Looking for a reputable studio to get your body inked up? Tried and tested by our team, these Hong Kong tattoo parlours won’t disappoint
While there are a great number of local illustrators and artists trying to get their messages across by painting on a canvas such as Zlism, Ophelia Jacarini, and Alana Tsui. Art comes in different shapes and forms, and that includes body art. Because who says tattoos are only for delinquents and hipsters? They could be introspective and rich with profound meanings. We’ve gathered a list of some of the best Hong Kong tattoo parlours and studios, so you’ll get it done right.
Check out these top Hong Kong tattoo parlours
1. Galaxy Tattoo
Galaxy Tattoo customises tattoos of all size and shape for their customers, whether it be black work, new school tattoos or dot work. Tattoo artist Mari Cheung from Galaxy Tattoo has gained a huge following because of her delicate portrayal of ladies. Paying excellent attention to details, it’s hard to not fall in love with Mari’s gorgeous and badass female characters.
Galaxy Tattoo, Shop 2C, G/F, Siu Cheung Fong, Chiu Kwong Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, p. 9708 5500, 西營盤朝光街兆祥坊地下2C鋪宇宙刺青
2. Story Tattoo
Tattoo artist Tino from Story Tattoo showcases brilliant skills in tattooing all sorts of designs, including old-school and new-school tattoos, as well as realistic tattoo works. This tattoo parlour in SYP also provides tattoo numbing cream for customers upon request, so they can get tattooed painlessly – how considerate!
Story Tattoo, 122 Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, p. 5988 8971, 西營盤干諾道中122號故事刺青
3. The Company Tattoo
Founded by Vince Yue in 2014, The Company Tattoo creates an array of great traditional designs, from old-school to realistic. While Vince specialises in human portraits – astonishingly lifelike – and soft shading, another tattoo artist Dave Ryo Lau draws the coolest black and red old-school tattoos. We particularly love his take on sharp edges skulls and alluring female bodies. Also, the studio has got these amazingly eccentric toys and action figures lying around, just another way to liven up the place even more.
The Company Tattoo, 581 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 2349 2649, 旺角彌敦道581號3樓B室
4. Hello Tattoo
We’re aware that cute Korean-style tattoos are trending these days! Opened in 2015, Hello Tattoo is for those who appreciate small and delicate tattoos. The artists here are especially great at sketch, watercolour, and 3D designs among all the other styles. From cute kittens to a few sprigs of lavenders, they know how to make those thin lines valiantly shine. Definitely one of our fave Hong Kong tattoo parlours.
Hello Tattoo, Unit S, 11/F, Block 2, Kwun Tong Industrial Centre, 460-470 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, p. 6644 8114, 觀塘觀塘道460-470號官塘工業中心2期11樓S室
5. Star Crossed Tattoo
Back in 2010, Rich Phipson and Ross Turpin opened Star Crossed Tattoo together. Since then, this place has gathered a huge following (including myself; I had my first inking experience here!) and has become one of the most acclaimed tattoo parlours in town. It’s hard not to appreciate Rich’s spectacular line work and Ross’s Japanese-influenced designs that scream anarchic joy. Never underestimate the difficulty of keeping the lines straight, clean, and consistent! Last but not least, they have vegan ink provided upon request, so that’s a plus for vegans.
Star Crossed Tattoo, 1/F, 1 Sun Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 3427 3820, 灣仔日街1號1樓
6. Mei Wah Tattoo
Hong Kong tattoo parlours can’t get any cooler than this hidden gem that glimmers in the labyrinth of buildings in Mong Kok. As if walking into the setting of a Wong Kar Wai film, you will be impressed by all the vintage-looking designs and paintings stacked against the walls. Tattoo artist Nic Tse is the only guy taking care of everything here. Particularly outstanding at sketching traditional Chinese floral and dragon designs, he also specialises in custom work of all sizes. Moreover, this place invites many internationally well-known guest artists throughout the year.
Mei Wah Tattoo, 4/F, 703 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 2757 0027, 旺角上海街703號4樓美華紋身
7. Blackout Tattoo
Founded in 2010 by Rob Kelly, Blackout Tattoo is a tattoo studio that carries a strong belief. The English tattoo artist thinks it’s particularly true that tattoos are still considered as rebellious clichés and low-brow art in Hong Kong, and that’s why he is determined to break that stereotype by giving his clients the best quality custom work. Rob specialises in all sorts of styles, including but not limited to traditional, black work, and colourful new-school.
Blackout Tattoo, 502 Hing Tai Commercial Building, 114 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 9247 3522, 上環永樂街114號興泰商業大廈502室
8. Mofo Tattoo
The funky studio Mofo Tattoo has been open since 2012, and these guys have got all the styles covered – from trippy geometric and delightful cartoon-inspired tattoos, to Chinese calligraphy designs. They also have a piercer on site, which is not the case for every tattoo parlour, so if you’re interested in getting a nose piercing or even a nipple piercing, they will take good care of you. Mofo Tattoo is one of the best known Hong Kong tattoo parlours and hosts international artists on the regular.
Find out more about Mofo Tattoo (美富紋身).
9. Zink Tattoo
Zink Tattoo is an appointment-only tattoo parlour founded by Zac Wong in 2009. This self-taught tattoo prodigy is an award-winning expert in black and grey realist styles, and has almost two decades of experience under his belt. In addition, Zac aims to create custom and unique tattoos for each client. His work ranges from large-scale surrealist designs to realistic portraits of people and animals. Zac manages the shop with help from his wife Vivi, and he’s also a painter. Keep an eye out for some of his pieces in the parlour.
Zink Tattoo, 3/F, 30A Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2986 8810, 尖沙咀加連威老道30A號3樓
10. The Dragons Lair Tattoo
Founded in 2000, The Dragons Lair Tattoo has been one of the best known tattoo parlours in Hong Kong. Recognised for its creativity, cleanliness, and friendly services, The Dragons Lair is run by a professional duo: Jonny D, a former apprentice of old school master and local tattooing legend Jimmy Ho; and Evita, who specialises in traditional Japanese styles, as well as colourful cartoons and anime tattoos. In addition, this parlour uses organic and vegan-safe inks purchased from reliable suppliers, and it promises to never use fake inks on its clients. If you’re looking for a reputable and reliable tattoo parlour in Hong Kong, The Dragons Lair is a good bet.
The Dragons Lair Tattoo, 5/F, 83 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2337 7969, 中環威靈頓街83號5樓
