No place is more synonymous with tattoos than Southern California, making Los Angeles a prime city to get inked. From some of the oldest shops in the country to boutique studios, the city has the right studio for any tattoo need. Read on for the very best.
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Website/ 2518 W. Sunset Blvd 94022
Open in 1999, American Electric Tattoo features four other artists alongside owner Craig Jackman. Its old school American tattoos are classic and clean. The shop is known for its professionalism, cleanliness and friendliness, perfect for anyone looking for this specific style.
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Website/ 3227 Glendale Blvd 90039
Broken Art Tattoo is a world famous shop featuring five artists all specializing in traditional, old school tattoos in both black and white and color. The owner, Swan, was featured on two seasons of TLC’s America’s Worst Tattoos, helping to cover-up and rework old tattoos. Broken Art Tattoo is also known for its cleanliness and professionalism.
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Website/ 830 Lincoln Boulevard, 90291
One of the oldest woman-founded tattoo shops in the U.S. and opened in 1995, Ink Ink Tattoo is a small shop featuring two artists. One of which is the owner, Karina Mayorga. Karina’s portfolio consists of classic tattoos, as well as many detailed portraits. The shop is known for its quality work and friendly energy.
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Website/ Koreatown
Jelly Los Angeles offers so many unique varied styles across its featured artists. From hand-poked fine lines to three-dimensional work and realistic, colorful pieces, you are sure to find an artist whose work you’ll love at this adorable tattoo shop.
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Website/ 2144 Colorado Blvd 90041
This Eagle Rock establishment is inviting the moment you step foot inside the simply decorated space. Living up to its promise to make all clients feel seen and heard, Homecoming is headquarters for a varying number of artists who specialize in different styles. No matter the piece, you’re guaranteed thoughtful intention in craft and design.
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Website/ 7466 Beverly Blvd 90036
Opened in March of 2021, Opal Tattoo Ink specializes in intricately detailed, fine line tattoos. The owner, Zara, places a large emphasis on building trust and a relationship with clients. The shop is known for positive and inviting energy.
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Website/ 22 S. Chestnut Place 90802
With an array of eleven artists each with a diverse portfolio, Outer Limits Tattoo’s Long Beach shop offers almost any style one could want, including a cosmetic tattoo artist. Established in 1927, Long Beach Outer Limits is the oldest shop in the country. Most of its artists are award-winning, all together earning over 500 awards. It's known for its excellent customer service.
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Website/ 530 E Broadway 90802
Paper Crane Tattoo Studio features a team of seven artists hand-selected by the founding artist and owner, Michael Vigilante. Browsing the portfolios of the artists, you’ll find an array of old school pieces, full sleeves and fine line-work. Michael himself specializes in traditional Japanese designs. The artists are known for their talent and welcoming nature.
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Website/ DTLA Arts District
Puppy Studio features a lineup of artists, each with their own unique style with the occasional guest spot. From intricate fine lines to stick-n-pokes, this studio is perfect for anyone, whether it’s your first tattoo or one of many. The studio’s ambiance is modern and relaxed.
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Website/ 3303 Cahuenga Blvd 90068
With a focus on teaching young artists, The Warren Tattoo features four artists, two of which each have over 20 years of experience. The owner, Zoey, specializes in realistic portraits and flowers and the studio is known for its comfortable atmosphere and kind artists.
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Website/ 11356 Ventura Blvd 91604
Unbreakable Tattoo specializes in large colorful, traditional Japanese style pieces. The founder artist and owner, Sung Song, is known for his expertise and talent. In addition, the team consists of four other talented artists. If you are looking for this specific style and in the L.A. area, this would definitely be the place to go.
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Website/ 2518 Lincoln Blvd 90291
At Lincoln Tattoo Company, the artists are super creative and take pride in their versatile art skills. They are dedicated to every guest that comes in and makes sure they all walk out with the tattoo of their dreams. Not only that, but they also care a lot about Los Angeles’ community and culture. The space is bright, spacious and clean and the walls are covered in local artists' art, fostering a welcoming environment.
