Needle
The sterile, single-use implement that deposits ink into the dermis during tattooing. Needles come in various configurations (round liner, magnum shader, flat) and diameters.
In detail
Needles must be opened from sealed packaging in front of the client — a basic hygiene standard. Using the same needle on multiple clients is a serious health risk. Needles are classified by diameter (gauge), configuration, and count (number of needles).
See also
Liner (needle)
A needle configuration used for drawing lines. Round liner (RL) needles are tightly grouped in a circular formation. Single needle (1RL) creates the finest possible lines; 9RL creates bolder linework.
Magnum (needle)
A needle configuration with needles spread in a wider formation, used for shading large areas. Curved or stacked magnums distribute ink evenly across wider skin areas.
Gauge
The thickness of a tattoo needle. Commonly used as a measure of needle diameter. Standard tattoo needles are 0.35mm (#12) or 0.30mm (#10) in diameter.
Single Needle (1RL)
Tattooing with a single needle, producing the finest possible lines. Used primarily in fine line and minimalist tattooing.