It’s tattoo season! The best time to get a tattoo in NYC is during the Fall and Winter to avoid sweating and ink spreading.
When I turned 18, the first thing I wanted to do was get a tattoo. There are so many tattoo shops all over the city and so many places you can go to, so here’s my guide to the safest and best tattoo shops in Manhattan & Queens!
Crush Ink (Flushing, Queens)
This picture is from my Instagram, and it was my very first tattoo – my sister drew up some angel wings with an H in the middle (which is my mom’s initial) – done at Crush Ink in Queens! Going to Queens for a tattoo might sound like a bit of a hassle, but it’s so worth it (plus, it’s only a few stops away if you take the LIRR [get off at Broadway and it’s a 2 minute walk to Crush Ink!]). Shane (who I believe is the owner of this shop) did my tattoo and she was so calm and cool (we stan Shane). My tattoo was painless and I still love it to this very day. So many of my friends back home have gotten their tattoos and piercings here, and I’ve only heard good things (and now I can also confirm this is my favorite spot in Queens)!
Black Fish Tattoo (K-Town, Manhattan)
My second tat in the picture above is my sister’s zodiac constellation (but plant version)! Jason, who used to work at BF drew this up for me and I got this done last September! Black Fish is super professional and the vibes at the shop are, for lack of a better word, very chill. It’s only been a year but my tattoo still looks so new – there’s no fading or ink spreading. Also, if you check out any of the artist’s work on Instagram, the talent is so real, especially when you look at their line work!
Jing’s Tattoo (Auburndale, Queens)
These pictures are from Jing Tattoo’s Yelp page, but look at how well this is done! The line work… the detail… I have no other words. The pictures speak for themselves. I’ve personally never been to Jing’s, but I’ve heard so many people rave about Jing’s work! I’m definitely getting my next tattoo here.
Area 6 Tattoo (Midtown, Manhattan)
My favorite tattoo artist, Jason!!! He now works at Area 6 Tattoo, and I know I already talked about him, but he’s so awesome! He pays good attention to detail and really cares about doing a good and professional job. The only con: price. His tattoos will usually be at least $150, but for me, it’s definitely worth the money because it’s a good investment. You don’t want to risk ink spreading and a poorly done tattoo on your body forever, so go see Jason!
Sacred Tattoo NYC (Lower Manhattan)
I’ve never been to Sacred Tattoo, but I’ve also heard a lot of great things about this shop as well. The artists in the shop, specifically Roberto, Sheena, and OK, are friendly and talented in a variety of different styles! Also, all the customers who have left reviews on their page emphasize how really nice the workers are (so I’m sold!!).
There are so many great tattoo spots all over NYC! These are just my personal favorites. Wherever you decide to get inked up, keep a communicative dialogue between you and the artist and make sure it’s safe and professional! Happy tattoo-ing to you all!