Top Tattoo Studios in Manchester: Ink Your Perfect Design!

Manchester is host to a whole range of tattoo studios that you can pick from. However, despite the lists below it’s important to find the right tattoo studio and artist for you. Take a look below at some of our tips on how to pick the right tattoo studio and artist for the tattoo you want.

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Picking A Tattoo Studio

Picking the right tattoo studio and artist is one of the most important decisions you’ll make before getting inked. A tattoo is permanent, so it’s crucial to find a place that ensures high-quality work, professionalism, and safety. Just remember, you’re the one paying for the tattoo at the end of the day so it’s important that you get exactly what you want.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to choose the right studio and artist for the tattoo you want:

1. Research Tattoo Studios

Start by researching reputable tattoo studios in your area or the place where you plan to get your tattoo. Here are a few things to consider when narrowing down your options:

Studio Cleanliness and Safety Standards: Make sure the studio adheres to strict hygiene practices. This includes using disposable needles, sanitising equipment, and having a clean and sterile environment. If a studio looks dirty or unkempt, it’s a red flag.
Licensing and Certification: Check if the studio is licensed and if its artists are certified. Reputable studios should have their licensing visible. In many places, tattoo artists must complete health and safety courses before being licensed.
Studio Reputation: Look up online reviews and ratings for the studio. Pay attention to customer feedback about cleanliness, professionalism, and the quality of the tattoos. Word of mouth can also be valuable—ask friends or family for recommendations.
Specialisation: Some studios specialise in specific tattoo styles, like traditional, blackwork, realism, or watercolour tattoos. Choose a studio that has a portfolio of work that matches the style you want.

2. Find the Right Tattoo Artist

Once you’ve selected a few tattoo studios, the next step is to find the right artist for your design. Here’s how to go about it:

Review Portfolios: A good artist will have a portfolio of their past work, either online (on their website or Instagram) or available in the studio. Look for consistency in their work, attention to detail, and quality of the tattoos. Make sure the artist’s style aligns with the design you have in mind. For example, if you want a highly detailed realism tattoo, choose an artist who specialises in that style.
Style Match: Tattoo artists often specialise in particular styles, such as traditional, neo-traditional, geometric, illustrative, or fine-line tattoos. Look for artists who are known for the style you want, and check their portfolio to see if their work matches your vision.
Experience and Skill Level: Consider how long the artist has been working. Experienced artists tend to be more adept at handling complex designs, understanding skin tones, and providing better outcomes. However, newer artists can also be talented, so focus on their specific skill set and portfolio.
Artist’s Communication: A good tattoo artist should be willing to communicate and work with you on your design. They should take the time to understand your vision, offer suggestions, and ensure the design fits well with your body. Avoid artists who rush the process or ignore your ideas.
Consultations: Schedule consultations with potential artists to discuss your tattoo idea. This gives you an opportunity to see how they respond to your concept, get a sense of their personality, and ask about their process. Use this time to talk about the design, placement, size, and any questions you may have about the tattoo.

3. Check Studio Atmosphere

The environment of the studio plays a big role in your comfort and overall experience. Here’s what to look for:

Comfortable and Professional Atmosphere: The studio should feel welcoming and professional. A good tattoo shop will have friendly staff, a relaxing atmosphere, and clear policies regarding pricing and appointment scheduling.
Artist Interaction: Pay attention to how the artist interacts with you during the consultation. Do they seem interested in your ideas? Are they respectful and patient? Good communication and a positive rapport are key to feeling comfortable during the tattoo process.

4. Consider Hygiene and Sterilisation Practices

Hygiene is crucial when getting a tattoo. Make sure the studio and artist follow proper sterilisation protocols:

Single-Use Needles and Gloves: The artist should use new, disposable needles for each client and wear gloves throughout the tattooing process. Ask the artist about their sterilisation procedures if you’re unsure.
Sanitation Practices: Ensure that the studio regularly disinfects surfaces, uses clean equipment, and operates in a sanitised environment. Tattoo Studios should be able to provide you with information about their sanitation procedures if you ask.
Aftercare Advice: A good tattoo artist should provide you with clear aftercare instructions. Proper aftercare is crucial for ensuring the healing of your tattoo and preventing infections.

