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NEEDLE GUIDE

What are the different types of tattoo needles and what are they used for? 

Lockdown products are all bespoke to the brand; we use simple names and codes on packaging for ease. 

 

Let’s start with our LINING NEEDLES: 

 

  • DOUBLE TIGHT (Code: DT (C.DT for cartridges)
    Also named Bugpin Liners, the tightest formation for making super fine, crisp lines. Also used widely for dot-work and stipple shading. The super fine pins are soldered precisely and very tightly. 
  • TIGHT LINER (Code: TL (C.TL for cartridges) 
    The industry standard     most commonly found type of lining needle, Similar to your standard "Round Liner, RL" but with lockdowns superior quality and precise manufacturing.  
  • STRAIGHT LINER (Code: SL (C.SL for cartridges) 
    These are perfect for those wanting a slightly bolder, smoother looking line weight and are great for those awkward spots too where a regular liner needle just doesn't produce a solid line. The needle pins soldered a little more openly but with the same precision you are used to with a liner needle. These are our most popular choices and pull lines in the skin like butter! Precise, Bold, Smooth Black lines with ease!
  • LOOSE LINER (Code: LL (C.LL for cartridges) 
    The loose liner     produces the smoothest bold lines you can imagine; the pins are soldered in a more loose / open formation but with the same precision you would expect from a liner needle. Similar to the lines you would expect if using a "Round shader, RS" but with the added precision and super sharp, liner pins. Perfect for bold, traditional tattooing!     
  • HOLLOW LINER (Code: HL (C.HL for cartridges) 
    The Hollow Liners have rapidly become extremely popular. The needle pins are soldered onto the needle bar without a center pin in a circular O formation. This gives a very unique feel and line weight. They are really precise, and produce the smoothest, most black lines when healed due to the way the needle is able to hold the ink in the center. I recommend using a tube size up with these for better ink flow. 
  • LOOSE HOLLOW LINER (Code: LHL (C.LHL for cartridges) 
    Take the regular Hollow needle and solder it much more loosely, as if you were to burn out / spread a regular Hollow Needle. Using this is a totally unique experience that you will love. EFFORTLESSLY bold lines with super low skin trauma due to the forgiveness of the loosely soldered yet precision pins. I recommend using a tube size up with these for better ink flow. 
     

Now let’s explain our SHADING NEEDLES & MAGS: 

 

  • ROUND SHADER (Code: RS (C.RS for cartridges) 
    Our round shaders have been recognised as the best on the market. Super sharp longer taper pins for low trauma whilst a loose formation allows great ink flow and low fast application. Precision in every needle and cartridge! 
  • MAG (MAGNUM) VARIETIES 
    Our mags are available in medium taper (MTM), long taper (LTM), Bugpin, Curved & Bugpin Curved. We also have Tri-Mags (designed for fast stipple) and super-size mags! As you can expect, extreme precision and quality engineered for the best ink flow and low trauma saturation. 

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Use curved mags for that super soft, feathered edge. Bugpin curved Mags for even softer, smoother, more delicate blends. Medium and Long Taper Mags for that fast colour packing, traditional saturation and blackwork! Whatever your preference, Lockdown has you covered!