Understanding the Difference Between Standard and Bugpin Tattoo Needles

When it comes to tattooing, the quality and detail of your work often depend on the tools you use. One of the most important choices you'll make as an artist is your needle diameter, especially when deciding between #12 standard needles, #10 bugpin needles, or the ultra-fine #08 bugpin needles. Knowing the differences between these three common sizes can help you choose the best option for your style and your client's needs.

In this guide, we’ll break down each needle size, how it performs, and when to use it.

What Do Tattoo Needle Sizes Mean?

Tattoo needle sizes are categorized by the diameter of the needle shaft, labeled with a number sign (#) followed by the size in millimeters:

• #12 = 0.35 mm

• #10 = 0.30 mm

• #08 = 0.25 mm

These small differences affect how much ink flows through the needle, how the skin reacts, and the level of detail you can achieve.

#12 Standard Needles (0.35 mm)

Features:

• Thicker needle diameter

• Delivers more ink per poke

• Suitable for bold, solid work

Best Uses:

• Bold outlines

• Color packing

• Traditional or neo-traditional styles

Why Artists Choose #12 Needles:

These are considered the "standard" tattoo needle. They deliver strong, bold lines and are ideal for fast saturation of color or black ink. If you work on large pieces or prefer traditional styles, this is likely your go-to size.

#10 Bugpin Needles (0.30 mm)

Features:

• Slightly thinner than standard

• Offers more control

• Creates cleaner, smoother blends

Best Uses:

• Precise linework

• Smooth shading

• Black and gray realism

Why Artists Use #10 Bugpins:

The #10 needle gives you finer control and causes less skin trauma than a #12. It’s perfect for artists who want to balance crisp linework with soft, smooth shading. Many artists consider #10 bugpins their everyday needle for detailed work.

#08 Bugpin Needles (0.25 mm)

Features:

• Thinnest commonly used needle diameter

• Minimal ink flow

• Allows maximum precision

Best Uses:

• Portraits and realism

• Micro tattoos

• Ultra-fine linework and texture

Why Artists Trust #08 Bugpins:

If you specialize in ultra-detailed tattoos, this is your needle. The #08 offers the most precision and causes the least amount of trauma to the skin. It’s excellent for artists working on intricate pieces like facial details, hair, or tiny script.

Which Tattoo Needle Is Right for You?

Choosing the right needle depends on your technique, your style, and the results you're aiming for. Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Use #12 needles for bold, traditional work with fast saturation.

• Choose #10 bugpins for balance between detail and coverage.

• Go with #08 bugpins when you need precision and softness for ultra-fine realism.

• Each size has its place in a professional setup. Many artists keep all three on hand to adapt as needed during a tattoo.

Looking to stock up on high-quality needles?

At Needlejig, we offer a wide selection of #12 standard, #10 bugpin, and #08 bugpin needles. Whether you’re packing color or adding hair-thin lines to a portrait, we’ve got what you need.