Tattoo machines or tattoo iron are the primary tools for tattoo artists in performing their job.

They are small hand-held devices, with a single needle that is moved up and down repeatedly caused by electromagnetic coils. The small horizontal needle movement allows it to insert indelible ink into the human skin to leave a permanent marking.

The tattoo machine has come a long way since they were first invented in the late 19th century.

Actually the basic machine was based on the invention in 1876 by renowned inventor Thomas Alva Edison, which was not intended for the skin, but for embroidery. Samuel O’Reilly then modified the machine for the purpose of tattooing by introducing a tube and a needle to get the ink under the human skin.

This was all based on Edison’s rotary technology. Nowadays the machine are all run by electromagnets. Many patents were issued to different individuals, each with their own tattooing machine. Even with different designs and mechanism, when it comes to contact with the human skin, they are all the same.

A small opening is made by a needle with the ink going into and under the skin. Some people call the machine a “tattoo gun” which is a misnomer. Probably the shape of the machine started this but really, let us not associate a tattoo machine kit with a gun.

Different needles formation are needed to apply a design into the skin. A liner needle is used make line markings of a design. A closer look would show a row of needles together, forming a line.

A shader needle has its needles covers a slightly large area. You can think of a liner needle as a pen while a shader is a paintbrush.

Tattooists has become better in their crafts and with the more lighter and precise machine. They are able to control the depth of the needle and speed, with the availability of a variety of ink colors, tattoo design is now only limited by what the person wants.

Eventhough with the advancement of the tattoos machine, the traditional style of tattooing is still being practiced in the islands across the Pacific Ocean and in countries in Japan and East Malaysia.

None more seriously than in Samoa, where it is believed the art of tattooing started. Their homemade tattoo machine are made up of a sharpened boar’s teeth fastened to piece of turtle shell and a handle made from wood. The tatau tradition has been unbroken for 2000 years and is being passed down from father to son.

When young chiefs reached puberty, they have to be go through the tattooing ceremony which can last for months. The pain is said to be extreme but upon completion, the young chief will be highly regarded in the clan and he has the markings to proof that he is a grown man, able to go through the pain.

Nowadays tattoos are everywhere, thanks to celebrities and athletes with tattoos, inspiring their fans to follow them. You can even get some temporary tattoos for kids online. Tattoos are now seen as cosmetics and of course, rarely seen in a negative way.