Expertise.com Homepage

2024

Last updated:

Best Tattoo Shops in Cleveland, OH

Our Recommended Top 13

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

102Reviewed

66Curated

13Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Painesville, OH 44077

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (61)
Yelp
4.5 (6)

Why choose this provider?

The Inkwell Tattoo Company is located in Painesville and opened in 2012. Artists Ashley Klein, Joel Ozinga, David Yates, and Chris Kvasty focus on providing a friendly environment and work with clients to compose a personal tattoo. The artists are recognized for their professionalism by past clients. In 2015, The Inkwell made the top ten list of best tattoo and piercing studios by the Cleveland Hot List.

  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos

27629 Chagrin Boulevard, Woodmere, OH 44122

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Ink On Ink Off is an innovative tattoo studio in Cleveland that provides new tattoo artistry and custom tattoos. It is dedicated to catering to all its clients' needs by offering other services including tattoo redesign, body piercing, skin revitalization, and cosmetic tattoos such as microblading and lip blushing. It is led by a clinician and has tattoo artists and doctors working together to offer clients tattoo removal and alterations using PicoSure laser.

  • Piercings
  • Traditional Tattoos

Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (78)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Wanderlust Tattoo Society is a custom tattoo studio located in Cuyahoga Falls. The artists, Logan Bramlett and Jessi Graden, have distinct tattoo styles that include black and gray realism and geometric dot work. The artists are attentive to the needs of the client; previous clients compliment the professionalism of the artists and the atmosphere of the studio. Wanderlust Tattoo won first place in the large black and gray category at the Steel City Tattoo Convention.

  • Watercolor Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos
  • Traditional Tattoos

11614 Madison Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (231)
Facebook
4.9 (164)
Yelp
4.0 (18)

Why choose this provider?

In business since 2012, American Tattoo Studios has a professional artist team that accommodates complex custom tattoos in styles such as black-and-gray realism, traditional, and neo-traditional. The studio serves the Cleveland area and conducts consultations to identify options for tattoo placement, size, and design complexity. American Tattoo Studios prides itself in its compliance with Ohio's cleanliness standards and uses sterilized, pre-packaged, and disposable equipment. The studio also works to ensure that its artists adhere to strict precautions for avoiding contamination.

  • Traditional Tattoos

6861 West 130th Street, Parma Heights, OH 44130

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (105)
Facebook
5.0 (88)

Why choose this provider?

Divine Image Ink is a studio that offers tattoo services to residents in the Cleveland area. The studio's experts guide clients through professionally executing their personal designs to suit their bodies. The studio prioritizes safety in its procedures and ensures that its staff uses medically sterilized needles as well as non-toxic inks to prevent allergic reactions. Founded in 2018 by artist Andy Zint, Divine Image Ink also aims to serve as a center for artists and art enthusiasts.

  • Piercings

24525 Sprague Rd., Columbia Station, OH 44028

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.8 (84)
Yelp
4.5 (13)

Why choose this provider?

252 Tattoo, which is located in Cleveland, has three professional tattoo artists on board. Their portfolios consist of artwork in both color and black and gray, and they specialize in multiple styles, including portraiture and realism. The artists also have designs for sale which will not be tattooed on anyone else once they have been purchased. 252 Tattoo's studio is commended by former clients for being clean, and its team is described as professional, friendly, and talented.

  • Piercings
  • Traditional Tattoos

1112 Kenilworth Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Kollective Studio is a female-owned tattoo studio in Cleveland. It crafts back and gray tattoos as well as color ones. Andrea Lynne owns the tattoo studio and has devoted the last 15 years to the tattoo industry by attending tattoo conventions across the U.S. and Canada. The tattoo shop's artists also undergo regular state training in bloodborne pathogens, infection control, and first aid to ensure a safe environment. Kollective Studio also accepts walk-ins and appointments on a daily basis.

