Lighting is crucial when it comes to tattooing, especially if you are doing complex shading on tattoo design. And your regular bulbs or fluorescents are not cut out for it. You will need a headlamp to get the job done. But not all headlamps are good for tattooing. Because just bright light is not good enough, you need lighting that will help you see all the colors. You will need a headlamp that is specially designed for tattooing. I have made a list of the 10 best headlamps for tattooing for you to choose from.
| Image | Product Name | Price On Amazon |
|---|---|---|
 | Best Overall GearLight LED Head Lamp | #### |
 | Best for Dust & Damage Resistance DanForce USB Head Lamp | #### |
 | Best for Long Lasting LE Rechargeable Super Bright | #### |
 | Best for Light Weight Blukar LED Headlamp | #### |
 | Best for Hand Wave Control GOFORWILD Rechargeable Headlamps | #### |
 | Best for Super Bright Light Coast XPH30R 1000 Lumen USB | #### |
 | Best Portable Lamp 1200 Lumens Super Brightest 4 Modes Head Lamp | #### |
 | Best for Multi-Mode Light Offa-Annysice LED Headlamp | #### |
 | Best for Simple Tiny LoveBeams Rechargeable Headlamp | #### |
 | Best for Ergonomic Design TMISHION Tattoo Headlights | #### |
1. Best Overall – GearLight LED Head Lamp
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Special Feature: 45-Degree Pivotable Head, 7 Modes
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Polymer
- Product Dimensions: 6.5″D x 2.75″W x 2.25″H
- Item Weight: 3 Ounces
- Water Resistance: Water Resistant
Description
The GearLight LED Head Lamp is one of the best LED hand-free lights with daylight color for tattooing.
Benefits
- Long-lasting: It last for a long time and can go on for about 10+ hours in one low light.
- Bright Light: It uses an LED light source and gives daylight color which is perfect for tattooing.
- Adjustable: You can tilt it to 45- degrees, remove it, wash it, or adjust it according to your head size.
- 7 Light Modes: It has 7 different light modes.
- Weather Resistant: You can use the headlamp not only in your tattoo parlor but also outdoors as it has shockproof technology and is water resistant.
How to Use
First, insert 3xAAA batteries into the GearLight LED Head Lamp. They put the headlamp on your head and adjust the headband to make tight fighting on your head. Now that you have adjusted the headland, turn on the power and choose one of the light modes among 7. There is a white light and red light option, if you press the power button and hold it for a while the red light will turn on. You can move the tilt up to 45 degrees to your preferred angle and get started with your tattooing.
Expert Verdict
The GearLight LED Head Lamp is a highly adjustable LED headlamp for tattooing. It is decent overall. It gives you 7 different light modes to choose from and a white light and red light option too. It is quite lightweight even with three AAA batteries so you won’t face any issues doing longer tattoo sessions wearing the GearLight LED Head Lamp. It won’t get ruined even if you split water over it as it is water resistant and you can also use it outdoors for hiking or camping as it is shock resistant. To top it off it has a simple yet elegant design. All of these factors combined make this my best overall headlamp for tattooing! Though it might feel slippery, with the right adjustments you can very easily correct this. So even if it is the product’s only downside, I firmly believe that it is a minor issue that you have to deal with in such an amazing headlamp!
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Long-lasting bright light | Headband may feel a bit slippery |
| Pocket friendly | |
| 7 light modes to choose from | |
| Water & shock resistance |
2. Best for Dust & Damage Resistance – DanForce USB Rechargeable LED Head Lamp
Specifications
- Color: Pluto
- Special Feature: Adjustable
- Power Source: Battery powered
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Rubber
- Product Dimensions: 5.39 x 4.37 x 3.15 inches
- Item Weight: 11.68 Ounces
- Water Resistance: Water resistant
Description
The DanForce USB Rechargeable LED Head Lamp is a dust & damage-resistant headlamp that uses high-quality LED light that you can use for tattooing.
Benefits
- Water, Dust & Damage Resistant: It is a high-quality headlamp that is water, dust, and damage resistant as it uses IPX54 technology.
- 4 Light Modes: It has 1080 lumens that produce bright light and you get the option to use 4 light modes.
- Adjustable: You can easily adjust the headband and tilt the flashlight up to 90- degrees.
- Heavy Duty: You can use the headland for tattooing, fishing, camping, hunting, or any other heavy duty.
- Comfortable: It is not just a tough headlamp but also very comfortable too as it uses a heat and sweat-resistant band that has soft & comfortable pads.
