Best Tattoo Shops in London [2024 ] (2024)

Table of Contents

Plan 9 Ealing

London Inkaholics

Eco Tattoo London

One Day Studio

Crimson Tales Tattoo

Blank Collective

Hammersmith Tattoo London

Frith Street Tattoo

Kings Cross Tattoo Parlour

Vagabond Tattoo

Flamin’ Eight Tattoo Studio

Princelet Tattoo Studio London

Cloto.Tattoos

Skunx Tattoo

Sixty Ink

Barry Louvaine

Six Bullets Tattoo

Cloak and Dagger

Sacred Gold

Consumer Rating: A+

Our Rating: A

Plan9Ealingis a distinctive tattoo and piercing studio known for its exceptional custom work, friendly atmosphere, and professional service.

Located in Ealing, this studio aims to provide clients with not only great tattoos and piercings but also a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Open seven days a week, we find that Plan9Ealing is a convenient and reliable choice for body art enthusiasts.

The studio boasts a team of experienced and professional tattoo artists and piercers. Their expertise ensures that clients receive top-notch service and results.

Plan9Ealing prides itself on creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

We commend the staff for being approachable, helpful, and attentive, making the entire experience more enjoyable and less intimidating, especially for first-timers.

Hygiene is a top priority at Plan9Ealing. The studio maintains high cleanliness standards, ensuring a safe environment for both tattoos and piercings.

This focus on hygiene helps prevent infections and provides peace of mind for clients.

Consumer Rating:A

Our Rating: A

Eco Tattoo London is one of the favourite tattoo shops in the area.

They live by seeing tattoos as pieces of art and a means of self-expression, and we think this is why they create such beautiful tattoos.

What we like about their tattoo services is that their tattoos are eco-friendly. They lead the way when it comes to sustainable tattooing & piercing.

They’re able to reduce their ecological footprint through their vegan-friendly and eco-friendly inks.

What’s more is that their studio itself was created with the environment in mind, and uses a lot of sustainable resources to operate.

We like that their artists ensure that their clients get exactly what they want, and they remain professional and friendly throughout the process.

The tattoos they create are absolutely incredible and are, without a doubt, pieces of art themselves.

We highly recommend!

Consumer Rating: A

Our Rating:A

One Day Studio is a shop where clients who intend to upgrade or perhaps a little bit of personalization to their look through artistic tattoos may it be as small as a wrist design or an elaborate whole back look.

We like that they have an excellent team of artists who specialize in a variety of art styles and techniques to ensure that clients get the best and most personalized tattoo for their personal preferences as well.

Furthermore, they also have friendly and accommodating staff who are also knowledgeable in the field to ensure clients can get the most comfortable customer service during their stay there.

Note though that interested clients need to pay £100 to secure and confirm their booking which is non-refundable should the client fail to cancel the said session 4 days prior.

Overall, with their accredited and licensed team of professionals, comfortable and vibrant studio facilities, and versatile tattoo services, we highly recommend interested clients check them out.

Consumer Rating:B+

Our Rating:B+

One other tattoo studio that’s worth going to is Blank Collective!

Founded in 2022, it’s a high-end body modification studio located in South East London.

What we like about this place is how they showcase the talent of world renowned, award winning tattooers.

They even have pioneers in tooth jewellery, which we find really swell.

We think their studio is different from the average tattoo studio.

For one, it’s very spacious and has a comfortable feel. The place is also impeccably clean with much natural light coming in.

The place is really meant to be comfortable because they take care of you there. They have vegan pick and mix, teas and coffees available for those who come in.

Another thing that makes the place comfortable and welcoming is the fact that they have a fully wheelchair accessible bathroom.

They made sure that the space is accessible for anyone regardless of disability, gender or sexuality which we really appreciate.

The artists are amazing and take care of their clients very well. We think they’re genius artists who really know how to satisfy their clients.

We can’t doubt their talent and we highly recommend coming to this place!

Consumer Rating:B+

Our Rating:B+

Our experience with East Ink Tattoo was truly satisfying. Their tattoo services demonstrated a high level of expertise, accommodating our design preferences and ensuring a comfortable experience throughout. We appreciated the friendly and professional approach of their artists.

The efficiency of East Ink Tattoo was evident in their streamlined process. From the initial consultation to the final tattooing session, they worked promptly without compromising the quality of their work. The wait times were reasonable, and the artists maintained a focus on delivering timely and precise results.

