Best Tattoo Artists UK: How to Choose the Right Tattooist

A great tattoo artist translates your idea into something unique and personal.

The best tattoo artists take your images and vague references, for example, “I want a cat, but like… ethereal?” And they bring it to glorious life, while also taking into account key factors like:

• Your body shape
• Your tattoo placement
• Your skin tone

Importantly, good tattooists at the best tattoo studios also know when to save you from yourself.

Want tiny micro-lettering on your finger? They’ll explain why it might blur and suggest a tweak.

How about a huge colourful backpiece as your first tattoo? They’ll help you break it down into sessions, so you don’t pass out by hour six.

They’re even happy to say no. That takes confidence, and it’s a sign of what makes a good tattoo artist. And so is technique.

The best tattoo artists usually develop a recognisable style, from blackwork, dotwork, or fine line to realism, Japanese, or geometric.

And truthfully, you’re more likely to be drawn to a specialist than a generalist if you want something specific.

But what if you’re planning multiple pieces in different styles?

This means choosing a tattoo artist who’s versatile, but still technically solid in multiple tattoo styles and techniques.

Pro tip: Browse healed examples of their work. This is vital, because a portfolio full of perfect, fresh tattoos might be hiding blowouts, poor saturation, or uneven fading.

When you’re choosing a tattoo artist, you’ll want reassurance about the depth of their work, line consistency, smooth shading, and steady hands.

For all these reasons, things to look out for include:

• Clean, even lines
• Consistent saturation of colour
• Smooth gradients
• No blown-out lines or patchy bits

At the end of the day, their work isn’t good enough for your body if it doesn’t match these criteria.

And then there’s tattoo hygiene standards, on top of the artistic side.

Honestly, this is where too many people get lax and regret it later!

The best tattoo studios in the UK are legally required to be registered with their local council. This means meeting strict health and safety regulations, although the best tattoo artists need little policing. They treat hygiene and safety like gospel.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Licences proudly displayed
• Clean environment and surfaces
• Sealed, single-use needles opened in front of you
• Hands are washed and gloves are changed regularly between steps
• Proper disposal

In fact, the best tattoo artists won’t hesitate to take you through their tattoo hygiene standards if you ask. They’re that confident.

On the other hand, run for the hills if the studio looks like a post-Freshers’ Week student kitchen. And the same goes for their professional demeanour.

What makes a good tattoo artist brilliant? They’re collaborators besides artists. This is why it pays off to compare the following factors when you’re choosing a tattoo artist:

Consultations

Your consultation should feel like a conversation, not a sales pitch. They should ask questions, give honest feedback, and tell you when your idea needs adapting for it to work and hold up over time.

Ready and real info

They should be upfront and honest about cost, time, pain, and healing.

Aftercare support

It’s only natural you’ll want to know how to care for your new tattoo. They should explain clearly, and ideally give written tattoo aftercare tips too.

In addition, the best tattoo artists will reschedule your session if they don’t think it’s suitable to go ahead. They might do this if you’re:

• Sunburned
• Ill
• Hungover from last night’s sesh

This is the level of professionalism you want when figuring out what makes a good tattoo artist.

Organisation and reliability are signs of a credible tattooist. After all, they’re responsible for a lot of costly kit. Moreover, they’re responsible for your body.

So, what are good signs you’re choosing a tattoo artist who’s got their act together?

• They reply to messages and emails
• They turn up on time (if they’re coming to you rather than you going to them)
• Their studio and work station are spotless
• Their booking and payment system makes sense
• They show up prepared, in control and unflustered

They also keep growing. The best tattoo artists don’t coast. They travel to conventions, do guest spots, swap expertise with peers, experiment with new techniques, and keep pushing themselves creatively.

For all these reasons, it’s a red flag if their portfolio stopped at 2013. So, always familiarise yourself with their work before taking the plunge.

It’s time to scroll deep when you’ve got to this stage with a potential tattooist. This doesn’t mean their last nine Insta posts.

Instead, expect the best tattoo artists’ portfolios to demonstrate the following skills:

• Crisp, consistent line work
• Smooth shading without any patchy bits
• Bold colours that don’t look washed out
• Healed tattoos (ask why if they only show fresh ones)
• Work on different skin tones and body types
• Work on tricky areas like ears, ribs, hands, and elbows, especially if that’s what you want

Ultimately, a killer portfolio should make you think, “I want them to do my next five tattoos too.”

And finally, look for cohesion in their work. Do they have a clear aesthetic voice? Or does their portfolio look like a jumble sale of styles they’ve dabbled in once? Consistency is king, after all.

Check Google, Facebook, and tattoo forums.

• Are people praising their communication, tattoo hygiene standards, and artistry?
• Do their clients feel respected and comfortable?
• Does there seem to be any recurring issues with healing, aftercare, ghosting, or poor touch-ups?

