Looking for a reputable studio to get your body inked up? From old school to new school, these Hong Kong tattoo parlours won’t disappoint.
In a city as colourful as Hong Kong, you can find great art almost everywhere. From galleries to street art, anything is a canvas in this city – including the body. With body art becoming more and more common nowadays, tattoo artists are always on top of their game. Because who says tattoos are only for delinquents and hipsters? They can be introspective and laden with meaning, as well as works of art themselves. We’ve gathered a list of some of the best Hong Kong tattoo parlours and studios, so you’ll get your next piece done right.
Check out these top Hong Kong tattoo parlours
1. Galaxy Tattoo
The artists at Galaxy Tattoo customise tattoos of all shapes and sizes for their customers, whether it be black work, new school tattoos, or dot work, and from delicate shoulder pieces to huge back designs. Resident tattoo artist Mari Cheung has gained a huge following because of her delicate portrayal of ladies. With excellent attention to detail, Mari’s gorgeous and badass female characters have us swooning!
Galaxy Tattoo, Shop 2C, G/F, Siu Cheung Fong, Chiu Kwong Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, p. 9708 5500
2. The 59 Tattoo and Barber Shop
A rockabilly hybrid tattoo parlour/barber shop, The 59 Tattoo and Barber Shop trims downstairs and inks upstairs. With many talented resident artists like Marcus Yuen working in traditional tattoo styles, the ink leaving these doors is always bold and timeless. If you’re especially interested in traditional Hong Kong-style tattoos, 59 Tattoo is definitely a spot worth checking out.
The 59 Tattoo and Barber Shop, Shop C, G/F, 1-D Wing Lam Mansion, San Lau Street, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, p. 5661 0681
3. The Company Tattoo
Nestled in the heart of Mong Kok is The Company Tattoo, a local tattoo parlour that works with an array of traditional designs, from old-school to realistic. While skilled tattooist Vince Yue specialises in astonishingly life-like human portraits and soft shading, fellow artist Dave Ryo Lau inks the most amazing old-school designs of skulls, animals, and alluring feminine bodies. Wanna walk in and roll the dice on what tattoo to get? Simply check out the diverse collection of flash design sheets from each artist and pick your fave!
The Company Tattoo, Shop B, 3/F, 581 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 2349 2649
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 pop. Definitely one of our fave tattoo parlours in Hong Kong!
Hello Tattoo, Unit S, 11/F, Block 2, Kwun Tong Industrial Centre, 460-470 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, p. 6644 8114
5. 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, the vintage-looking designs and paintings stacked against the walls are sure to impress. Currently run by a team of tattoo artists such as Jynt and Kovit, Mei Wah operates by appointment only, so be sure to ring ’em up before heading there.
Mei Wah Tattoo, 4/F, 703 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 2757 0027
6. Blackout Tattoo
Founded in 2010 by Rob Kelly, Blackout Tattoo is a studio that carries a strong conviction. Believing that tattoos are still considered as rebellious clichés and low-brow art by many in Hong Kong, Kelly and the team at Blackout are determined to break that stereotype by giving clients the best work that is unique and boundary-breaking. With artists offering all sorts of styles, including but not limited to traditional, black work, and colourful new-school, you’re guaranteed to get a one-of-a-kind piece of art here.
Blackout Tattoo, 102 Hing Tai Commercial Building, 114 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 9247 3522
7. Star Crossed Tattoo
Star Crossed Tattoo is one of the most acclaimed tattoo parlours in Hong Kong. Headlined by Ross Turpin, the studio offers Ross’s Japanese-influenced designs, black- and red-heavy work by Takco Siu, old-school art by Rika Korponay, and more. Never underestimate the difficulty of keeping the lines straight, clean, and consistent! In addition to the highest sterilisation standards, Star Crossed Tattoo also provides vegan or hypoallergenic ink upon request.
Star Crossed Tattoo, 1/F, 1 Sun Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 3427 3820, 灣仔日街1號1樓
8. Mofo Tattoo
The funky private studio, Mofo Tattoo, has been handing out ink since 2013, and these guys have got all the styles covered. With an impressive roster of accomplished artists, styles like trippy geometric, delightful cartoon, realistic portraits, and more can be found here. Note that this Hong Kong tattoo parlour operates by appointment only – no walk-ins, Honey!
Mofo Tattoo, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
9. Zink Tattoo
An appointment-only private tattoo atelier, Zink Tattoo was founded by self-taught tattoo prodigy Zac Wong. An award-winning expert in black and grey realist styles, Wong has around 20 years of experience under his belt with skills in many different styles of tattooing. In addition, Wong creates custom and unique tattoos for each client with outstanding line and shading work. His work ranges from large-scale surrealist designs to realistic portraits of people and animals.
Zink Tattoo, 3/F, 30A Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2986 8810
10. The Dragons Lair Tattoo
Recognised for its creativity, cleanliness, and friendly services, The Dragons Lair is one of the best known tattoo parlours in Hong Kong. Run by Jonny, a former apprentice of old-school master and local tattooing legend Jimmy Ho, The Dragons Lair features resident artists such as the talented Evita Lopez, who specialises in traditional Japanese styles, as well as colourful cartoons and anime tattoos. Moreover, this studio uses organic and vegan-safe inks purchased from reliable suppliers, and promises to never use fake ink on its clients. Looking to get pierced while you’re at it? The Dragons Lair also offers some piercing services, so don’t be shy to ask about getting that belly button ring!
The Dragons Lair Tattoo, Room 201, 2/F, Sunwise Building, 112-114 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2337 7969
11. Freedom Tattoo
A star in the tattoo world, Gabe Shun opened Freedom Tattoo in 2000, where he continues to showcase his artistry from over 30 years of experience. Having had huge clients like Lebron James and David Beckham, Gabe is also the founder of the Hong Kong China International Tattoo Convention. But here’s a word of caution: As Gabe creates unique designs for each client, note that a tattoo from him is going to cost a pretty penny. (That being said, this is something that’ll stay on your body forever, so we’d say go for it!) You can also look for the other incredibly skilled artists at Freedom Tattoo, who specialise in every style from realism to old-school.
Freedom Tattoo, Room B3A, 10/F, Luen Ming Hing Factory Building, 36 Mok Cheong Street, To Kwa Wa, Hong Kong, p. 2712 2332
