Tattoo Glossary — S
Shader (needle)
A needle configuration used for filling and shading large areas. Includes round shaders (RS), curved magnums, and stacked magnums. Distributes ink more broadly than liner needles.
See also
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.
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.
Shading
The technique of creating tonal gradations in a tattoo — from dark to light — using diluted ink, dot spacing, or hatching techniques.