As temperatures rise, revealing more skin and inspiring bolder looks, you might find yourself drawn to the world of tattoos and piercings. Whether you’re considering your very first ear piercing, adding to your existing collection of body art, or finally getting that tattoo you’ve been dreaming of, finding the right studio is the crucial first step. Having recently experienced the thrill of new piercings and fresh ink myself, I feel compelled to guide you through some of the top tattoo and piercing shops Houston has to offer, ensuring your experience is as stylish and satisfying as possible.
My personal journey into the tattoo world began at Houston Heights Tattoo, making it a shop that holds a special significance for me. The process of scheduling an appointment was remarkably straightforward, and my tattoo artist not only executed my floral design flawlessly but also made the entire session enjoyable with engaging conversation. The studio boasts a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing interior, contributing to an overall positive and memorable experience.
It’s worth noting that Houston Heights Tattoo operates with a shop minimum of $150, so it might not be the ideal choice for very small, minimalist tattoos. However, in addition to their tattoo services, Houston Heights also provides a variety of piercing options, complete with a diverse selection of jewelry to choose from.
When it comes to piercings in Houston, 713 Tattoo Parlour stands out as a premier destination. While numerous shops offer piercing services, 713 distinguishes itself as Houston’s exclusive studio affiliated with the Association of Professional Piercers. This affiliation underscores their commitment to upholding the highest standards of hygiene and piercing practices. Furthermore, 713 boasts an extensive and impressive array of jewelry, catering to diverse tastes and styles. Having personally gotten cartilage piercings here, along with many friends who share positive experiences, I can confidently recommend their piercing services.
713 Tattoo Parlour is also highly regarded for their tattooing, particularly known for artists specializing in vibrant, American traditional designs. Expanding their services, they have recently incorporated permanent cosmetics and lash enhancements, offering a broader range of beauty and body modification options.
Although I haven’t personally visited Assassin Tattoo, it consistently emerged as a top recommendation from various sources when I was initially searching for a tattoo studio. With a team of eight diverse artists, Assassin Tattoo significantly increases the likelihood of finding an artist whose style aligns perfectly with your vision. Their online presence, while comprehensive, does include website sound effects that some might find startling.
The Electric Chair Tattoo & Body Piercing
While I won’t definitively declare The Electric Chair Tattoo & Body Piercing as the absolute best, it remains a reliable and more budget-friendly option. My experience getting second lobe piercings here was positive, with smooth healing. Friends have also reported successful rook and tragus piercings at this location. However, it’s important to note that their jewelry selection is somewhat limited, suggesting you might consider purchasing jewelry beforehand or planning to switch to your preferred pieces after the initial healing period.
The Electric Chair has a long-standing history in the Houston tattoo scene, providing tattoo services since 1999 and garnering consistently positive reviews. An attractive feature for those seeking smaller or more affordable tattoos is their lower shop minimum of $80.
For individuals intrigued by body art but hesitant about permanent commitments, Ephemeral Tattoo, recently established in Montrose, offers an innovative solution. Utilizing a unique “medical-grade bio-absorbable” ink, as stated on their website, Ephemeral tattoos are applied using the same techniques as traditional tattoos but are designed to naturally fade from the skin within nine to fifteen months.
Despite their temporary nature, Ephemeral tattoos are priced comparably to, if not higher than, permanent tattoos of similar size. Personal opinion suggests that the fading process might not always maintain the most aesthetically pleasing appearance. For those truly passionate about tattoos, investing in permanent ink might ultimately be a more satisfying and enduring choice.
