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2024

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Best Tattoo Shops in Nashville, TN

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

133Reviewed

84Curated

11Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

3445 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37076

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (21)

Why choose this provider?

Lone Wolf is a tattoo shop that serves the residents of Nashville. Its team of tattoo artists specializes in custom body art, such as portrait, old school, cover-up, and cosmetic tattoos. The shop also offers piercing services. It was established in 1993 and is operated by Ben and Stacey Dixon. Ben began his tattoo apprenticeship journey in November 1991. For 11 consecutive years, the establishment was voted as the Best Tattoo Studio in the Best of Nashville.

  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Portraits

1511 Jefferson Street, Nashville, TN 37208

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (25)

Why choose this provider?

One Drop Ink is a Nashville-based tattoo parlor with a small team of qualified artists creating body art for local clients. Elisheba Israel, the business's owner as well as one of its artists, works alongside Michael “Ol Skool” Mucker, her fellow tattoo artist, and Angelena, the business's resident body piercing specialist. Ms. Israel was a prominent participant in the Nashville Black Artists Renaissance, with murals and paintings shown at Columbia State, the Ha Factory, Boheme Collectif, and additional local venues. In 2015, Indieville TV named her the 2015 Nashville Tattoo Artist of the Year.

  • Body Art
  • Piercings

795a West Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Evolutionary Studios, located in Hendersonville, is unique among Nashville Metro tattoo parlors, in that it takes an unusually clinical approach to the art of tattooing. Clients visiting the Evolutionary Studios brick-and-mortar location will find a building closer in resemblance to a doctor's office than a tattoo studio. The facility is extremely clean, and each resident artist on the team has received training well beyond state regulations. All staff tattooists are licensed, insured, and certified to perform CPR as well as first aid.

  • Piercings
  • Traditional Tattoos

386 Haywood Lane, Nashville, TN 37211

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (161)
Facebook
4.0 (156)
Yelp
4.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Artwerks Studios is a tattoo shop that serves clients in Nashville. The business provides custom tattoos in a wide range of styles and designs. Its team of professional tattoo artists is well-versed in realism, mandalas, portraits, dot work, traditional style, and photorealistic animal portraits. Piercing and screen printing services are also available. The business is owned by Louie Lopez, who has been in the industry for more than 15 years. Artwerks Studios has been operating since 2012.

  • Piercings
  • Traditional Tattoos

1000 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (68)

Why choose this provider?

Opened in 2007, Kustom Thrills is a professional tattoo shop located in east Nashville featuring an eclectic, rock & roll vibe. It specializes in custom tattoo designs including traditional, realism, watercolor, and fine line designs. All tattoo and creative services are performed in a clean and sterile environment.

  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos

1111 Lakeview Drive, Franklin, TN 37067

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (15)

Why choose this provider?

Battleground Tattoo is a studio that offers services in Nashville. With more than 40 years of combined experience, the tattoo artists provide a variety of services ranging from simple names to full sleeves, all done in an environment that is clean, safe, and sterile. The studio is owned by tattoo artist Will Bledsoe, who has more than a decade of experience in providing American traditional and Japanese designs with sacred geometry, Victorian ornament, and art nouveau influences.

  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos

4808 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (42)

Why choose this provider?

Victory Tattoo - West Nashville has been offering body art services in and around Nashville since 2014. Team lead Mia Graffam, a native of Honolulu, learned to make tattoos in 2008 and began her professional career in 2009. She obtained imagery inspiration from Mike Malone and Sailor Jerry, two of America's traditional tattoo artists. Her tattoo work involves bright colors, clean outlines, or smooth black and gray features. Mia's paintings have been displayed in multiple galleries in Hawaii and Manhattan.

  • Traditional Tattoos

660 Myatt Drive, Nashville, TN 37115

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Art Immortal Tattoo is a tattoo studio serving clients from all over Nashville. The studio is equipped with individually-enclosed booths to give its clients a sense of security, privacy, and comfort during their sessions. Its team of tattoo experts is skilled in executing different styles and designs. It also performs other body modification services, like piercings and microblading. It also helps clients after their session by giving them comprehensive aftercare instructions. Clients can visit the studio by appointment or as a walk-in.

  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos

4303 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Safe House Tattoo Studio is a Nashville-based studio established in 2012. It has seven artists with over 40 years of experience in creating body art of different styles, sizes, and colors. This includes traditional black-and-white imagery, animal-based portraits, floral designs, pop culture caricatures, and ornamental lettering. Clients can view each artist's profiles and portfolios to understand their styles and view their schedule of appointments. The studio also accommodates walk-in sessions and tattoo removal or fix-up projects.

  • Traditional Tattoos

1313 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (98)

Why choose this provider?

Black 13 Tattoo Parlor is a professional tattoo shop established in 2008 in Nashville. It specializes in custom tattoo designs including black and grey, supersaturated, realism, portrait, and nature-based designs. Cover-up, rework, and touch-up services can be accommodated. Black 13 uses Eternal Ink which is organic and vegan. It offers excellent customer service and a clean and comfortable environment for its clients. Black 13 is open from Monday to Saturday and takes in clients by appointment only.

  • Body Art

913 Gallatin Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (15)

Why choose this provider?

Electric Hand Tattoo is a Nashville-based tattoo parlor with clients from throughout the area. Established in 2011, the studio provides custom tattoos, incorporating clients' preferences and inspirations. The team of artists has experience in a broad variety of styles, including traditional Eastern and Western art, photorealism, portraiture, American Folk, and Pop art. Because Electric Hand is a collective, not a business, each artist on-site is responsible for his or her own business. If clients are interested in receiving services from a particular artist, they should reach out to that artist for pricing and scheduling information.

  • Traditional Tattoos

Compare our Top Tattoo Shops

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Lone Wolf
3445 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37076
One Drop Ink
1511 Jefferson Street, Nashville, TN 37208
Evolutionary Studios
795a West Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075
Artwerks Studios
386 Haywood Lane, Nashville, TN 37211
Kustom Thrills
1000 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Battleground Tattoo
1111 Lakeview Drive, Franklin, TN 37067
Victory Tattoo - West Nashville
4808 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209
Art Immortal Tattoo
660 Myatt Drive, Nashville, TN 37115
Safe House Tattoo Studio
4303 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
Black 13 Tattoo Parlor
1313 Dickerson Pike, Nashville, TN 37207
Electric Hand Tattoo
913 Gallatin Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206

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.

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