A Look at PMU Cartridge Needles: A Permanent Makeup Needle Guide

With more and more companies entering the PMU cartridge market each year, there are more PMU cartridge needles to choose from than ever before. Adding to that all of the variable types and sizes of PMU cartridge needles that are available, choosing the perfect one can be overwhelming. Understanding the most popular types of PMU cartridges and their basic features will help you make the best and most informed decision about which cartridges to buy.

What Are the Most Common Types of PMU Needle Cartridges and How Are They Used?

Round Liners - Round liner PMU cartridges feature a circular grouping of needles that come together at a point. This configuration makes round liners ideal for creating thin lines and outlining. You can find these PMU cartridges in a variety of gauges, lengths, and needle counts that allow you to choose the ideal combination for your desired outcome including line thickness and ink flow.

Round Shaders - Round shader PMU cartridges have both similarities and differences to round liner cartridges. They are similar because the needles are also grouped in a circular shape. The main difference is that the spacing between each needle is larger. As their name indicates, round shaders are ideal for shading. They are also great for making thicker lines than possible with liners. These PMU cartridge needles also come in several different gauges, lengths, and needle counts. Expect shaders to contain more needles at a slightly higher diameter than liners.

Magnum - As the name implies, Magnum PMU cartridges are the largest PMU cartridges. The PMU cartridge needles are lined up in two rows instead of a circular shape. The magnum also holds more needles at a larger diameter than the previously mentioned PMU needle cartridges. Magnum PMU cartridges are excellent at filling in larger areas with fewer passes. These PMU cartridges are great at packing in and blending colors.

Important Features To Look for When Choosing a PMU Cartridge 

Once you have determined the type of PMU cartridge or cartridges you need, finding the one with all of the best features will help you narrow down the selection. These are some of the most important questions to look for when deciding what brand of PMU cartridge needles to buy:

The PMU Cartridge Should Be Pre-Sterilized

By now, everyone has an understanding of the risks associated with permanent makeup. However, most of these risks can be easily avoided by taking the proper safety precautions. The number one precaution on every reputable PMU artist’s list is using only sterilized PMU needle cartridges. Artists can save time and ensure the highest level of safety and sterility by only purchasing PMU cartridge needles that are pre-sterilized and individually sealed. This not only reduces the risk to the customer but also the tattoo artist’s liability against something going wrong. The PMU needle cartridges that you purchase should come in their own individual packages labeled “Sterile.” They should also include an expiration date and a lot number. Always keep this information for your records so that you can report any potential issues, however unlikely.

Because Quantum PMU values your client’s safety, each PMU cartridge we make is pre-sterilized and sealed as described above. Opening the sterile package right in front of your customer can create an added sense of comfort, security, and trust with your client.

Make Sure That the PMU Needle Cartridge Is Compatible With Your Machine

An artist’s PMU machine is likely one of the most costly items they have purchased for their business. If you are not looking to buy a whole new machine, make sure that the needles you purchase will fit well with your machine. Even though most PMU cartridge needles are universal, the fit of the PMU cartridge with your machine may vary slightly from brand to brand.

Because Quantum PMU Cartridges are compatible with most machines, including machines from the most popular and trusted brands, you won’t have to worry about the costly expense of purchasing a new machine. We believe you will love the way our PMU cartridges work with your machine! 

A Good PMU Needle Cartridge Is Made With High-Quality Construction and Materials

Look for PMU cartridges that are made from high-quality steel. They should be ultra-sharp and free from bends and imperfections. The PMU cartridge should hold the needles firmly. The individual needles should be well-soldered and lined up evenly. When it comes to the outer part of the PMU cartridge, it should be made from materials that reduce friction. 

A cartridge with all of these qualities will provide evenly distributed and consistent ink flow and create flawless results. Quantum permanent makeup cartridge needles are made with the highest-quality Japanese steel, making our needles ultra-sharp and precise.Quantum PMU Cartridges feature a unique stabilizing system made from medical plastic that reduces friction between the needle and the housing. These features allow for a quieter, more relaxing experience for your client in addition to creating more precise results. 

Know the Difference Between Open and Closed Tip PMU Cartridges

Whether you choose open or closed-tipped PMU cartridges will be determined by both personal preference and the type of permanent makeup application you are performing. Open tips may be easier to clean when changing permanent makeup ink colors; however, they provide less stability than closed tips. If you are looking for stability, opt for a closed tip PMU cartridge instead of an open one. Closed tip PMU cartridge needles hold more pigment, thus providing a steadier flow.

We worked with many experienced permanent makeup artists to determine the best tip for Quantum PMU cartridge needles. Overall, we found that artists prefer closed tip PMU cartridges because of the added stability. The amazing and consistent results are worth the few extra seconds they take to wipe down.

PMU Needle Cartridges Should Include Backflow Prevention

The design of PMU Cartridge Needles allows them to hold a certain amount of ink. The downside to this is that the vibrations of the machine can cause pigment to flow back into the machine as it vibrates. Without a mechanism to prevent the ink from backflowing into the machine, you risk ink and small amounts of fluid from entering the machine and causing cross-contamination between clients. Backflow can increase the risk of infection or the spread of diseases like Hepatitis and HIV.

Always make sure to choose a PMU cartridge that includes a mechanism to stop backflow. The most common type of backflow prevention is a small rubber barrier that acts as a seal between the cartridge and the device. Whenever you try a new brand, make sure to test your PMU cartridge for backflow. You can do this by putting a little bit of water in the cartridge and pressing the stem down onto a tissue. If the tissue remains dry, your PMU cartridge has backflow prevention. We pride ourselves in the safety that we provide PMU artists and their clients. That is why you can rest assured that Quantum PMU Cartirges have a backflow prevention valve to keep your machine in top shape and your client safe from cross-contamination!

Why Quantum PMU Cartridges Are the Best PMU Needle Cartridges on the Market

When we decided to develop Quantum PMU Cartridges, we knew we had to do it right! That is why we have collaborated with industry-leading permanent makeup artists. These artists combine a deep knowledge of PMU techniques with a focus on client safety. The result is the development of outstanding PMU needle cartridges that create the perfect lines, provide gorgeous shading, and feature a smooth ink flow for even deposit. Moreover, we made them safe, comfortable, and easy for the artists to use. Quantum PMU Cartridges are made to the same rigorous safety standards that Quantum PMU Colors are known for.

Are you ready to try them for yourself? Check out our Liners, Shaders, and Magnums in a variety of sizes for one low price on our website. There, you will also find our luxurious PMU and microblading pigments. If you are looking for tattoo cartridge needles, check out the Quantum Tattoo Ink website. To stay up to date on new product releases and specials, follow us on Instagram or Facebook.