Single Needle: How Deep Should You Go? (0.5mm-1.2mm)

Summary

In this tattoo informational video, the artist addresses a common question about needle depth in tattooing, particularly for light gray shades. They clarify that the standard 1-2 millimeter depth is for larger needle groupings, not single needles, which should only go 0.5-1.2 millimeters deep to avoid skin damage. The artist demonstrates this with a ruler and needle, emphasizing the importance of skin stretching during tattooing. They also discuss techniques for darker tones, using a poking scribbling motion for deeper ink penetration without going too deep.

Takeaways

• 📏 The standard depth for tattooing with multiple needles is between 1 to 2 millimeters, but this is not suitable for single needle tattooing.
• 🤔 Factors such as machine type, needle gauge, and voltage can affect the penetration depth and should be considered for adjustments.
• 💉 For single needle work, the recommended depth is between 0.5 to 1.2 millimeters to avoid damaging the skin.
• 🪡 The analogy of a magician on a bed of needles is used to explain why single needles penetrate the skin differently than multiple needles.
• 🧍‍♂️ Tattoo artists should constantly stretch the skin while tattooing to reduce tension and ensure proper ink penetration.
• 🔍 The depth of 1.2 millimeters is considered deep for single needle tattooing, especially with a 12-gauge needle which is thicker and allows for better ink flow.
• 🚫 Going too deep with a single needle, such as the full 2 millimeters, can lead to skin damage and is not recommended.
• 🎨 For lighter shades, the artist may need to consider the risk of the tattoo fading due to the shallower depth required.
• 🖌️ The artist uses a poking and scribbling motion for the darkest parts of the tattoo to achieve depth without going too deep.
• 🔄 The healing process of a tattoo is similar for both single needle and traditional methods, with the key being proper initial healing.
• 🔄 Long-term tattoo preservation depends on proper healing, and tattoos will naturally fade over time regardless of the method used.

Q & A

What is the standard depth for tattooing with a single needle?

The standard depth for tattooing with a single needle is between 0.5 millimeters to 1.2 millimeters, which is shallower than the traditional 1 to 2 millimeters used for multiple needle groupings.

Why is the depth for single needle tattooing different from that of multiple needles?

Single needle penetration is different because it goes into the skin more easily due to less resistance, as opposed to multiple needles which need to account for skin resistance and therefore require a deeper penetration.

What is the significance of the 'bed of needles' analogy mentioned in the script?

The 'bed of needles' analogy is used to illustrate the difference in skin penetration between single and multiple needles. A magician can sleep on a bed of needles without harm due to the distributed weight, but would be injured by a single needle, highlighting the increased ease of penetration with a single needle.

What are the factors to consider when determining the depth for tattooing?

Factors to consider include machine type, needle gauge, voltage, and the specific technique being used, such as single needle or multiple needle groupings.

Why is it not recommended to go as deep as 2 millimeters with a single needle?

Going 2 millimeters deep with a single needle is too deep and can easily lead to skin damage, such as 'blowing out' the skin, which is cutting or damaging it excessively.

What is the recommended depth range for tattooing light gray tones with a single needle?

For light gray tones, the recommended depth range is the same as for single needle tattooing in general, which is between 0.5 millimeters to 1.2 millimeters.

How does the tattoo artist ensure accurate tattooing while using a single needle?

The artist should constantly stretch the skin while tattooing, which reduces skin tension and allows for more accurate and proper tattooing.

What technique does the artist use for rendering the darkest parts of a tattoo with a single needle?

For the darkest parts, the artist uses a poking or scribbling motion to get the ink in without having to change to a larger needle grouping, which helps maintain a consistent texture.

How does the artist's experience influence the depth range recommended for single needle tattooing?

The artist's extensive experience and portfolio of healed tattoos over the years support the recommended 0.5 to 1.2 millimeters depth range, showing that it is effective for long-term tattoo preservation.

What is the artist's approach to answering questions in the new series of videos?

The artist aims to make the videos shorter and more focused on one specific topic or question, providing direct and concise answers based on years of experience in tattooing, particularly with single needles.