So hand done tattoos in the Japanese method is called Tebori, and from what i’ve found on my quick search it can yield more fine detail than a machine gun, and it will damage skin tissue less which might cause less of a reaction from the body and might help with retaining the quality of the tattoo. There haven’t been formal studies in hte matter but according to some Japanese tattoo masters they say the traditional method can hold onto more ink giving a more vivid color and will last longer as well. But without a scientific study you can take that as you wish.
Also i’m no expert so also take my links and thoughts with a grain of salt. If anything the clear downside of a traditional method is a much much longer sitting time, but in the hands of a master you’ll get something of equal or surpassing quality to a modern method… but sounds expensive to me.
Edit: Found this short article. I haven’t had time to read it much but it looks interesting
http://www.needlesandsins.com/2010/03/guest-blog-machine-vs-tebori.html
