top of page
Search

Why You Shouldn’t Rely Only on a 1RL Needle in PMU Training

When you’re building a house, you wouldn’t use just one tool from the tool shed. So why would you approach permanent makeup the same way?




At Radiant Ink Beauty Studios in Torrance, we work on all skin types, ages, and sensitivities. And the truth is, the trusty 1 round liner (1RL) isn’t always the best choice. In fact, if you’re only using it, you might be creating more trauma than results.



The Problem With Only Using a 1RL



A 1RL needle is the sharpest tool in the shed. Great for tiny strokes, yes. But here’s what happens when it’s your only go-to:


  • Sensitive or mature skin: A 1RL can tear up delicate tissue.


  • Longer procedure times: You’re taking forever “painting with a toothbrush” when you could be using a roller.


  • False expectations: Chasing that “soft pixelated look” might make for a good Instagram photo right after a procedure, but healed results often fade away.


  • Burnout: Spending too long in the skin stresses both the tissue and the artist.






What We Teach Instead


At Radiant Ink Beauty Studios, we don’t limit you to just one needle. My own journey started like many of yours — taught only with a 1RL and left to figure out the rest. But after observing what traditional tattoo artists do (using shaders, mags, and more), I started experimenting.



Today, my go-to needles are:


  • 3 round liner (.06)


  • 5 curved mag (holy grail for brows + soft shading)


  • 7 curved mag (a student favorite for both brows and lips)


  • 18 round shader (my secret weapon for lips — efficient, smooth, and less swelling)




Do I still use a 1RL?

Yes — but only for the tiniest nano strokes. That’s it.




Why Bigger Needle Configurations Are Better

Think of it like painting a wall. Would you really paint an entire wall with a tiny handheld brush? Of course not. You’d grab a roller and get the job done quickly and smoothly. The same goes for PMU.



Here’s why larger needle groupings are game-changers:


  • Faster coverage = shorter procedure times (clients love it, and so will you)


  • Less trauma to the skin (bigger configs spread impact more evenly)


  • Smoother, pixelated heals (your “after” pictures look great, but your healed results look even better)


  • Ability to handle all skin types (from oily to mature to sensitive, you’ll have the right tool ready)






Want to Dive Deeper?




I also recorded a YouTube video where I talk more in-depth about this exact topic — why relying only on a 1RL needle can hold you back as a PMU artist. If you’d like to hear me expand on these points (and share a few extra insights I didn’t cover here), you can check it out here:










Why This Matters for Students

Most trainers out there are still stuck on “what they know” — which is usually teaching with a 1RL. The problem is, that leaves you unprepared for the real world.




At Radiant Ink Beauty Studios in Torrance, we make sure you leave with:


• Hands-on training with multiple needle types


• Confidence to handle any skin type or client


• Techniques that speed up your work and protect your client’s skin


• Knowledge that keeps your healed results strong




When my students graduate, their go-tos are usually 5 and 7 curved mags — not a lonely 1RL. And that makes all the difference.


Close-up of a curved magnum PMU needle cartridge showing multiple grouped needles for shading


Final Thought




1RL needles absolutely have a place in PMU. But if you’re limiting yourself to just one tool, you’re missing out on efficiency, better healed results, and the chance to serve more clients.




That’s why at Radiant Ink Beauty Studios, we focus on teaching you more than the basics. Because in this industry, versatility is everything.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page