How to Use
First, insert the 2 lithium-ion batteries of 2200 mAh which come with the product. Now put the headlamp on your head. Use the headband adjustable option to adjust it to your liking. Turn on the power and you can choose any light mode among the 4 and there is also an option to use red light. After choosing the right light mode for you, you can tilt the flashlight up to 90 degrees to get it to a perfect angle. Now you can tattoo with ease.
Expert Verdict
The DanForce USB Rechargeable LED Head Lamp is a tough and high-quality headlamp for tattooing. It has dust and damage-resistant quality so you won’t have to worry about the headlamp getting damaged. It is water, heat, and sweat resistant. So if you have a sweaty head then go for DanForce USB Rechargeable LED Head Lamp without a doubt. It has 4 light modes for your convenience and also a red light option. It is designed to last long and for heavy duty. So apart from using it for tattooing, you can also use it for fishing, camping, hiking, hunting, etc. Getting used to the different light modes can be tricky at first but with enough practice, it shouldn’t be that much of a problem!
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Dust & damage resistant | Light modes take getting used to |
| Water, sweat, and temperature resistant | |
| Heavy duty |
3. Best for Long Lasting – LE Rechargeable Super Bright LED Head Lamp
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Special Feature: Long Range, High Power
- Power Source: USB rechargeable headlamp
- Light Source: LED
- Material: ABS, Polycarbonate
- Product Dimensions: 2.48″D x 1.77″W x 1.38″H
- Item Weight: 2.65 ounces
- Water Resistance: Water Resistant
Description
The LE Rechargeable Super Bright LED Head Lamp is a satisfying and reliable lighting product for tattooing.
Benefits
- 6 Modes: It has 6 lighting modes which are the high spotlight, high flood light, low spotlight, low flood light, flashlight (red), and flashlight (green) for you to choose from.
- Bright Light: The light can illuminate as far as 500ft/150m as it has up to 2000lux.
- USB rechargeable: Instead of using any AAA battery it uses a USB cable to charge the headlamp that can stay for 30+ plus hours using low brightness and 6+ hours using high brightness.
How to Use
Recharge the LE Rechargeable Super Bright LED Head Lamp using a USB cable. After charging, put it on your head and adjust the band according to your liking. Turn on the power and choose one of the 6 lighting modes. You can tilt the flashlight up to 45 degrees to get your desired angle.
Expert Verdict
The LE Rechargeable Super Bright LED Head Lamp is best for long-lasting headlamps. You can use it for up to 30 hours at low brightness and can use it up to 6 hours at high brightness. If you choose medium brightness it can last 15 hours. So if you are looking for a long-lasting headlamp then this could be it. It has 6 lighting modes for you to choose from. You can get one of the brightest lights from this headlamp as it can illuminate up to 150ft and has 2000lux. It is quite light and water resistant so you can use it outdoors without any worry. All in all, a solid product with no glaring problems. Just the charging can be a bit tedious
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Long-lasting | Have to charge periodically |
| Bright light | |
| USB rechargeable |
4. Best for Light Weight – Blukar LED Headlamp Rechargeable
Specifications
- Color: Black & Red
- Special Feature: Rechargeable
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Light Source: LED
- Material: ABS
- Product Dimensions: 2.36″D x 1.57″W x 5.91″H
- Item Weight: 2.68 Ounces
- Water Resistance: Water Proof
Description
The Blukar LED Headlamp Rechargeable is a quality rechargeable headlamp for tattooing.
Benefits
- USB Rechargeable: You can recharge the headlamp using a USB cable.
- Long Lasting: It uses a 1200mAh rechargeable battery that can last for a long time.
- Light Weight: It weighs only 2.68 ounces.
- Motion Sensor: Wave your hand in front of the headlight maintaining around 15cm distance and the light will turn off automatically.
How to Use
Charge the headlamp using the USB cable. Place the headlamp on your head and turn on the power button. Choose a light mode among the 6 light modes. Adjust the band to your comfort. To turn it off you can use the motion sensor, just wave your hand within 15cm in front of the headlight and it will turn off.
