Expertise.com
2024

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Best Tattoo Shops in Tacoma

Our Recommended Top 11

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 Tacoma Tattoo Shops on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

51

Reviewed

35

Curated

11

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
1210 East Main Avenue, Puyallup, WA 98372
  • Watercolor Tattoos
  • Body Art
  • Realism
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Ink Staind Tattoo is a tattoo studio that started in 2008, serving clients in Puyallup, Tacoma, and surrounding areas. It caters to first-timers, tattoo veterans, military personnel, and first responders. Its two artists, Crystal and Kylie Jane, use organic and vegan ink for their designs. The studio's website features its portfolio of works in all styles like lettering, floral designs, portraits, and watercolor drawings. It can also handle customized designs, revamp old or improperly made tattoos, and retouch fading pieces.

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 (10)

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
2104 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Dzul Ink Lounge is a body art studio near Tacoma that offers custom tattoos, body piercing, and airbrush art. The studio comes with a lounge-like ambiance and an art gallery with paintings and photographs. It has a VIP room for a more private client experience and uses specialized equipment for tattoo and piercing works. Its tattoo artists are committed to observing sterilization and cleanliness standards while providing relaxing services. Jacob Dzul's tattoo style is influenced by pre-Hispanic and Mexican-American art.

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.
3.5
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (80)
Facebook
4.4 / 5 (4)

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
118 South Meridian, Puyallup, WA 98371
  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Family Tradition Tattoo Parlor offers body art to the people of Puyallup and the surrounding communities, including Tacoma. The studio’s owner, Jeremie James, draws inspiration from well-known tattooers, such as Tim Henrix, Luke Wessman, Mikey Slater, and Jack Rudy. Along with the shop’s resident artist, Colton Keough, he can take on a wide variety of tattoo styles, including black and gray realism, portraiture, and traditional Americana. Interested individuals are encouraged to book an appointment. Walk-ins may be accommodated as well.

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.
4.9
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (104)
Google
4.9 / 5 (80)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (11)

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
2712 North 21st Street, Tacoma, WA 98406
  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Old Tacoma Tattoo Parlor is a modern-classic tattoo shop situated in the heart of North Tacoma. To ensure the health and safety of its clients, the studio follows high standards in tattooing and practices hospital-grade sterilization. Its owner, Andre Ortego, can create custom designs in varying styles, including traditional Americana, black and gray imagery, colorwork, and pin-up. In business since 1993, Old Tacoma Tattoo Parlor strives to stay true to the traditions of the tattoo industry.

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
Google
4.8 / 5 (114)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (23)

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
226 Main Avenue South, Renton, WA 98057
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Known as Renton's oldest tattoo shop, Idolize Tattoo has served the greater Seattle area for over 20 years. The studio features a team of tattoo artists with a combined experience of over 50 years in the industry. The team, comprised of Henry James, Nicholas Rothenbuhler, and Matt Madison, plus their apprentice DL Rius, helps clients find a tattoo that matches their exact design preference and needs. The artists have spent years honing their craft and specializing in various styles, ranging from traditional, classic, bold, illustrative, and colorful tattoos. The shop is open seven days a week and accepts walk-in clients.

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

Website
1419 10th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Supergenius Tattoo is a tattoo shop serving Tacoma. Tattoo artist Damon Conklin owns the tattoo shop that maintains experienced tattoo artists like Cory Jordan, Matt Wear, and Nate Leslie. Conklin started as a tattoo artist in 1995 and has been servicing the area ever since. He is a member of a group of artists and tattooers called the Sullen Art Collective, which promotes tattoo-inspired artwork. Making an appointment for larger tattoos is encouraged, although walk-ins will be accommodated.

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

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
3912 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98406
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1998, Flaming Dragon Tattoo Company is a tattoo shop with two locations in Tacoma. Owner and tattoo artist, Scott Schafer, has 30 years of experience in the industry. Together with his team of artists who have diverse interests and styles, he provides design and application of custom imagery for all his customers. In addition to tattooing services, they also offer piercing using a wide assortment of jewelry. The shop and the devices used are kept clean and sanitized.

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.
4.6
Google
4.8 / 5 (120)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (41)

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
1525 Summit Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

True Love Tattoo & Art Gallery, located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, specializes in custom tattoos. The studio is available seven days a week for clients from Tacoma who are looking for tattoo artists who can work in a variety of styles. Each tattoo artist has years of experience in creating tattoo designs ranging from Japanese, black & grey, colorwork, as well as intricate geometric designs. Consultations are encouraged, and clients are welcome to bring any references such as drawings and photographs of other tattoos to the appointment.

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
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (68)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (61)

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
210 Division Street Northwest, Olympia, WA 98502
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Body Art
  • Portraits

Why choose this provider?

Lo And Behold Tattoo is a tattoo shop based in Olympia that also serves clients in Tacoma. It offers different styles that include Japanese design, traditional, and black and grey. Lo And Behold Tattoo owner and tattoo artist Robert Egbert, who began offering his services in 1995, was serving in the Marine Corps when he started making tattoos. His team is composed of tattoo artists, each with at least 20 years of experience in the industry.

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 (28)

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
141 Park Avenue North, Renton, WA 98057
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Sacred Soul Tattoo is a tattoo studio servicing residents of Tacoma. Its team of professional tattoo artists specializes in a wide range of styles, including full color, watercolor, illustrative, neo-traditional, black and gray hyperrealism, abstract, Japanese, and graffiti tattoo techniques. The business is owned by Michelle Haley, who has been included in the SoTattooed's list of top 100 tattoo artists in the world—and she had the additional distinction of being one of only ten artists in the roster.

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 (39)
Facebook
4.7 / 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
604 North State Street, Tacoma, WA 98403
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Tsunami Tattoo is a studio that has been providing tattoo services in Tacoma since 2000. The studio is composed of four resident tattoo artists namely Damien Dekay, Erin Cleo, Nate Leinfelder, and Timothy McCarthy. The artists have experience in traditional, realism, wildlife, floral, lettering, and geometry designs. Timothy is the founder and has more than 30 years of experience in the industry. His work has been featured in different publications. Tsunami Tattoo accepts clients by appointment only.

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

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.

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