The quality of East Ink Tattoo’s work left a lasting impression. The tattoos displayed exceptional artistry, with sharp lines and vibrant colors. The attention to detail and commitment to executing our chosen designs accurately showcased the skill and dedication of their artists. We were pleased with the overall aesthetics of the tattoos.

In terms of cost, East Ink Tattoo provided transparent pricing for their services. We found their rates to be reasonable, considering the skill and professionalism demonstrated during the tattooing process. There were no hidden fees, and the final cost aligned with the initial estimate, contributing to a positive and stress-free experience.

East Ink Tattoo’s customer service was outstanding. The artists were attentive to our preferences, offering valuable insights and guidance when needed. They maintained open communication throughout the process, ensuring that we felt informed and comfortable at every stage. The welcoming atmosphere of the shop further enhanced our overall satisfaction.

Consumer Rating:B+

Our Rating:B+

At Underground Tattoo & Piercing Co, we found a diverse range of tattoo designs and piercing options. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable about the different styles and techniques available. Our experience with scheduling appointments was straightforward and efficient.

During our visit, we were impressed by the cleanliness and professionalism of the studio. The artists used sterile equipment and followed strict hygiene protocols. Our safety and comfort were clearly a priority for the team at Underground Tattoo & Piercing Co.

The quality of the tattoos and piercings we received surpassed our expectations. The artists demonstrated exceptional skill and attention to detail, resulting in beautiful and precise designs. We were thrilled with the final results of our tattoos and piercings.

Despite the high quality of service, we found the prices at Underground Tattoo & Piercing Co to be reasonable. They offered competitive rates without compromising on the caliber of their work. Our experience was excellent value for the money spent.

Our overall impression of Underground Tattoo & Piercing Co is overwhelmingly positive. From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed and valued as customers. The combination of top-notch service, cleanliness, quality, and affordability makes this tattoo shop a standout choice.

We highly recommend Underground Tattoo & Piercing Co to anyone seeking professional tattoo and piercing services. Whether you’re a first-time customer or a seasoned tattoo enthusiast, you can trust this establishment to deliver exceptional results.

Consumer Rating: A+

Our Rating: A+

East Side Tattoo Studio is a standout tattoo shop, celebrated for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Open seven days a week, the studio is a go-to destination for both tattoos and piercings, with services available daily. What sets East Side Tattoo Studio apart is not just its friendly team, but also its commitment to inclusivity, featuring a wheelchair-accessible treatment area that ensures everyone can enjoy the experience.

The studio boasts a highly experienced team, with all current artists and the head piercer having over 12 years of experience in their respective fields. This expertise is reflected in their wide range of specializations, from realism—both in vibrant color and striking black and grey—to traditional styles, including traditional and neo-traditional Japanese, as well as neo-traditional and ornamental designs. No matter what style you’re seeking, East Side Tattoo Studio’s artists have the skills to bring your vision to life.

In addition to their tattoo services, East Side Tattoo Studio is the only shop in the area with a resident tooth gem technician, adding a unique touch to their already impressive lineup of services. Whether you’re looking for a piercing, a tattoo, or a little extra sparkle, this studio offers it all.

With a team that’s not only talented but also genuinely friendly, East Side Tattoo Studio ensures that every client feels comfortable and cared for. Their dedication to high-quality work, combined with their welcoming environment, makes East Side Tattoo Studio the top choice for anyone looking to get inked or pierced in the area.

Consumer Rating: B+

Our Rating: B

Established in 2007, Hammersmith Tattoo London has built a strong reputation as a tattoo shop in London because of their excellent track record and great customer service. They have won multiple awards in local and international tattoo conventions.

After trying their services, we weren’t disappointed. Their artists are beyond talented as seen in their portfolio.

They have a wide roster of artists who specialise in different styles. Whether you want to opt for a minimalist tattoo or something more intricate, the artists have the uncanny ability to visualise your vision and turn it into a reality, based on what we’ve seen.

They even have an artist who does permanent makeup if you want to have your lips or eyebrows done. The artists are all just passionate about what they do and it shows in their results.

If you’re not sure what exactly you want yet, they can also help you design your tattoo. They’re very creative and would help you decide on the best tattoo that will fit your preference.

They’re really easy to talk to, so the whole process is seamless. They’re very communicative, which we like.