Expert Verdict
The Blukar LED Headlamp Rechargeable is a great lightweight headlamp that includes a motion sensor. I use this motion sensor to show off to my clients, as it is also entertaining to see. No battery replacement every week or month as it comes with a USB rechargeable system. Thanks to the COB-LED technology it gives very bright light which is perfect for tattooing. You can tilt the headlight up to 45 degrees to get your desired angle. The headlamp is quite light, I never had any issues using it for long tattoo sessions. However, the motion sensor can get a bit annoying when trying to adjust the headlamp.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Motion sensors can be annoying |
| Motion sensor | |
| USB rechargeable |
5. Best for Hand Wave Control – GOFORWILD Rechargeable Headlamps
Specifications
- Color: Black & Red
- Special Feature: Motion Sensor
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Light Source: LED
- Material: ABS
- Product Dimensions: 7.83 x 4.25 x 1.93 inches
- Item Weight: 3.5 ounces
- Water Resistance: Water Resistant
Description
The GOFORWILD Rechargeable Headlamp is stylish water resistant and the best hand wave control headlamp for tattooing.
Benefits
- Soft Headband: It has a soft headband that is very comfortable even if you use it for long tattoo sessions.
- Very Bright: It uses 500 lumens LED light which is very bright.
- Motion Sensor: You can turn the light off using the motion sensor.
- 5 Display Mode: It has 5 display modes to choose from.
How to Use
Use a USB cable to recharge the GOFORWILD Rechargeable Headlamp. After fully charging wear the headlamp on your head. Use the soft headband to adjust it according to your comfort. Turn the power on and chose one from the 5 display mode. You can use the red light source which is best for outdoor reading. It has a 45-degree tiltable body so you can get your preferred angle.
Expert Verdict
The GOFORWILD Rechargeable Headlamp is the best headlamp for hand wave control. After waving your hand in front of the headlight it takes 0.001s to respond, which is very fast. You can choose from 5 display modes. In case you are camping or doing an outdoor activity you can use the red light which is good for reading outdoors. The light is super bright as it uses 500 lumens LED so never had an issue tattooing delicate design or shading. The 3 click requirement seems annoying at first but it doesn’t feel all that bad.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Motion sensor | Require 3 clicks to turn off |
| Bright 500 lumens LED light | |
| 5 display mode |
6. Best for Super Bright Light – Coast XPH30R 1000 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Dual Power Headlamp
Specifications
- Color: Metallic
- Special Feature: USB Rechargeable, Dust & Water Resistant
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Aluminum
- Product Dimensions: 6″D x 2.5″W x 7.48″H
- Item Weight: 11.52 ounces
- Water Resistance: Water Resistant
Description
The Coast XPH30R 1000 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Dual Power Headlamp is a super bright, dust & water-resistant headlamp for tattooing.
Benefits
- Dust & Water Resistant: It is dust & water resistant so you can use it indoors and outdoors.
- Super Bright: It uses 1000 lumens LED light which is super bright and perfect for tattooing.
- USB Rechargeable: It is USB-C rechargeable.
- Tough & Reliable: It is not only tough but also reliable as it comes with a lifetime warranty.
How to Use
Make sure it is fully charged before use. Put the headlamp on your head and just the headband to your liking. After wearing it properly turn the power on and choose any light mode from 4 light modes. The headlight is detachable so you can detach it and use it as a handheld light. The headlight is also magnetic, so after detaching you can attach it to a metallic surface.
Expert Verdict
The Coast XPH30R 1000 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Dual Power Headlamp uses 1000 lumens LED light which makes it perfect for tattooing as it is very bright. It is dust resistant and tough so you can use it outdoors without worrying to ruin it. It is also water resistant so spill water all you want it won’t get damaged. The flashlight can be detached and used as a handheld light. And you can attach the flashlight to any metal surface as it is magnetic. I like that it is such a versatile headland that I can use for many purposes. Overall, a solid product indeed that gives an intense light! Could be annoying for the client if you accidentally flash it on their face.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Bright 1000-lumen LED light | Bright light might hurt the eyes |
| Detachable and magnetic headlight | |
| Dust & water resistant |
7. Best Portable Lamp – Headlamp Rechargeable 1200 Lumens Super Brightest 4 Modes Head Lamp
Specifications
- Color: Silver
- Special Feature: Portable
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Package Dimensions: 4.69×4.41×3.9 Inches
- Item Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Water Resistance: Water Resistant
Description
The Headlamp Rechargeable 1200 Lumens Super Brightest 4 Modes Head Lamp is one of the best portable headlamps suitable for tattooing.
Benefits
- Very Bright: It uses 1200 lumens LED light which is very bright.
- Lightweight: It weighs only 9.8 ounces.
- USB Rechargeable: The lamp uses two USB rechargeable batteries.