As you’re aware, the socials shouldn’t always be taken as read. So, a couple of bad reviews might be unlucky. Conversely, a consistent pattern of malcontent is an alarm bell you shouldn’t ignore.

Don’t be shy about taking a closer look. Pop in for a nosey. You’ll find the best tattoo studios are:

• Friendly and welcoming
• Squeaky clean and tidy
• Well-lit with good airflow
• Calm without any hints of chaos

And trust your gut if you feel tense or unwelcome, because a studio’s vibe matters. You’ll be sitting there for hours. So, you want to be happy and at ease.

There are some intangibles you can’t always measure. But you can feel them. They include:

Attention to detail

The best tattoo artists care about every line, every dot, and every gradient.

Adaptability

They can adjust designs on the hoof, tweak to suit your anatomy, and keep calm under pressure.

Patience

It’s a virtue. The best of the best know that Rome wasn’t built in a day. They’ll stop for a stretch when you both need a breather.

Passion

They genuinely love tattooing. And it shows.

So, you’re almost ready to rumble. Bring your pics, be open to feedback, and ask:

• Are you licensed by your local council?
• How many pieces like this have you done
• Can I see healed photos of similar work
• What inks and needles do you use?
• How do you sterilise equipment?
• What’s the total cost, and what’s included
• How should I prepare, and what tattoo aftercare tips do you suggest?

Their answers should be clear, confident, and not defensive. Then you’ll know you’re in safe hands.

On the obverse side of the coin, head for the door if you come across any of these warning signs:

• Inconsistent line work
• No healed photos
• Grimy, cluttered workspace
• Refuses to explain hygiene practices
• Rude, dismissive or pushy attitude
• Suspiciously cheap prices
• No council licence displayed
• Negative reviews about ghosting clients or healing

Remember, cheap tattoos aren’t good. And good tattoos aren’t cheap.

Aftercare makes or breaks how your tattoo looks long-term. So, you want to keep any friction or infections firmly at bay.

The best tattoo artists have been there, seen it, and worn the t-shirt. Their sheer experience equips them to offer tattoo aftercare tips for various stages of the healing process:

Immediate Aftercare

• Remove the wrapping when your artist tells you, usually a few hours afterwards.
• Wash gently with a specialist tattoo cleaning product like Hustle Bubbles Deluxe® Foam Wash, or a mild, fragrance-free soap with lukewarm water.
• Pat dry with clean paper towels, not flannels or bath towels, which can leave fluffy bits stuck to your fresh inking.
• Apply a thin layer of the ointment or lotion your artist recommends, such as Tattoo Aftercare® Cream, which is also available in a vegan formulation without an inflated price tag.
• Avoid tight clothing and keep the area clean and dry.

Intermediate Care (the fortnight or so after)

• Wash 2-3 times a day.
• Moisturise lightly after each wash.
• Keep out of direct sunlight.
• No baths, swimming, or hot tubs.
• Don’t pick at the scabs. They’re part of the natural healing process, and picking them can completely mess up your tattoo.
• Wear loose, clean clothing.
• Keep jewellery in nearby areas clean to avoid contamination.

Long-Term Care

• Use SPF 50+ when exposing healed tattoos to sunlight.
• Keep moisturising as and when needed.
• Book a touch-up when your line work fades.

Q. How do I know if somebody’s one of the best tattoo artists in the UK?

A. Popularity alone doesn’t mean quality. Look for consistently clean line work, healed examples, strong reviews, a pristine studio, clear licensing, and a style you love. 

Q. Should I go for a specialist or someone versatile?

A. Go to a specialist if you want fine line, realism, or another specific style. Or choose someone versatile but still technically brilliant if you plan multiple tattoo styles and techniques.

Q. How far ahead should I book?

A. The best tattoo artists are often booked solid for months. So, start enquiring three - six months ahead, especially for large pieces.

Q. What should I budget?

A. Prices vary by size, complexity and the artist’s reputation. Expect to pay £50 - £150 for a small tattoo, £150 - £450 for a medium size, and £500+ for a large tattoo, and more for specialists.

Q. Can I get a tattoo near my stretched ears?

A. Absolutely. But choose someone experienced in tattooing around stretched or thinned skin. They’ll know if placement and design might need tweaking for the best result.

At the end of the day, the best tattoo artists aren’t the cheapest, fastest, or flashiest. It’s more important that you choose someone who:

• Has genuine artistry and technical skill
• Maintains impeccable safety and tattoo hygiene standards
• Communicates clearly and respectfully
• Works professionally and reliably
• Understands both your aesthetic and your anatomy

At Stretch It Body Jewellery, we’ve got everything you need to know about tattoo processes, healing products, and body mods. So, you can step into your session feeling confident, clued up, and ready to get inked by one of the best.

Pop over to our website for more tattoo aftercare tips, product recommendations, and inspiration.

It’s your skin and your story. Leave it all under the needle!