We contacted 36 Tattoo Shops in Costa Mesa, California and hand-picked the best for you to choose from
The Email
The following email is sent to all tattoo shops in Costa Mesa, California. The responses to this email will be shown in the “Email Response” section of each shop.
Read the Email
Hi!
I am interested in getting a single-line tattoo on my leg. Something like the cat here: https://www.xotly.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Single-Line-Tattoo.jpg
So my question is:
Do you guys specialize in these kind of tattoos?
And how much does it cost to get a tattoo like that?
Size – 3×3 inches
Is it possible to get colors in the tattoo, like in the example?
Happy to hear back from you guys,
Drew
I also have some other questions, so feel free to answer those:
1. What ingredients in the ink you’d use for the colors in the tattoo?
2. Does color ink causes an itchy rash? I have kinda sensitive skin.
3. Can you perform a patch test?
4. Are you a licensed tattoo artist?
5. In case you did some single-line tattoos, can you share some examples?
Thanks!
agape art collective
Score: A+ |
Located in Costa Mesa, “agape art collective” is a tattoo studio that has been around for over eight years. Jake Mello and Melissa Daye are both artists who like to do custom work but will also help you out with what you’re looking for.
Website Address (949) 945-9734
Bad Influence Tattoo
Score: A+ |
A tattoo parlor with a sense of humor, Bad Influence Tattoo (B.I.T.) has served its local Costa Mesa community since 2003. It is committed to providing quality tattoos for all ages that will make the wearer proud to show off their new ink!
Website Address (714) 531-2155
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Blue Collar Tattoo
Score: A+ |
Blue Collar Tattoo is the spot for those looking for a tattoo studio that offers quality work with the family feel of an old-school shop. Owner Jason Lewis has over eight years of experience in this field and specializes in reconstructive surgeries and cosmetic procedures, including piercings.
Website Address (949) 631-9200
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Cali Life Tattoo
Score: |
Cali Life Tattoo is the best place in Costa Mesa for all of your tattoo needs. They’ve got you covered, from traditional and old-school tattoos to new designs with clean lines!
Website Address (949) 548-4233
Diamond Ink OC
Score: A+ |
With a focus on quality, service, and detail, Diamond Ink O.C. has become one of the most popular tattoo shops in Costa Mesa. From traditional designs to Japanese masterpieces, they can provide clients with anything they need.
Website Address (714) 728-9781
Dr.Tattoo Studio
Score: A+ |
Hugo Mayen founded Dr. Tattoo Studio in 2003, which has since been addressing clients’ needs within Costa Mesa and nearby areas. The staff at Dr. Tattoo has mastered their craft over many years, which means you’ll be satisfied whether your style calls for traditional Japanese or bold modern American.
Website Address (714) 554-1018
Fine Tattoo Work
Score: A+ |
For those who want to get inked but don’t know where? Fine Tattoo Work is the answer! They offer custom designs of all sizes. Whether it is your first tattoo or you need another piece added on top.
Website Address (714) 997-4389
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Email Response
Hi Drew!
Thank you for your interest in getting tattooed at Fine Tattoo Work! We’d love to do your tattoo! Do you have a preference in artist? All our artists have experience with the tattoo you’d like. If you don’t have a preference, that’s okay. I can suggest an artist for you.
Where would you like the tattoo? Once I get the placement, I can get you an estimate.
Yes, we can do colors like the image you sent.
We use Eternal Inks. Here’s a link to some product information: http://www.eternalinks.co.uk/questions/
Ink would be itchy if you’re allergic to it. It would depend on how your body takes it. We can do a small tattoo on you first if you’d like. We don’t really do free patch tests because everything we use is single use, so we would have to charge you at least our minimum of $80. Plus, if you want all those colors as a test, it will be a fairly good sized tattoo.
I have sensitive skin too. So from my experience, sometimes if I’m stressed or if the weather fluctuates then my tattoos do raise and sometimes itch. But it’s never unbearable. But that’s how it is for me, it may be different for you.
With a patch test, it might not be fully accurate too. I have a tendency to have reactions in different parts of my body and no reactions in others. I’m not a doctor, so I don’t know the science to that, or if there is any. It’s just my own experience.
I’d suggest getting a small tattoo at first. Something you like and see how it goes. If you want to be super safe, then you’ll need to wait at least a year to see how your skin reacts. It might have to do with the changing seasons and allergies?
But tattoos are foreign objects
(ink) in the skin, so it’s reallly unpredictable. If you’re very concerned, then I’d talk to your dermatologist about it and see what they say. They would know your individual situation better than anyone.
All our artists are licensed.
You can see our work online at finetattoowork.com or our Instagram page @finetattoowork.
Additional Information
Here’s some additional information you may or may not already know:
After we get you an estimate, if you decide to move forward we will ask for a deposit that will go towards the price of the tattoo, so it’s nothing extra. The artist will not accept any other clients at that time. In turn, if you reschedule your appointment with less than 24 hours’ notice then the deposit will be forfeited. If you cancel or change your design idea completely, then the deposit will be forfeited as well. They usually ask for a $40 non-refundable deposit unless it is a really large tattoo, then it might be more.
Between the time that you leave the deposit and your tattoo appointment, the artist will take your images and if needed redraw it so it works as a tattoo. Skin doesn’t always mimic paper, so they will need to make sure it looks good for a long time.
At the time of the tattoo appointment, you’ll see the drawing the artist has made. If you’d like to make minor changes it can be done at that time. If major changes are needed we will reschedule the tattoo appointment for a later date so the artist will have enough time to redraw it. But if everything goes well at the consultation then the artist should have a pretty clear idea of what you want.