We also noticed that the shop is clean and everything is handled in a sanitary manner. The vibe of the shop is also very relaxed and comfortable and everyone is welcoming and professional.

We’re not the only ones who think so, as a lot of the previous customers also praise how clean and organised they are.

Although they allow walk-ins, we noticed that slots fill up fast so it’s better to set up an appointment. You can do this by answering their online form where you can fill in the details on the size and design you want for your tattoo.

Consumer Rating: B

Our Rating: B

Frith Street opened in 2004 and since then, they have made their name as a tattoo shop offering high quality tattooing and top notch customer service that keeps people coming back. Located smack dab in Soho, they’re easily accessible.

We like that they have a wide roster of artists who are really skilled at what they do. They mostly specialise in coloured and very intricate designs.

They can also give you a hand in designing and figuring out what kind of tattoo you want. They have extensive experience and a lot of creativity and it really shows in the quality and visual appeal of the tattoo and the fast turnaround time.

Based on our experience, their studio is clean and the people are all friendly. It’s easy to talk to them, making it easy to communicate the design and style you want.

Even if you just have a vague idea of the inspiration, they can help you make your design, consulting you through the whole process. They’re very thorough and hands on all throughout.

During the session, they also do their best to make you feel comfortable and even monitor your pain level.

If you want something to remember your session by, they sell merchandise as well. You can check out their store here.

We noticed that the prices here are pretty affordable, which is a steal considering the quality of their work. However, they can’t give quotations over the phone or through email, you really have to go to their shop if you want to know the range you have to shell out for your tattoo.

That also goes for booking appointments. They don’t have online forms and you also can’t book an appointment through a call.

Consumer Rating: B

Our Rating: B

Established in 2009, Kings Cross Tattoo Parlour caught our eye because of their impressive portfolio and amazing customer service. They’re located in the heart of Central London, just a short walk from Kings Cross & St. Pancras station.

They’re very accessible location-wise and they’re also very responsive to inquiries, based on what we’ve seen. They even have a free consultation service if you’re still not sure what kind of style you want.

They allow walk-ins, but are subject to availability still. If you want a sure slot, you have to book an appointment, you can do so on their online form.

Do know that every booking requires a £60 non-refundable deposit. So only do so if you’re sure.

What we like about this shop is how they’ll really guide you throughout the whole tattoo process. They’re very open and professional, so it’s easy to ask questions especially if this is your first time getting a tattoo.

From what we’ve seen, some of the styles they specialise in include the following:

• Black and grey realism
• Japanese tattooing
• Colourful neo traditional style
• Contrasted fine-line tattooing

Despite their different specialisations, we find them very versatile. They can still adjust depending on the client’s preference.

Plus, the shop is clean and organised. The vibe is also very comfortable and would really put you at ease.

We also like that they also offer tattoo removal and body piercing as well.

We do wish their website is a bit more organised, however. As it makes it a bit hard to look through their services.

Consumer Rating: B+

Our Rating: B

Vagabond Tattoo was established in 2012, making them younger compared to the other shops in this list. Still, we included them because of their efficient service and established clientele.

We like that their designs are clean and original and span a wide range of styles. Whether you want something intricate, colourful, or something very simple, they can help design the tattoo for you and make it happen.

They have a large roster of artists with different specialisations. Here are some of the styles you can choose from:

• Colour Japanese
• Fine line
• Traditional
• Fine line with contemporary elements
• Graphic blackwork
• Colour traditional
• Neo-oriental floral

If you’ve got your eyes on a particular artist, make sure to check their availability so you know when to book your session. Artists can have long waiting lists, so that’s something to consider.

The place is clean and sleek and the people here are friendly. This must be why they have a lot of return customers.

Booking an appointment is pretty easy, you just have to answer their online form and wait for them to get back to you. We like that there’s no deposit required.

Do know that consultations, albeit free, are by appointment only. So walk-ins are discouraged.

We like that they have a clear process and walk through before you get tattooed and after. They’re very hands on and have good attention to detail, from what we’ve seen.

Consumer Rating: B+

Our Rating: B

Established in 1998, this tattoo shop has been serving the city for over two decades. They have a wide range of artists with different styles, specialising in traditional, Japanese, new school, and realism.

You can check out which artist’s style you like best based on their portfolios on the website. We like that all their artists are communicative and easy to talk to.

They’re so friendly and professional, which helps their clients feel at ease. Plus, the quality of the tattoo is amazing, they have such great attention to detail, based on what we’ve seen.

