Tattooing is both an art and a craft that requires not only creativity but also the right tools to bring your designs to life. For beginners, choosing the best tattoo kit can be overwhelming, given the plethora of options available. A well-chosen tattoo kit will not only help you learn the basics but also ensure that you develop your skills safely and effectively. In this article, we will explore the 10 best tattoo kits for beginners, focusing on their features, quality, ease of use, and value for money.
1. Dragonhawk Complete Tattoo Kit
Dragonhawk is a well-known brand in the tattoo industry, and their complete tattoo kit is a popular choice among beginners. This kit includes two coil tattoo machines, one for lining and one for shading, which is ideal for learning the basics of tattooing. The machines are lightweight and easy to handle, making them perfect for beginners.
The kit also comes with a power supply, foot pedal, clip cord, 20 pre-sterilized tattoo needles, grips, tips, ink cups, and 10 popular color inks. The inks are of decent quality for practice, though professional-grade inks are recommended as you progress.
Key Features:
Two coil tattoo machines (liner and shader)
10 color inks
Power supply with foot pedal
20 pre-sterilized needles
Instruction manual
Pros:
Affordable and comprehensive
Easy to set up and use
Good starter inks
Cons:
Inks may not be suitable for professional use
Machines may require tuning
2. Hawink Rotary Tattoo Pen Kit
For beginners who prefer a rotary machine, the Hawink Rotary Tattoo Pen Kit is an excellent option. This kit includes a pen-style rotary tattoo machine that mimics the feel of a real pen, making it easier for beginners to transition from drawing on paper to tattooing on skin.
The kit comes with a power supply, RCA cord, foot pedal, 20 cartridge needles, and practice skin. The rotary machine is quiet, smooth, and versatile, capable of handling both lining and shading with ease.
Key Features:
Pen-style rotary tattoo machine
20 cartridge needles
Power supply with RCA cord and foot pedal
Practice skin
Lightweight and ergonomic design
Pros:
Feels like a real pen, easy to control
Quiet and low vibration
Suitable for lining and shading
Cons:
Limited ink options included
Higher price point than coil kits
3. Solong Tattoo Complete Starter Kit
Solong Tattoo is another brand that offers comprehensive kits for beginners. Their complete starter kit includes a high-quality rotary tattoo machine, 14 bottles of tattoo ink, 50 tattoo needles, grips, tips, and practice skin. This kit is designed to give beginners everything they need to start practicing tattooing.
The rotary machine included in this kit is versatile and can be used for both lining and shading. The inks provided are safe for practice, though it’s recommended to upgrade to professional-grade inks as you gain more experience.
Key Features:
Rotary tattoo machine
14 color tattoo inks
50 tattoo needles
Grips, tips, and practice skin
Power supply with foot pedal
Pros:
Comprehensive kit with plenty of supplies
Rotary machine is easy to use
Affordable price
Cons:
Ink quality is basic, better for practice
Machine may not be as durable as higher-end options
4. Pirate Face Tattoo Complete Tattoo Kit
The Pirate Face Tattoo Complete Tattoo Kit is a solid option for beginners who want to try their hand at both coil and rotary machines. This kit includes four tattoo machines (two coil and two rotary), 50 needles, 7 bottles of tattoo ink, and a variety of other accessories.
One of the standout features of this kit is the inclusion of both coil and rotary machines, allowing beginners to experiment with different styles and techniques. The coil machines are suitable for lining and shading, while the rotary machines offer a different experience in terms of handling and control.
Key Features:
Four tattoo machines (two coil and two rotary)
50 tattoo needles
7 color tattoo inks
Power supply with foot pedal
Practice skin and other accessories
Pros:
Includes both coil and rotary machines
Comprehensive range of accessories
Good for experimenting with different styles
Cons:
Ink quality is basic
Machines may require regular maintenance
See also: How Much Does a Good Tattoo Cost?
5. Wormhole Complete Tattoo Kit for Beginners
Wormhole is known for offering budget-friendly tattoo kits that don’t compromise on quality. Their complete tattoo kit for beginners includes two coil tattoo machines, 10 color inks, 20 tattoo needles, grips, tips, and practice skin. This kit is designed to help beginners get a feel for tattooing without a significant investment.
The coil machines are sturdy and reliable, suitable for both lining and shading. The inks provided are decent for practice purposes, and the kit includes enough supplies to get started right away.
Key Features:
Two coil tattoo machines (liner and shader)
10 color tattoo inks
20 tattoo needles
Power supply with foot pedal
Practice skin and instructional DVD
Pros:
Affordable and well-rounded
Includes instructional materials
Reliable machines for beginners
Cons:
Ink quality is not professional grade
Machines may need tuning over time
6. Dragonhawk Rotary Tattoo Kit
Another offering from Dragonhawk, the Rotary Tattoo Kit, is perfect for beginners looking for a more modern tattooing experience. This kit includes a pen-style rotary tattoo machine, which is favored for its ease of use and quiet operation.
