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Article: Designed to Deliver: The Needles That Transformed PMU

Designed to Deliver: The Needles That Transformed PMU - Tina Davies Professional

Designed to Deliver: The Needles That Transformed PMU

When I started in permanent makeup, I had a vision: to create natural, beautiful results my clients could feel confident in. But like so many artists, I quickly realized that the tools available weren’t making that easy! Strokes didn’t retain, pigments healed unpredictably, and my artistry often felt limited—not by skill, but by the tools we had to work with at the time.

This frustration sparked something in me. I wanted to create tools that actually worked the way we needed them to, with precision and reliability. The journey hasn’t been simple, but it’s been worth it. Let me take you behind-the-scenes of how we’ve redefined PMU tools to match the artistry they’re meant to support.

From Artist to Innovator

Tina Davies During Microblading PMU Procedure

From the very beginning, my day-to-day work with clients was more than just crafting new brows—it was problem-solving with every client and every canvas. I began noticing patterns in my healed results that left me puzzled: strokes that didn’t heal as expected and pigments fading away, despite my care in implanting them.

At first, I thought I just needed to work harder to perfect my skill, but then I realized something bigger: the tools were failing us! So, I started documenting everything. Every needle, every skin type, every client’s healing process—it all became data that helped me connect the dots between tools and technique. 

With each procedure, I learned something new about what was missing from our industry.

Tina Davies Inspecting Microblade Needles

The Evolution of Embroidery

Different Microblade Needles Available

In 2013, I had a moment that completely changed my perspective on PMU. I attended an industry conference in Orlando and watched an artist from China demonstrate a technique called “eyebrow embroidery” where he created delicate, natural-looking hair strokes by etching them into the skin with a manual tool. It was a game-changer. The strokes were crisp, the results were natural, and I realized this was exactly what clients were craving - an alternative to the heavy, tattooed-on brows that looked bold and flat. 

But as revolutionary as the technique was, the tools used were far from professional-grade. They were more like low-quality exacto-knives than the precision instruments artists needed to create lasting beauty.

This was my “ah-ha” moment.

That’s when I decided to stop settling for “good enough” and reinvent the whole process. Our tools should elevate our artistry, not limit it. 

Think about it: the best figure skaters wouldn’t step onto the ice with dull blades, and we shouldn’t work with tools that compromise our craft. With that understanding, I coined the term “microblading” and designed the first disposable microblade at my kitchen table. The goal was simple: to create a tool that offered safety, consistency, and precision, transforming how we approach eyebrow artistry. Designing it was the most fun part– it had to be pre-assembled and perfectly angled, so using a chopstick and foam finger grips, I set out to design my first prototype.

Tina Davies Microblading PrototypePlans for the first Signature Microblade

“Nothing is worth doing unless you do it right.” - Hunter S. Thompson

Blade and shade by @beautybliss_academy

Blade and shade by @beautybliss_academy using Tina Davies 18 U Nano Microblade, Tina Davies FADE Deep Cool Brown, & Dark Warm Brown Eyebrow Pigments

18 U Nano Microblade, FADE Deep Cool Brown, & Dark Warm Brown

What makes our microblades unique?

  • High-quality, pre-assembled blades for clean, consistent strokes
  • Disposable, sterilized design for ultimate safety and convenience
  • Options tailored to various skin types and techniques
  • Reliable sterilization, offering peace of mind

Our Signature and Nano Microblades have been designed to meet the highest standards, offering options for every artist and every client.

Tina Davies Professional Disposable Microblades Product Guide

Not yet confident in your skills? 

Tina Davies Blade and Shade Online Microblading and Manual Shading Course on The Collective by Tina Davies Professional

Master the signature Blade and Shade technique to create fluffy, natural hair strokes with added definition using manual shading—all with impressive retention in just one procedure. Perfect for beginner to intermediate artists, this course covers everything from pre-drawing to post-treatment, helping you refine your skills and boost client satisfaction.

The PIXL Development Story

PIXL Needle Cartridges Lifestyle Image
With one issue solved, new challenges emerged over time. As a new era of machine work gained popularity, the needles and machines on the market posed a different set of problems:  they were either really cheap machines and needles that were unsafe, expensive digital machines and needles that cost a fortune, or high-performance tattoo needles that had too many confusing sizes.  

