The history of tattoo needles: from ancient Egypt to today.

Tattoos are a form of artistic and personal expression that has been practiced for thousands of years. But do you know how the first tattoos were made? What kind of needles were used? What did they mean? In this article we tell you the fascinating history of tattoo needles, from ancient Egypt to the present day.

The world's first tattoos

According to archaeological studies, the first tattoo needle that has been found and proven to be for that purpose is made of bronze and comes from ancient Egypt. It is believed that it was used to tattoo women, since female mummies have been found with tattoos on their abdomen, arms and legs. These tattoos could have a religious, magical or fertility meaning.

Other very ancient and surprising Egyptian tattoos have also been discovered. For example, a pharaoh was found to have tattooed his fingers, and some mummies had tattoos depicting animals, such as a wild bull and a sheep. These tattoos have been identified thanks to infrared technology, which allows us to see what the human eye cannot.

Types of tattoo needles

Throughout history, different types of tattoo needles have been used, depending on size, shape, material, and grouping method. Some of the most common types are:

• Liner needles: These are the thinnest and are used to create outlines and details in tattoos. They usually have between one and five points and are grouped in a straight line.
• Shading needles: These are thicker and are used to create shading and gradient effects. They usually have between five and fifteen points, and are grouped in a fan or magnum shape.
• Filling needles: These are the widest and are used to fill large areas of colour. They usually have between seven and twenty-five points and are grouped in a flat or magnum shape.

These types of needles can be found in both cartridge and soldered forms. Cartridges are disposable needles that are inserted into the grip or handle of the tattoo machine, and that allow for quick and safe needle changes. Soldered needles are fixed needles that are attached to the grip by a bar, and that require more thorough cleaning and sterilization.

Tattoos today

Nowadays, tattoos are a very popular and diverse art form, which adapts to the tastes and preferences of each person. There are many styles of tattoos, such as realistic, geometric, tribal, watercolor, minimalist, Japanese, old school, neotraditional, trash polka, biomechanical, dotwork, blackwork, lettering, surrealist, abstract, sketch, ornamental, Maori, Celtic, mandala, floral, animal, religious, symbolic, musical, literary, cinematic, sports, family, love, humorous, protest, solidarity, personal, professional, hidden, visible, small, large, unique, shared...

Tattoos can have a special meaning for the person wearing them, or simply be a form of aesthetic expression. Some of the most common motivations for getting a tattoo are:

• As a connection with oneself or with others
• As a memory of a moment, a person, a place or an idea
• As a tribute or homage to someone or something
• As a symbol of identity, belonging or difference
• As a manifestation of tastes, interests or values
• As a form of art, beauty or creativity
• As a means of communication, expression or protest
• As a challenge, improvement or change

Whatever the reason, the important thing is that the tattoo is something you like, that makes you feel good and that respects your health and your skin. For this reason, we recommend that you choose a good professional, who will advise you on the design, size, colour, location, type of needle, care and maintenance of your tattoo. This way, you will be able to enjoy your tattoo for a long time, and be part of an ancient tradition that is still alive and constantly evolving.