Curved Magnums-YES!
Why am I a fan of curved magnums? The curved magnum changed my artistry. Back when I started in the PMU world, I was using a machine that only proprietary cartridge needles would fit into. What that meant was that I was limited to certain needle groupings. Learning permanent makeup was hard enough, but these needles just didn't make sense to me....they were suppose to be my paint brushes so to speak and they didn't speak to me.
I ventured out and bought a tattoo machine that accepted several cartridge needle configurations in all shapes and sizes. I remember trying a 23 curved magnum on a practice pad. I thought how much quicker my procedures would be and the ease of creating a smooth pattern seemed effortless. As I continued to try different configurations such a larger round shaders 9,11 etc. I was continually impressed with the magnums. A 13 curved magnum for cosmetic procedures and larger such as a 17 curved magnum for areola tattooing became my favorites.
The benefit of a magnum is that it can create smooth color blends and it's fairly quick to fill an area especially comparing it with smaller needle configurations.
There are definite differences in magnums that are both coded 5 magnums. You will often see a 5 or 9 magnum for some type of specialty permanent makeup machines but these types of magnums historically are way different than standard cartridges labeled as a magnum. The magnums, often found for PMU specifically, are a configuration of needles that are very close together tight and stacked. The types of curved magnums I prefer have a loose needle configurations and the needles are essentially woven so there is space in between the needles. You can note the difference in the video.
This difference in the needle spacing makes a big difference in your pattern and ability to create smooth color blends. A tighter needle group delivers so much color at once does't easily give the opportunity to build up your color or layer color over color like the spaced curved magnums do.
I incorporate magnums of all sizes in my artistry but especially like ones that are curved, have space between the needles, and that are somewhat flexible.
To your PMU success,
PMU Artist & Needle Specialist
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