10 Best Tattoo Machine for Beginners [Must Read Facts Before Buy] 2023

Tattoo art has become a trend. Thus, being a tattoo artist is no longer a hobby but a fully-fledged profession. It is a great career choice for anyone who possesses adequate artistic skills. But skills are not the only prerequisite to being a tattoo artist, as he or she should also have excellent tattoo equipment and tools. 

A piece of proper equipment combined with good skills will yield the best result and a satisfied customer. The most important part of the equipment is the tattoo machine. But finding a good tattoo is not a simple task, especially for a novice. There are too many factors to consider, such as its ease of use, the type of needles, its precision, and the list goes on.

If you are feeling confused with so many options in front of you, you then have come to the right place. Here, we have provided all the information a beginner needs to know when purchasing a tattoo machine. This includes a list of the best tattoo machine for beginners present in the market.

Start Up Tattoo Kits [Equipment Required for a Beginner]

There is a wide range of equipment and tools a tattoo artist uses. However, there is some basic equipment that a tattoo artist needs. Given below are requirements that a beginner tattoo artist should have.

Tattoo machine

Quite the obvious, you need a tattoo machine. You will need to practice using a tattoo machine so that you can draw as effortlessly on the skin as on paper. Tattoo machines are of two types, shader, and liner. Their purposes are pretty self-explanatory. A liner is used to outline the tattoo, while a shader is used to shade.

Power supply

A reliable power supply is very important for you to make designs without any interruptions. An unhindered power supply will make the process a lot smoother and quicker. Therefore, make sure that you have a constant power source.

Foot pedal

A foot pedal makes adjusting the power supply much more convenient. You can activate and deactivate the power supply just by lifting or pressing your feet on the foot pedal. Thus, it is highly recommended for tattoo artists.

Tattoo tubes and grips

Tattoo tubes and grips provide a better hold on the needle. Using a tube and grip set allows it to have a pen-like structure; hence, drawing with it becomes easier. This is essential for a beginner as they are not so used to drawing using a tattoo machine.

Lining needles

The lining is a very crucial part of drawing a tattoo. Hence, it needs to be done perfectly. To do so, you need proper lining needles. There are numerous types of lining needles available in the market. You can buy any of your choices as long as they work precisely.

Grommets

Grommets are used to keep the needle fixed in its place. This improves the accuracy of your drawing and saves you from messing up. Thus, it is a product a start up tattoo kits must-have.

Rubber bands

It might seem odd for someone who has limited knowledge about tattooing to see rubber bands on this list. But rubber bands are very useful products. Tattoo artists use rubber bands to keep the needle bar and machine firmly attached and bind them together properly. This also helps to improve the precision of your drawing. Therefore, you should always keep a handful of rubber bands in your tattoo parlor.

Inkcaps

Last but not least, we have ink caps. These can come in very handy for beginners. Larger ink caps are recommended for ease of use. However, you can get the ink cap of your choice.

10 Best Tattoo Machine for Beginners Reviews

Best Tattoo Gun for Beginners– Dragonhawk Cartridge Kit Pen Rotary Tattoo Machine Cartridge Needles Power Supply 1013-7 (Atom)

This tattoo machine kit from Dragonhawk is one of the best ones available in the market. Dragonhawk offers tattoo machines that give you the feel of using a pen. These rotary tattoo machines make less noise compared to the other machines and vibrate less as well. It has strong puncturing power and frequency.

This tattoo kit comes with a single piece of Atom Pen Rotary tattoo machine with a DC clip cord along with a power supply with the cord, one-piece foot pedal, and  20 pieces of cartridge needles. It has a kit case for you to carry all these together.

Why is it Unique?

This tattoo machine comes with 20 pieces of tattoo needle cartridges. The switching frequency of this machine is 55 to 165 Hz. It offers long-lasting stability and weighs less. The tattoo machine works perfectly with a voltage of 6 to 9V.

The needle can be protruded to a depth of 0 to 4.5 mm. The length of each stroke is 3.5 mm. To adjust the depth of the needle, all you have to do is rotate it. The strokes are strong and powerful and are suitable for shading and lining.

Buyer’s Experience

Customers are widely satisfied with this tattoo machine. They have given good ratings and reviews about this product. Their features, such as easy to hold and use, make it a desired product for everyone.

Best Fit For

If you have developed an interest in making tattoos, then this is the best tattoo machine you can buy. It is perfect for a beginner and is perfect for shading, and weighs light. Plus, it can be held easily, making it a must-buy if you are into tattoos.

