Shop genuine tattoo needles for every technique: round liner (RL) cartridges for crisp linework, round shader (RS) for soft shading and color packing, and magnum (M1) / curved magnum (RM) for fast, smooth coverage. Available in #08 (0.25mm), #10 (0.30mm) and #12 (0.35mm) from Dragonhawk, MAST, EZ, BigWasp, Bronc and Ambition.
INKSOUL is an authorized dealer — 100% genuine, factory-direct supply chain. Every needle is E.O. gas sterilized, individually packaged, single-use only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What's the difference between round liner (RL) and round shader (RS) needles?
RL needles are grouped in a tight circle for crisp, precise linework — outlines, script, dotwork. RS needles use a looser round grouping that deposits ink more softly, making them better for shading and color packing in small areas. Rule of thumb: lines = RL, soft fills = RS.
Q2: When should I use magnum needles instead of round needles?
Magnums (needles in two stacked rows) are built for coverage — shading, blending, and packing large areas fast. Curved/round magnums (RM/CM) have a softer edge to the needle grouping, which means smoother gradients and less skin trauma than straight magnums. For anything bigger than a coin, reach for a magnum.
Q3: What do #10, #12, and #08 gauges mean on tattoo needles?
The number is the needle diameter: #08 = 0.25mm, #10 = 0.30mm, #12 = 0.35mm. #12 is the all-round standard for lining and shading; #10 runs finer with less trauma — great for detail work; #08 is ultra-fine, for the most delicate lining. Most artists keep at least #10 and #12 in the drawer.
Q4: How can I tell if tattoo needles are genuine or counterfeit?
Buy from an authorized dealer. Counterfeit and gray-market needles are a real problem — unknown steel quality, questionable sterilization, packaging that claims E.O. sterilization without proof. INKSOUL is an authorized dealer for Dragonhawk, MAST, EZ, BigWasp, Bronc, and Ambition, so every box is 100% genuine with a factory-direct, traceable supply chain. If the price looks too good to be true, it usually is.
Q5: What tattoo needle sizes should a beginner start with?
Three cartridges cover about 90% of practice: a 1205RL or 1207RL round liner for linework, a 1209RS round shader for soft shading, and a 1213M1 magnum for packing small fills. In the code, 12 = 0.35mm gauge, 05 = needle count, RL/RS/M1 = grouping. Master those tattoo needle sizes on practice skin before expanding — most artists keep #10 and #12 gauges in the drawer.
Q6: Where can I buy tattoo needles in a physical store?
Licensed tattoo supply shops in larger cities stock cartridges, but selection and authenticity vary — counterfeit needles are a real problem. Many artists buy tattoo needles online instead for the full range and guaranteed genuine stock. INKSOUL is an authorized dealer for Dragonhawk, MAST, EZ, BigWasp, Bronc, and Ambition, and we ship genuine, E.O.-sterilized cartridges worldwide.
Q7: What are the different types of tattoo needles?
The four main groupings: round liner (RL) for crisp outlines, round shader (RS) for soft shading, magnum (M1) for packing large areas fast, and curved/round magnum (RM/CM) for smooth gradients with less trauma. Within each, gauge (#08/#10/#12) sets thickness and the count sets how many needles are grouped. Three cartridges — a 1205RL, a 1209RS, and a 1213M1 — cover about 90% of real work.
Q8: Do all tattoo needles fit all machines?
Cartridge needles use a standardized membrane system, so cartridges from the major brands fit any modern pen-style machine that accepts cartridges — including every pen in our store. (Bar needles for old coil machines are a different, legacy system.) INKSOUL cartridges are genuine, E.O.-sterilized, and compatible with standard cartridge grips.
Q9: Where can I find a tattoo needle size chart?
Read the product code: the first two digits are the gauge diameter (08 = 0.25mm, 10 = 0.30mm, 12 = 0.35mm), the next digits are the needle count, and the letters are the grouping (RL/RS/M1/RM). So 1205RL = 0.35mm, 5 needles, round liner. #12 is the all-round standard; #10 runs finer for detail work.