Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Tattoo Shops in Charlotte

Our Recommended Top 12

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

153

Reviewed

96

Curated

12

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
Charlotte, NC 28202
  • Watercolor Tattoos
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Portraits

Why choose this provider?

Canvas Tattoo & Art Gallery is a Charlotte-based shop that specializes in custom tattoos and cover-ups. Canvas opened in 2015 with a focus on providing professional art services in a customer service-oriented environment. The shop features experienced artists that specialize in a range of tattoo styles. Previous clients appreciate the personal attention they received from the artists and compliment the atmosphere of the shop. Canvas' artists are licensed by the state of North Carolina and are blood borne pathogens certified.

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 (33)

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
10823 John Price Road, Charlotte, NC 28273
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Tattoo Bill's, Inc., opened its studio doors to the people of Charlotte and nearby areas in October 1999. Founded by William Thigpen, the studio aims to deliver tattoo services to clients in a clean and modern facility. The tattoo artists and other experts employed at Tattoo Bill's are recruited based on their direct compatibility with the shop's brand. The shop also offers body piercings and jewelry, laser tattoo removal, and cosmetic tattooing.

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 (158)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (68)

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
Concord, NC 28025
  • Body Art
  • Piercings
  • Jewelry
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Elysium Ink is a tattoo and body piercing studio in Concord. The studio provides services in tattooing, body piercing, permanent makeup, and Swarovski crystal tooth art. The team at Elysium Ink is customer service focused and strives to provide professional service with a friendly attitude. Previous clients give compliments to the talent of the artists and friendliness of the staff.

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 (4)

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
Charlotte, NC 28105
  • Watercolor Tattoos
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Portraits

Why choose this provider?

Nikki's Tattoo Studio is a Charlotte-based studio that has been in business since 1995. The studio is female owned and operated and provides professional service in a comfortable environment. Owner Nikki Thompson has experience in decorative and custom tattoos of all sizes and specializes in wildlife subjects and black and gray style. Nikki is trained in scar cover, hair fill, permanent makeup, and micro-needling to remove stretch marks, fine lines, and brown spots.

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 (17)

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
3750 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Established in 1995, Immortal Images Custom Tattoo Studio is a business in Charlotte that strives to serve clients in a safe and comfortable environment with professionalism, reliability, and consistency. Its owner and tattoo artist, Steve Huntsberry, receives a tattoo artist permit annually from Mecklenburg County Health Department. Huntsberry and his team use brand new, individually sealed, and sterilized needles in every tattoo session. Its autoclave equipment is tested every month to ensure proper functioning.

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
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (91)

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
11100 Monroe Road, Matthews, NC 28105
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Sink Or Swim Tattoo is a tattoo shop with locations in Charlotte and Myrtle Beach. Its resident artist, Elijah, has amassed eight years of tattooing experience, which he further enhanced by participating in tattoo convention circuits. He specializes in geometric, neotraditional black and gray, and custom color designs. Elijah handles a variety of artwork, ranging from delicate line art to large and intricate pieces. Sink Or Swim Tattoo also offers cover-up tattoo work for clients who wish to hide previous designs.

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
13209 Carowinds Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28273
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Wild Oats Tattoo has been in the same Charlotte location for 9 years and has designed numerous tattoo arts for its patrons. Its team of four professional artists opens provides a classic and clean tattooing experience. Their specialties include neo-traditional, traditional American, custom letterings, and illustrative pieces. Wild Oats Tattoo's owner, Dave Jesse, has earned numerous recognitions for his artworks. He and his co-artists strive to create unique designs for each client.

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.
3.8
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (17)

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
1440 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28203
  • Piercings

Why choose this provider?

Tattoo Me Charlotte is a studio that designs custom tattoos for clients in the metro. It offers different styles of tattooing, including intricate geometric, mandalas, ornamental, surrealism, and watercolor designs. Its team of tattooists focuses on creating a welcoming environment for customers, especially during sessions. Artist Stacy Smith is the owner of Tattoo Me Charlotte, which also offers piercing and jewelry upgrade services. Stacy aims to expand her portfolio with larger project tattoos. She has previously competed for the Ink Master Season 11.

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
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (19)

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
927 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Body Art
  • Neotraditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Seventh Sin Tattoo Company is a group of award-winning tattoo artists serving the Charlotte area. Owner Chris Toler specializes in realism and watercolor but is also open to other forms of art. Throughout his career, he has won Best Artist, Best of Show, and other awards. Artist Tivis Phillips has been tattooing for more than 15 years and has developed an expertise in doing coverups and reworks. The group also specializes in black and white, pointillism, and mandala.

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 (11)

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
2814 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
  • Body Art
  • Piercings
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Black Cloud Tattoo & Piercing serves residents from Charlotte and nearby areas. Its tattoo artists, who have a combined experience of 40 years, provide tattoo, piercing, body jewelry, and permanent makeup services in the metro. They specialize in various tattoo features and styles such as black and gray, color, realism, and portraits. They also provide piercing services to clients in their medical-grade piercing rooms. They offer a more personal and less commercial ambiance in Charlotte.

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 (69)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (50)

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
3811 Monroe Road, Charlotte, NC 28205
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Blood Sweat & Tears Tattoo is a tattoo shop that has been operating in Charlotte since 2008. The shop has a team of artists with a century of combined knowledge and experience with the craft. They specialize in custom pieces and handle cover-up tattoos. Clients can book an in-person consultation. Additionally, the shop accommodates walk-ins and is open seven days a week. It is owned by Dave Scearce, who is a self-taught tattoo artist and recipient of Creative Loafing's Best Local Tattoo Artist award.

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 (34)

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
3501 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28217
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Piercings

Why choose this provider?

Established in 2001, Hollywood Ink is a tattoo shop located in Charlotte. It performs tattoo services intending to provide quality output in a safe environment for every client. Its artists and other staff are trained to utilize sanitary techniques to maintain a sterile atmosphere in the shop. Clients may book personal appointments with a Hollywood Ink tattoo artist if requested, but walk-ins are also accommodated. Hollywood Ink also offers 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.
3.5
Yelp
3.5 / 5 (14)

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.