We contacted 20 Tattoo Shops in Houston, Texas and hand-picked the best for you to choose from
The Email
The following email is sent to all tattoo shops in Houston, Texas. 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!
3rd Generation Ink
Score: A+ |
Founded by the grandson of the famous and influential Bob Shaw, this place is a piece of history. Larry Shaw II has apprenticed and worked with his father and famous grandfather who have been tattooing since the 1940s in California. Like his grandfather, Larry Shaw II is sought after for his expert tattoo styles and techniques. He is most well known for his Japanese, new school, traditional styles, as well as his proficiency in covering up. Whether you are looking for a new piece or to hide an old one, you should definitely swing by this shop and see what they’re all about.
Website Address (281) 699-8628
713 Tattoo Parlour
Score: A+ |
713 has a reputation for being an amazing tattoo parlour and an even more reputable piercer. They are a member of the Association of Professional Piercers, so all of their piercers are well trained in not only their art, but the aftercare and sanitation process. They have eight different artists that all have their own style and specializations. If black and grey, new or old school, script, fine lines, traditional or any kind of piercing is what you’re looking for, chances are that one of their talented and professional artists can handle it.
Website Address (281) 800-5693
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Artistic Impressions Tattoo Studio
Score: A+ |
With two locations, Artistic Impressions has been serving the Houston area for all their tattoo and piercing needs since 2010. The founder is Spiro Kambitsis who works in bold colorful styles such as cartoon, new school, and neo-traditionalist and has an impressive 25 years of experience in the field. Not to mention that they have regular guests from all over the world come and visit as well as a team of professional piercers on their staff, in case ink isn’t your thing.
Website Address (281) 248-8595
Bayou City Body Shop
Score: A+ |
Bayou City Body Shop has three locations in the greater Houston area and have amazing customer reviews regarding quality, professionalism, friendliness, and cleanliness. Home to a number of amazing and talented artists, they specialize in a number of styles like traditional and neo-traditional, realism, portraits, bold colors, scripts, custom pieces and others. They are also home of the famous “Get what you get” tattoo. Simply turn the knob on the vending machine to receive a plastic ball with a random tattoo design in it!
Website Address (281) 336-8587
Email Response
Hi Drew, thanks so much for reaching out… Sounds like what you need is a consultation however before that, I am able to answer a few of your questions…
1. ingredients vary and msd sheets can be found on websites of several ink manufacturers, some main brands we commonly use are “eternal”, “solid”, and “Dynamic” brand inks. They are high end industry standard pigments and you will easily be able to research them on your own with an easy online search.
2. Rashes are extremely uncommon however every human is different so there is no way to determine beforehand if your skin will react. We do however tattoo MANY VARIOUS skin types and with various sensitivity levels.
3. We do not perform a patch test. Being that any reaction wouldn’t potentially take place until the application process takes place and the application being a subdermal one, it is impossible to gat any accurate data with a “patch test” when pertaining to tattoo pigment and subdermal sensitivities.
4. WE ARE DEFINITELY STATE LICENSED
5. You are more than welcome to come view our portfolios in person or on our website www.bayoucitybodyshop.com
Will you see samples of the reference style you sent us? Probably not a lot and I can explain why… The style reference you sent is more of an elemental natured design and being of that nature it is not common for us to “showcase” in a portfolio however EVERYONE CAN, and will perform that style on a level meeting and exceeding a professional level of quality and we do so regularly.
and 6. All pricing is done in person here at the studio with an artist during the consultation process.. You can use the link I provided above to book a consultation online, it does require a deposit however the deposit goes towards the price of your tattoo. Or you can come by as a walk-in and speak with an artist here at the studio. Walk-ins are first come first serve. Hopefully this helps answer some of your curiosities, I am grateful for your consideration with our studio for your tattoo, and we would love to have you as a guest whenever you are ready.
Thank you again!!
kindest regards,
Lucy
Buddha’s Temple of Body Art
Score: A+ |
Located by Bear Creek Pioneers Park, Buddha’s Temple of Body Art prides itself in their wide variety of services and styles offered. If you are looking for a tattoo, they do great work in black and grey, portraits and realism, geometric designs, as well as cover-ups for unsightly or embarrassing work. While they also have piercing, they offer high-quality work when it comes to permanent make-up and microblading.
Website Address (281) 815-7211
Figurehead Tattoos
Score: |
Figurehead Tattoo is a private tattoo shop run by the famous Nate Beavers. Nate is the go-to guy if you are looking for portraits and realistic style tattoo work. He was featured on the tv show Ink Masters and came in fourth place in the eighth season. This helped launch him to tattoo stardom, so now he is a very exclusive artist that operates by appointment only and has an extensive wait list and a hefty price per hour.
