Abstract: A tattoo machine needle bar holder includes a housing configured to receive a needle bar therein; a first buffer element; and a second buffer element. The first and second buffer elements are adapted to be located within the housing, and in use, at least partially surround a portion of a needle bar located within the housing. The first buffer element is also adapted to provide a first dampening effect on the lateral transition of a needle bar located within the housing in a first direction, and the second buffer element is also adapted to provide a second dampening effect on the lateral transition of the needle bar in a second direction.