They’ll guide you if you’re not sure what style you want. Just let them know your vision, and they’ll help you create something original and eye-catching.

You can go there with some sample images and mood boards to give the artists a general idea of what you want.

Booking is a bit tricky, based on experience. They don’t really have an online form and also won’t be able to check availability or book you in over email.

They prefer that you go over to their shop so you can have a consultation with their artists, you can let them know what you’re after, what the size of the tattoo is, and where the tattoo is going to be.

They don’t respond to emails quickly, from what we’ve seen. It’s best to give them a call first or visit them directly.

Also know that you need to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your appointment. Should you need to reschedule, you need to do so 48 hours before your appointment.

What we like about this tattoo shop is the sheer care and attention they give their clients. You will even be given a clear printed after care instructions when you arrive for your appointment and your artist will brief you as well.

Our Rating: A+

Princelet Tattoo Studio London is a private custom tattoo studio in East London that’s been around since August 2022.

What we like about this studio is the variety of styles they offer because they have an experienced and professional team of resident as well as guest artists from around the world.

We think that you definitely won’t be disappointed with the tattoo you get from them because we’ve seen a lot of the work they’ve done so far and they’re art.

They work closely with their customers to ensure that you’re satisfied with the work they do. But we think you’ll surely be satisfied because their artists are creative, talented and skilled.

One thing about their studio though is that they only work by appointment and you would have to pay a deposit in order to book a session.

All in all, we highly recommend!

Our Rating: A+

Silvia, nicknamed Cloto, is a London-based color tattoo artist. She was born in Italy in 1992 and has had a lifelong interest in art, sketching, and painting.

After graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna with a degree in painting in 2015, she left her home country and relocated to London to follow her goal of becoming a tattoo artist.

While she is constantly experimenting, her current style is primarily focused on and inspired by pop-culture subjects such as comic books, video games, movies, musical icons, etc. This is expressed through the use of vibrant and bright colors, strong and bold outlines, and a mix of different techniques that are also influenced by graffiti and street art.

Our Rating: A+

One of the highly-rated tattoo shops in London is Skunx Tattoo.

What sold us the most about this shop is their team of skilled tattoo artists that each have their own area of expertise and style.

This way, we think that no matter what tattoo you want, there’s an excellent artist that can create the tattoo you’ve envisioned.

Whether it be portraits, old school, new school, ornamental, black and grey, full colour, tribal, contemporary, Japanese, flash tattoos and more—their team can do it.

We like that they provide vegan friendly custom tattoos that are of the highest quality. The tattoo you get is sure to be something you’ll be proud to wear in your lifetime.

Above their incredible talent is an amazing staff that provides excellent customer service while you’re there.

All in all an amazing place and we highly recommend!

Consumer Rating: A+

Our Rating: A+

Sixty Ink is a shop that provides clients with customized and diverse tattoos through a luxurious and overall artistic approach in the field since this also serves as an excellent meeting place for both musicians and artists to offer and showcase their art and compositions.

We like that they make use of the latest techniques and technologies to ensure that clients get the most painless and comfortable experience for an overall pleasant and vibrant tattoo job.

Being both a social hub and a venue where various art forms can be exhibited, interested clients can easily book a service or reservation with them conveniently on their website as well.

Note though that clients may need to undergo a thorough consultation with them for their desired tattoo to be done to ensure quality and accurate breakdown in terms of budgetary purposes.

Overall, with their extensive and diversely experienced artists employed, vibrant and socially-inclined shop hub, and convenient booking procedures, we highly recommend interested clients to check them out.

Consumer Rating: B+

Our Rating: B+

Barry Louvaine Studio is a shop that provides clients with an excellent array of both traditional and modernized tattoo services and selections that specifically meet the ambitions and preferences of the client.

We like that their facilities are well-kept, maintained, and sanitized to ensure that clients not only get comfort during their experience with them but also get access to quality products and aftercare solutions as well.

Aside from this, their tattoo artists are also well-versed in various tattoo styles and approaches to ensure that clients get holistic and customized tattoo services fit for them.

Note though that rates of their services aren’t readily available on their website to which interested clients may need to inquire further and book a consultation with them beforehand for this.

Overall, with their well-equipped studio, extensively experienced team of tattoo artists, and wide range of art styles accommodated, we highly recommend interested clients to check them out.

