Best Tattoo Shops in Detroit

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.

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.

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.

Iconic Tattoo.Piercing is a Detroit studio that has been offering custom tattoo and body piercing services since 2015. The company maintains a sanitized studio environment and professional client care, which helped it become the first Association of Professional Piercers member in the metro. Its artists handle different tattoo styles, including black and gray realism. A tattoo artist since 1994, Matt Hesler purchased a dilapidated building in 2014 and conducted a major renovation that led to the opening of the Iconic studio.

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.

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.

Neurotic Ink puts focus on craftsmanship, attention to detail, diversity, and professionalism in providing its tattoo services to Detroit area communities. The Westland-based tattoo parlor seeks to ensure that time is allocated for client consultations and primarily handles custom and "flash" designs. Neurotic Ink's former customers have said that the parlor offers a clean, relaxed environment as well as a friendly and sociable atmosphere. They have also recommended the parlor for original and first-time tattoos.

Tattoos by Alex Hunter offers a variety of services to individuals residing in Detroit. The body art includes grayscale and color options that range from ornate lettering to full-fledged portraits. The company inks detailed designs that depict mythical creatures, vibrant fauna, and tribal imagery. Owner Alex Hunter got started in the tattoo industry in 2013 as an apprentice, where he developed skills in body piercing and painting. He draws inspiration from his travels and transplants the scenes he has seen into his daily work.

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.

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.