Most people are unaware of the tattooing procedure, which is a trade secret of the artists. Do you know how deep does a tattoo needle go? We are here to answer this question!
Choosing to get a tattoo is a very exciting and very serious decision. It is exciting because you will receive this amazing permanent work of art on your body.
That may sound like a lot of skin, but in reality, it is only 1/16th of an inch, about 1-2mm.
Since you’re reading this, it’s clear that you’re considering getting a tattoo, which is highly admirable.
What is Our Skin Made Up Of?
Epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis are the three layers that make up your skin. In addition to serving as a barrier for your body, the epidermis is the layer of defense that gives your skin its color.
Collagen and elastin are found in the dermis, which accounts for most of the skin’s thickness. The dermis is where hair grows, and it also houses glands that secrete sweat and oil.
The hypodermis is the fatty bottom layer that cushions your muscles and bones, controls your body’s temperature, and holds your body together with connective tissues that attach your skin to your muscles and bones.
What is Tattoo Needle?
How well a tattoo artist controls the depth and pressure of the tattoo needle is one indication of their skill. A skilled tattoo artist will not only produce more artistic designs but also lessen some of the discomforts you feel.
Usually, nickel, chrome, or steel are used to make tattoos. Although some needles can be much thinner, the typical thickness ranges from 0.30mm to 0.35mm. Magnum or bugpin needles have a diameter of 0.20mm to 0.25mm.
For dotting, shading, and coloring, needles are also available in a variety of shapes. For example, lines and shading are best achieved with round needles, while dark lines with crisper edges are best achieved with flat needles.
All tattoo needles, regardless of their size, shape, or intended use, are sterilized before use and discarded after your tattoo is finished.
Read More: Can You Get a Tattoo at 16?
How Deep Does a Tattoo Needle Go?
So how deep does a tattoo go?
The answer is – approximately 1/16th inch deep into the skin. In other words, the ink will be positioned precisely between the 2mm dermal layer.
We’ve got you covered there too if you’re curious about how a tattoo artist locates the dermis layer of the skin.
The tattoo artist sets the tattoo machine and needle parameters according to the location of the dermis layer before the tattooing process starts. The dermis layer therefore extends about 1/16th inch into the skin.
Given this information, the tattoo needle’s tip is adjusted to only enter the skin at this depth and not any shallower or deeper. This means that the tattoo needle should not protrude more than 2mm, or less than 1mm, from the tattoo machine.
Related Reading: How to Tattoo on Hand?
What If the Needle Goes Too Shallow/Deep?
The ink will transfer but won’t remain in the skin if the needle only penetrates the epidermis, or outer layer of the skin.
Ink will be forced out of the skin as well as the skin itself as the needle leaves the skin and the bleeding starts. By the time the tattoo has healed, the majority of the ink will have worn off the skin, leaving the wearer with, at best, a partially imperfect and faded-looking tattoo.
On the other hand, if the needle goes in too deep into the skin, the hypodermis layer, it might cause more serious issues. The ink will be more difficult to fully remove from the skin, but it will also be noticeably less noticeable. Additionally, this type of tattooing will hurt much more than a typical one that is performed correctly.
People may experience severe tattoo infections and skin irritations as a result of the ink being so deeply buried in the skin.
Due to the ink’s free movement in the fat layer, there is also a chance of a tattoo blowout. It will therefore appear distorted and messed up even if you end up with a healthy tattoo.
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Where Does the Ink Settle Once Healed?
The epidermis, or top layer of your skin, is constantly regenerating. The skin will regenerate while the ink in this layer is shed. During the healing process, this seems to come off as skin flakes or scabs.
It will remain there because the ink is entrapped there, in the dermis’s outermost layer. This depth permits both the tattoo to remain permanent and the continuation of bodily processes like sweating and hair growth. The precise and significant depth to which a tattoo needle penetrates!
Final Words: How Deep Does a Tattoo Needle Go
We hope that this explanation has helped you better understand how deep do tattoo needles go.
Check out our website and other fascinating and instructive articles for more details on related subjects.
And always keep in mind that before getting a tattoo, you should try to research any doubts or questions you may have online or by speaking with the tattoo artist directly.
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FAQs about How Deep Does a Tattoo Go
What Happens If a Tattoo Needle Goes Too Deep?
When a tattoo needle enters the hypodermis, the risk of infection increases significantly.
How Many Layers of Skin Does a Tattoo Needle Go Through?
Five sublayers.
How Do You Know If Your Tattoo Needle is Deep Enough?
The needle’s tip should protrude no more than 2mm and no less than 1mm.
