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2024

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Best Tattoo Shops in Costa Mesa

Our Recommended Top 18

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Costa Mesa Tattoo Shops on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

40

Reviewed

31

Curated

18

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Portraits

Why choose this provider?

agape art collective is a tattoo studio in Costa Mesa. Artist Jake Mello has been tattooing for over eight years. Client satisfaction comes first for him. Artist Melissa Daye has been tattooing for over 14 years and likes to do custom work, but she will work with clients’ requests. The studio is open seven days a week and also offers piercing. Clients remark on the compliments they get on their tattoos.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Facebook
4.4 / 5 (195)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (185)
Google
4.8 / 5 (67)

Website
18822 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
  • Watercolor Tattoos
  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Geometric Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Players Club Tattoo is a tattoo parlor in Costa Mesa. The shop provides custom tattoo services and even has options for cover-up tattoo designs. Players Club Tattoo had its beginnings in Amsterdam in 1999 that spread to other parts of the globe including Hawaii, Canada, and Spain. Its team of tattoo artists has a combined professional experience of over 50 years in the tattoo industry. They offer tattoo techniques such as portraits, traditional designs, letterings, and realistic designs.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (188)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (139)
Google
4.8 / 5 (75)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
745 West Chapman Avenue, Orange, CA 92868
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Fine Tattoo Work is a tattoo shop that caters to customers in Costa Mesa and nearby areas. It was established in 2004 and since then has built a team of eight professional artists who do customized designs in different sizes. Its artists also provide tips on tattoo aftercare and use both traditional dressings and Tegaderm transparent films for post-tattoo coverings. The shop's founder, Lucky Bastard, has 32 years of experience as a tattoo artist and is well-known for his Japanese and traditional Americana designs.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (324)
Google
4.0 / 5 (64)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (25)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
20387 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
  • Piercings
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

True at Heart Tattoo HB is a tattoo studio near Costa Mesa that was established in 2005. The studio accepts appointments and walk-ins, and it features a diverse group of artists that are well-versed in various tattoo styles. Aside from handling custom requests for tattoos and body art, its artists are also able to perform professional tattoo cover-ups and tattoo removal services. In addition, the studio offers body piercing, as well as permanent makeup services.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Google
4.0 / 5 (35)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (23)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
9475 Heil Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
  • Body Art
  • Portraits

Why choose this provider?

Bad Influence Tattoo (B.I.T) provides tattoo services to the residents of Costa Mesa. The name "Bad Influence" was derived from their clients who bring in their families and friends for a tattoo session. Established in 2003, the studio is dedicated to providing custom tattoos that their clients will be proud to show off to their family and friends. Its artists offer a wide range of styles and design specialties, such as Asian influences, black and grey, and color.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (183)
Facebook
4.0 / 5 (65)
Google
4.0 / 5 (35)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2981 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Outer Limits Tattoo is a Costa Mesa studio that has another location in Long Beach. It has won OC Weekly’s Reader’s Choice for Best Tattoo Shop and for Best Piercing Shop from 2011-2014. They also offer retail jewelry at the Costa Mesa location. Owner Kari Barba opened Outer Limits Tattoo over 32 years ago. The shop has a diverse group of artists who can provide clients with almost any style of tattoo. Clients appreciate the friendly staff and professional service.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (738)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
13915 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove, CA 92843
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Dr. Tattoo Studio was founded by tattoo artist Hugo Mayen in 2003 and has since been addressing the tattoo design needs of clients in Costa Mesa and nearby areas. Mayen is not constrained by any specific art style but is particularly passionate about creating fantasy tattoos that allow him and his clients the creative expression of bringing characters to life. Mayen and his team of tattoo artists can craft different tattoo styles, including black and gray, traditional, Asian art, realism, and portraiture. Dr. Tattoo Studio also offers piercing services.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.8 / 5 (172)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (48)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
7159 Katella Avenue, Stanton, CA 90680
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Spiritual Journey Tattoo & Tribal Gallery is a tattoo studio in Stanton that accommodates clients coming from Costa Mesa and the surrounding areas. Its resident artists specialize in various indigenous tattoo methods worldwide, such as hand-tapping and hand-poking, although they are also adept at using tattoo machines. In addition to these services, they also offer body piercing, scarification, and branding. One of the tattoo artists, Elle, has studied indigenous tattoos from around the world.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (60)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1145 Baker Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
  • Body Art
  • Piercings

Why choose this provider?

