Quels types d’aiguilles de tatouage faut-il utiliser ?

Dec 22, 2025, by SB Distribution

What types of tattoo needles should be used?

There are many types of tattoo needles for various situations. Each is designed for a different purpose and must be used accordingly. Choosing the right type of needle at the right time is important for better control and achieving the best final result when your clients come to get tattooed.

The three most popular types of tattoo needles are: regular, bugpin, and super bugpin. Each has its own characteristics that distinguish it from the others. Read on to learn more about each type of needle so you can use them correctly during your next tattoo sessions.

Regular needles

➞ Caliber #12

➞ Diameter 0.35 mm

Regular, standard-grade needles are often used for outlining or more traditional tattoos because their ink flow is very fast. This type of needle is ideal for drawing thick lines, but also for shading and filling large areas. It's also the kind of traditional needle you'll want to use for color and creating a more pixelated effect.

Bugpin Needles

➞ Caliber #10

➞ Diameter 0.30 mm

The size of these needles is very common and ideal for almost all types of tattoos. Considering that #8, #10, and #12 gauges are the main reference sizes, Bugpin needles are medium-sized compared to most other types of needles. Because their line is smoother, they are excellent for shading, black and gray, and saturation.

Super Bugpin Needles

➞ Caliber #08

➞ Diameter 0.25 mm

Super Bugpin needles have one of the smallest diameters and are similar to the Bugpin, but the needles are welded even more tightly. They are perfect for 4K or HD image reproduction because they offer even greater saturation and are slightly more precise than the Bugpin. Many people use the Super Bugpin for most of their tattoos, since the ink flow is better distributed to a single point (thanks to the tighter welded needles).

Key takeaways!

The type of needles you choose can have a major impact on the artistic quality and functionality of your tattoo. Therefore, it's important to choose the right type of needle to achieve the best possible results.

When considering the different types of tattoo needles available, it's easy to understand that each one is designed for a specific use. Some people may use the same needle from different brands, but even different brands of tattoo needles have distinct characteristics that make them better than others.

The best needles are the ones that meet your needs. Whether you want to create an elaborate design or a simple shading on a forearm, you need to choose the right type of needles to do it!