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Website/ 463 N Western Ave 90004
If you are looking for a smaller tattoo that is still super realistic, you know the struggle of finding a parlor that specializes in that. Thankfully, at K Tattoo they have perfected this extremely difficult skill. Their use of white and varying shades of gray truly give a three-dimensional feel to these tiny, realistic tattoos. It’s a definite must-go if you are into fine lines!
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Website/ 7274 Melrose Ave 90046
You may have heard of Brian Keith Thompson. He is one of the most well-known piercers who specializes in styling your ears and is the owner of Body Electric Tattoo, the inffamous shop on Melrose that serves a long list of Hollywood A-listers. Not only can you get a cohesive and fashion forward look to your piercings, but you can also leave with a beautiful tattoo.
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Website/ 1345-1347 Glendale Blvd 90026
If you want to get your first tattoo, but you’re super nervous, then you should check out Supersweet Tattoos & Coffee. Being Los Angeles’ first tattoo and coffee shop, it is a peaceful experience for everyone. It is a woman-owned business and they dedicate their time to making sure that their shop is inviting, warm and understanding to all their guests' desires.
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Website/ 931 N Fairfax Ave 90046
Calling all my anime lovers. Have you ever wanted an anime tattoo but don’t know where to go? Well, at Playink Tattoo Studio, they specialize in delicate, super detailed, classy anime tattoos. Definitely make sure to add them to your lists of places to check out!
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Website/ 7713 Santa Monica Blvd 90046
Are you looking for a delicate flower or bird tattoo? Then you’ve come to the right place. At Blxck Haus Tattoo Los Angeles, they have some of the coolest looks with bold lines and detailed shading. Their artists also offer a wide range of other genres that are just as beautiful.
See Also: Hollywood Tattoo Artist Dr. Woo on Inking Celebrities and Launching Skincare Line
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Website/ 5503 N Figueroa St 90042
The Martlet Tattoo Parlor has some of the best American traditional tattoos I’ve ever seen. They offer one-of-a-kind designs in this style with popping colors that catch the eye. The parlor itself is a gorgeous combination of industrial architecture that still somehow has a warm feel. Their walls are filled with photos that showcase their skill when it comes to this style.
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Website/ Hideaway at Suite X 90028
Dr. Woo Tattoo has millions of online fans, but luckily for you, he is located righ in beautiful Los Angeles. After making a unique brand for himself using a single needle technique, his work quickly became beloved all over the internet. If you can snag an appointment with L.A.’s most sought after tattooist, you'll leave stoked on your new piece of art.
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Website/ 8424 Santa Monica Blvd # B 90069
Recognized as one of the best tattoo shops in L.A. by a variety of influential magazines, Honorable Society lives up to the hype. Specializing in a wide range of styles with tattooists from all around the world, they have an incredible skill set for all their customers' desires. Not only that, but the interior is absolutely gorgeous. It serves as an homage to the decadent times of luxury with a grand piano, deep red curtains and classical art in elaborate gold frames covering their walls.
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Website/ 5859 Melrose Ave 90038
If you get a piece at World Famous Spotlight Tattoo, you will not be disappointed. Established in 1982 by Bob and Charlie Robert, it comes as no surprise that all of their artists have honed in on this American traditional style. Not only will you leave with a beautiful tattoo with bright colors that perfectly pop on your skin, but you will also have made friends with all the employees. They truly strive to give each customer amazing service that makes your experience fun.
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Website/ 9026 Sunset Blvd 90069
Last but certainly not least, the Shamrock Social Club definitely deserves to be on this list. It was founded by Mark Mahoney, one of the most famous pioneers of the mainstream tattoo movements in America. According to Mahoney, the theme of his shop is “where the elite and the underworld meet," which can be seen in the conveyance of the warrior spirit throughout the shop. At Shamrock Social Club, any piece is brought to life through the team's dedication to detail, precision and design of any piece of art that they create.
Los Angeles is diverse in its offerings of tattoo shops. Don’t miss out on these talented artists if you are in the city.
See also: Fall in Love with These 10 Heart Tattoos
Photography by: Getty Images
