A quality tattoo begins with an experienced artist, a steady hand and a perfect outline. Round lining needles trace a precise, bold tattoo perimeter. Three to nine individual needles are grouped in a disc-like configuration. Lining needles have a long taper, usually 4 mm. This results in sharp lines since less of the needle -- and thus less pigment -- comes in contact with the skin. Lining needles can also be used for precision detail work in color.
"Magnum" needle configurations efficiently fill in large areas of solid color, and usually contain between five and 15 individual needles in either a single-stacked or double-stacked formation. Single stacks are composed of one straight line of needles, with every other needle bent slightly. Double stacks consist of two straight lines of needles, with slightly offset rows. Coloring needles have a short taper, generally 2 mm, which allows more ink to penetrate the skin and results in faster surface coverage.
Round and magnum configurations can both be used for fully customizable shading and blending. The individual needles in round shaders are packed less tightly than round liners, and have a slightly longer needle taper. Curved magnum configurations are also used for shading. The individual needles on the outside of the stack are slightly shorter than the inside needles. This gives a softer, more feathered edge to the ink.
Licensed tattoo shops make health and safety a priority. Federal and state laws require that needles are kept in sterile packaging and used for one client only. All other equipment is fully sanitized between clients. Before you are tattooed, ensure that your chosen shop is fully licensed. Ask your artist if she belongs to the National Tattoo Association or the Alliance Of Professional Tattooists. Both of these reputable organizations have existed for many years and set the industry standard for quality, sterilization and safety.