With so many needle choices today it can be a bit confusing. Starting with the basics, the video explains all about our needle size systems and tapers.
To your PMU success,
PMU Artist & Needle Specialist
Inside Needle Knowledge
Imagine how pleased I was to see in the latest on-line edition of Skin Ink that the Ombre eyebrow technique received a lot of praise and attention. My admiration for the Blended Brow™ (a version of the Ombre or combo brow) did not happen overnight. I am an entrepreneur; I create and I remain current in my profession. I too, as many have, admired the immediately after appearance of the hairstroke, microblading, embroidery brows, or whatever marketing names were used, but I know the skin, and I know needles, and I know how pigments/inks behave in the skin over time. I, and other PMU artists, already anticipated what the hair strokes (and all associated marketing names used for lines in the brows that mimicked the appearance of eyebrow hairs) would not remain crisp, have the expected longevity, and that clients would ultimately request more brow coverage that would last longer.
Based on my client’s input, regardless of how attractive the...
A lot of PMU and Tattoo artists use a pen-style tattoo machine today and needle cartridges should have membranes when used with these machines to prevent backflow into the machines and cross-contamination.
A cartridge may look like it has a membrane but there are a couple of tests to be sure! The easiest test is to use water or ink to test the membrane for leakage. (see video). The other way is to actually blow on the back end of a needle cartridge. If you hear air, there can be a possibility of backflow into your machine. DONT USE TEST NEEDLES ON CLIENTS!
Why would manufacturers even make needles without a cartridge? Keep in mind that some tattoo machines have a separate grip from the motor. So, in that case, you could use any needle as it's not leaking back into the machine..... if it leaks, it's only into the disposable or autoclavable grip.
“I almost missed this class thinking I knew enough about needles. Wrong.”
Investing in your knowledge and skills is paramount to satisfying clients and attracting more. The I.N.K. Masterclass is designed to get you there – no need to rely on guesswork, be confident in your needle choices. Take the course at your own pace and repeat as many times as you need to.
Take this opportunity now and make your PMU world a huge success and know your needles!
To your PMU success,
PMU Artist & Needle Specialist
Inside Needle Knowledge, I.N.K.
Q/A with Jill Höyer about the online needle course, Inside Needle Knowledge.
Q: What prompted you to develop the Inside Needle Knowledge (INK) program?
A: There’s a need for needle education in our industry. Many artists initially use one or 2 types of needles they learned on and find it intimidating to try new needles. I like to say, “the more you know, the more you’ll grow.” If artists really understand needles they will start combining various needles, techniques, and develop their own style.
Q: Why did you choose this format for the program?
A: I like the idea of a platform where you can watch the course 24/7 and re-watch the course and download the pdfs for reference. I like how the course is set up with lessons that you can easily replay as needed plus you can post questions after each lesson or email me privately for answers.
Q: How long have you been studying needles?
A: I’ve done permanent makeup for...
The new cartridge tattoo needle by TatSoul has some nice features. Having used their quality, smooth running needles in the past I had to try this cartridge with a soft silicone finger ledge. It's like a squishy pencil holder.
What I found a huge plus is the way the Envy finger ledge integration fits into the pen style tattoo machine making it easy for the way I wrap my machine for cross-contamination prevention.
Another style needle cartridge is the Vertix tattoo needle cartridges. Both the TatSoul and Vertix tattoo cartridge needles are great quality, have a lip on the cartridge making it fit nicely up to the edge of the machine tip, and they both have a membrane that prevents the backflow of ink into the machine.
To your PMU success,
PMU Artist & Needle Specialist
Inside Needle Knowledge, I.N.K.
I want to share a question I was asked from a PMU artist seeking information about my I.N.K. course and sizes relevant to microblading needles and digital or machine tattoo needles. If you've wondered the same question about the course or needles, hopefully, this helps!
Message: Hi Jill
Please, can you advise if your I.N.K. course is relevant to microblading needle configurations as well as digital? Thanks, D.
Me: Hi D.
In general, many aspects of the lessons on needles apply to both machine and manual type needles. As an artist, I use both manual and machine needles.
Maybe you have a specific question I can answer?
Message: Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I’ve got an understanding of the different configurations. It’s just understanding the benefits (or should I say drawbacks) of the different gauges of needles. For example, 0.16 needles provide a crisper line, however, when...
I never know what needle I'm going to choose for my client until I know these top 2 things...
Top 2 are:
This idea of not doing exactly what your client comes marching through the door asking for can require a bit of client education. Especially if her heart is set on a hair stroke brow and her skin is oily or bumpy, or eyeliner that extends out too far when her skin is sagging.
In the end, you will be very glad you took the time to explain options of what will look best and the why.
Our needle choice is personal and based on what we've learned. For sure, knowing your needles will lead you towards an educated decision even for the most difficult skin types.
To your PMU success,
PMU Artist...
Which eyes could be tattooed with a thick eyeliner? Tattooing the eyes can be a challenge and a thick eyeliner poses risks. Many women would love to diminish the morning eyeliner chore. Permanent makeup would seemingly be a great solution. Well, it is, but the thickness of the permanent line may not be the same thickness that you apply with your topical makeup. WHY NOT?
Wrinkles (3,5)- the permanent eyeliner will never be straight when healed when the skin is crepey and folds. Photo
Distended Capillaries (2,3,6)– This is caused by the popular eyelash growth serums. The pigment will migrate and follow the capillaries causing color displacement.
Thin Skin (3,6)- Delicate skin must be handled with care as it can easily tear and capillaries are often prevalent.
Which eyes could be tattooed with a thick eyeliner? If you guessed Photos 1,4 you are correct. However, I still don’t recommend to tattoo a thick eyeliner.
Photo 1 is my healed work on a...
I can't say how important it is to check your needles. A jewelers eye loupe gives you an up-close look. I prefer the ones with a light. Amazon has many to choose from.
You're looking for:
A burr is a hook on the end of the needle and it will cause a lot of skin trauma and bleeding during a procedure.
Check your needles, it only takes a few seconds and will save you time in the end.
To your PMU success,
PMU Artist & Needle Specialist
Inside Needle Knowledge, I.N.K.
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This chart helps you pay attention to your hand speed, machine speed, and hand movements when using liners for a liner effect and shaders for a shaded effect.
It also shows how you can use:
A great go-to chart is just the beginning!