For those in pursuit of the perfect tattoo in Dallas, TX, the quest extends beyond just finding an appealing design. It’s about locating an artist and a studio that can translate your vision into a stunning piece of body art that stands the test of time. A truly exceptional tattoo boasts vibrant colors, expert shading, and crisp lines, free from imperfections and executed with precision. It requires an artist who is not only creatively gifted but also technically skilled, with a steady hand and a commitment to excellence. As award-winning Dallas tattoo artist Liz Cook wisely advised, “Don’t tattoo anything that you’re going to mess up. And if you’re going to mess it up, make sure they know.” This ethos of honesty and expertise is what distinguishes the best in the industry.
Beyond the technical skill, the experience of getting a tattoo is paramount. The journey to acquiring a permanent piece of art should be as memorable and positive as the artwork itself. Dallas is home to a diverse array of tattoo artists, each with their own specialties, from the intricate linework of Tabori style to the fluid beauty of watercolor tattoos. Staying abreast of the latest trends is also crucial, ensuring your tattoo is not only timeless but also contemporary.
This guide highlights 13 exceptional tattoo parlors in Dallas, TX, each offering a unique experience and staffed by artists who are masters of their craft. These are not ranked in any definitive order, but rather presented as highly recommended options for anyone looking to get inked. Consider this list your vetted starting point in the search for the best tattoo parlor in Dallas TX.
Sinners Tattoo Studio
5032 Lemmon Ave., Ste. B
Sinners Tattoo Studio, with its intriguing name, is a highly-rated establishment on Lemmon Avenue known for its award-winning tattoo artists. This studio has garnered consistent five-star reviews, attesting to its commitment to providing exceptional body art across various styles. Brandon Albus, the owner, is renowned for his black-and-gray designs, often incorporating realism with vibrant color fusions. He leads a team of seven other talented tattoo artists, each bringing their unique skills to the studio. Adding to their prestige, Sinners Tattoo Studio hosts the annual Sinners Tattoo Expo in July, attracting renowned tattoo artists from across the nation, including stars from the popular TV show Ink Masters. This event underscores their position within the larger tattoo community and their dedication to the art form.
Tattoo artists Liz Cook and Cookie of Rebel Muse Tattoo in Dallas.
Rebel Muse Tattoo
17370 Preston Road, No. 510 1565 W. Main St., Lewisville
Rebel Muse Tattoo is home to Liz Cook, a co-owner and celebrated tattoo artist with a significant social media following of nearly 2 million. Recognized as one of the best tattoo artists in North Texas, Cook’s work is characterized by its lifelike quality, stemming from her expertise in hyperrealism, particularly in portraiture. Always evolving, Cook is currently exploring AI-generated 3D designs, computer-animated 3D art, and her signature Geo Roses, with sessions starting at $2,000 for 5 to 6 hours. Rebel Muse, headquartered in Lewisville, operates as a custom art tattoo studio with a broad spectrum of artistic talent. Their artists are proficient in styles ranging from realism and portraits to Japanese and American traditional, serving clients in Dallas, Lewisville, Denver, and Kansas City.
Oliver Peck, owner of Elm Street Tattoo, at the Elm Street Music and Tattoo Festival.
Elm Street Tattoo
2811 Elm St.
Elm Street Tattoo stands out as a tattoo parlor owned and operated by artists deeply embedded in tattoo culture, rather than simply business-driven entrepreneurs. Oliver Peck, the owner, is a prominent figure in the tattoo world, known for his “old school” American style and his role as a judge on Ink Master. Elm Street Tattoo is particularly famous for its Friday the 13th events, drawing crowds for their “Lady Luck” themed tattoos. Whether you’re looking for a spontaneous walk-in or a meticulously planned custom design, the artists at Elm Street Tattoo are recognized masters of their craft. Their expertise is further highlighted by their annual Elm Street Tattoo’s Elm Fest, a major event featuring numerous artists, live music, and burlesque shows, where many attendees eagerly queue for their signature Lucky 13 tattoos.
