhole Tattoo provides everything you need to level up safely and skillfully.

🔎 Popular Searches

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What Are the Disadvantages of Drawing Tattoos on the Body?

A professional guide before you ink.

Getting a tattoo is a powerful way to express your identity, beliefs, or creativity. But just like any form of body modification, tattoos come with their own set of potential drawbacks. If you're planning your first tattoo or managing a tattoo studio, understanding these concerns is key to making informed choices.

1. 🧪 Allergic Reactions to Tattoo Ink

Some people experience allergic reactions to tattoo pigments, particularly red and yellow inks. These can cause skin irritation, itching, or even delayed hypersensitivity years after the tattoo is healed.

💡 Tip: Choose high-quality tattoo inks like Xtreme Tattoo Ink, which are designed for better skin compatibility and color retention.

keyword: hypoallergenic tattoo ink, safe tattoo ink, tattoo ink allergies

2. 🦠 Risk of Skin Infection

Improper sterilization or aftercare may lead to bacterial infections or skin inflammation. Symptoms include swelling, pus, redness, and in serious cases, systemic infection.

🔗 Use single-use cartridges like our Wormhole Disposable Tattoo Cartridges to ensure cleanliness and safety.

3. 💼 Workplace and Social Constraints

Though tattoos are widely accepted today, visible tattoos on the neck, face, or hands may still affect employment in certain industries or cultures.

✨ Consider testing placement with temporary designs using our A4 Wireless Tattoo Printer before committing.

4. 😖 Pain and Healing Discomfort

Tattoo pain varies based on location and personal tolerance. Some areas—like ribs or feet—are notoriously more painful. Post-tattoo care also requires avoiding sun, sweating, and tight clothing.

💡 Our Tattoo Aftercare Series helps your skin heal faster and keeps colors vibrant.

tattoo healing time, tattoo pain chart, tattoo aftercare tips

5. 💸 Tattoo Regret and Removal

Tattoo removal is possible, but laser treatments are costly, time-consuming, and not always effective. Make thoughtful design and placement decisions to avoid regret.

👀 Try mock designs with our Tattoo Stencil Printer or consult our Tattoo Design Guide for planning ideas.

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✅ Conclusion

Tattoos are a commitment. Understanding their downsides doesn't mean avoiding them—it means approaching the process professionally and with the right tools and support.

Why tattoo kit is the best choice for beginners?

Beginners in any industry want to spend the least money to buy the most suitable product, and the tattoo industry is no exception. For beginners, they don't know which accessories they need. Therefore, for those who have just entered the tattoo industry, the tattoo suit is a very good choice. By reviewing and objectively analyzing all the tattoo kits on the market, I will recommend three kits. The three tattoo kits are most suitable for beginners. I would like to help you determine the most suitable tattoo equipment for you. There are many types of tattoo guns. From a technical point of view, the most common are shader guns and liner guns (the lining is the outer line of the tattoo design, and the shader is the filling of the tattoo).

From a mechanical point of view, there are two main types: coil tattoo machines and tattoo pens. Let us understand the difference between these tattoo kit types. To become a good tattoo artist, you need to learn the meaning of each tattoo. And the advantages and disadvantages of each type of tattoo gun kit.

The difference between the liner machine and the shader machine?

Liner tattoo machines are used for tattoo outlines and black works, while shader machines (as the name suggests) are used for coloring work and coloring. They use different needle groups. A liner tattoo machine often uses round liner tattoo needles, while the shader gun use magnum tattoo needles, similar to a comb (this will help coloring and coloring ). Moreover, the speed of the liner gun is generally higher than that of the color gun. In a complete tattoo kit, there are always 2 machines. 

On the other hand, because the shader tattoo machine uses larger needles to penetrate the skin, however, the machine is weaker, and therefore, it needs more power to make the needles move in a vigorous continuous flow. In order to provide sufficient electromagnetic power, shader tattoo machines are usually weightier. Every tattoo artist needs to be accustomed to using two machines at the same time. For, the lining and coloring gun are essential in the tattoo art process. Therefore, they get used to the "heavy and powerful" feel of the shader and the lightness and speed of the bushing tool.

Types of Tattoo Kits

There are a number of types of tattoo guns, the most common from a technical point of view are the shader gun and the liner gun (lining is the outer line of the tattoo design and shader is the filling of the tattoo). But, it’s from a technical standpoint. From a mechanical point of view, there are 3 main types you need to know about: coil tattoo machine, rotary tattoo machine, and a pneumatic tattoo gun. Let's learn about the difference between those tattoo kit types. To be a good tattoo artist, you need to learn which one is suitable for each situation and the pros and cons of each of the tattoo guns kits.

