DO TATTOO NEEDLES BECOME DULL WITH USE?
Tattoo needles do not dullen with age, but instead become sharper by the repetitive honing motion they experience in the tattoo gun (machine). This happens because the metal of the sanitary tube rubs against the needles, and the softer metal (the needles) will wear. The problem with these sharpened needles is that they sharpen into flat razor-like edges, and begin cutting the skin instead of piercing small holes. Since a tattoo is created by the conical shape of the needle transferring pigment into the skin with the aid of a wetting agent, the needle’s shape is as important as its sharpness. Pigment does not transfer into the skin as efficiently when the shape is altered, and can also lead to scarring. Another problem with needles is the occurrence of burs or barbs when the needles hit the side or bottom of the pigment caps.
The following information is provided by Uncle Bud