Port City Tattoo is a Costa Mesa studio that has been serving clients since 2014. It was voted Best Tattoo Shop in Orange County by OC Weekly. Customer safety is important at both locations and they use the most up-to-date sterilization methods. Each of the eight artists has over a decade of experience, and specialize in black and gray, portraits, Japanese designs, lettering, realistic, traditional, and more. They also host well-known artists from around the world. Clients remark on the excellent service and great prices.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (266)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
3.8
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
17845 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
  • Body Art
  • Piercings

Why choose this provider?

My Tattoo is a multi-cultural shop serving the Costa Mesa area. It provides tattooing services using modern and traditional methods, like Japanese hand-poke and tebori styles. Its artists pre-sterilize all their tools using different equipment, such as UV sterilizer, high-pressure and dry heat autoclave, and ultrasonic cleaner. The shop also offers piercing services. Its founder, Jess Yen, has been working in the industry since 1992. He specializes in orientals and realism tattoos and his services are available in English, Taiwanese, and Chinese.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
4.0 / 5 (57)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
7134 Garden Grove Boulevard, Westminster, CA 92683
  • Body Art
  • Piercings

Why choose this provider?

OC Tattoo is a Westminster studio that has been serving clients for over 12 years. It is one of the premier tattoo shops in Orange County. There are over 10 professional tattoo artists that provide custom tattoos, traditional, Japanese, color, black and gray, and other styles. They also have a tattoo flash for clients to choose from. The artists use hospital-level sterilization techniques and the shop is fully licensed. Clients like the environment and the quality of the artwork.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2052 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Diamond Ink OC is a tattoo and piercing shop in Costa Mesa operating since 2011. Clients can make an appointment, request any style from cover-ups to Japanese, and get advice on tattoo aftercare and maintenance. Diamond Ink OC's specialty includes religious designs and realistic black and gray. Tattoo sessions for birthday party events are also available. Clients commend resident artist Felix Flores for taking the time to personalize designs pre-session and putting in fine details with a light hand.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (8)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (3)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1779 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Gold Rush Tattoo is a Costa Mesa studio that has been serving clients for over nine years. It is one of the top rated shops in Southern California and welcomes walk-ins. Owner and tattoo artist Colin Dowling has over 17 years of experience. He opened Gold Rush Tattoo in 2006. His styles include American traditional, Japanese style, and black and grey. Artist Joel Bones has won awards and has been tattooing for over 21 years. He specializes in realistic tattooing in black and gray and color. The other artists have over 60 years of combined experience. Clients are impressed with their work and their professionalism.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (324)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2052 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
  • Piercings
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

The Pretty Sister is a tattoo and microblading studio servicing Costa Mesa. It provides tattooing services for different styles and designs preferred by clients. Microblading, a semi-permanent tattooing technique, is also available. The studio's owner, Hayley Armstrong, is a professional tattoo artist who has been working in the industry for more than a decade. She specializes in creating fine line detail tattoos, which also contributes to her feather-like work in brows.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (10)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (5)