The kit also comes with a power supply, foot pedal, RCA cord, 20 cartridge needles, and 10 color inks. The pen-style machine is lightweight and ergonomic, allowing beginners to work with precision and comfort.
Key Features:
Pen-style rotary tattoo machine
20 cartridge needles
Power supply with RCA cord and foot pedal
10 color inks
Lightweight and user-friendly design
Pros:
Easy to handle, perfect for beginners
Versatile for both lining and shading
Quiet and low maintenance
Cons:
Higher price point compared to coil kits
Ink quality is more suited for practice
7. Grinder Tattoo Kit by Pirate Face Tattoo
The Grinder Tattoo Kit by Pirate Face Tattoo is a popular choice among beginners due to its affordability and quality. This kit includes four tattoo machines (two for lining and two for shading), 7 bottles of tattoo ink, 50 tattoo needles, and a power supply with a foot pedal.
The kit also provides practice skin, making it easier for beginners to practice their techniques before moving on to real skin. The machines included are durable and offer a good introduction to both lining and shading.
Key Features:
Four tattoo machines (two liner, two shader)
7 color tattoo inks
50 tattoo needles
Practice skin and instructional DVD
Power supply with foot pedal
Pros:
Includes multiple machines for different techniques
Affordable and comprehensive
Good instructional materials for beginners
Cons:
Basic ink quality
Machines may require frequent maintenance
8. Solong Tattoo Pen Kit
The Solong Tattoo Pen Kit is ideal for beginners who prefer a rotary machine with a pen-style design. This kit includes a high-quality tattoo pen, 50 cartridge needles, 10 color inks, and practice skin. The pen-style machine is known for its precision and ease of use, making it a great choice for beginners.
The kit also includes a power supply, RCA cord, and foot pedal, ensuring that beginners have everything they need to start tattooing. The inks provided are safe for practice, and the machine is versatile enough for both lining and shading.
Key Features:
Pen-style rotary tattoo machine
50 cartridge needles
10 color tattoo inks
Practice skin and power supply
Ergonomic and lightweight design
Pros:
Easy to use and control
Suitable for both lining and shading
Comprehensive kit for beginners
Cons:
Ink quality is more suited for practice
Higher price point for beginners
9. Stigma Complete Tattoo Kit
Stigma offers a complete tattoo kit that is well-suited for beginners who are serious about learning the craft. This kit includes a high-quality rotary tattoo machine, 20 pre-made sterile needles, 10 bottles of tattoo ink, and practice skin.
The rotary machine included in this kit is durable and offers a smooth tattooing experience. The power supply is reliable, and the foot pedal ensures easy control. This kit also comes with a detailed instruction manual, which is helpful for beginners.
Key Features:
Rotary tattoo machine
20 pre-made sterile needles
10 color tattoo inks
Practice skin and instruction manual
Reliable power supply with foot pedal
Pros:
High-quality rotary machine
Comprehensive kit with essential supplies
Detailed instructional materials
Cons:
Ink quality is basic
May require additional accessories over time
10. ATOMUS Complete Tattoo Kit
The ATOMUS Complete Tattoo Kit is another excellent choice for beginners. This kit includes a coil tattoo machine, 10 color inks, 20 tattoo needles, grips, tips, and practice skin. The machine is sturdy and easy to use, making it ideal for those just starting.
The kit also comes with a power supply, foot pedal, and an instructional DVD to help beginners learn the basics. The inks provided are suitable for practice, and the kit includes enough supplies to start tattooing right away.
Key Features:
Coil tattoo machine
10 color tattoo inks
20 tattoo needles
Practice skin and instructional DVD
Power supply with foot pedal
Pros:
Affordable and comprehensive
Good instructional materials
Reliable machine for beginners
Cons:
Ink quality is basic
Machine may require tuning
Conclusion
Choosing the right tattoo kit as a beginner is crucial for your development as a tattoo artist. The kits listed above offer a range of options, from affordable coil machines to versatile rotary pens. Whether you prefer the traditional feel of a coil machine or the precision of a rotary pen, there is a kit on this list to suit your needs.
When selecting a tattoo kit, consider your budget, the type of machine you prefer, and the quality of the included supplies. While the inks in these kits are generally suitable for practice, upgrading to professional-grade inks as you gain experience is recommended. With the right kit, you can start your tattooing journey with confidence, honing your skills and developing your unique style as an artist.