5. Evaluate Pricing

Tattoo pricing can vary depending on the artist’s experience, location, and the complexity of the design. Here’s how to approach pricing:

Do Not Choose Based on Price Alone: While you may be tempted to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that quality should always come first when choosing a tattoo artist. A poorly done tattoo is a lasting reminder of a bad decision, and you might have to pay more to fix it.
Understand Pricing Structure: Tattoo artists charge either by the hour or by the piece. If you have a large or complex design, it’s likely that the pricing will be higher. Make sure you understand how much you’ll be paying in total and whether there are any extra costs (e.g., for colour or size).
Set a Budget: Decide on your budget before visiting the artist. A professional artist will provide a quote based on the work involved and should be transparent about their pricing.

6. Trust Your Instincts

Choosing a tattoo studio and artist is a personal decision, and ultimately, your instincts should guide you. If you feel comfortable, respected, and confident in the artist’s abilities, you’re more likely to have a positive experience. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or walk away from a studio or artist if something feels off.

Top Rated Tattoo Shops in Manchester

Manchester is known for its creative and vibrant tattoo scene, offering a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern, blackwork to vibrant colour tattoos. If you’re looking for the top-rated tattoo shops in the city, here are some of the best, known for their skilled artists, high standards of hygiene, and impressive portfolios:

Tomboy Tattoo Located in the Northern Quarter, Tomboy Tattoo is a popular choice for those seeking modern, bold designs, particularly for those who love the neo-traditional style. The shop has built a strong reputation for its clean lines, vibrant colours, and a welcoming environment. Their talented artists are highly skilled in both custom and pre-designed tattoos, making it a great option for first-timers and experienced tattoo lovers alike.

The Tattooed Gentleman Situated in the heart of Manchester, The Tattooed Gentleman is renowned for its traditional and neo-traditional tattoos. The shop has a reputation for quality work and professional service, with artists who are experts in detailed, custom designs. Whether you’re looking for a classic sailor tattoo or something more contemporary, The Tattooed Gentleman can bring your vision to life with precision.

@thetattooedg

Sunset Tattoo Sunset Tattoo is one of Manchester’s most established studios, known for its relaxed atmosphere and top-tier craftsmanship. They specialise in a variety of styles, including traditional, realism, and Japanese-inspired tattoos. Their artists are highly praised for their artistic talent, patience, and commitment to creating unique, personal designs.

Cult Classics Tattoo Studio Located in the Northern Quarter, Cult Classics Tattoo Studio is highly rated for its clean and professional environment. The shop’s artists specialise in a wide array of tattoo styles, including blackwork, geometric, and colour tattoos. With a focus on customer satisfaction, they work closely with clients to ensure their tattoos are both personal and artistically unique.

Stay True Tattoo Stay True Tattoo offers exceptional artistry and professionalism, making it one of Manchester’s top-rated tattoo studios. Known for its modern and experimental tattoo styles, Stay True is especially popular for bold designs, intricate details, and custom pieces. The studio has a friendly atmosphere and is perfect for those looking to get something truly one-of-a-kind.

Best Tattoo Shops Near Manchester

If you’re willing to venture just outside Manchester city centre, you’ll find some of the best tattoo shops in the surrounding areas. These studios offer talented artists, creative designs, and excellent customer service:

Sacred Art Tattoo Studio (Salford) Just across the river from Manchester, Sacred Art Tattoo Studio in Salford is one of the area’s most highly regarded studios. Known for its skilled artists and welcoming environment, Sacred Art specialises in realistic and black-and-grey tattoos. It’s a great option for those looking for a custom design, and they pride themselves on their attention to detail and professionalism.
Leeds Tattoo Studio (Leeds) Although a bit further out, the Leeds Tattoo Studio is highly recommended for those looking for excellent artistry. The artists here are known for their expertise in colour tattoos and detailed realism. While it’s located a little further away, it’s definitely worth the trip for those who want high-quality work in a relaxed setting.
Manchester Ink (Salford) Located in the nearby town of Salford, Manchester Ink offers a mix of contemporary and traditional tattoos. The studio is highly praised for its friendly atmosphere and highly talented artists who specialise in custom designs. Whether you’re looking for a small, minimalist tattoo or a large, intricate piece, Manchester Ink is a great option.
Black Anchor Tattoo (Stockport) Just south of Manchester, Black Anchor Tattoo in Stockport is known for its diverse range of styles, from fine-line tattoos to bold, heavy shading. The artists here are experts in creating custom pieces that suit the client’s personal style. Black Anchor Tattoo is highly regarded for its professionalism, friendly staff, and clean studio environment.
Rebel Rebel Tattoo (Bury) Rebel Rebel Tattoo in Bury is another great option for those seeking a professional tattoo experience. The artists specialise in black-and-grey tattoos, traditional tattoos, and fine-line work. Rebel Rebel Tattoo has built a strong reputation for its unique designs and excellent customer service.