Pros

• It is easy to hold.
• This tattoo machine can be used easily.
• It is perfect for a beginner.
• It is worth the money spent.
• It has good thickness and is light in weight.

Cons

It is not quite durable.

Best Tattoo Kit for Beginners- Solong Tattoo Starter Kit 1 Pro Tattoo Guns 14 Inks Power Supply

Solong Tattoo Complete Starter Tattoo Kit is one of the best Tattoo kits available in the market. This tattoo kit comes with a 10 wraps coil, which is ideal for both lining and shading. This tattoo machine is certified by CE. It comes in 14 colors of 4 ml each. These colors are safe and durable.

This tattoo kit has a practice skin that allows you to practice before making a tattoo on the real skin. It has a teaching manual to teach you about the procedures for getting a tattoo. You get 20 Needles with this kit.

Why is it Unique?

This tattoo machine is built using the latest technology. It produces less sound and vibrations. You can use both the rotary and coil tattoo machines at high efficiency without changing the modes.

Buyer’s Experience

Buyers are satisfied with this tattoo machine. They liked this kit and have recommended it to others as well. The best part about this kit is that it comes with practice skin and colors for you to practice before making it on human skin.

Best Fit For

This kit is ideal for both beginners and pros. The practice skin allows you to practice and learn before you make it on real skin. If you do not want to buy all the accessories individually, this is the right tattoo kit for you.

Pros

• This tattoo machine can be gifted.
• It comes with good packaging.
• It is a good value for the money.
• It is easy to use.

Cons

• The power supply is not as expected.

Best Wireless Tattoo Machine- Dragonhawk Wireless Tattoo Machine Beginner Complete Kit Rotary Pen 50Pcs Cartridges Needles Color Inks Battery Power Supply 375DC

Dragonhawk makes tattoo kits that are economically feasible. This tattoo kit makes it easy for an artist to make tattoos. This kit has all the necessary things needed to make a tattoo. This tattoo machine makes less noise and vibrations when compared to other best tattoo machine for beginners.

It is quite durable and light in weight. This tattoo machine’s motor is compatible with all types of needles. The kit consists of 50 needle cartridges, ink colors and cups, and all the other supplies required.

Why is it Unique?

This tattoo machine comes with 50 pieces of tattoo needle cartridges. The switching frequency of this machine is 55 to 165 Hz. It offers long-lasting stability and weighs less. The tattoo machine works perfectly with a voltage of 6 to 9V.

The needle can be protruded to a depth of 0 to 4.5 mm. The length of each stroke is 3.5 mm. To adjust the depth of the needle, all you have to do is rotate it. The strokes are strong and powerful and are suitable for both shading and lining.

Buyer’s Experience

This tattoo machine kit has a lot of happy customers. Customers were pleased with the high number of needles available, along with it being easy to use. It is worth the money spent as well.

Best Fit For

This start up tattoo kit is ideal for a beginner. If you are a professional, then this is not the kit you are looking for. You can learn how to make tattoos using this machine. When your skills advance, you can shift to a better machine.

Pros

• It is easy to use.
• It is suitable for beginners.
• It is worth the money spent.
• It has good thickness.

Cons

• It is not suitable for professionals.

Best Choice- Solong Tattoo Complete Starter Beginner Tattoo Kit 2 Pro Machine Guns 14 Inks Power Supply

Solong Tattoo is manufactures of good quality tattoo machines. They offer tattoo machines that meet everyone’s needs. This tattoo kit can be used for both lining and shading. 14 colors are available in this kit. Before using these colors, it is important to do a patch test.

This tattoo kit comes with 2 Pro tattoo machine gun kits along with 10 wraps of the coil. You will receive 20 tattoo tips, 2 tattoo grips, along 100 ink cups.

Why is it Unique?

These tattoo machines are tested by professionals before being delivered. This tattoo machine is certified by CE. For the perfect working of this tattoo machine, the voltage should be under 12V.

Buyer’s Experience

This best beginner tattoo machine is favored by a lot of customers because of the good quality built. Customers are satisfied with the price of this tattoo machine. So, overall this tattoo machine and kit is an ideal choice for all the beginner artists out there.

Best Fit For

This tattoo kit is perfect if you are a beginner. If you are a professional, it is better to buy more advanced tattoo machines. This tattoo machine allows to make lines and shade the tattoos.

Pros

• It is quite thick.
• The tattoo machine can be used easily.
• It is suitable for beginners.
• It is worth the money spent.

Cons

• It is not quite fit for professionals.