We do take walk-ins, but it’s on a first come, first served basis. So I can’t guarantee that an artist will be available, but (depending on the size and design) there is a chance you could get tattooed the same day you come in. The weekend appointments fill up faster than weekdays.
For more information please visit our website at finetattoowork.com/info
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask me. We hope to see you at the shop soon!
Again, if you’re unable to come in to the shop please let me know.
Thank you,
Chantal
Gold Rush Tattoo
Score: A+ |
Gold Rush Tattoo is a studio that has been serving clients since 2012. It’s one of the top-rated shops in southern California, welcoming walk-ins with open arms; Owner and tattoo artist Colin Dowling opened his business after 17+ years of tattooing experience.
Website Address (949) 646-7874
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Modo Ink Tattoo
Score: A+ |
The artists at Modo Ink Tattoo will create your dream tattoo, whether it’s a simple cross for religious reasons or an anime-themed sleeve. The team ensures cleanliness in all areas by following regulations put forth by health departments across Orange County.
Website Address (626) 899-8299
Mr. Inkwells Classy Tattoos
Score: A+ |
For those looking for tattoo inspiration, look no further than Mr. Inkwells Classy Tattoos in Los Alamitos. Established in 2018 and run by experienced artists! They provide their patrons with friendly service while also serving a clean environment.
Website Address (562) 446-3656
My Tattoo
Score: A+ |
My tattoo is located in Costa Mesa, California, and serves as an artistic haven for all types of artists. They offer traditional tattoos (Japanese) and modern methods such as U.V. sterilizer prepping tools and ultrasonic cleaner machines.
Website Address (714) 847-8484
Newport Tattoo
Score: A+ |
Newport Tattoo is a tattoo studio serving clients from Costa Mesa. With three professional artists on staff, it offers many different styles of tattoos and piercings.
Website Address (949) 515-1600
OC Tattoo Inc
Score: A+ |
O.C. Tattoo is a studio that has been serving Orange County clients for over 12 years. The shop’s artists specialize in custom tattoos of all kinds, traditional Japanese styles, as well as colors and black-and-grey work.
Website Address (714) 899-1144
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Outer Limits Tattoo – Costa Mesa
Score: A+ |
Outer Limits Tattoo has been a favorite of locals in the O.C. for years, and it’s easy to see why! The shop offers a variety of artists with different styles. Clients come from Orange County because they know that friendly staff will take great care of them.
Website Address (714) 241-8287
Players Club Tattoo
Score: A+ |
Players Club Tattoo has been a staple of the tattoo industry since its inception in 1999. In addition to providing custom designs for those seeking an alteration or traditional work, this parlor also offers cover-up options that make it easy and quick for anyone looking to permanently remove something from their skin!
Website Address (714) 968-0658
Port City Tattoo Costa Mesa
Score: A+ |
Port City Tattoo is where you can get inked from head to toe with the most talented artists around. They have been serving clients since 2014 and were voted Best of O.C. (O.C. Weekly), giving them top marks for customer safety as well!
Website Address (714) 708-2120
San Clemente Tattoo
Score: A+ |
For those looking to get inked with a custom design, San Clemente Tattoo is the place for you. Open since 2011 and specializing in black and gray tattoos and Japanese artistry, among other styles, their artists pay attention to detail, meaning that each piece they create reflects an individual style.
Website Address (949) 498-8487
Email Response
Neither one of those tattoos are single needle. But if you want it done and single needle or very fine line, anyone who works here would be very capable of doing it that way.
As far as the price goes, the hands might be around $160. And the cat might be around $180.
I don’t know the exact ingredients and colored inks. But we’ve tattooed thousands of people without any issues and some of the eggs have been used for decades without any problems.
I don’t know what a patch test is, so probably not.
Yes we all have licenses and we are all independent contractors. And we have all been tattooing from 15 years to 29 years.
One person that works here, we apprenticed for four years and he’s been tattooing six years now. You can check out all of our tattoo work on our Instagram @san_clemente_tattoo . The first page has all of our individual Instagram pages with links to everybody’s page. Hope that helps and if you have any more questions, please feel free to write me back. Thank you
Spiritual Journey Tattoo & Tribal Gallery
Score: A+ |
Spiritual Journey Tattoo & Tribal Gallery is a one-stop-shop for all your tattoo needs. The artists at this studio take pride in their work and strive to provide the best possible customer experience, emphasizing creativity, quality control, and cleanliness/hygiene standards.
Website Address (714) 236-0583
Still Life Tattoo
Score: A+ |
The artists at Still Life Tattoo always keep their clients’ unique needs in mind while working on them. They offer pre-designed tattoos and custom designs and will work with you to ensure that the tattoo is done just right for any occasion!
Website Address (562) 296-8066
The Pretty Sister
Score: A+ |
This tattoo and microblading studio provides services to Costa Mesa locals. Pretty Sister features both traditional tattoo styles as well as more modern options.
Website Address (949) 287-6550
Tim Hendricks
Score: |
Almost anyone can be a tattoo artist, but not all are skilled enough to create designs that will last for decades. Professional and experienced tattoo artist Tim Hendricks confidently offers his expertise in both classic and modern styles.
Website Address (714) 870-0805
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True at Heart Tattoo HB
Score: A+ |
True at Heart Tattoo is a Costa Mesa studio specializing in custom tattoos and professional tattoo cover-ups. The diverse group of artists can provide you with any type or size design, from traditional pieces such as flowers to more modern styles like abstract art.
Website Address (714) 374-6966