Best Walk-In Tattoo Shops in Manchester

For those who decide on the spur of the moment to get inked, walk-in tattoo shops are a great option. Here are some of the best walk-in tattoo studios in Manchester that allow you to get tattooed without needing an appointment:

Tomboy Tattoo Tomboy Tattoo offers a combination of custom and walk-in tattoos, with a relaxed and creative vibe that makes it easy for people to pop in and get a tattoo on the spot. While the studio focuses on custom designs, they also offer flash tattoos and have several artists available for walk-ins. The Northern Quarter location makes it a convenient choice for those exploring the city.
The Tattooed Gentleman Known for its skilled artists and wide range of styles, The Tattooed Gentleman in Manchester often accommodates walk-in clients, especially for small designs or flash tattoos. While custom pieces are preferred, the studio is flexible and open to impromptu walk-ins, making it one of the more convenient places to get tattooed in the city.
Black and Blue Tattoo Located in Manchester city centre, Black and Blue Tattoo offers a mix of custom and flash tattoos, with the option for walk-ins depending on artist availability. The studio is known for its clean and professional environment, and the artists are skilled in various styles, making it an excellent option for walk-in tattoos.
Chronic Ink Tattoo Chronic Ink Tattoo, located near the city centre, is another excellent choice for walk-in tattoos. The studio offers a comfortable, welcoming space, with a talented team of artists skilled in diverse styles. Whether you’re looking for a simple design or a more intricate piece, Chronic Ink Tattoo is one of the best walk-in options.
Inksmith Tattoo Inksmith Tattoo, located in the Northern Quarter, is a popular spot for both walk-ins and appointments. They offer a wide variety of tattoo styles and flash options, making it easy for spontaneous tattoo seekers to find something they like and get it done the same day.

Tattoo Shops in Manchester City Centre

Manchester city centre is home to some of the best tattoo shops, each offering a variety of tattoo styles, from traditional to contemporary. Here’s a look at some top tattoo studios right in the heart of the city:

Tomboy Tattoo As one of Manchester’s top-rated tattoo shops, Tomboy Tattoo in the Northern Quarter is known for its unique and bold designs. With skilled artists who specialise in neo-traditional tattoos, it’s a great spot for custom work. The shop has a friendly atmosphere, making it perfect for both experienced tattoo collectors and first-timers.
Stay True Tattoo Stay True Tattoo, located near the city centre, is popular for its clean, professional environment and exceptional artistry. The shop offers a variety of tattoo styles, including modern, geometric, and abstract tattoos. The artists here are known for their creativity, ensuring that every tattoo is unique and personal to the client.
The Tattooed Gentleman Another excellent tattoo shop located in Manchester city centre, The Tattooed Gentleman is renowned for its traditional and neo-traditional tattoos. With highly skilled artists and a focus on high-quality custom designs, this studio offers a range of tattoo styles, from intricate line work to bold, colourful pieces.
Sunset Tattoo Situated in the heart of Manchester, Sunset Tattoo is a well-established shop known for its skilled artists and relaxed environment. The shop specialises in custom tattoos, including traditional, realism, and Japanese styles. They work closely with clients to create personalised designs that reflect each person’s style and story.
Cult Classics Tattoo Studio Located in the Northern Quarter, Cult Classics Tattoo Studio is renowned for its talented artists and diverse tattoo styles. Whether you’re after black-and-grey tattoos, fine line designs, or intricate geometric tattoos, Cult Classics provides a welcoming environment and specialises in creating unique, custom tattoos.

Conclusion

Manchester is home to a thriving tattoo scene, with something for every tattoo enthusiast. From top-rated studios offering custom designs to walk-in options for those who make spontaneous decisions, Manchester’s tattoo shops offer incredible artistry and professionalism. Whether you’re in the city centre or the surrounding areas, you’re sure to find a talented artist who can bring your tattoo ideas to life.

Tattoo Studios In Manchester