- Long Lasting: You can use the light for 6-8 hours straight after fully charging it.
- 4 Lighting Modes: It has 4 lighting modes which are sidelights, main light, emergency ready strobe light, and all light.
How to Use
Make sure the headlamp is fully charged and then wear it on your head. The highly elastic headband should fit perfectly in your head regarding your head size. Turn on the power and chose your preferred light mode from the 4 lighting modes. The main light can be zoomed in for precise tattooing and you can also tilt it up to a 90-degree angle.
Expert Verdict
The Headlamp Rechargeable 1200 Lumens Super Brightest 4 Modes Head Lamp is a super bright and portable headlamp. It uses highly elastic and environment-friendly TBU material to make the headlamp which makes it very light and portable. It is so light that at times I forget I am wearing a headlamp. It has IPX4 technology which makes it waterproof so you can use it outdoors without any worry. Being USB chargeable makes it an economical choice. The Headlamp Rechargeable 1200 Lumens Super Brightest 4 Modes Head Lamp has 3 lamps and 4 lighting modes, what more can you want from the most portable headlamp on the list!
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Portable | |
| Bright 1200 lumens LED | |
| USB rechargeable |
8. Best for Multi-Mode Light – Offa-Annysice Led Headlamp Rechargeable
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Special Feature: Light Weight, Motion Sensor
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Silicone Rubber
- Product Dimensions: 3.94″D x 2.4″W x 1.54″H
- Item Weight: 2.4 ounces
- Water Resistance: Water Resistant
Description
The Offa-annysice Led Headlamp Rechargeable is a water, snow, dirt, and shockproof headlamp that works well for tattooing.
Benefits
- Light Weight: It weighs only 2.4 ounces, which is very light for a headlamp.
- Motion Sensor: You can simply wave your hand near the headlight and it will turn on/off the light.
- 230° Lighting Range: The light can reach 100 square meters thanks to the 230° wide lighting range.
- 5 Lighting Mode: It has 5 lighting modes that you can choose according to your need, which are COB 100%, COB 40%, XPE 100%, XPE 40%, and COB flashlight.
How to Use
Recharge using a USB cable first. After recharging for about 2.5 hours you can take the USB cable off and wear the headlamp on your head. Adjust the headband to your head size and press the power button to turn it on. Then choose one of the 5 lighting modes and you can use the motion sensor technology by waving your hand near the flashlight too.
Expert Verdict
The Offa-annysice Led Headlamp Rechargeable is one of the best multi-mode light headlamps in my opinion. You get to use 5 useful lighting modes which are COB 100%, COB 40%, XPE 100%, XPE 40%, and COB flashlight. It has a 230° wide beam in the front that uses 350 lumens and gives you a bright beam of light. After fully charged you can use it for around 2.5 to 8 hours depending on which light mode you use. It is lightweight and water, snow, dirt, and shockproof which makes it a perfect choice for outdoor activity. A versatile product that you can use for more than just tattooing!
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 5 lighting modes | |
| Lightweight | |
| 230° wide beam in the front |
9. Best for Simple Tiny – LoveBeams Rechargeable Headlamp
Specifications
- Color: Black & White
- Special Feature: Small, Breathable Headband, Eco-friendly
- Power Source: 2 ounces
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Plastic
- Product Dimensions: 5.67 x 3.46 x 1.93 inches
- Item Weight: 2.6 ounces
- Water Resistance: Water Resistant
Description
The LoveBeams Rechargeable Headlamp is a small, lightweight, and social headlamp.
Benefits
- Social Headlamp: The light automatically dims when it reaches someone’s eye, making it the best social headlamp, all you have to do is turn on social mode.
- Very Light: Being only 2 ounces in weight makes it one of the lightest headlamps out there.
- USB Rechargeable: You can simply recharge it by using a USB cord.
- Minimal Setup: Very simple and easy to use, you can literally figure out and customize it within a minute.
How to Use
The LoveBeams Rechargeable Headlamp is fairly easy to use. After recharging, wear it on your head. It uses a fit for all system so no need to adjust the headband anymore. Turn on the power and set the light to your liking. You can turn on the social mode which automatically dims the light when it reaches someone’s eye.
