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2024

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Best Tattoo Shops in Albuquerque

Our Recommended Top 5

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

112

Reviewed

69

Curated

5

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

Website
1916 Central Avenue Southeast, Albuquerque, NM 87106
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Ascension Body - Mod Tattoo & Piercing in Albuquerque is composed of a team of tattoo artists with more than six decades of collective experience. They deliver a range of services and tattoo styles and adhere to updated sterilization methods and procedures. Their selection of body jewelry for clients availing their piercing services is from Neometal, Anatometal, Intrinsic, Little Seven, and Diablo Organics. Licensed by the state, they can also perform first-aid procedures, including CPR.

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 (45)
Yelp
4.5 / 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
4519 Central Avenue Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87108
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Custom Tattoo Company is a tattoo parlor that has been providing tattoo services across the Albuquerque area for over 24 years. It is owned and operated by tattoo artist Manuel Vega, who aims to translate his passion into providing quality service for people who love themselves and respect their bodies. From consultation to finishing a tattoo, the parlor strives to provide a professional and clean inking experience for its clients, specializing in portraiture, black and grey, and photorealistic tattoos.

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
4.9 / 5 (43)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (38)

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 Candelaria Road Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87112
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

71 Tattoo is a custom tattoo studio in Albuquerque. Versed in various tattoo styles, its roster of artists specializes in and encourages custom work. 71 Tattoo is committed to providing a sterile environment by using single-use equipment and testing the autoclave monthly. It has an in-store boutique that carries apparel, buttons, stickers, and artwork. Marty Williams, who opened it in 2006, works with four professional tattoo artists. He also brings over 17 years of experience tattooing a wide range of clients.

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

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
10200 Corrales Road, Albuquerque, NM 87114
  • Watercolor Tattoos
  • Body Art
  • Neotraditional Tattoos
  • Piercings
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Star Tattoo is a team of five artists based in Albuquerque. They tattoo custom works in a variety of designs and colors, from flowers and animals to television show characters. In addition to colorful and intricate designs, the professionals can also tattoo line art in black and white. Furthermore, the artists perform tattoo cover-ups for clients who wish to conceal old tattoos. Star Tattoo has been in service for 20 years.

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 (29)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (15)

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
3225 Central Avenue Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87106
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

All is One is an Albuquerque-based tattoo shop that provides clients with a variety of styles. The team of four artists specializes in Japanese traditional, portrait and realistic, traditional American, and fine line black and grey styles. In addition, they are also capable of performing cover-ups and reworks along with all types of lettering and scripts. All is One also offers a wide selection of in-house prints and clothing that feature the artwork of the artists and their friends.

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 (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

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.

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