Mother’s House
2512 Oak Lawn Ave.
Nestled in Dallas’ Oak Lawn area, Mother’s House offers a unique blend of high-end tattoos and a welcoming, positive atmosphere. Described as a permanent cosmetic experience filled with “good love, good people, and good energy,” this boutique studio provides a comfortable and upscale setting for getting inked. Their artists utilize advanced techniques, with needles operating at impressive speeds to create your desired tattoo. For those sensitive to pain, numbing cream is available. Mother’s House extends its unique experience with a coffee and nonalcoholic beverage bar, creating what Dallas Lovelist on Instagram described as “a cute house, set up for the perfect instagramable experience.” Owner Brieana Jones specializes in a style that bridges American traditional and neo-traditional, with a focus on blackwork, fine lines, and psychedelic imagery. She is accompanied by five other artists skilled in ornamental, Japanese traditional, traditional, and Chicano styles, offering a diverse range of artistic options.
Dark Age Tattoo Studio
124 W. Oak St., Denton 2836 Bledsoe St., No. 200, Fort Worth
For those seeking a tattoo that truly impresses, Dark Age Tattoo Studio, owned by Rember Orellana, is a destination worth considering. Orellana’s portfolio, showcased on Instagram, redefines tattoo artistry with designs that are visually stunning and conceptually innovative. Describing his work with words hardly captures its impact. With locations in Denton and Fort Worth, Dark Age Tattoo claims to offer some of the best realism art in the nation, created by award-winning, internationally recognized artists. The studio has been a fixture in downtown Denton since 2014 and expanded to Fort Worth in 2021, solidifying its reputation in the Dallas-Fort Worth tattoo scene.
Electric Feels Studio is a women-owned tattoo parlor in Dallas.
Electric Feels Studio
1380 River Bend Drive, No. 121 5677 Village Glen Drive
Electric Feels Studio, with its evocative name, immediately sets itself apart. It promises a memorable experience, whether it’s the best or most challenging tattoo journey, ensuring a story that lasts as long as the ink itself. With two locations in Dallas, Electric Feels is more than just a tattoo parlor; it’s a movement. Proudly female, POC, and LGBTQ+ owned and operated, the studio is committed to challenging industry norms and fostering an inclusive environment. They aim to be a “sanctuary for self-expression, creativity, and belonging.” The talented roster of artists, including Dre Li, Summer Sanchez, Heather Lynn, Bella, and Tess Mae, showcase diverse portfolios and offer a wide array of tattoo styles, ensuring a match for every client’s vision.
Eden Body Art Studios
13360 Preston Road
Deanna James, a former contestant on Ink Masters, envisioned Eden Body Art Studios as a departure from the traditional tattoo parlor stereotype. She aimed to create a sleek, clean, and welcoming space that reflects the evolving nature of tattooing—moving from counterculture to mainstream art form. Owned by James and her husband Colton, Eden Body Art Studios houses 11 resident tattoo artists, predominantly women, specializing in styles like painterly realism, vintage black and gray, color and black and gray realism, and neotraditional. James emphasizes the growing influence of women in the tattoo industry, stating on the studio’s website, “Women have been ruling the tattoo industry for a little while now after being underdogs, and it’s about time people recognize us as serious competitors and serious artists.” This studio champions female artistry and expertise in the tattoo world.
Folklore Trading Company in Dallas is known for creative tattoo designs.
Folklore Trading Company
3120 Swiss Ave.
Folklore Trading Company, owned by Billy Weigler, brings a unique and playful element to the Dallas tattoo scene. Weigler has carved a niche for himself by specializing in Pokémon-inspired tattoos, demonstrating how pop culture can seamlessly integrate into the world of body art. His Instagram feed is filled with creative Pokémon designs, showcasing his mastery of neo-traditional illustrative color. Beyond Pokémon, Weigler also excels in black and gray illustrations and cover-up work. At his Dallas shop, six artists contribute their skills in neotraditional, traditional, and black and gray illustrative styles, making Folklore Trading Company a hub for imaginative and expertly executed tattoos.
The Chosen One Ink Tattoo in Arlington, TX.
