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2024

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Best Tattoo Shops in Atlanta, GA

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

121Reviewed

77Curated

11Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

1182 hwy 155 south, Mcdonough, GA 30253

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (13)

Why choose this provider?

ABT Tattoo is a studio in McDonough that can create body art for clients from Atlanta and other nearby cities. The business's founder and owner, Todo B., specializes in photorealistic designs, especially portraits, and biomechanical designs. For several consecutive years, the Kudzu Review has named ABT Tattoo as the state's best tattoo studio.

  • Body Art
  • Piercings
  • Portraits

Smyrna, GA 30080

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Ink Paradise opened in Smyrna 2015, as a collaboration between longtime friends Erik and J.C. Erik is the business's principal tattoo artist, and J.C. manages the team and handles the business aspects. Working alongside Erik are four additional artists who work in a range of styles, including Neo-traditional, full-color, and black-and-grey.

  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos

809 Moreland Avenue Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30316

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (109)
Yelp
4.5 (82)

Why choose this provider?

Memorial Tattoo started serving Atlanta in 2006. Currently, there are eight award-winning tattoo artists in the studio. These artists are capable of different tattoo styles, from traditional American to realism. The tattoo parlor is committed to maintaining a sterile workspace, and the artists only use safe, high-quality pigments and single-use needles. Memorial Tattoo has won Creative Loafing's Best of Atlanta Award for Best Tattoo Shop twice. Its founder, Phil Colvin, has more than 24 years of experience as a tattoo artist.

  • Traditional Tattoos

2088 Briarcliff Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30329

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Located in Atlanta, Thunderbolt Tattoo & Piercing is a tattoo parlor that has been in the business since 2012. Its physical shop is furnished with a variety of tattoo arts and Japanese-inspired decorations. With over 30 years of experience, Joe Vegas, the owner, produces unique designs for his clients. His extensive travels in Japan allowed him to acquire skills from the country's master tattoo artists and painters. Joe is focused on making his clients feel relaxed under his hand.

  • Body Art

566 Boulevard Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30312

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (46)

Why choose this provider?

Live Free Tattoo is an Atlanta-based tattoo studio that combines classic aesthetics and modern art techniques in its designs. Established in 2012, the studio began as a small, community-based service provider, but has now evolved to a business that focuses on fulfilling its clients' creative vision and tattoo ideas. Providing a simple care guide for newly tattooed individuals on its website, Live Free Tattoo is dedicated to safe procedures and recovery for its patrons.

  • Portraits
  • Traditional Tattoos

646 Roswell Street Northeast, Marietta, GA 30060

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (90)

Why choose this provider?

Located in Marietta, Mystic Owl Tattoo is a tattoo shop that has been in the business since 2011. It services clients coming from the Atlanta area and nearby communities. It offers various styles of tattooing, including anime, cartoons, comics, and realistic elements. Its team is comprised of experienced tattoo artists that are committed to creating a welcoming environment. They focus on making their clients feel comfortable as they provide them quality service.

  • Traditional Tattoos

401 Memorial Drive Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30312

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (38)

Why choose this provider?

Only You Tattoo caters to tattoo enthusiasts throughout Atlanta. Its team of artists offer tattooing services in an environment that make clients feel at home. Some of the styles that they offer are stylish scripts, full sleeves, Japanese designs, tribal styles, geometric designs, and traditional American tattoos. All of the studio's artists are experienced and licensed in Atlanta. Only You Tattoo is open seven days a week. It welcomes walk-in guests and those with appointments.

  • Traditional Tattoos

3115 Piedmont Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30305

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (89)
Facebook
4.9 (42)
Yelp
3.5 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Apocalypse Tattoo Company is a studio in Atlanta that is committed to ensuring a friendlier, cleaner, and more sterile environment for customers. Tattoo artist Ryan Willingham, who has been tattooing since 1999, established the tattoo shop together with his childhood friend Adam in 2013. As a custom design shop, each of the artists is able to conceive unique pieces for each client. To achieve this, Apocalypse Tattoo Company encourages customers to email their assigned artists and provide them information on placement, size, and budget.

  • Traditional Tattoos

11950 Jones Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30005

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (1174)
Facebook
4.8 (383)
Yelp
4.0 (67)

Why choose this provider?

Inksomnia Tattoo is a tattoo salon open to clients in Atlanta. Its team of versatile tattoo artists works closely with clients to create a design that fits their vision. The studio was established in 2006 by Mike Cummings, an award-winning tattoo artist who was recently featured in Pick Magazine. For clients who don't have a design in mind yet, the shop's artists are available for a consultation where they discuss initial ideas and come up with a custom design. In addition to tattoos, the shop also provides body piercing of all types.

  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Piercings

755 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30076

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.6 (482)
Yelp
4.5 (78)

Why choose this provider?

Ink & Dagger Tattoo is an Atlanta tattoo studio that is dedicated to innovation and artistry. Composed of artists that are willing to listen to their client's demands and requests, the studio is committed to delivering the best tattoo possible for each individual. Specializing in all types of tattoos, Ink & Dagger Tattoo offers lettering, black and gray, illustrative, 3D geometric, ornamental, and chaotic blackwork. The studio's artists are also skilled in designing Japanese, neo-traditional, realist, and other classical designs.

  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos
  • Geometric Tattoos

2271 Cheshire Bridge Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30324

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (110)
Facebook
4.9 (60)

Why choose this provider?

Timeless Tattoo is a family-owned tattoo studio in Atlanta established by tattoo artist Jerry ‘Cap’ Szumski. Since 1995, the company has strictly followed autoclave sterilization and adheres to single-needle use for each and every client. In his life-long career that spanned over 35 years, Szumski developed expertise in Fineline Black and Grey designs. The studio holds an open atmosphere, but private booths are also readily available for those who prefer it.

  • Watercolor Tattoos
  • Piercings
  • Neotraditional Tattoos

Compare our Top Tattoo Shops

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
ABT Tattoo
1182 hwy 155 south, Mcdonough, GA 30253
Ink Paradise
Smyrna, GA 30080
Memorial Tattoo
809 Moreland Avenue Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30316
Thunderbolt Tattoo & Piercing
2088 Briarcliff Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30329
Live Free Tattoo
566 Boulevard Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30312
Mystic Owl Tattoo
646 Roswell Street Northeast, Marietta, GA 30060
Only You Tattoo
401 Memorial Drive Southeast, Atlanta, GA 30312
Apocalypse Tattoo Company
3115 Piedmont Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30305
Inksomnia Tattoo
11950 Jones Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30005
Ink & Dagger Tattoo
755 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30076
Timeless Tattoo
2271 Cheshire Bridge Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30324

FAQs

  • 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.