Taking the step to build your first professional tattoo kit is one of the most exciting moments in an artist’s career. It’s your toolbox, your arsenal of creativity, and the foundation of your future work. But with so many products on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.
At the UK Beauty School, we believe that starting with the right equipment is a non-negotiable step toward becoming a safe, skilled, and respected artist. This guide breaks down the essential tools you’ll need to get started.
The Core Setup: Your Machine and Power
This is the engine of your entire operation.
- Tattoo Machine: While there are traditional coil machines, most beginners in today’s industry start with a rotary machine. They are generally lighter, quieter, and more versatile for learning different techniques like lining, shading, and packing colour.
- Power Supply: This box delivers controlled power to your machine. Invest in a reliable digital power supply that gives you a clear voltage reading, allowing for consistency in your work.
- Foot Pedal & Clip Cord: A foot pedal gives you hands-free control to start and stop your machine. A clip cord (or RCA cable for most rotaries) connects the machine to the power supply.
The Art Supplies: Needles and Ink
This is where your creativity comes to life.
- Needles/Cartridges: Modern tattoo artists primarily use disposable cartridges for safety and convenience. For your starter kit, you’ll want a variety pack that includes:
- Round Liners (RL): For creating crisp outlines. (e.g., 3RL, 5RL)
- Round Shaders (RS): For small areas of shading and thick lines.
- Magnums (M) or Curved Magnums (CM): For shading, blending, and packing colour into larger areas.
- Professional Tattoo Ink: This is not the place to cut corners. Only use sterile, reputable ink brands designed specifically for tattooing. Start with a high-quality black ink and a small set of primary colours.
Safety & Hygiene: Your Top Priority
Your commitment to safety defines your professionalism. Adhering to the UK’s health and hygiene standards is crucial.
- Nitrile Gloves: Boxes of disposable gloves are mandatory.
- Green Soap & Spray/Wash Bottles: Green soap is a medical-grade cleanser used to prep the client’s skin and clean the tattoo during the process.
- Disposable Barriers: You will need plastic barriers, covers, and sleeves for your machine, clip cord, and spray bottles to prevent cross-contamination.
- Sharps Container: An approved container for safely disposing of used needles is required by law.
- Hospital-Grade Disinfectant: For wiping down your station, chair, and equipment before and after every client.
A Note on “All-in-One” Online Kits
You will see many cheap, all-in-one tattoo kits on websites like Amazon or eBay. Avoid them. These kits often contain low-quality machines that perform poorly, unregulated inks that can be dangerous, and cheap needles that can cause unnecessary skin trauma. Building your kit with reputable, individual components is always the safer and more professional choice.
Ready to Learn How to Use Your Kit Like a Pro?
Having the right tools is only half the battle. True artistry comes from knowing how to use them safely, effectively, and creatively.
Our tattoo courses at the UK Beauty School provide hands-on training that demystifies every tool in your kit. We guide you on not just what to buy, but how to master your equipment to create stunning, professional tattoos. We also provide you everything you need in our Tattoo Kit, which is included on the price of our tattoo courses.
Enrol today and take the first real step in your tattoo career!