The Chosen One Ink Tattoo
519 E. Abram St., Arlington
Despite its name playfully referencing figures known for controversy, The Chosen One Ink Tattoo in downtown Arlington is a studio worth embracing. The interior ambiance is striking, reminiscent of a place where even fictional heroes would feel at ease, complete with a vintage Super PacMan arcade game. The checkered floors and vibrant neon signs add to its distinctive charm. Recognized as one of the “Best Tattoo Studios in the Great State of Texas,” The Chosen One Ink Tattoo prioritizes safety and hygiene. All artists are OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen certified, ensuring a clean and safe environment for clients. Lady Karina, a highly accomplished artist with 15 years of experience and the rare title of All-Around Master Tattoo Artist, leads the studio, guaranteeing expertise and quality.
Lady Magnolia Tattoo & Piercing in Dallas offers a vintage atmosphere.
Lady Magnolia Tattoo & Piercing
2720 W. Mockingbird Lane
Lady Magnolia Tattoo & Piercing offers a uniquely relaxing and welcoming environment, distinguished by its vintage décor and a strong emphasis on client comfort. Owner and tattoo artist Bri Leflore has cultivated a space where “compassion, kindness, and respect are the bare minimum.” Located near Love Field, the studio is conveniently surrounded by dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Lady Magnolia provides custom tattoos in a variety of styles at affordable prices, delivered by a team of diverse artists. The studio’s location and atmosphere make it a comfortable option, even for those who might be hesitant about the tattoo experience.
Lamar Street Tattoo Club
1709 S. Lamar St.
Lamar Street Tattoo Club, formerly known as “J. Hall & Co. Gentleman Tattooers,” is helmed by Josh Hall, recognized as the “Best Tattoo Artist in 2023” by Observer readers and a frequent honoree on best tattoo lists. Hall describes his studio as the premier destination for exceptional body art in Dallas. The artists at Lamar Street Tattoo Club are meticulously selected for their skill and dedication to quality. The studio emphasizes that they never compromise on delivering top-tier artistry, ensuring every tattoo is a testament to their commitment to excellence.
A tattoo artist at work at The Black Rose Studio in Mansfield, TX.
The Black Rose Studio
215 N. Walnut Creek Drive, No. 101, Mansfield
Located in Mansfield, The Black Rose Studio is co-owned by Alonzo Gonzales, known as the Tattoo Collector, and Jerry Martinez. Together with eight other tattoo artists, they produce some of the highest quality ink work in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Both Gonzales and Martinez bring over a decade of experience to the studio. Gonzales specializes in black and gray realism and Japanese-inspired art, but is also adept at color realism and large-scale projects like back pieces and sleeves. Martinez, tattooing since age 13, focuses on realism, particularly black and gray, while appreciating and executing various styles as requested. The Black Rose Studio is a powerhouse of talent and experience in the Dallas area.
Tattoo art at Depiction Tattoo Gallery in Arlington, TX.
Depiction Tattoo Gallery
4001 W. Green Oaks Blvd., No. 221, Arlington
Depiction Tattoo Gallery in South Arlington, owned by tattoo artist Sam Frederick, is dedicated to achieving near-perfection in custom tattoo work. The studio maintains stringent surgical standards and uses only top-of-the-line equipment and inks. The artists at Depiction are highly sought after due to their artistic skill, meticulous attention to detail, and versatility in adapting to diverse designs and styles. Sam Frederick herself specializes in decorative, floral, neo-traditional, and mehndi styles. Depiction Tattoo Gallery emphasizes a collaborative process, where artists work closely with clients to translate personal stories and aspirations into exceptional, permanent works of art. They move beyond generic designs, focusing on creating meaningful and individualized tattoos through collaboration between trained professionals and the client’s vision.
In conclusion, Dallas TX offers a rich and diverse tattoo scene, with studios and artists catering to every style and preference. Whether you prioritize a specific artistic style, studio ambiance, or artist reputation, this guide to the best tattoo parlors in Dallas TX provides a solid starting point for your journey to finding the perfect place for your next tattoo. Remember to explore each studio’s portfolio and consult with the artists to ensure the best possible outcome for your permanent body art.
