Tattoo Needles vs Cartridge Needles

Q: Are cartridge needles safer?

Cartridges can offer more standardised hygiene because they are single-use and typically pre-sterilised. Traditional needles are also safe when sterilisation and handling are done correctly.

Q: Do professional tattoo artists still use traditional needles?

Yes. Many experienced artists still prefer traditional needles for specific techniques, machine feel, and feedback.

Q: Should beginners start with cartridges?

Cartridges can be more forgiving for setup and hygiene, but learning traditional systems can build strong technical fundamentals.

27 January 2026

What Do We Really Know About Tattoo Needles and Cartridges?

For many years, traditional tattoo needles were the only option. Artists learned how to build them, adjust their machines around them, and develop techniques based on how they performed.

When cartridge needles appeared, the debate wasn’t about quality or safety. It was about change. Cartridges introduced a new way of working, with faster setup, built-in needle stability, and a more consistent feel during tattooing.

Today, both systems are widely used. Each has its own strengths, behaviour, and impact on the tattooing process. Understanding how they differ is essential for choosing the right tool and using it to its full potential.

Choosing the Correct Option for Your Work

Tattoo needles are not just accessories. They directly influence how ink enters the skin, how your machine behaves, and how much control you have while tattooing.

For tattoo artists, the choice between traditional needles and cartridge needles usually depends on a few key factors:

Daily workflow: how you like to work, set up, and move through a session
Tattoo style: realism, black and grey, fine line, colour work, or bold traditional styles can benefit from different needle systems
Experience level: Many newer artists started directly with cartridges and may have limited experience with traditional machines, making cartridges feel more natural to them.

There is no single “best” system. The right needle is the one that fits your technique and supports the way you tattoo.

Tattoo Needles: The Traditional System

Traditional tattoo needles are needle groupings soldered onto a metal bar. They are part of a larger system that includes:

tube tips
grips
manual assembly
sterilization routines

This setup demands involvement. Artists handle alignment, tension, and compatibility directly. For many, this creates a strong mechanical connection with the machine, especially when working with coil machines.

This system offers a high level of control and customisation, but it also requires time, discipline, and experience.

Neither system exists because the other failed. Traditional needles remain relevant because they offer control, feedback, and deep mechanical understanding. Cartridge needles became popular because they fit modern studio demands: speed, consistency, and simplified hygiene.

Tattoo Cartridge Needles

Cartridge needles were designed as complete, disposable units. The needle grouping, bar, and tip are enclosed in a single housing, pre-sterilised and ready to use. They are commonly paired with rotary and pen-style machines.

The main difference is workflow.

Cartridges reduce setup time, simplify needle changes, and standardise hygiene. For many artists, this removes technical friction and allows sessions to flow more smoothly, especially during complex or long projects.