Expertise.com
2024

Last updated:

Best Tattoo Shops in Austin

Our Recommended Top 15

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

170

Reviewed

108

Curated

15

Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider
Charles Huurman TX logo
FEATUREDExpertise.com

Charles Huurman TX

Website
107 E 5th St. Suite 107, Austin, TX 78701
  • Watercolor Tattoos
  • Realism
  • Portraits
  • Animal
  • Celebrities
  • Black and Grey
  • Color
  • Surrealism

Why choose this provider?

Charles Huurman TX serves individuals in Austin and nearby locations. The artist provides hyper-realism and surrealism tattoo services that promote self-expression. Huurman creates animal, portrait, and black and grey shading tattoos. He has been in the industry for more than a decade and has worked with various NBA players, DJs, singers, and celebrities. He draws full-sleeve hyper-realistic 3D tattoos with abstract designs. The professional has received more than 50 internationally renowned prizes and awards for excellence in his field of work.

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

Price: Estimate your project here: https://www.charleshuurmantx.com/contact

Promotions

Estimate your project here: https://www.charleshuurmantx.com/contact

Austin, TX

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Tattoo Shop in Austin? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

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

Price: Free booking service | Call 848.Book.Pro!

Website
5608 Avenue F, Austin, TX 78751
  • Body Art
  • Portraits

Why choose this provider?

Cory James has immersed himself in the tattoo art industry in the Austin area since 2013, with clients being served with original, black & grey tattoos based on their artistic vision. His Lost Edge studio offers its clients a controlled, comfortable space for them to relax during their sessions. Its artist portfolio possesses a variety of styles, mainly focused on surrealism, portraiture, and photorealism. Recurring symbols and objects that are drawn include animals, faces, skulls, flowers, and statues.

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 (8)

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.
2.3
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
––

Website
Austin, TX 78757
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

The owner of Moon Tattoo, Tina Poe, has a background in fine art in mediums including oils on board, watercolor, colored pencil, graphite, and charcoal. The Austin tattoo shop provides free consultations and touch ups. The business' owner displays local art on the walls, many of which are available for purchase. Founded in 2016, the shop aims to create a clean and bright atmosphere for its customers.

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 (36)
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (14)

Website
Austin, TX 78723
  • Watercolor Tattoos
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

The founder of Alli Baker Tattoos has been tattooing since 2004. The Austin tattoo artist has experience in a variety of art styles, and also sells handmade jewelry. Alli Baker's work has been featured in Tattoo Magazine, Freshly Inked Magazine, Louisville Tattoo Arts Convention, Baltimore Tattoo Arts Convention, and Below the Belt Show.

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 (5)

Website
5241 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, TX 78751
  • Body Art
  • Piercings

Why choose this provider?

Austin Tattoo Company is a tattoo and piercing shop based in Austin. The street-style shop has been in the business since 2009, and it is located in the heart of central Texas. It has four experienced tattoo artists, specializing in traditional American tattooing, and two piercing artists. Additionally, the shop offers tattoo specials every Tuesday, and clients can get up to four piercings in one appointment. For its piercing services, it only serves clients who are 18 years and older.

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.
4.1
Google
4.0 / 5 (158)
Facebook
4.0 / 5 (140)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (59)

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
6203 North Capital of Texas Highway, Austin, TX 78731
  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Art Realm Tattoo provides a variety of tattoo styles to clients in Austin. With more than 50 years of combined experience in the industry, the studio's award-winning artists work with clients on creating customized tattoos that can be based on reference designs, existing materials, or new ideas. These artists ensure clients are safe during the process, following sterile practices cautiously and working to create a safe and hygienic environment. Art Realm Tattoo also educates clients on aftercare while its website also has general guidelines available.

