Understanding PMU Needle Configurations: What Makes Them Different?
When it comes to permanent makeup, your technique matters—but so does your tool. Choosing the right needle configuration can make or break your results. Whether you're creating crisp hairstrokes or soft shading, the right needle directly impacts how efficiently you work, how the skin heals, and ultimately how satisfied your clients are.
At Girlz Ink, we’re all about helping PMU artists work smarter—not harder—and knowing your needle is step one.
What Is a Needle Configuration?
A needle configuration refers to how multiple needle pins are grouped and arranged together. From round liners to shaders to magnums, each configuration behaves differently in the skin, picks up and delivers pigment differently, and serves a specific purpose.
Round Liners vs. Round Shaders: Same Shape, Different Behavior
Both round liners and round shaders are “round” needle configurations—but don’t let that fool you. They perform very differently because of how they’re built.
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Round Liners: These are soldered tighter at the tip, giving you a more rigid, controlled grouping ideal for precise lines and crisp details.
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Round Shaders: These are soldered looser, offering more flexibility—perfect for soft fills, blending, and dusty shading effects.
👉 The tightness or looseness depends on where the solder is placed on the needle pins. Liners have solder higher and closer to the tip. Shaders have it lower, giving them that spread-out, softer performance.
What About Magnums?
Magnums, or "mags" as we lovingly call them, are a PMU powerhouse.
Originally the gold standard in the body tattoo industry, magnums are now a go-to for PMU procedures like:
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Lip blushing
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Areola pigmentation
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Even brows
Why do we love them?
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They pick up and deliver more pigment
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They cover larger areas quickly
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They blend beautifully for seamless gradients
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And…they require fewer passes, which means less trauma to the skin!
The OMG™ Cartridge Needle Line: Built by a PMU Artist, For PMU Artists
After years of creating healed work, educating thousands of artists, and obsessing over needle performance... I teamed up with TATSoul, one of the best needle manufacturers in the tattoo world, to create the OMG™ Cartridge Needle Line.
Why OMG™ Needles?
✨ Many are .25 diameter—that sweet spot we love
✨ All are long taper with a highly polished finish
✨ Built with a state-of-the-art safety membrane
✨ The patented finger ledge = total control and unmatched comfort
✨ Available in a variety of PMU-specific configurations
✨ Perfect for liners, shaders, mags, and single needles
We didn’t skip the small stuff. Every detail in this line is intentional—because as PMU artists, we feel everything. These needles were made to elevate your work.
👉 Shop the OMG™ Cartridge Needle Collection Now
Need More Help Choosing Your Needle?
If you're still unsure about which needle is right for what... you're not alone. That's exactly why I created Needle and the Prick®—a 6-hour course that dives deep into everything needles: configurations, diameters, tapers, movement, and so much more.
🎥 6 hours of video content
📚 Engaging, easy-to-understand theory
🔥 Confidence-boosting education for artists at every level
👉 Enroll in Needle and the Prick® Here
FAQ: PMU Needle Configuration Edition
Q: What’s the difference between a tight and extra-tight liner?
A: It comes down to solder placement and needle jig size. Extra-tight liners are fused even closer together, offering maximum control and precision.
Q: Can I use magnums for brows?
A: Absolutely—especially for powder and ombré techniques! Just make sure your pressure and hand speed are appropriate for the skin type and desired result.
Q: What diameter needle should I use for lips?
A: Many PMU artists love the .25 diameter for lips—it allows for smooth saturation without overwhelming the tissue. But always consider skin condition and your technique.
Ready to level up your work with better needle knowledge?
Start with the right tools and the right training. We’ve got both.