Website Address (713) 742-2828
Flying Squid
Score: A+ |
Operating as both a tattoo shop and a tattoo parlour, Flying Squid is a staple in the Houston art scene. Each tattoo artist has their own room which gives customers a glimpse into the different and individual personalities that all work and operate in this unique space. They feature work from artists, jewelers, and local musicians to help support their community and allow you to rent out their space for special events. Flying Squid is also part of a volunteer group called Houston Ghost Bikes who place white bicycles as memorials on places where there were car accidents that resulted in fatalities.
Website Address (346) 206-1468
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Imperial Tattoo Company
Score: A+ |
Another tattoo and piercing studio in Houston is Imperial Tattoo Company. Located in the Sugar Land area, this studio is family owned and operated and has artists that boast an impressive 50 years of tattoo experience combined. They take great pride in their work, so they are a bit restrictive when it comes to their policies within the studio. (No speaker phones, no Snapchat, no photos during sessions, etc.) These are in place to ensure the comfort and respect for other clients as well as allow the artists to work in an environment free of distractions to deliver the best work possible. They also offer some of the highest quality microblading and brow services in the Houston area.
Website Address (281) 302-5224
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Email Response
Hello Drew,
Good afternoon, I hope you’re doing well today! My name is Aaron. I received your email from my manager
Geoff about your tattoo idea for your leg, I’m very happy to help you with this the best I can.
All of my artwork is posted on Facebook and Instagram at Aaronbatesart. I can definitely do what you’re
looking to do with the design.
Colored outlines can be done , it just depends on the persons skin complexion, everyone heals differently.
My hourly rate is $200, shop minimum is $100 . Rough estimate could take maybe an hour at most if not
just a little bit less.
As far as a License, state law require all shops to have a current up to date Tattoo and Piercing License.
The ink we use is all animal by-products, not tested on animals and is Vegan. Made up of organic pigments,
distilled water, alcohol, witch hazel. All safe but naturally with any tattoo and the subject of skin, we are
putting a foreign substance into the layers of skin. Some people may have a possible reaction but is very
rare.
It’s always possible to have a itchy tattoo after it heals but again is very rare but can happen. The inks
used today are much safer, unlike inks say inks 20 years ago. Better products and quality supplies is all we
use!
A patch test can be done if needed.
If you could please get back with me when you can and let me know your thoughts. Thank you very much
for your time!
Noble Street Tattoo Parlour
Score: A |
Noble Street is an impressive tattoo parlour that has amazing tattoos as well as atmosphere. Located in a small house in the Old Town Spring area, they specialize in American traditional styles with bold colors and thick lines and black and grey pieces. With a friendly and receptive staff, they are more than happy to work with the clients and accommodate their tastes and preferences into their art.
Website Address (832) 400-4291
Prison Break Tattoos
Score: A+ |
This is a tattoo parlour unlike any that you have ever seen. With the decor to match the theme, Prison Break Tattoos is well worth the visit. Metal bars, prison bunks and even an electric chair serve as props in this parlour. Owned and operated by a former member of law enforcement, BK Klev has been a host and producer on A&E’s “Hero Ink,” and is also an avid supporter of first responders.
Website Address (713) 465-3387
Rampage Tattoo
Score: A+ |
Opened in 2011, Rampage Tattoo is a private studio operated by Ram Perez and Bear. These two produce bright and bold portraits and works of realism, as well as masterful cover-ups. The duo work closely with clients to ensure that they get long lasting and unique pieces of work that are of the highest quality possible. Customer satisfaction and feedback is of the utmost importance to them; just read all their raving reviews!
Website Address (281) 809-3582
Scorpion Studios
Score: A+ |
Scorpion Studios is one of the older studios in the Houston area. Having opened their doors first in 1991, they are here to stay. With their impressive combined years of experience and variety of styles, they work closely with clients to make sure they deliver the best work possible.
Website Address (713) 528-7904
Texas Body Art
Score: A+ |
Texas Body Art is a famous Houston tattoo parlour run by the renowned Johnny Jackson. Having started working with the Shaw family mentioned above, he is well known for having done Shaq’s Superman tattoo as well as a wide variety of rapstars and musicians like the members of Three Six Mafia. He also gained more fame as being the go-to artist for a number of the Houston Texans players. Texas Body Art is a must if you are seeking high quality tattoos and piercings in any style.
Website Address (281) 894-2282
Virtue Tattoo
Score: A+ |
Virtue Tattoo is a friendly and professional parlour that aims to please. With a clean studio and a friendly and professional staff, they will be able to accommodate clients no matter the style of tattoo or kind of work they are looking for. They also offer piercing services as well as a wide range of body jewelry.
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Self Care & Style Posts | Texas
Tattoo Shops
Arlington | Austin | Corpus Christi |
Dallas | El Paso | Fort Worth |
Frisco | Garland | Houston |
Irving | Laredo | Lubbock |
McKinney | Plano | San Antonio |