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
5.0 / 5 (21)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (13)

Website
8303 Burnet Road, Austin, TX 78757
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

All Saints Tattoo is a shop that has been offering its services in Austin since 2012. Its artists specialize in various tattoo styles, including graphic, black and grey, and realistic designs. Only disposable single-use tattoo needles and tubes are used at the shop and biological spore testing of sterilization equipment is conducted monthly in compliance with regulatory safety protocols. The shop is open all days of the week and accepts walk-ins.

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
5.0 / 5 (57)
Yelp
4.5 / 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.
4.5
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
2006 South 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Found by Mike Terrell, Gully Cat Tattoo has been serving the people of Austin since 2003. The company has two full-time artists, Mike Terrell, the founder himself, who has had more than a decade of experience in the industry and is now also building his own tattoo machines, and Skyler Payne who has over 10 years of experience in custom tattooing. Aside from the said services, the company also sells merchandise and tattoo machines. The shop has been recently remodeled to make first-time tattoo customers feel comfortable.

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 (45)
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (27)

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
12233 Ranch Road 620, Austin, TX 78750
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Portraits

Why choose this provider?

Pigment Tattoo & Laser Removal offers complete body art services to the people of Austin. In business since 2009, the tattoo parlor built a reputation for exploring new and innovative styles of tattooing. Its team is composed of talented and award-winning tattoo artists, including Jeremy Miller, who popularized the Texas New School design and was cast in the first season of Spike TV’s series “Ink Master.” Pigment Tattoo & Laser Removal also helps clients with tattoo removal, using the Zarin laser system.

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 (64)
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (2)

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
1223 Rosewood Avenue, Austin, TX 78702
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Black Dagger Tattoo is an Austin-based shop comprised of employees with more than 30 years of combined artist experience. The tattoo shop features a wide variety of styles from traditional American, black and gray realism, to Japanese and tribal tattoos. Offering well-rounded tattoos and a welcoming atmosphere for clients, Black Dagger Tattoo maintains a modern and sterile environment to ensure safety among its customers while also striving to provide a positive experience at all times.

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 (25)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

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
2800 IH35 South, Austin, TX 78704
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Atomic Tattoo is a family-owned tattoo studio founded in 1992. From its first location in Burnet Road, the shop has expanded and now operates multiple locations in Austin. The team has cataloged more than 1,000 ready-made designs but customizes tattoo arts as well. Atomic Tattoo also offers body piercings to its patrons. Larry Edwards, its owner, has been designing tattoos since 1976 and has been featured in a national tattoo magazine.

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.
4.3
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (50)
Facebook
4.7 / 5 (43)

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
1313 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Southside Tattoo creates different tattoo styles for clients in and around Austin. Its artists can reproduce various art styles, such as old school, modern, classic painting, and even realism. The shop is owned by Chris Gunn and Bart Willis. Bart has nearly 30 years of experience in the field, and he specializes in black tattoos. Chris specializes in bright and custom tattoos, and his work has appeared in various magazines, such as Skin Deep Magazine UK and Tetovani Tattoo Magazine.

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 (176)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (78)

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
11815 North FM #5, Austin, TX 78750
  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Little Pricks Tattoo is a locally owned business operating in Austin. It produces custom tattoo work using different techniques and modifications to conceptualize the ideas of its clients. Its also artists use disposable materials in their work to provide a safe and clean service. It has also been featured in different publications. such as Community Impact and Skin Deep Magazine. Additionally, the studio participates in local fundraisers, like Bikers Against Child Abuse. Services are available seven days a week except on major holidays.

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
Facebook
4.6 / 5 (158)
Yelp
4.0 / 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
9112 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, TX 78729
  • Piercings
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Shaman Modifications is a tattoo business that services clients in Austin and Dallas. Its tattoo artists offer custom as well as original tattoo designs that feature line-based art, neo-traditional styles, and realism. With over 25 years of combined experience, they commit to improving their techniques to provide clients personalized and unique tattoo designs. In addition, Shaman Modifications offers body piercing and aftercare services. It uses different types of jewelry such as curved barbells, labret studs, and rings.

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

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.