Guide to London's best tattoo studios

Vagabond Tattoo Studio, located on Hackney Road, is the place to go if you're looking for a one-off custom design in any style. The studio is bright and airy, and the staff are always warm and welcoming; you're sure to feel at ease when you step through the doors here.

Frith Street Tattoo opened its doors in 2004 and has since become one of the best places to get inked in the city. It's located in buzzy Soho and specialises in high-quality tattoos in a clean and comfortable setting. What's more, their roster of artists is the best in the game.

Good Times Tattoo has not only nailed the vibe, but they also have a selection of some of the best tattoo artists around, with a combined 175 years of experience between them. Whether you want fine line or traditional, there will be an artist at Good Times that will be able to help you create your vision from start to finish.

New Wave has been open since 1979 and is one of the oldest tattoo shops in London. The vibe here is old school whilst keeping the classical feel very much alive. Staff are always friendly and welcoming and will be ready to help you decide what tattoo to get, from start to finish.

Novacane Studio is a modern, female-owned tattoo studio based in Containerville, a creative hub of upcycled shipping containers transformed into vibrant workspaces. Known for being an inclusive and safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, the studio offers a variety of tattoo styles, with artists like fine line specialist Keri Devine, anime artist Nat Rita, and nano brow expert Maddy Stone.

You’ll find The Family Business located on the vibrant Exmouth Market. The vibe here is on point, with artists’ designs scattered all over the walls and Japanese screens for optimum privacy. Every piece of art here is custom-made, but you can bring designs in for the artists to get inspired by.

Whether you're looking for a new piece of body art or a piercing, Fleshformers has got you covered. The artists here cover a variety of different styles and there are regular guest spots from artists from around the world. The shop is vibrant and welcoming, with a friendly and knowledgeable team. You can also buy distinctive jewellery for piercings here.

Haunted Tattoos is located on buzzy Holloway Road and offers tattoo and piercing services in a warm and welcoming setting. Their expertise is custom tattoos, so they're the ones to go to if you've got an idea in mind but you're not quite sure how to execute it; they'll help you from start to finish.

This tattoo parlour is located in an industrial-style old factory originally built in the late 1800s. It's a family-run establishment with an incredibly talented roster of artists, all specialising in their different styles, from illustrative blackwork and fine line to black and grey realism.

Celebrities and first-timers alike love this tattoo shop located on Essex Road in Islington. Check out their website to see the different styles their artists specialise in, from simple fine-line styles to more intricate, detailed pieces. You'll instantly feel at ease when you walk through the door, and there's a bar serving a range of craft beers and a wide selection of gins.

EXP Haus, a chic tattoo studio in Hackney, provides space to both seasoned resident artists and an ever-changing roster of talented guest artists. Featuring a polished industrial aesthetic, a serene atmosphere, and quality facilities, EXP Haus strives to offer a tranquil yet professional environment.

Renowned London tattoo artist Grace Neutral is celebrated for her exquisite handpoked blackwork mandalas and geometric designs. She's behind Femme Fatale Tattoo, which offers a safe, welcoming environment for everyone to get inked. The in-house tattooists are skilled in various styles of machine and handpoke tattoos. Additionally, cosmetic tattooing and body piercing services are also available at Femme Fatale Tattoo.

One By One tattoo studio in Soho is known for its strong commitment to environmental sustainability. This studio is dedicated to using cruelty-free inks, has swapped out plastic disposables for plant-based alternatives, and has a Climate Positive workforce, actively offsetting the carbon footprint of each artist by planting trees monthly. The studio's celebrity clientele includes the likes of Skepta, ASAP Rocky, and Kehlani, and you can get fine-line, blackwork, and contemporary design here.