Best Overall– Wormhole Rotary Kit for Beginners with 20 Color Inks Power Supply

Nowadays, when tattoos have become a trend, most people have a tendency to get tattoos, and with this, there are numerous brands that are providing us with the best products. Well,  Wormhole is one of them that offers a wide variety of equipment to make tattoos.

They make good quality tattoo equipment at a reasonable price so that it can be affordable to everyone.  Wormhole provides tattoo equipment for both beginners and for professionals. If you are a beginner, do not make a tattoo on human skin. This tattoo kit contains all the things that a beginner needs and the right machine as well. The pen included in this is compatible with all the cartridge needles available.

Why is it Unique?

This tattoo pen from Wormhole has a comfortable grip and is ergonomic along with a lightweight design. It works in a voltage range of 8 to 10 V. It can be started at a voltage of 5 V. The stroke depth can be adjusted.

Buyer’s Experience

Most of the buyers are satisfied with this tattoo machine kit. They like the fact that this tattoo kit fits their budget. This product has warranties, and the company has offered to replace the machine if there is any defect in it.

Best Fit For

If you are looking to learn the art of making tattoos, this is an ideal machine for you. Depending on your level of expertise, you can choose from the kits they offer. They have advanced kits for professionals and simple kits for beginners.

Pros

• It is easy to use.
• It is a good value for the money.
• It has good thickness.

Cons

• It is not quite durable.

Best Performance Tattoo Kit– Dragonhawk Complete Tattoo Starter kit Coils Immortal Needles Grips Tips Foot Pedal Clip Cord with Carry Case 5-3N

Dragonhawk is a brand that focuses on manufacturing tattoo machines for beginners. These machines are built to improve their skills and get better at tattoo designing.  This tattoo kit comes with 6 pieces of tattoo kits along with 10 wraps of coil that are used for lining and shading. The tattoo kit comes with the practice skin for the person to practice and learn. This kit has needles, tips, and grips that will help you to improve your skill.

Why is it Unique?

The working voltage of this tattoo machine is 7 to 10V. The machine is light in weight and has a good appearance. The vibrations are less, and the sound produced is less. High-quality iron is used to make the surface of this machine.

This tattoo machine has a power supply built-in for protection from short circuits. It has ideal power that allows you to make quick adjustments while making a tattoo.

Buyer’s Experience

This tattoo machine is worth the money spent, so buyers are happy with this buy. This is a perfect kit for beginners who are looking to improve their skills.

Best Fit For

It is a perfect kit for a beginner. If you are looking to learn to make tattoos and to improve your skill, this is a good buy for you.

Pros

• It is worth the money spent.
• It is good for beginners.

Cons

• It is not quite thick.

Best Power- HAWINK Complete Tattoo Kit for Beginners 2 Pro Tattoo Machine Kit Tattoo Power Supply 7 tattoo ink set Tattoo Supplies TK-HW2001

Hawink is one of the best manufacturers of tattoo kits in the market. They manufacture tattoo kits for beginners and learners. It has 2 x 10 wrap coils for lining and shading. This machine has high power that can pierce into your skin deeper and help you make precise tattoos.

 Why is it Unique?

This tattoo machine goes into sleep mode if it is not in use for 5 minutes. It has a LED display light to show when it is working and not. This tattoo machine is user-friendly. It works perfectly in a voltage range of 0 to 18 V.

Buyer’s Experience

Most of the people who bought this tattoo kit are satisfied with the thickness and shear of the tattoo kit. They weren’t happy with the quality of the machine. Some people found this kit a bit pricey.

Best Fit For

This tattoo kit from Hawink is an ideal tattoo machine for beginners, tattoo artists, and for people who are looking to learn to make tattoos. They have many satisfied customers.

Pros

• This tattoo machine has good thickness.
• It is sheer.
• Ideal for beginners

Cons

• The quality of the tattoo machine is not as expected.

Most Durable- STIGMA Tattoo Kit Rotary Tattoo Guns For Beginners Pen Black 2 Battery 20 pcs Cohesive Bandage with Case EM125KITPRB20-1

This Tattoo kit from Stigma is pink in color. It comes with a rotary tattoo machine along with a black pen that has a DC connector. This tattoo machine is made of a Space Aluminum frame and Japan motor. It is ergonomic and light in weight. Lithium-ion batteries are used for this tattoo machine, and it comes with 20 pieces of cartridges.

Why is it Unique?

This tattoo machine has a powerful motor and a gear system that is advanced. It works without producing any noise and vibrations. This machine is certified by CE. It comes with 2 batteries so that one battery can be recharged while the other one is in use. The machine should be used under 12 V to ensure it does not get damaged.

