Let’s be real, PMU machines aren’t just “on or off” kinda tools. They’ve got quirks, personalities, and preferences… kind of like us. One of the biggest game-changers when choosing your machine (or finally understanding the one you’ve had sitting on your trolley for 3 years) is the stroke length.
If you’re wondering what stroke length even is, don’t worry we’ve got you. And if you do know but can’t quite figure out which one to use for which service, also us. So let’s break it down, short-to-long style.
Short Stroke (1.8–2.5mm)
Say hello to precision. Short stroke lengths mean your needle travels a shorter distance with each hit. That makes it more controlled, less aggressive on the skin, and fab for delicate work.
Perfect for:
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Featherlight hair strokes (hello, nano brows 👋)
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Thin or sensitive skin
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Artists who love to layer slowly and gently
But beware, short strokes don’t pack as much pigment per hit, so shading with a short stroke might leave you there for a while.
💡 Browshop Tip: Use a short stroke for detail work, then switch machines (or cam up a stroke adjustable one) for shading. It’s not cheating. It’s clever.
Medium Stroke (2.6–3.4mm)
Ah, the Goldilocks of stroke lengths. Not too short, not too long (that's what she said). Medium strokes are versatile, balanced, and give you the best of both worlds. You’ll get decent pigment saturation while still keeping a soft touch.
Perfect for:
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Combination brows
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Lip blush
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Eyeliner
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All-rounders who love a one-machine-fits-all vibe
Medium strokes are also a safe starting point if you’re still figuring out your PMU style. If your machine has a fixed stroke in this range, congrats, you’re basically dating the Ryan Gosling of PMU tools. Reliable, charming, and won’t ghost you mid-session.
Long Stroke (3.5–4.5mm)
Now we’re talking power. Long strokes mean the needle is travelling further with each hit, creating more impact. Translation? More pigment gets delivered faster so it is perfect for bolder, high-saturation work.
Perfect for:
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Shading (especially ombré styles)
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Areola tattooing
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Clients with thicker, oilier skin
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Confident, experienced hands who like a punchier approach
Just a heads-up: long strokes can be a bit too much for thin or mature skin. They hit harder and penetrate deeper, so if your client's skin is fragile or reactive, maybe dial it down a notch.
So... Which Stroke Should You Use?
That depends on:
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What you’re tattooing (e.g., lips vs brows)
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Your client’s skin (thin vs thick, oily vs dry)
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Your experience level (long strokes require more control)
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Your machine (some are fixed stroke, others adjustable)
Ultimately, there’s no one-stroke-fits-all. Some artists keep multiple machines on hand with different strokes. Others swear by a stroke-adjustable machine and tweak as they go (we love a customisable queen 👑).
Need Help Choosing a Machine?
We stock a bunch of PMU machines with a variety of stroke lengths at Browshop. From lightweight detail queens to powerhouse shaders. If you're stuck, give us a shout. We love playing PMU matchmaker.
So there you have it! Hopefully, stroke length has been decoded. No more guesswork, no more Googling mid-client (guilty). Just you, your machine, and some seriously good work ahead.
Got a fave stroke length? Tell us in the comments or DM us @browshopaus