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2024

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Best Tattoo Shops in Louisville, KY

Our Recommended Top 10

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

124Reviewed

78Curated

10Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

1225 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40204

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (262)
Yelp
4.5 (38)

Why choose this provider?

Twisted Images - Tattoos and Piercings has been offering tattoo services in Louisville since 2001. Tattoo artists Rodney and S8N have over 45 years of combined experience in the tattoo industry. Rodney's portfolio includes Japanese koi, floral, minimalist, and snake designs. S8N's portfolio showcases neo-traditional, new school, American traditional, and pop art. The shop also collaborates with guest artists from time to time. Clients are welcome to visit the shop to set up an appointment or consultation.

  • Body Art

1007 East Main Street, Louisville, KY 40206

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (41)
Google
5.0 (31)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Bluebird Ink Beautique is a tattoo shop that services residents of Louisville and surrounding areas. It offers a wide range of services including permanent makeup, body art, lashes, and nipple tattoos. The business is owned by Louisa Kleinert, a professional tattoo artist who believes in the significance of helping the greater community. Her mother's battle with breast cancer motivated her to provide clients who are battling disfiguration with permanent makeup, paramedical, and other body art services.

  • Body Art

7640 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40258

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (334)
Google
4.6 (207)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Tattoo Charlie's PRP is a local tattoo shop that provides services in Louisville and the surrounding areas. Its group of tattoo artists has many years of experience in creating different styles of tattoos. They can also produce customized tattoo designs. Other than tattooing, these artists offer body piercing services. Tattoo Charlie's PRP was established in 1973. It aims to provide the safest and the best possible tattoo experience to each customer.

  • Traditional Tattoos

423 West Chestnut Street, Louisville, KY 40202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (84)
Facebook
4.8 (39)

Why choose this provider?

DORK Tattoo Parlor is a creative space established in 2016 by artists Doree and Mark. Both recipients of fine arts degrees, the artists combine artistry and customer service while making sure that they comply with standard health and cleanliness protocols. They also give advice on proper tattoo aftercare and manufacture and sell their own natural ointment to promote fast and proper healing. Also available in the shop are other handmade goods like t-shirts, knitted products, and wallets.

  • Traditional Tattoos

2208 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (55)
Yelp
4.5 (15)

Why choose this provider?

Five Star Tattoo caters to clients residing in Louisville. Its team of tattoo artists creates a wide variety of tattoo styles, including traditional and custom designs. Each of its artists has their own style and guides the clients throughout the process. The team is composed of owner John Furse, Christopher M. Waugh, JIMISON, Kirk Dettlinger, and Corey Woods. Clients may visit Five Star Tattoo's website for aftercare instructions to avoid heavy scabbing, loss of color, or scar tissue.

  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos

3503 South Hurstbourne Parkway, Louisville, KY 40299

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (334)
Facebook
5.0 (60)

Why choose this provider?

Infinite Electric Tattoo offers a wide range of body art services to the people of Louisville. Its in-house tattoo artists can create a wide range of custom tattoos in varying styles, such as traditional Americana, pin-up, portraiture, and lettering. They can also take care of coverups, tattoo reworking, as well as cosmetic tattoos. Infinite Electric Tattoo strictly abides by the state’s regulations on age requirements. Its owner, Dennis Pase, is an artist himself, who specializes in black and gray imagery.

  • Body Art

972 Barret Avenue, Louisville, KY 40204

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (225)
Yelp
4.0 (14)

Why choose this provider?

Imperial Tattoos is a tattoo shop in Louisville owned by Sean Smallwood, who has decades of tattooing experience. His team of in-house artists also has an extensive background in the industry. They are experienced in different tattoo designs, cover-ups, and portraiture. They also have their own specialties, such as black-and-gray realism, color, and neo-traditional tattoos. Products and advice on tattoo aftercare are also available. The shop is open seven days a week and accepts both appointments and walk-ins.

  • Body Art

907 Baxter Avenue, Louisville, KY 40204

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.0 (424)
Google
4.7 (180)
Yelp
4.5 (23)

Why choose this provider?

Prophecy Ink is a tattoo studio and fine art gallery operating in Louisville since 2012. Two of the studio's artists are recipients of multiple awards and citations by reputable industry organizations, such as the National Tattoo Association and the Louisville Tattoo Convention. One of them is its owner, Travis King, who also uses his creativeness through drawings and paintings that are mostly focused on realism. Clients can call the shop to schedule a meeting with the tattooist.

  • Traditional Tattoos

1052 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40204

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (52)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Mama Tried Tattoo Parlour is a Louisville-based custom tattoo shop. Owner Lyndi Lou specializes in custom bright color tattoos and can also expertly execute textural black compositions. The studio is also home to four professional tattoo artists that can work on any style of tattoo suited to the client's demands and tastes, including but not limited to Japanese-inspired, realism, and portrait compositions. Mama Tried Tattoo Parlour is committed to growing as visual artists and collaborating with other businesses and nonprofits.

  • Body Art

421 State Street, New Albany, IN 47150

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Bananafish Tattoo Parlour is a shop based in Louisvillle. Owner and tattoo artist Amber Bananafish has been in the industry since 2007. Her team of tattoo artists is experienced and trained to provide quality and safe services. The shop utilizes disposable tubes and needles to guarantee a sterile environment. Bananafish Tattoo artists are unique in their own style, providing authenticity to their clients by holding consultations before the session. They offer different styles in grayscale and color.

  • Body Art

Compare our Top Tattoo Shops

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Twisted Images - Tattoos and Piercings
1225 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40204
Bluebird Ink Beautique
1007 East Main Street, Louisville, KY 40206
Tattoo Charlie's PRP
7640 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40258
DORK Tattoo Parlor
423 West Chestnut Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Five Star Tattoo
2208 Frankfort Avenue, Louisville, KY 40206
Infinite Electric Tattoo
3503 South Hurstbourne Parkway, Louisville, KY 40299
Imperial Tattoos
972 Barret Avenue, Louisville, KY 40204
Prophecy Ink
907 Baxter Avenue, Louisville, KY 40204
Mama Tried Tattoo Parlour
1052 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40204
Bananafish Tattoo Parlour
421 State Street, New Albany, IN 47150

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.