THE STUDIO LIBRARY / glossary

Put a name to it.

A searchable A–Z of tattoo studio terminology. Read a short definition, then follow the full explanation and its sources.

By the Tattoo Studio Kit team

These definitions introduce terms; the full glossary and official sources explain the context. They do not replace training, product instructions or your council’s requirements.

B

Byelaw

A local rule made by a council under a legal power.

Full explanation: Byelaw

C

Cartridge needle

A needle assembly supplied in a cartridge format for compatible tattoo machines.

Full explanation: Cartridge needle

Clinical waste

A category of waste requiring a controlled disposal route because it can pose an infection or other health risk.

Full explanation: Clinical waste

Coil machine

A tattoo machine that uses electromagnetic coils to move its armature and needle assembly.

Full explanation: Coil machine

Cross-contamination

The transfer of contamination from one person, surface, item or area to another.

Full explanation: Cross-contamination

D

Decontamination

The process used to make equipment or an area safe for its intended next use.

Full explanation: Decontamination

F

Footswitch

A foot-operated control used with some wired machine and power-supply setups.

Full explanation: Footswitch

G

Grip

The part of a tattoo machine assembly held by the artist, or a compatible grip-and-tube component in some setups.

Full explanation: Grip

H

HSE SR12

The Health and Safety Executive's guidance sheet for tattooing and micropigmentation.

Full explanation: HSE SR12

I

Infection prevention and control (IPC)

Measures intended to prevent or reduce the spread of infection.

Full explanation: Infection prevention and control (IPC)

P

Power supply

The unit that provides and controls electrical power for a compatible tattoo machine.

Full explanation: Power supply

Practitioner registration

The local registration or licence process that applies to the person carrying out tattooing.

Full explanation: Practitioner registration

Premises registration or approval

The council process that applies to the place where tattooing is carried out.

Full explanation: Premises registration or approval

R

Rotary machine

A machine that uses a motor and mechanism to move the needle assembly.

Full explanation: Rotary machine

S

Sharps

Items capable of cutting or puncturing skin, such as tattoo needles.

Full explanation: Sharps

Single-use item

An item intended by its maker to be used once and then discarded.

Full explanation: Single-use item

Skin piercing

A broad licensing category used in official guidance that can include activities such as tattooing and certain forms of body piercing.

Full explanation: Skin piercing

Special procedures

A term used in Wales for regulated activities that include tattooing.

Full explanation: Special procedures

Stroke length

The length of the machine's needle-driving movement, as specified by the maker.

Full explanation: Stroke length

T

Tattoo bed

A piece of client furniture designed to support a person during a procedure.

Full explanation: Tattoo bed

W

Wireless battery

A battery unit attached to, or designed for, a compatible machine to provide power without a separate wired supply during use.

Full explanation: Wireless battery