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Best Tattoo Shops in Boston

2024

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Providers

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Website
Boston, MA 02113
  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Naming themselves the first and only tattoo shop in Boston in 50 years, Boston Barber & Tattoo Co. is located in downtown Boston and specializes in custom tattoo art, an espresso bar, and barber services since 2007. Besides that tattoo shop, they focus on branding themselves as “not your father’s barbershop,” the company provides haircut and shaving services that include beard trims, hot shaves, straight edge lineup, neck clean up, buzz cut, and haircuts.

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
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (228)
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (198)

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
386 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02134
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Stingray Body Art is a team of professional tattoo artists that serves the Boston area. The artists specialize in a variety of styles, from illustrative, neo-traditional, and realism to art nouveau. They tattoo small designs which can be booked by clients over the phone, and they can also work on larger pieces that may need to be booked in person. Stingray Body Art holds tattoo sessions by appointment. It also offers laser tattoo removal services.

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.
4.2
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (367)
Google
4.4 / 5 (355)
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (121)

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
1132 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
  • Watercolor Tattoos
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos
  • Geometric Tattoos
  • Portraits

Why choose this provider?

Pino Bros Ink is a business that serves the Boston area specializing in tattoo services. This custom tattoo art studio offers single-sitting tattoos that vary based on detail, color, size, and difficulty. Clients are welcome to bring their own sketches, drawings, or references as these will help artists have a better and clearer idea of what the clients want. The shop is open for consultations and appointments on weekdays and weekends from noon to 8 PM.

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
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (166)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (99)

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
374 Centre Street, Boston, MA 02130
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Fat Ram's is the first licensed tattoo shop in Massachusetts, operating since 2000. We are a custom shop, with artists specializing in American Traditional, Japanese, Fine Line, Portraiture, and Realism, among other styles and designs in handling their clients' requests. Committed to utilizing single-use needles and steam autoclave sterilization for its equipment, the studio offers a sterile and safe tattooing environment to its clientele. The studio also comprises experienced artists trained in CPR and other first-aid procedures to cater to possible emergencies while conducting the procedures.

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
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (522)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (204)
Google
4.6 / 5 (175)

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
1680 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
  • Watercolor Tattoos
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos
  • Geometric Tattoos
  • Portraits

Why choose this provider?

Hourglass Tattoo is a Cambridge-based studio that serves clients in and around Boston. The studio is comprised of experienced tattoo artists, all of whom are licensed by the Cambridge Board of Health Department. Each artist is also CPR/AED and Bloodbourne Pathogen Certified, providing tattoo services in compliance with the highest hygiene standards. Carrying various tattoo styles and designs on its portfolio, the team offers clients a versatile and safe tattoo experience.

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 (57)
Google
4.5 / 5 (37)

Website
1018 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
  • Portraits
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Good Faith Tattoo is a piercing and tattoo shop that has been servicing the Boston metro area since 2007. Its clients can choose from a variety of tattoo styles and ideas that the artists designed themselves. Chris Barnett and Nicholas Mcevoy are the shop's resident artists who perform large tattoos with colorful designs and intricate details. Their portfolio of artworks usually involves skulls, flowers, kinetic, and realism. The shop also sells its own designed shirts, flash sheets, and pins.

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
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (110)
Google
4.6 / 5 (68)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (16)

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
689 Broadway Rt. 99, Malden, MA 02148
  • Body Art
  • Portraits

Why choose this provider?

Located in Malden, Visible Ink Tattoo serves clients in the Boston area. It specializes in a wide sphere of tattooing areas, from black and white to full-colored traditional. This includes a variety of styles such as scripts, floral, geometric, Japanese, and Americana. The studio has been in business for more than eight years and has four resident artists. It is open from Monday through Saturday from 12 NN to 10 PM and on Sundays from 12 NN to 6 PM.

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
Facebook
4.5 / 5 (161)
Google
4.8 / 5 (120)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (44)

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
137 Boston Street, Salem, MA 01970
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Co-owned by twin brothers Ryan and Matthew Murray, The Black Veil Studio is a tattoo and art studio founded in 2012 based in Salem that also services surrounding areas like Boston. The studio specializes in custom tattoos that are black and grey in color, gothic and grim in style. Ryan specializes in Victorian pieces, while Matthew specializes in realistic horror portraits and macabre scenes. The Murray brothers have been featured on multiple platforms such as the Boston Voyager, Northshore Magazine, Vice, and Vogue.

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
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (242)
Google
4.9 / 5 (112)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (14)

Website
36 John F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos
  • Piercings

Why choose this provider?

Chameleon Tattoo & Body Piercing is a body piercing and tattoo shop that serves the Boston area. The parlor was founded in 1995 and its tattoo artists have a combined experience of more than 40 years. It is known for its old school, realistic black and grey, traditional Japanese, and classic American art styles. It also has experience in custom lettering, botanical, and neo-traditional tattoos. The shop also offers piercing services from basic earlobe to intricate cosmetic piercings.

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 (454)
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (76)

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
186 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Witch City Ink provides custom designs to tattoo aficionados in Boston and the surrounding areas. The tattoo shop was founded in 2008 and its artists have decades of combined tattooing experience. In addition to custom tattoos, the team can also bring faded tattoos back to life by doing cover-ups and touch-ups. From simple designs to large custom art, the artists at Witch City Ink treat their clients' skin like a unique canvas.

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 (52)

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
2090 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
  • Body Art
  • Piercings

Why choose this provider?

Redemption Tattoo Inc. offers tattoo and piercing services to clients in Boston and surrounding areas. The shop was opened by tattooists, Mike Shea and Erick Lynch, in 2002, and it has been featured on Chronicle, a local newsmagazine television program. The shop has seven experienced tattoo artists, who specialize in different tattoo styles, and clients can set up an appointment with any of them. Additionally, clients can purchase gift certificates from the shop for their loved ones.

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.
4.4
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (147)
Google
4.0 / 5 (123)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (39)

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
1139 Main Street, Concord, MA 01742
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

The Gallery Tattoo Studio is a custom body art studio and gallery that extends its services to the Boston area. The tattoo artists—who have owned and operated the studio since 2012—and the support staff are friendly, creating a relaxed atmosphere and maintaining a comforting presence for clients getting inked. Clients are encouraged to set appointments since the availability of the artists varies independently. Sketches and references can be brought to consultations with the tattooists, to better establish concept and style toward crafting unique work.

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
4.9 / 5 (51)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (22)

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
2094 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02140
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Deirdre Doyle is a tattoo artist with over ten years of experience in the business, serving clients in and around Boston since 2001. A graduate of the Parsons School of Design, she has worked in multiple tattoo studios like Redemption Tattoo, Chameleon Tattoo, and Pino Bros Ink. She can do floral patterns, full-color animal portraits, black-and-gray surreal designs, and customized logos. Clients of Deirdre have praised her professional conduct, artistic insight, amiability, and dedication to perfecting her craft.

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

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.