Consumer Rating: B+

Our Rating: B+

Six Bullets Tattoo is a tattoo shop near Camden Town that’s been around since 2008.

What we love about this place is how it’s a melting pot of some of the industry’s best talents from London and even beyond.

We’re impressed with their commitment to providing nothing less than excellent for all their clients so that anyone who goes through their doors leave with a tattoo they will cherish.

We like how they have a great roster of artists who have various styles like contemporary, abstract, neo-traditional, neo-traditional Japanese, portrait, realistic in black and grey, colour, surrealistic, hand-poked, minimalist, blackwork, and stunning blackwork floral, as well as some of the world-famous hyper-realistic black and grey crackerjacks.

No matter the tattoo you want, we think their artists can make your vision come to reality.

Their shop is only appointment-based. This may be a downside for others but their reason for this is so that their artists have the time to be as creative as possible, and we like this.

Even the place itself is great with its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. We highly recommend!

Consumer Rating: B+

Our Rating: B+

Another great tattoo shop is Cloak and Dagger.

They’ve been around since 2013 and been providing services that leave customers impressed.

We love how their artists just know exactly what people will love. Many have heard about their impeccable talent and have travelled from near and far to experience their artistry.

From the moment one steps in their shop, we’re sure that they’ll feel comfortable and relaxed because this is the exact environment they have there.

They only have highly experienced artists to place tattoos so they’re so need to worry.

Some of the tattoo styles you can get from them are: traditional, Japanese, neo-traditional, black & grey, geometric, and script.

Besides incredible tattoos by their artists, we’re impressed by how they take safety seriously and they have top of the line cleaning and safety protocols.

We haven’t come across anyone who was disappointed with the tattoo they received from Cloak and Dagger. We highly recommend!

Consumer Rating:B+

Our Rating:B+

Sacred Gold emphasizes that the process of getting a tattoo should be a unique experience.

We like how this commitment to a personalized approach ensures that customers, whether getting a small first-time tattoo or a large-scale piece, receive the same attention, care, and respect.

The studio boasts a team of resident artists and regular guest artists from around the world, showcasing expertise in a wide range of tattoo styles.

From Japanese and Traditional Japanese to Portraits, Lettering, Dotwork, Fine lines, New School, Manga, and comics, Sacred Gold offers a diverse array of styles, all executed to the highest quality.

We think that the tattoos they create are works of art. They truly know what they’re doing.

Sacred Gold offers an inspiring, friendly, and hygienic environment. The disciplined and confident team creates beautiful artwork on the skin while establishing and respecting the trust of clients.

We highly recommend!

Consumer Rating:A+

Our Rating:A+

EXP Haus Tattoo Studio, located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Hackney, Haggerston, London, is co-founded by renowned tattoo artists Sana and Kathy. The studio is recognized as one of London’s top tattoo studios, offering a haven for creativity and self-expression.

The studio is home to world-class tattoo artists, including co-founders Sana and Kathy, who are known for their artistic excellence and innovative designs. This ensures high-quality tattoos that are customized to reflect each client’s unique style and personality.

Unlike others, they have a friendly and calming environment, which helps clients feel relaxed and at ease during their tattoo sessions. The warm ambiance is designed to make the tattooing process as comfortable as possible.

Each tattoo is tailored to the client’s individual preferences and style, ensuring a unique and personal piece of art. The artists take the time to understand the client’s vision and bring it to life with precision and creativity.

Situated in the trendy Hackney area, the studio overlooks the beautiful Regent’s canal, adding to the overall experience. The location is easily accessible and adds a cool, urban vibe to the studio’s atmosphere.

Due to the studio’s popularity and the artists’ acclaim, securing an appointment can be challenging. Clients might need to book well in advance, which could be inconvenient for those looking for immediate availability.

Are tattoos in London expensive?

Based on our research, it will depend on the shop you choose, the skill set of the artist, the size and intricacy of the tattoo, among other factors. On average, it will cost around £130 to get a tattoo.

Should you tip tattoo artists in the UK?

It’s not really required to tip in the UK, and that goes for tattoo artists as well. It will really depend on your own prerogative.

Should you shave before getting a tattoo?

You can shave the area prior to getting your tattoo, however it’s not really necessary. The tattoo artist can shave the area if needed.

Can you take painkillers before a tattoo?

Avoid painkillers because they can thin your blood, making the tattoo process longer.