We think these 5 tattoo studios in Houston make the ouch pay off!
Worried about going to a new tattoo parlor? We get it. Getting inked is a decision no one should take lightly. And while you can get laser removal if you make a mistake, that could just be painful, costly, and inconvenient. Lucky for you, we’ve scoured the city to find the best tattoo studios in Houston that prioritize both artistic expression and top-notch care, leaving you with a beautiful mark you can show off to your friends and enjoy forever.
| How much do tattoo services cost in Houston? Tattoo services in Houston start at $80 per hour, depending on the artist’s skill level, your tattoo size and style, and service duration. |
1. 713 Tattoo Parlour
Website: https://www.713tattoo.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/713tattoo/
1533 Westheimer Rd
+1 713 533 1239, [email protected]
Mon-Sat: 12:00pm – 2:00am
Sun: 12:00pm – 12:00am
713 Tattoo Parlour kicked off in 2012 by Homer Saenz, an accomplished tattooer for over 25 years. A true artist at heart, he’s also a painter who opened his own custom paint shop.
Saenz’s ink parlor is affiliated with the Association of Professional Piercers (APP), an international non-profit health and safety organization. This ensures the shop exceeds the industry’s standards with its large selection of quality jewelry, from implant-grade titanium to high-end gold. It won several awards too, such as the “Top Rated Tattoo and Piercing” Facebook award in 2015.
Today, this studio boasts 11 tattoo artists under its belt. It mainly provides body piercing and fine electric tattooing with traditional, tribal, portraits, black and grey, and fine lines. Some of its newer offerings include cosmetics, like lashes, facials, and brow services.
My Favorite Tattoo Shop
“713 is my favorite tattoo shop and Reeda Martin is my very favorite tattoo artist I will always go to her for quality work and conversation. She always makes me feel so comfortable and excited about her work. Every tattoo she has done for me has been perfect. Also Homer and Matt have both done tattoos for my husband and his always turn out incredibly clean and beautiful. Pricing is reasonable and the shop is always in great shape and everyone there is welcoming.”
-Ms. Bailey Cartwright, Google Review
Friendly, Organized, and Quick
“I had an impromptu urge to celebrate Friday the 13th with tattoos and landed at 713 with my mom and husband. They had several flash design options to choose from! Even though they were busy, the front desk people were friendly and organized. The artists were nice and quick with their work. We definitely see ourselves going back! Y’all rock!”
-Ms. Kiara Sam Jimenez, Google Review
2. Assassin Tattoo Houston
Website: https://www.assassin.ink/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assassintattoo/
604 Westheimer Rd
+1 832 985 9999, [email protected]
Mon-Sun: 2:00pm – 9:00pm
Assassin Tattoo Houston is an authentic Asian tattoo house founded by Peng Yang in 2017, but his first branch was in Dongcheng, Beijing in 2001. He believes tattoos are more than just body decor—they’re therapy for the soul, expressing all his emotions and artistic endeavors. Ironically, though, this ink parlor owner himself is uninked. Not because of reluctance or fear, but because he wants to stand out—he sees his work as an art form that finds joy in creating designs on other people’s skin.
Over time, Yang ventured overseas and attended various tattoo exhibitions, from London in the UK to Berlin in Germany, and San Francisco in the USA.
Currently, his tattoo haven features 13 body ink artists. They have different skill levels and specializations, from big dragon sleeves and colorful warriors to small Kanji and dainty butterfly tattoos.
Highly Recommended
“Jack did an amazing job on my tattoo!! I highly recommend going with him if you’re going to get a tattoo here. Will definitely be getting more tattoos here!”
-Mr. Jesus Hernandez, Google Review
Prompt & Precise
“First tattoo I’ve ever gotten, done by Mr. Mufei. I like it. It’s precise. Experience was good. Walked in and was taken care of promptly. Much appreciated. Will be back for more.”