Expert Verdict
The best things come in small packages and that is what The LoveBeams Rechargeable Headlamp offers! A small, tiny, yet very useful headlamp. I love the social mode so much as the headlamp automatically dims the light when it reaches my client’s eye. It is so lightweight that it doesn’t even feel like am wearing something on my head. Doing long tattoo sessions wearing this headlamp is super comfortable. The product comes in eco-friendly and ocean-safe packaging. But the battery life left more to be desired as it might not last long sessions.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Battery life is a bit low for my liking |
| Social headlamp | |
| Minimal setup |
10. Best for Ergonomic Design – TMISHION Tattoo Headlights Headlamp
Specifications
- Color: Black
- Special Feature: Adjustable
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Light Source: LED
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Product Dimensions: Not available
- Item Weight: 3.17 ounces
- Water Resistance: Water Resistant
Description
The TMISHION Tattoo Headlights Headlamp is an adjustable headlamp best for ergonomic tattoo design.
Benefits
- Portable: It is compact and light weighted which makes it easy to carry.
- 3 Lighting Mode: It has 3 lighting modes for you to choose from.
- Hands-Free: You can simply wear it on your head and both of your hands will be free to do tattoos.
- Versatility: Tattoo artists, jewelers, hobbyists, beauticians, opticians anyone can use this headlamp.
How to Use
Inser 3 AAA batteries inside the headlamp and wear it on your head. Use the elastic headband for your comfort. Turn on the power button and choose one mode from the 3 lighting modes. The headlight can be adjusted to 135 degrees.
Expert Verdict
The TMISHION Tattoo Headlights Headlamp is a lightweight, portable headlamp especially recommended for ergonomic tattoo design. It is portable so you can carry it anywhere. It can be used by tattoo artists, opticians, jewelers, and any other professions that require headlamps. I would have liked it more if it had USB rechargeable technology.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Best for ergonomic tattoo design | Not chargeable via USB |
| Portable | |
| Comfortable to wear |
How to Clean Foggy Headlamps?
Your headlamp may get foggy for a few reasons. Two main reasons in my opinion behind foggy headlamps are:
- Dirt debris or vapor on the surface
- Water stuck inside the lens
If you have dirt debris or vapor on the surface of the headlamp it may appear foggy. You can purchase a cleanser or make one at home by mixing baking soda, vinegar, or water. You can also use toothpaste as a cleanser. Use the cleanser on the surface of your headlamp and whip away any dirt residing in the area. After whipping it properly you will notice the fogginess is gone. Make sure to use a flannel cloth to whip so that you don’t damage the surface of your headlamp.
Water getting stuck inside the headlamp is another common reason behind foggy headlamps. To fix this you can place the headlamp in the sun for some time, and the heat from the sun will evaporate the water. Or you can use a blow dryer on the headlamp to get the same result.
Can You Bring a Headlamp On a Plane?
Headlamps are crucial for professionals such as jewelers, miners, and tattoo artist and it is also crucial equipment for many hobbies such as camping and hunting. You may require to carry a headlamp for professional reasons or for any personal reasons. Regardless of the reason, you can carry a headlamp on any public transport such as a train, or bus and you can also carry it on a plane.
There are many things you are not allowed to carry on a plane but headlamps and flashlights are not among them. You can carry your precious headlamp or flashlight on a plane without any issue. You may carry it in person or in your luggage on the plane.
FAQs
How many lumens do I need for a headlamp?
The number of lumens for a headlamp depends on its use. Around 100-150 lumens is fine for casual work. But if you travel during night time then around 300 lumens should be good enough for you.
How do I choose a headlamp?
There are a few factors you should keep in mind when you choose a headlamp:
1.The number of lumens it has.
2.The purpose of the headlamp.
3.The material the headlamp is made of.
4.Battery life.
5.Comfort.
6.The number of light modes.
7.Power source.
8.Light source.
Are 500 lumens bright enough for a headlamp?
Yes, 500 lumens are very bright and enough for a headlamp.
Can you use LED light on tattoos?
Yes, you can use LED light on tattoos.
Do LED lights to fade ink?
No, LED light won’t fade your tattoo as long as the lumen number is not at danger level and you don’t use it for a prolonged period.
Which headlight is better LED or xenon?
The LED headlight is better than xenon.
Final Thoughts
Headlamps are very helpful when it comes to tattooing. Headlamps help tattoo artists to do a better and more precise job and give clients a better-finished result. If you ask me for my personal favorite I would have to go with GearLight LED Head Lamp as it is the best overall headlamp. I can adjust the headlight to 45 degrees and it comes with 7 lighting modes for me to choose from. Not to mention it has a red light option which I use to read when being outdoors. It does not weigh much and is water-resistant so I can use it indoors and outdoors without any issues.