Tattoo needles - sorted by needle size

Conveniently filter tattoo needles by thickness - for a quick overview and the perfect selection.

Under this menu item you will find our range sorted by needle size. This is practical if you are not set on one manufacturer, as this filter gives you a complete overview. If you want to narrow down your selection further, simply use other product filters in the menu on the left.

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0.25 mm

0.30 mm

0.35 mm

0.40 mm

0.50 mm

Tattoo needles are at the heart of every tattoo. Without them, it would not be possible to precisely inject ink into the skin. But not all needles are the same—there are different types, shapes, and, above all, different needle gauges, each of which is used for specific techniques and effects. In this guide, you will learn everything about tattoo needles, their construction, possible uses, and how to choose the right needle thickness for your style.

What are tattoo needles?

Tattoo needles are usually made of stainless steel and are specially designed to transport color pigments precisely and hygienically into the dermis of the skin. They are available in various configurations – individually, as groups of needles (known as needle tips or groupings) and with different soldering techniques.

There are two main components to tattoo needles:

Needle configuration (e.g., round liner, round shader, magnum, flat, etc.)

Needle thickness (diameter)

Both aspects significantly influence the result and comfort when tattooing.

What needle sizes are available for tattoo needles?

The needle size describes the diameter of a single needle tip. This is specified in millimeters, often also in numerical codes such as 08, 10, 12, etc. The most common needle sizes are:

Needle size

Areas of application

0.25 mm Super Fine Finest lines, details

0.30 mm Fine Lines, small shading

0.35 mm Standard All-round, filling, strong lines

0.40 mm Bold Wide lines, large areas

Differences in application

Fine needles (0.25–0.30 mm) are ideal for precise, delicate work, such as fine line tattoos or microrealism.

Thicker needles (0.35–0.40 mm) create bold lines and are better suited for old school, traditional, or large-area shading.

The thicker the needle, the more ink it can carry – but this also increases the strain on the skin. Therefore, depending on skin type and motif, you have to carefully consider which thickness is suitable.

Needle types and their combination with needle thicknesses

There are numerous needle types, each of which can be combined with different thicknesses:

1. Round Liner (RL)

For precise, clean lines. Usually in combination with finer thicknesses (0.25 or 0.30 mm).

2. Round Shader (RS)

Ideal for smaller shading and soft black work. Often in 0.30 or 0.35 mm.

3. Magnum (M1, M2, RM)

Perfect for large-area fillings and smooth transitions. Popular in 0.35 mm and higher.

4. Flat (F or FL)

For lines and color packing. Used in various thicknesses, often 0.35 mm.

5. Bugpin needles

Bugpin needles are particularly fine needles, usually with a diameter of 0.25 mm or less. They allow for extremely fine details and smooth color gradients.

Which needle thickness is the right one?

The choice of needle thickness depends on several factors:

Style: Fineline, black & gray, realism, or traditional?

Body part: Thin skin areas such as fingers or face require finer needles.

Skin type: Thick, elastic, or sensitive skin can react differently to needle thicknesses.

Colors: For light colors or white, a thicker needle may be useful to reliably transport the pigments.

An experienced tattoo artist knows when to use which needle thickness—but for beginners, it is important to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the properties and effects of the respective needles.

Conclusion: Tattoo needles & needle thicknesses – precision through the right choice

Tattoo needles are much more than just a tool – they are a decisive factor in the quality and durability of a tattoo. The right choice of needle thickness can determine the success of a design. Whether you want to tattoo fine lines or bold areas of color, there is a suitable configuration for every purpose.

Those who study needle thicknesses in depth can work more precisely, protect the skin, and improve their techniques. Good advice, high-quality needles, and experience ultimately lead to optimal results.