Getting a tattoo in New York: things to know before you start
Do you want to get a tattoo in New York? Know that certain obligations are to be fulfilled to get a tattoo:
- You must be at least 18 years old (condition valid in New York and in all other states of the USA).
- You must present your identity card (the French one is valid).
- You must be in good health and not be pregnant.
If the tattoo artist does not respect one or more of these conditions, this should appeal to you and push you to choose another salon.
Tattoo New York: selection of five places to get a tattoo
East Side Ink
In the East Village area, you can get a tattoo at East Side Ink, a salon that has been operating since 1992 and where several artists from the tattoo world exercise : Angela de Rosette, Josh Lord, Jonah Ellis, Jessica Mascitti, Caesar Bacchus and many more!
Here you can achieve the desired tattoo, because this salon allows you to get tattooed in all styles : manga, pop art, basic, bright colors, black or gray… Here, you will find your happiness!
Practical information about this tattoo parlor:
It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 13 p.m. to 21 p.m. and is closed on Monday.
Address: 95 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009.
Supernova Tattoo
Let's go to Astoria (in the district of Queens) to the Supernova Tattoo salon open since 2004. To get a tattoo here during the week, it is useless to make an appointment, but if you plan to do it during the weekend , remember to call before. Ditto if you want a technical tattoo, it is better to make an appointment beforehand.
The patron of this salon is Andreana Verona and his specialties are: gray and black tattoos, realistic photos and portraits.
Practical information about this tattoo parlor:
Its opening hours are:
- Monday and Tuesday: 14 p.m. to 20:30 p.m.
- Wednesday to Saturday: 12:30 p.m. to 20:30 p.m.
- Sunday: closed.
Address: 3801 23rd Avenue, Queens, NY 11105.
Three Kings Tattoo
Very well known in New York, the Three Kings Tattoo salon has been located in the Brooklyn neighborhood since 2008 (today it is also located in Manhattan). To get a tattoo, you don't need to make an appointment unless you want your tattoo done by a specific artist. Indeed, several artists take turns between the two stores, seven days a week! If you want a specific tattoo artist, please mention it!
Practical information about this tattoo parlor:
Both shops are open every day from 12 p.m. to 22 p.m.
Addresses:
- Brooklyn : 572 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222.
- Manhattan : 181 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009.
Electric Anvil Tattoo
Electric Anvil Tattoo is a tattoo parlor known for their original designs. For your part, if you lack inspiration for your future tattoo, take a look at the designs available. There are plenty of them, so you might just find the one you want to tattoo.
Practical information about this tattoo parlor:
This tattoo parlor is open seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 20 p.m.
Adresse : 721 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238.
Bang Bang
Bang Bang is a tattoo parlor very popular with stars : Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Rihanna have notably trusted Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy. This trendy salon is therefore famous and sometimes you have to wait several months to get a tattoo (depending on the desired tattoo artist).
Practical information about this tattoo parlor:
The Bang Bang tattoo parlor is open daily from 11 a.m. to 23 p.m.
Addresses: 328 Broome Street, New York NY 10002 and 62 Grand Street, New York NY 10013.
What is the price of tattoos in New York?
There are no fixed rates; the prices vary depending on the tattoo parlor, the size of the tattoo, the artist who makes it (the more famous it is, the more the price increases), the estimated time to do it… Several criteria therefore come into play in determining the price.
Good to know: the more details your tattoo has, the higher its price will be and at the advertised price, don't forget to add the tax (8.15%).
Practical tips for getting a tattoo in New York
Select your design before you go
If you want to get a tattoo in New York, better choose your model before leaving. Indeed, the tattoo is not a trivial gesture; it must be reflected. By browsing the tattoo sites directly from your home, you will be able to find inspiration and have much more time to select the design you want to tattoo.
Once found, print it out or download it for the tattoo artist to reproduce.
Handy tip: If you can, print it full size. This will save time on D-Day, because the tattoo artist will only have to go over it with his carbon paper instead of drawing it in turn.
Choose the salon and the artist
The five addresses mentioned above can guide you to a reputable tattoo parlor in New York. But before you get a tattoo, think about visit the website the show to look at the type of tattoos done, to know the tattoo artists and to look at their achievements, but also to have a precise idea on the conditions of admission of the salon. By doing this research, you will know whether or not the living room meets your expectations and your style.
Regarding the choice of artist, even if all are competent, choose a tattoo artist more comfortable with the type of tattoo you want to achieve. For example, if you want to get a text tattoo, turn to an artist specializing in drop caps. If you want a portrait, choose a professional who will have a lot of it in his portfolio ...
Make an appointment
In most tattoo parlors there is no need to make an appointment to get a tattoo, but think to check this condition on the tattoo shop website. If an appointment is requested, it can be done by phone or email.
Note: if you make an appointment from France, a deposit may be requested. Usually this is done through PayPal.
What to do on the big day?
Before you begin, it is important to ask all the questions you have to the tattoo artist. Also make sure that you are on the same wavelength !
In summary, on D-day:
- Present your tattoo design to the artist and discuss it with him.
- Pay the balance for your tattoo.
- Ask any questions that come to mind.
- The tattoo can begin.
Maps of the five tattoo parlors mentioned in this article
If you get a tattoo in New York, don't hesitate to share your experience in the comments 🙂
Other interesting practical information:
- All about New York Fashion Week
- Checklist to prepare your suitcase