-Mr. Ben Lankford, Google Review
3. 3rd Generation Ink
Website: https://www.3rdgenerationink.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3rdgenerationink/
126 Heights Blvd, Houston
+1 713 485 5062, [email protected]
Sun-Thurs: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Fri-Sat: 10:00am – 12:00am
3rd Generation Ink was established by the Shaw family, America’s oldest tattoo dynasty. Bob Shaw, the patriarch, started tattooing in California in 1940 for the world-famous tattoo artist, Bert Grimm. Shaw was also all about tattoo safety, working with the Board of Health, and creating a sterilization-friendly tattoo machine. Eventually, he took over Grimm’s shop, got inducted into the Tattoo Hall of Fame, and was President of the National Tattoo Association when he died in 1993.
Soon, three of his sons also became tattoo artists, but Larry Shaw was the standout. Larry began tattooing at Grimm’s shop with his dad in 1972 and moved with the family to Houston in 1979. That year, he opened Shaw’s Tattoo Studio, making it the city’s first licensed tattoo shop.
Larry mastered multiple tattoo styles like production, Japanese, traditional, new school, and “miracle” cover-ups. But due to creative differences with his dad, he branched out and opened his own boutique-style shop, the 3rd Generation Ink. Today, this spot has 5 tattoo pros, offering traditional and modern styles.
Didn’t Hurt at All
“My friend and I called before hand, we walked in and were helped out by Neil, he did such an amazing work, was light with his hand (didn’t hurt at all). He was also done quickly, thank you again for your amazing job!”
-Ms. Bianca X, Google Review
Nice & Clean
“Nice clean and friendly environment. We had to get touch-ups because the ink faded away in about a week. We just walked in, and we’re seen immediately. Love these guys.”
-Ms. Natieka Washington, Google Review
4. Sacred Needles
Website: https://sacredneedles.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacred.needles/
3308 Garrow St Studio A4
Regina Avakumiants launched Sacred Needles after tattooing for more than 5 years. She came from Russia and has been living in Houston since 2016. Before becoming a small business owner, she had years of experience managing start-ups and teaching art. She continuously evaluates and participates in tattoo conventions, art exhibitions, and creative collaborations. As a fine art pro, she also paints murals on the side.
At present, her private tattoo studio is commended for using vegan ink and top-notch equipment from FK Iron, Cheyenne, and Critical Tattoo. This ink spot can be found inside a creative co-op “Starseed Hostel” in the center of the vibrant Eado and Historical Second Ward community.
Phenomenal Work
“Everything about Sacred Needles is phenomenal. The atmosphere. The fine line work. And especially Regina. She listens to what you want, then turns it into a masterpiece, all while being a superb human. As a woman getting a tattoo in a precarious spot, she makes sure you feel comfortable. I could not recommend her enough.”
-Ms. Crystal Thompson, Google Review
Incredible Tattoo Artist
“I cannot put into words how incredible this tattoo artist and her space is! I got my first and second tattoos with her and will keep going back! She is an incredible human who respects others and has the most beautiful soul. If you are looking for an artist who does beautiful work, and will make you feel safe and respected, look no further!”
-Mr. Spencer Cardiff, Google Review
5. Horitian Tattoo
Website: https://horitiantattoo.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horitiantattoo_westheimer/
6517 Westheimer Rd
+1 832 857 6666, [email protected]
Mon-Sun: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Zhenjia Du, the owner of Horitian Tattoo, has been in the tattoo industry for over 16 years. He graduated from an art college in China and participated in numerous tattoo conventions, winning several awards. He has also tattooed famous rappers and has been featured in a bunch of magazines and publications.
Du now specializes in various styles, especially Japanese, Chinese, color, black, and gray tattoos. He also works with a roster of passionate tattoo artists in his zen-filled tattoo studio to continue promoting Asian-style and tribal tattoos.
Super Clean & Sterile
“Wife and I got quick flash tattoos. Friendly staff. Super clean and sterile business.”
-Mr. Weng Khuu (Keystone Bullyz), Google Review
Diligent & Careful
“Amazing experience at Horitian tattoo. Owen was very diligent, careful, clean and delivered exactly what I was looking for.”
-Mr. Bob Fraker, Google Review