There was a lack of fundamental education on what needles to use and why to use them. Most people knew only to use a single, 1RL needle because “their instructor told them to”, but they didn’t know how to use any other needle sizes and weren’t brave enough to try something new. That’s the equivalent of using 1 brush to do your entire makeup routine or paint an elaborate picture– very limiting!

To make it easier for artists to access the right tools, I created line of needle cartridges made specifically for tattooing the delicate features of the face at a price point they could afford without compromising quality.

Tina Davies PIXL Needle Cartridges for PMU Artist Featuring the No Drop Tip for preventing pigment pooling during permanent makeup procedure

The PIXL 1RL needle with the exclusive “no-drip tip”

I wanted to focus on helping artists get the best results possible. If you’ve ever had pigment pool on the skin during a procedure, you know how frustrating it can be. Instead of focusing on your art, you’re left wiping constantly, hoping the pigment landed where you intended. This wasn’t just inconvenient—it affected results, added unnecessary skin trauma, and slowed down procedures.

I knew there had to be a better way, so I set out to redesign the traditional needle tip. The round design of standard cartridges would cause pigment to pool around the rim, like a leaky faucet—especially with thin or plasma-filled pigments. After experimenting with many different prototypes, I found the solution: an arrow-shaped, no-drip tip. This design channels pigment directly to the needle’s point, preventing pooling and giving you better visibility.

Tina Davies Professional PIXL Needle Cartridges Product Guide - Discover the different configurations and best uses for each

Here’s what makes PIXL needles a game-changer:

  • A clear line of sight so you can see exactly where the needle is landing, ensuring precision in every stroke.
  • Smooth, predictable pigment flow that eliminates the need for constant re-dipping and reduces the risk of trauma to the skin.
  • Minimal cleanup thanks to the no-drip tip, which keeps your work area clean and lets you focus on your artistry.
  • Versatility for use on brows, eyes, and lips, making PIXL needles ideal for a wide range of procedures.

The result? Faster, cleaner procedures and consistent, beautiful results every time. With PIXL, you’ll have the confidence to work with precision—knowing your tools are designed to perform as seamlessly as you do.

PIXL Needle Permanent Makeup Results by @elysian360studio, @hannahwalker_pmu, @brows_and_beauty_55

Ready to level up your understanding of needles? 

Inside Needle Knowledge by Jill Hoyer on The Collective by Tina Davies Professional - Online Needle Cartridge Training Course

In this bestselling course, Jill breaks down needle selection, helping you master size, taper, speed, angle, and depth for any procedure. Learn to choose the right needles for your style and see these principles applied across five unique case studies.

Masters of The Craft

Blade and shade by @tin_kitten_beauty_bar

Permanent Makeup Results - Blade and shade by @tin_kitten_beauty_bar using Tina Davies 18U Nano Microblade, Tina Davies PIXL 0.25mm 3RL LT Needle Cartridge, & Tina Davies FADE Medium Neutral Brown Eyebrow Pigments

18U Nano Microblade, PIXL 0.25mm 3RL LT, & FADE Medium Neutral Brown

The combination of PIXL needles and Tina Davies Microblades has given PMU artists the tools they need to create exceptional results. Whether you’re delivering soft, natural strokes or building dimension with shading, these tools are designed to work seamlessly with your technique.

Our goal has always been to support your artistry by providing tools that perform. Because when your tools are reliable, your creativity can truly shine.

 Lip Magic by Jasmine Diebelius on The Collective by Tina Davies Professional - Learn Lip Blushing from Master Artist Jasmine Diebelius.

Unlock the magic of lip blushing with Jasmine Diebelius – master faster techniques using single and magnum needles for natural, beautifully healed lips!
 

Nano Brows Online Permanent Makeup Training Course taught by Beaute Academy on The Collective by Tina Davies Professional

Master the art of single needle Nano Brows with Beauté Academy – your step-by-step guide to hyper-realistic, natural-looking results!

Every great result starts with great tools. Whether you’re using PIXL needles or our microblades, these innovations are designed to give you the precision and consistency you need. Together, let’s create beautiful, lasting results your clients will love.

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