Website
1765 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Newport Tattoo is a business serving clients from Costa Mesa. Its team consists of three professional artists who specialize in a variety of tattoo styles. Clients can contact the artists directly to schedule an appointment. They can also call the shop if they are unable to contact the artist. This tattoo shop is also open for walk-ins and offers services on a first-come, first-served basis. Newport Tattoo also has a branch in Newport Beach where it offers piercing services.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (69)
Google
4.0 / 5 (44)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (38)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2204 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Blue Collar Tattoo is a Costa Mesa studio that specializes in reconstructive, cosmetic, and paramedical tattooing services. The studio is family owned and operated and owner, tattoo artist, and piercer Jason Lewis has over eight years of experience. Artist and piercer Dakota Gilbert specializes in neo-traditional and traditional tattoos. Tattoo artist Zodel Pedroza specializes in black and gray realism. Clients like the quality of their work and the family feel of the studio.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (133)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
521 North Harbor Boulevard, Fullerton, CA 92835
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Tim Hendricks is a professional tattoo artist with Classic Tattoo that serves residential and commercial clients in Costa Mesa. He specializes in a wide range of tattoo styles, including black and gray tones, classic designs, portrait-style tattoos, and colored tattoos. Tim has more than 30 years of experience as a tattoo artist. He also works for Saltwater Tattoo Supply, where he designs and produces tattoo machines. His knowledge and continuous search for new designs have allowed him to offer unique and diversified designs and styles.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
431 North Tustin Street, Orange, CA 92867
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Modo Ink Tattoo is a tattoo studio that serves customers in Costa Mesa, Orange, and nearby locations. Its team of tattoo artists can create different tattoo styles, such as fine line, watercolor, black and gray, floral, and anime. The team ensures its custom tattooing service is performed in a clean area and uses only disposable ink cups, single-use needles, and razors. It values clients' safety by following sanitary precautions and regulations put in place by the City of Orange health department.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.0
Google
4.0 / 5 (70)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (2)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    A tattoo is body art that leaves permanent designs or pictures on the skin. They're applied via needle by depositing ink onto the second layer of skin. While the first tattoos were applied manually with a single needle that was first saturated in ink, today's tattoos are done by a machine. These machines feature multiple needles that pierce the skin simultaneously, speeding up the process and creating tattoos that are more visually appealing.

    Tattoos are usually done in licensed tattoo shops. These shops adhere to health and cleaning standards and are typically regulated by state and municipal governments. While tattoos are generally safe, there are associated risks, including skin infections. Any person getting a tattoo is legally required to be at least 18 years of age. It's also inadvisable for anyone who isn't in good health to get a tattoo, as the body requires time and energy to heal and prevent infection.

  • What should you know before getting your first tattoo?

    Before getting tattooed, it's important to think about design and placement. A tattoo is a permanent fixture on the body, and it's important not to rush into things. You should also consider the artist's background and take time to look into their portfolio to ensure their style best suits the tattoo you want.

  • What are some examples of tattoo styles?

    There are many types of tattoo styles, and it's important for a person to familiarize themselves with them before they select a design. Styles include:

    • Americana: Bold lines, vivid colors
    • Japanese: Large images that cover the back, arms, and legs
    • Black and Grey: Colorless grayscale designs
    • Stick-n-Poke: Thick, bold, black lines and small designs
    • Blackwork: Bold black lines and larger geometric shapes

  • Is tipping expected & how much to tip on your tattoo?

    While most tattoo artists don't expect tips, it's often appreciated. If you're happy with the work your tattoo artist has done, consider tipping between 15% and 25%. If the tattoo requires multiple sessions, a flat amount per session is appropriate.

  • What are some basic tattoo aftercare tips?

    It's important to follow all aftercare directions provided by the tattoo artist. Usually, artists will advise clients to ensure that tattoos are kept clean and dry. After showering, the tattoo should be gently patted dry and treated with Vaseline or another tattoo aftercare product.

  • What are the best practices for healing a tattoo?

    After removing the dressing, it's important to keep the tattoo clean, dry, and uncovered. Applying Vaseline or another recommended ointment can help to speed up the healing process. As they heal, tattoos can sometimes itch, but it's vital that you don't scratch or pick at it.

  • What are the most and least painful places to get a tattoo?

    Parts of the body that have the most nerve endings are generally the most painful to have tattooed. That includes the head, ears, and face. Places that don't have a lot of fat, such as the fingers, shoulder blades, and feet, are typically more painful. The least painful parts of the body to get tattooed include the outer arm, buttocks, and thighs.