Needle questions

Okay I've been tattooing for a few months while doing a tattoo after a while (and even faster in fattier areas) my needles start going in less smooth and feel like there catching the skin and they kind of pull it sometimes it seems like the needle goes in and then when I'm moving my hand it catches a bit and skips. I was wondering if this was due to the needle dulling because upon switching to a new needle it will flow much better. But especial in the fatty areas it seems to dull real fast. I was wondering is this normal or is it my machine isn't calibrated right or is it just me using it wrong? Thanks

Been there. Usually there's the possibility of your needle being out too far, the skin may not be stretched out enough, your machine could be going too slow voltage wise, I use Vaseline to help the needle slide better. Personally I hate the shit and I was told it wasn't recommended but I find it helps in some cases. especially when there's a spot that bleeds more than usual and the ink just wont stick. Dunno if this will help but give it a try.

ALWAYS always check the tips with a good 22x loupe before you get near skin! Please! Yuck. There is nothing worse than a hooked needle touching skin. It will scar and destroy the tattoo. You ever look at those 'worst tattoos' pages? (I have actually seen a few wonderful tattoos on pages like that...like the guy with the full english breakfast plate on top of his head that was also in '1001 Tattoos') Well, the really bad ones are probably done with hooked needles. The first image my brain draws up when I hear the term 'scratcher' is some scrubby person digging into some kids skin with a tip full of hooked needles and 'scratching' away oblivious to the permanent damage (s)he is causing. A beginner has to get used to checking them constantly. anything can hook a needle and the smaller hooks are nearly impossible to see without a loupe. even the tiniest hook wrecks the skin.