We contacted 8 Tattoo Shops in Charleston, South Carolina and hand-picked the best for you to choose from
The Email
The following email is sent to all tattoo shops in Charleston, South Carolina. 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://img1.rapidleaks.com/2019/05/best-single-line-tattoos-1280×720.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!
Blu Gorilla Tattoo
| Score: B+ |
The team at Blu Gorilla is passionate about giving each customer the ink that suits them best. Whether you’re looking to get your first tattoo or just want something special for yourself, they can help! They are proud of their stellar record as one of South Carolina’s top-rated shops by having friendly staff and talented artists who take pride in making sure everything runs smoothly in their sanitary environment. They are a shop where customers feel welcomed every time they walk through the doors.
Website Address (843) 805-8071
Broken Lantern Tattoo
| Score: A |
Broken Lantern Tattoo’s high-quality work at a fair price has made them the go-to shop for anyone who wants some ink around town. Their welcoming environment and a team of talented tattooers will help you bring your idea to reality—they can do a wide variety of tattoo styles including Japanese, realism, black & grey, floral, bio-mechanical, American traditional, and illustrative/blackwork. Their shop and staff are there to make you feel welcome, whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth. They’ll do their best work in creating an awesome experience for you from start to finish, which will leave you very satisfied with your ink! Swing by, say hi, and see the difference for yourself.
Website Address (843) 637-4999
Holy City Tattooing Collective
| Score: B+ |
The artists at HCTC are in a league of their own—a talented group who can create work for any taste and budget. Earth-tone walls covered with art add to this inviting shop’s warm, welcoming feel while artists ink their customers. Should you need someone for a custom-made painting, drawing, and tattoo, don’t hesitate to approach one of their artists! This place has something different, so check them out today!
Website Address (843) 202-0950
Iron Lotus Studios
| Score: A |
Iron Lotus Studios is a studio that has managed to be both modern and classy. Its cozy, inviting atmosphere will make you want more than one session in this beautiful space! They offer clients the opportunity of an unforgettable experience with talented artists who are committed—not only to their craft but also to providing high-quality tattoos for each individual’s needs.
Website Address (843) 225-1304
Email Response
Hi Drew,
We do have a couple of artists who could do something like that for you. At our studio, I’d recommend working with Austin. We also have a sister studio, Upper Hand Tattoo. One of the artists over there, Megan, does a
lot of watercolor tattoos and may be best fit for you. I would recommend looking over the artists’ portfolios on our website and also check out Upper Hand’s website to see whose art style best aligns with what you’re
looking for.
Our shops have a $100 minimum, so pricing would be up from there. We do not price things online so you would have to schedule an in person consultation with an artist to get a ballpark quote.
You can schedule a consultation with one of our artists by giving us a call and if you’re interested in an artist.
You can also ask the artist about doing a patch test for you during the consultation.
All of our artists at Iron Lotus & Upper Hand are licensed and have all been tattooing for years
professionally.
The inks we use are vegan products made with organic
pigments.
Skin rashes from inks are rare, but can happen depending on how your skin accepts the inks. The color that has the most common irritability is red, so if you’re concerned about an allergic reaction I’d recommend staying away from reds.
That is also something you can discuss with your artist prior to booking your tattoo appointment.
Let me know if you have any other questions and I’d be happy to answer them for you!
Thanks,
Aurora
Upper Hand Tattoo Studio
| Score: A |
Upper Hand Tattoo Studio is a tattoo shop that opened its doors in early 2016 with the goal of providing clients with quality and an unforgettable experience. Upper Hand pays homage to tattooing history by offering more traditional tattoos—which are popular today as well! With talented artists across many different styles (from realistic drawing to abstract pieces) there really isn’t anything these guys can’t achieve for you!
Website Address (843) 225-8602
Email Response
Hi Drew,
Thanks for your interest in booking with us. We recommend viewing our artist portfolios online to determine if their art style matches your ideal outcome. In this instance, we would recommend Megan Echevarria for her fine line and water color work. Our shop minimum is $100 but final sizing is provided by your artist based on final sizing to fit your body, and the level of detail you and your artist agree on.
In the state of South Carolina, tattoo artists are not required to have a separate license specifically for tattooing, but all of our artists have completed the required training and safety certifications. Our business is also up to date on all required licenses and inspections.
Most tattoo inks are made of glycerin, water, and pigment. Reactions to any tattoo ink are rare but when they do happen, it is typically with red ink. Red ink is usually colored with either iron oxide or other organic material that can cause reactions to people who are allergic to metals or shellfish/iodine. Otherwise, no, if colored pigment consistently caused reactions we would not be able to tattoo people with them.
If you are very skeptical, we can do a patch test.
You can view our works on Instagram or on our website.
Thank you!
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