What Should a Tattoo Beginner to Buy? — Complete Checklist

As a complete beginner in tattooing, it can be overwhelming to navigate the wide array of beginner tattoo kits available on the market. You might end up spending your hard-earned money on a kit that isn’t suitable for a novice. To help you out, we’ve compiled the most comprehensive checklist for 100% beginners, with insights shared by renowned artists from our Pro Team. Check it out to see if your kit is missing any essential items!

Catalog：

Complete Shopping List - Includes product links, prices, and discount codes

• Tattoo Machine
• Tattoo Ink
• Tattoo Cartridges
• Machine Bags
• Bandages
• Disposable Gloves
• Disinfectant Spray
• Dental Bibs
• Cling Film 
• Ink Cups
• Transfer Gel
• Transfer Paper
• Practice Skin
• Vaseline
• Tongue Depressors
• Paper Towels

Tattoo Equipment

Three Essential Products in a Tattoo Kit (Tattoo Machine, Cartridge Needles, Tattoo Ink)

What type of tattoo machine should beginners choose?

• Tattoo Machine

Coil Tattoo Machine VS Pen-style Tattoo Machine VS Wireless Tattoo Machine

The tattoo machine is the first choice beginners need to make. Many beginner tattoo kits on the market still include coil machines. However, coil Tattoo machines are hard to control, and cheap coil machines might break down within a week. So for tattoo beginners, coil Tattoo machines are definitely not the best choice. We recommend pen-style tattoo machines or wireless tattoo pens. Compared to coil machines, these two types have longer lifespans, are lightweight, and are easier to handle, making them the most suitable options for beginners. (Best beginner tattoo machine: EZ P3 Pro)

If you choose a pen-style tattoo machine, you will also need to purchase:

• Tattooing Clip Cord
• Power supply

Which cartridge needles should beginners buy?

• Cartridge needles

Similarly, cartridge needles are a basic component in all tattoo kits. They effectively absorb tattoo ink and inject it into the skin. We do not recommend using any standard needles as practice tools for beginner tattooists. When choosing a reliable tattoo cartridge, beginners should consider brand, safety, and model. Whether practicing or performing real tattoos, always use branded cartridge needles to maintain good habits.

Our Pro Team recommends starting with Round Liner needles in sizes 5, 7, and 9 (noted as 5RL, 7RL, 9RL) for practicing line work. For shading practice, we recommend sizes 7, 9, and 11CM. All tattoo cartridges will have a transparent film on the back, and it is important to check for EO sterilization marks, specifications, and batch numbers.

How should beginners choose tattoo ink colors?

• Tattoo Ink

If you are just practicing, a bottle of black tattoo ink is the best start for practicing line work. Favorite brands vary from person to person; we recommend Dynamic Triple Black (water-based ink) and Intenze Zuper Black (oil-based ink).

After practicing, you can choose seven basic colors of tattoo ink: black, white, red, yellow, blue, green, and orange. These seven colors are sufficient to complete basic tattoo designs.

Hygiene Products

Hygiene Products Needed During the Tattoo Process

• Machine Bags
  Machine bags are the most effective way to prevent cross-contamination during tattooing, effectively isolating ink and blood from the tattoo machine.

• Bandages
  The role of tattoo bandages is not only to prevent contamination but also to help stabilize the machine, reduce vibration in the hands, and alleviate numbness and fatigue. Wrap according to your hand size until you achieve the most comfortable grip.

• Disposable Gloves
  Choose black gloves whenever possible; blood and ink stains are less visible on black gloves, which helps keep focus on your work.

• Cleaning Solutions
  Whether before starting or after finishing a tattoo, disinfect the working area. This is not only a measure for your own safety but also a responsibility toward your clients.

• Dental Bibs/Cling Film
  To ensure your workstation remains uncontaminated, cover it with dental bibs or cling film. Dental bibs are simpler and easier to use.

Tattoo Accessories

Don't Forget to Purchase These Tattoo Accessories

• Ink Caps
  Beginners usually start practicing with round needles, so purchase small-sized ink caps. Choose deeper ink caps to prevent the needle from touching the bottom and bending.

• Stencil Gel
  Beginners can find simple tattoo designs and transfer them onto practice skin for exercises. Choose stencil gel with good transfer effects; otherwise, it might mess up your practice skin.

• Stencil Paper
  Stencil paper needs to be used together with stencil gel. Start by tracing simple designs with a pen. Once you get skilled, you can buy a stencil printer to print more defined tattoo patterns. Learning to draw on paper is an essential skill for tattoo artists, and this practice will help you develop your unique tattoo style.

• Practice Skin
  For beginners, the first practice should always be on practice skin. Do not attempt to tattoo on human skin without undergoing professional training as an apprentice. We recommend using practice skin with a thickness of at least 2mm. If a beginner does not control the depth well, it is easy to puncture thin practice skin, wasting needles.

• Vaseline
  Vaseline not only helps easily wipe off excess ink from practice skin but also can be applied at the bottom of the ink cap to keep it in place.

• Tongue Depressors
  The main use of tongue depressors is to help you apply Vaseline as needed.

• Thick Paper Towels
  Whether wiping practice skin or real skin, thin paper towels might tear when in contact with liquids. Choose thick paper towels or cotton pads instead.