Buyer’s Experience

The customers are pleased with this purchase. They liked the needles and cartridges that come with this machine. However, the machine is prone to damage if not used carefully.

Best Fit For

It is ideal for anyone who is careful and dedicated to learning to make tattoos. With the right amount of practice, you can become an expert in making tattoos. It is advisable to practice artificial skin before doing it on the real skin.

Pros

• It is quite powerful.
• It is worth the money spent.

Cons

• It is prone to damage if not handled carefully.

Best Tattoo Machine Package– HAWINK Complete Tattoo Kit for Beginners Kit Tattoo Supplies TK-HW2002

Hawink is one of the best manufacturers of tattoo kits for beginners. This tattoo kit comes with 1 x 8 and 1 x 10 wrap coils for lining and shading. Their Starter kit consists of tattoo machines, needles, a power supply, and a foot pedal. This tattoo starter kit comes with all the things required to learn to make tattoos.

Why is it Unique?

This kit comes with a guide to guide you through the whole process of making a tattoo. This tattoo machine runs faster and allows you a precise finishing to your work. It has stronger power and can pierce your skin deeper.

Buyer’s Experience

Most of the buyers are satisfied with this product. Some of the buyers are unhappy with the quality of the machine. But, most of the customers are happy with the features and design of the machine and the kit. For many buyers, it is worth the money spent.

Best Fit For

This kit from Hawink is one of the best kits available for beginners. It enables you to improve your talent and get better.

Pros

• It is worth the money spent.
• It is ideal for beginners.
• It has good thickness and is sheer.

Cons

• The screws are of poor quality.

Best Cheap Tattoo Machine– Tattoo Gun Kit 2pcs Starter Tattoo Machine Kit Complete 10 Colors Inks TK1000084

This tattoo kit has a contact screw, front spring, armature bar, and wrapped coils. The armature bar gives the magnetic pull fit this kit. You can get an online guide to guide you through the process of making a tattoo. It is a good buy for a beginner. This kit has 10 tattoo cups and 10 tattoo needles. If you are looking to buy a tattoo kit, you can give this one try.

Why is it Unique?

This tattoo kit has a complicated structure, so it is advised not to assemble and disassemble it by yourself. They offer sterilized tattoo needles to prevent skin infection.

Buyer’s Experience

The buyers are happy with this tattoo kit. They found it worth the money they spent. Most of the buyers who bought this kit are beginners, and they are satisfied with this buy. If you are a professional, this tattoo machine is of lower power.

Best Fit For

This tattoo kit is perfect for beginners. A beginner’s kit consists of all the things required to help you with learning to make a tattoo. It is advised not to make a tattoo on human skin if you are a beginner.

Pros

• It is a good value for the money.
• It is ideal for beginners.
• It has good thickness.

Cons

• Some customers are not satisfied with the working of this tattoo machine.

Factors to consider while purchasing a tattoo machine

There are too many aspects to a tattoo machine. However, there are some features a beginner tattoo artist should pay more attention to than others to find a machine that matches your requirements.

Ease of use

As a beginner, ease of use should be your priority. The design of the tattoo machine should be in a way to be simple to use. You should be comfortable holding the machine so that you can draw with precision when you design the tattoo. The shape and size of the machine matter a lot. It must have an efficient and balanced design so that you can deliver your best performance.

Reliability

The reliability of the tattoo machine is one of the essential factors. The tattoo machine you are choosing must be able to provide a good performance consistently. You cannot draw if the machine is not functioning properly; otherwise, it might mess up the tattoo. Therefore, choosing a reliable tattoo machine holds high significance.

Versatility

For a beginner, it is recommended to buy a tattoo machine that includes multiple features rather than a machine dedicated to one particular purpose, such as shading. It is so because when you are an amateur tattoo artist, practice is very important. This helps you understand how the machine works and gives you time to get comfortable with it. Hence, you should stick to one machine at a time.

Getting different types of machines will be a lot to take in. A versatile machine will provide you numerous features in one. Once you are familiar with using a machine, you can then move on to buy different types of machines to enhance your skills further.

Rotary or coil

Both have some perks and drawbacks. A rotary machine is more versatile and can be used to draw and shade as well. It is also lightweight and easy to use. A coil tattoo machine provides more neat and accurate lines and is great for large needles. Although, then you will have to buy a separate machine for shading. It depends on your preference which type to buy. You can also take advice from other tattoo artists.

Price

The price is one of the most important factors of the buying guide. One should not prioritize price over quality. The priority should be finding a tattoo machine with the features you need. You can also compare different tattoo machines with similar features to find one product that provides good value for its price.

