Microneedling cartridges come with different numbers of needles, from small, precise heads to large heads for the body. It's not always obvious which to choose, and the right cartridge makes a real difference to comfort, coverage and results. Here's what pin count means and which cartridge suits each area and concern.
The short answer: fewer needles mean more precision for small areas and individual marks; more needles mean faster, more even coverage of larger areas. Use Nano for gentle surface work and around the eyes, 9-pin for individual marks, 12-pin as the all-rounder for the face, 24-pin for the cheeks, jawline, neck and scalp, and 36-pin or 42-pin for the body and scalp.
What pin count means
The number refers to how many needles are on the cartridge head. Smaller heads with fewer needles let you work precisely on one spot, and each needle meets less resistance, which helps on uneven or scarred skin. Larger heads with more needles cover more skin with each pass, which is faster and more even on wide areas like the scalp, stomach or thighs.
Cartridge-by-cartridge guide
| Cartridge | Best areas | Helps improve the look of |
|---|---|---|
| Nano | Around the eyes, face, neck, décolletage | Dullness, fine lines, uneven tone, hydration |
| 9-pin | Individual marks, upper lip, small areas | Acne marks, scars, small stretch marks, expression lines |
| 12-pin | Forehead, cheeks, chin, smaller body areas | Fine lines, texture, pores, acne marks, uneven tone |
| 24-pin | Cheeks, jawline, neck, décolletage, scalp | Firmness, lines, texture, thinning hair |
| 36-pin | Chest, arms, stomach, scalp | Stretch marks, scars, crepey skin, thinning hair |
| 42-pin | Stomach, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, scalp | Stretch marks, body scars, loose-looking skin, thinning hair |
Choosing by concern
- Glow and hydration: Nano
- Around the eyes: Nano only
- Fine lines and texture: 12-pin
- Acne marks: 12-pin for overall texture, 9-pin for individual marks
- Pores: 12-pin
- Neck and jawline: 24-pin
- Thinning hair: 24-pin for the hairline and partings, 36-pin or 42-pin for wider areas
- Stretch marks: 36-pin or 42-pin, with 9-pin for smaller marks
Do I need more than one cartridge?
Many people use two or three. A common set-up for the face is Nano for regular glow and a 12-pin for monthly needle sessions. If you're also working on your scalp or body, add a 24-pin, 36-pin or 42-pin. Our personalised routine suggests a combination based on your goals.
One cartridge, one session
Every cartridge should be sterile, sealed and used once. Reusing cartridges risks contamination, and needles dull with use, which can tear rather than glide. Open a new cartridge each session, and dispose of used ones safely. See cartridge hygiene and safety.
Matching cartridge and depth
- Nano: lowest setting
- 9-pin, 12-pin, 24-pin on the face and neck: 0.6mm
- 24-pin, 36-pin, 42-pin on the scalp: 0.6mm to 1.0mm
- 36-pin, 42-pin on the body: 1.0mm to 1.5mm
See our microneedling depth chart.
The Olapen cartridge range
Every Olapen cartridge is sterile, individually sealed and single use, available in packs of 5 or 10 and designed exclusively for the Olapen. Swap between them in seconds to match each area and concern. Our Which Cartridge Should I Use? page has more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Which microneedling cartridge is best for beginners?
Nano. It's gentle and helps you get used to the pen.
Is a 12-pin or 24-pin better for the face?
12-pin is the all-rounder; 24-pin covers wider areas like the cheeks and jawline more quickly.
Which cartridge for the scalp?
24-pin for the hairline and partings, 36-pin or 42-pin for wider areas.
Can I reuse a cartridge?
No. Use a new, sterile cartridge every session.
Which cartridge for acne marks?
12-pin for overall texture and 9-pin for individual marks.
The bottom line
Fewer pins for precision, more pins for coverage. Choose Nano for gentle glow and the eye area, 9-pin for individual marks, 12-pin for the face, 24-pin for the neck and scalp, and 36-pin or 42-pin for the body. Always use a fresh, sterile cartridge, matched to the right depth.
Microneedling and nanoneedling are cosmetic procedures. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. If you have a skin condition or any concerns, speak to a healthcare professional.