1. Coil tattoo machine kits

The coil tattoo gun is the most common gun type for tattoo artists, beginners, and professionals. When two are standard coils and one has three coils, it has a different coil arrangement. The mechanical principle of the coil gun is an electromagnetic coil, which allows the needle to move up and down and perform tattoo work. Using a spiral spray gun, the speed and power of the spray gun can be adjusted. Likewise, the coiling machine can perform lining or filling functions. A coil tattoo kit is not a bad choice for beginners. Therefore, in most cases, they use two packages-one for the liner coil spray gun and the other for the filling gun. In many cases, coil gun kits are the weapon of choice because they offer excellent customizability options, an acceptable learning curve, and excellent performance inlining and filling. If you search for available beginners from many tattoo kits, please choose tools based on coil mechanisms.

It is a good cheap tattoo kit to start with. It arrives with 2 guns for lining and for shading, a power supply, and much more. This tattoo kit will give you the practice you need for the real stuff. It teaches you how to hold the gun, put it in the power supply. 

2. Pneumatic tattoo guns kit

In 2000, Carson Hill invented and patented pneumatic guns. A pneumatic machine gun uses an air compressor to make the tattoo needles go up and down. Also, it's extremely lightweight compared to the coil and rotary machine guns. A pneumatic gun kit can be cleaned and sterilized without disassembly (compared to other kits, which need to be taken apart). It's important to mention, that those kits and the whole tattoo supplies package are pretty expensive. However, their "tattoo feeling" is pretty distinct from the classic coil guns and the rotary machines. Because of those reasons, many choose to avoid pneumatic tattoo kits.

3. Tattoo pen kit

One of the most successful and recommended tattoo kits for enthusiasts and beginners. It provides a set of tools and accessories and everything you need to start learning and practicing the tattoo art word. Also, it's a very affordable tattoo gun kit and is considered one of the best tattoo kits for beginners.

Want to dive deeper into the world of tattoo culture and knowledge? Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on tattoo tips, stories, and insights. We share inspiration, industry news, and behind-the-scenes content you won’t want to miss. And if you're looking for high-quality tattoo supplies, check out our full range of professional tattoo products here.

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tattoo needles

Flash sale tattoo supply

Wormhole Tattoo is a professional and international supplier, that sells tattoo kits, tattoo machines, tattoo supplies, tattoo inks, tattoo needles online. What's more, these tattoo products are designed for tattoo beginners and professional tattoo artists. We always hope that Wormhole Tattoo can cooperate with excellent tattooists from all over the world. We will listen to opinions from them, then continuously improve our products, and offer better services for our customers. Anyway, Wormhole Tattoo launched a partnership program in the world on October 1, 2020.

How to become a global partner of Wormhole Tattoo?

Any tattoo artists who aspire to become wormhole tattoo partners can communicate with us in the following ways. Email address:

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

WhatsApp: 13386501516

Youtube: Wormhole Tattoo

Pinterest: wormholetattoo

Facebook: wormholetattookit

Wormhole Tattoo welcomes anyone who loves tattoos. No matter you are a professional experienced tattoo artist or a newcomer who enters the tattoo industry.

Benefits of global partners

Logistics dedicated line support

 Wormhole Tattoo cooperates with major express companies around the world, such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS, so that you can enjoy our products in the fastest time

Experience the latest products for the first time

Wormhole Tattoo has a dedicated design team dedicated to developing tattoo products. We will provide our partners with our latest research and development products. We will better improve our products after listening to their suggestions.

More and bigger discounts

After becoming a Wormhole Tattoo Global partner, you can enjoy more discounts when shopping on our website. So you can enjoy high-quality products with less money.

Over 100000 fans worldwide customers

Wormhole Tattoo has many fans on the media platform. Most of them are professional tattoo artists and tattoo beginners. They can answer the questions you encounter and bring a lot of tattoo business to your studio.

What are you waiting for, come and join us

Join us and enter a new tattoo world. Wormhole tattoo kits will be chosen by 99% of beginners. You must benefit from becoming one of our partners. Do it right now. You can also subscribe to us and get the newest information.

Want to dive deeper into the world of tattoo culture and knowledge? Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on tattoo tips, stories, and insights. We share inspiration, industry news, and behind-the-scenes content you won’t want to miss. And if you're looking for high-quality tattoo supplies, check out our full range of professional tattoo products here.

tattoo machine

tattoo needles

Flash sale tattoo supply