What is the difference between a rotary and coil tattoo machine?

A coil tattoo machine works using two electromagnets. When current is passed through these electromagnets, it causes an up and down movement of the armature bar to which the needle is connected. With the bar, the needle also follows the same movement. These are used when an artist is working with big needles and needs to draw long lines precisely. A rotary tattoo machine has an electric motor.

When the motor turns, the needle attached to it is lifted and pushed down smoothly and consistently. These are very lightweight and the best tattoo guns for beginners and do not require much maintenance. These are great for both lining and shading. Both tattoo machines work on the same principle of implanting the ink under the skin using the needle, and hence, you can buy either of them.

What are the essential things one should have while tattooing?

Besides an excellent tattoo machine and talent, there are some other essentials that a tattoo artist should keep around him while drawing a tattoo. Given below are the list of such things:

First is the ink. You should get high-grade ink for a beautiful and accurate design. Tattoo ink is also available in multiple colors. You should apply petroleum jelly on the skin before beginning to draw. It allows the ink to stick better to the skin. This also makes the skin smooth and hence, easier to draw on. Use water to adjust the thickness and shade of the ink as per your requirements. Thus, keeping a cup of water is also important.

A tattoo artist should use paper towels to clean the skin. The numerous lines and shades may make it look chaotic and hard to draw on. Thus, make sure to clean it periodically using a paper towel while drawing.

You should use a razor to shave the skin you are going to draw on. Hair can hinder while tattooing. Shaving will provide a clean skin area to draw on. Hence, you must have a sharp and clean razor to use it.

FAQs

What is the role of green soap solution in tattooing?

The green soap solution is an eco-friendly soap solution. However, it is not green but yellow with a greenish tint. This solution contains glycerin, vegetable oil, and more. There are many reasons for using green soap solutions.

A tattoo artist applies a green soap solution before starting the tattoo. This sanitizes the skin and also prepares it for shaving. It is also applied after shaving to remove any loose hairs and moisturizes the skin.
Artists also use this to wipe away any excess ink on the skin. Additionally, once the tattoo is finished, the skin is cleaned again to remove blood and ink and sanitize it again to prevent infection.

What are the tattooing techniques a beginner should know?

After arranging all the necessary equipment, when you get to practice, there are some tattooing techniques that you should beforehand to get desired results. The first thing to remember is to keep the needle at an angle of 45 degrees. This way, only the right amount of ink comes out.

Make sure that the depth that the needle goes beneath the skin is proper. If you apply too much pressure and go too deep, then it will result in excess bleeding, while too little depth will result in uneven design.

Keep all the necessary equipment within your reach. Also, practice hygiene techniques so that there is no risk of infection by using green soap solutions, paper towels, etc. Moreover, it is recommended to use a spray bottle to apply the solution to minimize contact with the skin.

Your hand, particularly your palm and wrist, require adequate support while drawing. Therefore, while you are tattooing, try not to do it freehand and rest your palm on the skin for support.

What are the different types of tattoo tips?

There are four types of tattoo tips, namely, diamond, round, flat, and magnum. Each tip is used for a different style of tattooing. To know more about this, continue reading below:

Diamond tips are very widely used and one of the favorites of artists. The V shape of the tip keeps the needle fixed in its place. Hence, making it more stable. This is recommended for drawing fine lines as it provides a neat finish. A diamond tip is used with a single needle tattoo gun, three, or five needle tattoo gun.

Round tips are used when drawing thick lines. As these fit fewer needles, it is not as stable as diamond tips and may not provide as neat a line when drawing around a curve.

Flat tips are flat in shape. These are ideal for shading and are used with flat needles. Though it is for shading, many artists also use it for lining due to its stable design. However, it may be difficult to do for a beginner tattoo artist to do.

Magnum tips are used with flat needles or magnum needles. These are great for shading and blending. Also, these are wider than flat tips and hence cover a larger area. There are two kinds of magnum tips- closed mouth and open mouth magnum tips.

As a beginner, one should try to learn to use all kinds of tips to get the best results possible. Also, remember to clean the tips regularly, or you can get disposable tips, but then you have to make sure that you are always stocked up.

Conclusion

Being a tattoo artist is not everyone’s cup of tea. You have to practice a lot to become a successful artist. But you cannot practice efficiently without proper equipment. Therefore, you must strive to get the best tattoo machine for beginners. We hope that this article helps you find an ideal tattoo machine for you and also provided all the necessary information a beginner tattoo artist should know.