Microblading Needles Explained: Understanding Types and Functions

When it comes to microblading, the tools you use are just as important as the technique. Different types of needles can drastically impact the look, precision, and overall outcome of your brow work. Whether you’re aiming for soft, natural strokes or a bold, filled-in look, choosing the right blade or needle can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll break down the various types of microblading needles—from curved blades to round liners—and explain what each one is best suited for, helping you elevate your brow game to the next level.

Curved Blades

Curved blades are arranged in a semi-circle, allowing for more control and precision. These blades are often preferred for beginners due to their ability to create soft, curved strokes, mimicking the natural growth pattern of eyebrow hairs.

NANO Blades

NANO blades are extremely fine and thin, offering high precision for creating ultra-fine, realistic strokes. They’re perfect for detailed work and are ideal for clients who want a more subtle, natural look.

Magnum Microblading Needles

Magnum blades are made of multiple needles arranged in a straight line. They are used to create fuller, denser areas, especially when shading techniques are incorporated. Magnum needles are often employed in ombre powder brows.

Cluster Needles

Cluster needles feature multiple needles grouped closely together. They are commonly used for filling in larger areas and creating soft shading effects. These are typically used for ombre or powder brow techniques rather than fine strokes.

Round Liner

Round liner needles are composed of a series of needles arranged in a circular pattern. They are ideal for creating clean, crisp lines or for adding detailed shading in specific areas of the brow.

Shader

Shader needles come in different configurations but are primarily used to add pigment in a stippling or shading fashion. They are often paired with powder techniques to create a gradient or shaded effect.

Double Row

Double-row blades consist of two rows of needles stacked one above the other. This setup allows for faster work in larger areas, commonly used when performing shading or filling techniques in powder brows.

U-Blades

U-blades are curved into a U-shape and are often used by more experienced artists. The U-shape enables precision strokes in tight spaces and areas that need a lot of detail work. However, they require expert control to avoid making too deep cuts.

U-Shape Microblading Needle

These are very similar to U-blades, but often with finer needles, which makes them better suited for fine, detailed work that needs a natural flow and curve. They allow the artist to create hair-like strokes with minimal effort.

Flat Microblading Blades

Flat blades have needles lined up in a straight row, offering excellent control for more defined strokes. These are especially useful for areas that require crisp lines and a more structured appearance.

Sloped Blades

Sloped blades are arranged at an angle, allowing artists to create precise, gradual strokes. They are great for building up hair-like strokes while maintaining control over the pressure and depth of the blade.

Round Shader Tattoo Needle

Similar to a round liner, but designed specifically for shading purposes. These are used for blending and creating smooth gradients of color, particularly in ombre or powder brow styles.

The Concept of Pins in These Microblading Blades

In microblading, the term "pins" refers to the individual needles grouped together to form the blade or needle configuration used to deposit pigment into the skin. Each "pin" is essentially a tiny, fine needle that, when grouped with others, creates the microblading blade.

How Pins Work in Microblading?

Individual Needle Points: Each pin acts as a single point that penetrates the skin to deposit pigment. The number of pins in a blade can vary, affecting how fine or bold the strokes appear.

Grouped to Form a Blade: Pins are grouped in different arrangements to create various types of blades. For example, a curved blade may consist of several pins lined up in a crescent shape, while a round liner blade will have pins arranged in a circular pattern.

Impact on Stroke Quality: The number and arrangement of pins determine the thickness, precision, and texture of the strokes. Fewer pins create fine, hair-like strokes, while more pins can cover larger areas or create denser, bolder lines.

Pins and Skin Type: Artists also consider skin type when choosing the number of pins. For example, thinner skin may require fewer pins for delicate strokes, while thicker or oily skin may benefit from a blade with more pins for better pigment retention.

Understanding the variety of microblading needles allows brow artists to choose the right tools based on the technique and the desired result. Each needle type serves a unique purpose, contributing to the artistry and personalization of each client's brows.