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Best Tattoo Shops in Detroit

2023

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Website
Sterling Heights, MI 48312
  • Piercings
  • Jewelry
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Vicious Ink Tattoos & Piercings provides tattoo services and body piercings from studios in Sterling Heights and Rochester Hills. Both locations are open seven days a week. The company twice was named to the WDIV-TV “4 The Best” list of top tattoo parlors in the Detroit area. It sells top-of-the-line aftercare products for both tattoos and piercings, and the artist will provide detailed aftercare instructions. Vicious Ink Tattoos & Piercings also sells a full line of clothing, jewelry, and art. Join the company’s Loyal Family Point Program to receive discounts on tattoos and 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.
4.7
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (373)
Google
4.5 / 5 (211)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (21)

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
Plymouth, MI 48170
  • Watercolor Tattoos
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Portraits

Why choose this provider?

Jay Wheeler is a tattoo artist who works out of North Main Tattoo Studio & Art Gallery, the Plymouth company that he co-owns and operates. Mr. Wheeler began working in the Detroit area in 1992 before traveling worldwide to learn alongside some of the best tattoo artists in the industry. His tattooing and artwork have been featured in several tattoo magazines. He specializes in realism and does not work on cover-up tattoos or finish pre-existing tattoos started by another artist. Mr. Wheeler charges $200 per hour with a two-hour minimum.

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.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (7)

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
19845 West McNichols Road, Detroit, MI 48219
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Detroit Inkspot is a Detroit-based studio that provides tattoo and piercing services with an onsite art gallery. The studio has four artists who work in a variety of mediums and styles including tribal, black and white, scripts, airbrushing, and custom portraits. Cover-ups and repairs also accepted. The shop offers piercings in various areas such as ears, nose, lips, and gums. Previous clients have commended the studio for being innovative and providing a comfortable and clean environment.

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 (7)

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
105 East 2nd Street, Rochester, MI 48307
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Larry Farley is a tattoo artist and the owner of Collective Studios Ink, who enjoys doing custom work in the form of tattoos or murals in the Detroit metro. He uses several different techniques and art styles in his work and is also exceptional in doing black and greyscale tattoos. The studio embodies Larry Farley's passion for art as it serves its clients with the highest standards—for aesthetics and style, and even for health and safety. He values the community and artistic work around him and has worked with some of the industry's leading artists.

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
27255 Joy Road, Redford Charter Township, MI 48239
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Blackwater Studios is a privately owned tattoo facility in Dearborn Heights that serves clients in Detroit. Working in the industry for more than a decade, its artists have extensive experience in performing tattoo procedures. The studio's certified specialist, Tara, offers eyebrow microblading and permanent and semi-permanent makeup sessions. Booking appointments is available through phone calls or texts, for customers to schedule or plan ahead their sessions. One of the clients said that his artist, Mark, has a great eye for detail.

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
Google
4.6 / 5 (51)
Yelp
3.7 / 5 (3)

Website
23531 Little Mack Avenue, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Wonderland Tattoo Studio has been offering custom body artwork in the Detroit area for more than 30 years. The shop’s resident artists can take on a wide range of styles, including black and grey realism, colorwork, and portraiture. To ensure the health and safety of clients, Wonderland Tattoo Studio’s professional staff receives training in blood-borne pathogens, infection control, first-aid, and CPR. They also receive annual medical check-ups and the studio is placed under third-party spore testing regularly.

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
Google
4.6 / 5 (103)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (54)
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (12)

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
27590 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI 48150
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Piercings

Why choose this provider?

Eternal Tattoos Livonia offers a wide range of body art services to the residents of Detroit. It is the home to eight tattoo artists who specialize in a variety of tattoo styles, such as traditional Americana, black and gray imagery, line work, and geometric. The shop also has a cosmetic tattooist who takes care of permanent makeup procedures. In addition to tattoos, Eternal Tattoos Livonia also provides body piercing 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.
4.7
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (1379)

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
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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.