  • Traditional Tattoos

15330 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.6 (191)
Google
4.6 (106)
Yelp
3.5 (9)

Why choose this provider?

West Anchor Tattoo is a shop providing tattooing services in Cleveland. Artists at the shop have more than 60 years of tattooing experience combined. They can create different styles, such as American traditional, Japanese, black and gray, and realism. For every tattoo they create, the artists strive to make the designs last a long time. The shop also offers T-shirts and after-care tattoo products. Clients can book an appointment for Monday to Saturday schedules. West Anchor also accepts walk-ins.

  • Traditional Tattoos

26751 Brookpark Rd Extension, North Olmsted, OH 44070

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (50)

Why choose this provider?

Body Anthology Piercing Tattoos is an internationally known tattoo and body piercing studio serving Cleveland clients for over 14 years. It performs a wide scale of tattoo designs, including simple to large pieces, intricate designs, and custom ideas, and has prepared a comprehensive aftercare guide for clients. The studio's artists receive continuing education and training to keep abreast of industry best practices. Body Anthology Piercing Tattoos is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) accredited business.

  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos
  • Piercings

34302 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, OH 44094

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (23)
Yelp
3.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Atom Bomb Tattoo is an all-custom tattoo studio serving the Cleveland metro. With two decades of industry experience, the business seeks to connect clients with artists who strive for the best possible work regardless of body artwork sizes. Its three tattoo artists work closely with customers in a friendly, sober, and professional manner. They can handle full-body suits and small single pieces and use only disposable tools to maintain cleanliness. Atom Bomb Tattoo also complies with state-imposed health regulations.

  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Portraits

28923 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

HeartBreak Tattoo is a North Olmstead-based tattoo shop where Jake Romero is currently working. It caters to clients in and around Cleveland. Romero is a tattoo artist who specializes in American traditional styles, geometric designs, minimalistic patterns, and linework techniques. He also expresses his art by focusing on bold lines, clean lines, fine details, and bright contrasting colors. Moreover, he uses disposable equipment to ensure the clients' safety from cross-contamination. Romero has been in the tattooing industry since 2012.

  • Traditional Tattoos

30584 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (16)

Why choose this provider?

Tattoo Faction is a team of eight full-time artists that serves the greater Cleveland area. They specialize in tattooing large artworks in both color and black and grey, and they work with a variety of styles, from realism to classic Americana. Clients are allowed to bring their own designs, and they also have the option to choose from thousands of available original designs. The professionals accommodate walk-in clients. Tattoo Faction has been in service for 15 years.

  • Traditional Tattoos

23900 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (107)
Yelp
4.5 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Classic Tattoo is a tattoo shop that promises a diverse experience to its clients in North Olmsted and Cleveland. It specializes in custom tattoos and has five tattoo artists who are knowledgeable and experienced in the industry. One of its tattoo artists is Phil Robertson. He is a mixed media artist who has been in the tattoo industry since 2001. Phil has experience in working on realism, bio mech, nature-based custom designs, and Japanese-inspired tattoos.

  • Traditional Tattoos

Compare our Top Tattoo Shops

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
The Inkwell Tattoo Company
Painesville, OH 44077
Ink On Ink Off
27629 Chagrin Boulevard, Woodmere, OH 44122
Wanderlust Tattoo Society
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223
American Tattoo Studios
11614 Madison Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102
Divine Image Ink
6861 West 130th Street, Parma Heights, OH 44130
252 Tattoo
24525 Sprague Rd., Columbia Station, OH 44028
Kollective Studio
1112 Kenilworth Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113
West Anchor Tattoo
15330 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, OH 44135
Body Anthology Piercing Tattoos
26751 Brookpark Rd Extension, North Olmsted, OH 44070
Atom Bomb Tattoo
34302 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, OH 44094
Jake Romero
28923 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070
Tattoo Faction
30584 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070
Classic Tattoo
23900 Lorain Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070

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.