Cartridge codes can look confusing at first. Once you know the system, you can choose the right needle for every technique in seconds.
How to read a cartridge code
A code like 0.30-1RL tells you two things:
- 0.30 is the needle diameter in mm. Thinner needles (0.18–0.25) are used for fine, delicate work. Thicker ones (0.30–0.35) deposit more pigment per pass.
- 1RL is the number of needles and the configuration.
The main configurations
- RL (Round Liner): needles soldered tightly in a circle. 1RL is popular for hair strokes and fine liner, and 3RL–5RL for bolder lines and lip contours.
- RS (Round Shader): round, but more loosely grouped. Used for soft shading and filling small areas.
- M1 / F (Magnum / Flat): needles in a straight row. Used for filling larger areas, such as lips or ombré brows.
- CM / RM (Curved or Round Magnum): a magnum with a curved edge that is gentler on the skin. Popular for soft shading and lip blush.
- Nano / single needles: very thin single needles for ultra-fine hair strokes.
Taper and membrane
The taper (the length of the sharpened point) affects how the needle enters the skin. Long tapers give sharper lines, and shorter tapers deposit more pigment. Most modern cartridges have a membrane that stops pigment and fluids from flowing back into the machine, which is important for hygiene.
Check compatibility
Not every cartridge fits every machine. Before ordering, check whether your machine uses universal cartridges or a brand-specific system. Always use sterile, single-use cartridges and dispose of them as sharps waste.
Find cartridges from THEM, Mast and Viper Quatat in our needles & cartridges collection. Need a matching machine? See PMU machines.
