Is it possible to go too deep with a tattoo gun?

Author: Bria Bradtke III  |  Last update: Saturday, June 28, 2025

In this case, as you set up your machines, you'll make sure the needles extend no more than 2mm past the tip of the cartridge or tube. This way, it's nearly impossible to penetrate too deep and hit the subcutaneous layer.

Can you go too deep with a tattoo gun?

NO, you need to go just a bit deeper but also slow down and hold your machine so the needles are running straight (perpendicular) to the skin. The lines are spotty and not saturated well. Depth isn't the issue, it's the speed and needle placement. What kind of machine and what are you running it at?

What happens if a tattoo artist goes too deep?

Risks of Going Too Deep

Penetrating beyond the dermis into the hypodermis can cause severe complications. This can lead to excessive bleeding, increased pain, and potential scarring. It's crucial for tattoo artists to develop a keen sense of the right depth to avoid these issues.

Can you inject too deep?

If the physician administers the IM injection too high, it might not reach the muscle tissue, leading to pain and discomfort. On the other hand, injections that are too deep might penetrate further, causing bruising, bleeding, or infection.

Can a tattoo needle hit a vein?

While not likely, there is a possibility that a tattoo needle could go too far and puncture the hypodermis and rupture a vein. Tattoos typically do not puncture regular veins, but there is a higher risk of encountering more problems with spider veins. So, yes, you technically could try to tattoo over a spider vein.

How To Tattoo At The Right Depth

How do you tell if you got a bad tattoo?

The lines of a tattoo must be crisp, straight, and constant throughout the tattoo. Wonky lines are a big indicator of an unskilled artist. How a tattoo heals is a huge sign of a good tattoo vs a bad tattoo. If a tattoo scars, blows out or straight up falls out of the skin, it's a bad tattoo.

How far should my tattoo needle stick out?

over the length that you would penetrate the skin. I like to hang my needle around 2.5 to 3 millimeters. This way, when you're tattooing, you can work off the tip of the needle, which is going to increase your accuracy. and visibility while tattooing.

Can a tattoo blowout be fixed?

Unfortunately, tattoo blowout cannot be fixed unless it is removed. However, it can be prevented.

What is the most painful part of tattooing?

Many people with tattoos rate the ribs as the most painful area to get inked. There are several reasons for the intense pain. The skin over the ribs is very thin and rests directly over the bone, offering no cushion between the needle and the rib cage.

Why do tattoo artists dip the needle in water?

You may notice your artist dip the needle in water during the session. This is called a dip cap which helps clean, blend, dry, or dilute ink. Artists do this for smoother ink flow and to reduce friction. This allows more precise and comfortable tattooing.

What speed should you tattoo at?

The Right Rhythm for Line Work: Linework is the foundation of most tattoos, demanding precision and consistency. For this task, a higher speed is typically employed-ranging from 7.5 to 8.5 volts, depending on the machine and power supply.

How do I know if I tattooed too deep?

If the needle is going too deep into the skin, it can cause more trauma and damage to the skin than necessary, which can lead to more pain and bleeding. Another sign that a tattoo is too deep is excessive scabbing and peeling during the healing process.

What is an ignorant style tattoo?

Ignorant tattoos use minimalist lines and shapes for a stripped back look. Black is used to colour in some of the designs, but linework creates more of a minimalist feel.

How do you know if your tattoo is rejecting ink?

Yes, your body can reject tattoo ink. This is often evident in symptoms like itching, swelling, and raised skin. Tattoo ink rejection is typically due to an allergic reaction to the ink. In such cases, removal or medical attention may be necessary.

What happens if a tattoo needle hits a nerve?

When a needle grazes or “hits” a nerve during dry needling, you might feel a quick, sharp sensation. It's often described as a zapping or shooting feeling that travels along the nerve pathway. This happens because nerves are essentially your body's electrical wiring—they're designed to send signals to your brain.

How do you know if you hit a vein while injecting?

Hold the syringe in place with one hand. Use the other hand to slowly pull back on the plunger. Then look at the syringe. If you see blood in the syringe, you've hit a blood vessel.

Is it illegal to get a tattoo on your hand because of the veins?

Factual errors. It is not illegal to get a hand tattoo in the USA. It might be painful but it is not illegal.

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