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Best Tattoo Shops in Richmond, Virginia, United States

Best Tattoo Shops in Richmond, Virginia, United States

Richmond, Virginia is America’s third most popular tattoo city. According to NBC News and CommonWealth News, Richmond has an average of 14.5 tattoo shops per 100,000 residents.


Every year, Richmond hosts tattoo festivals and exhibitions to promote the work of exceptionally talented tattoo artists. Richmond tattoo shops have been quickly growing in popularity, offering world-class tattoo services to residents, tourists, and motorcycle enthusiasts.


In this guide, Viking Bags has listed Richmond’s top-rated tattoo shops run by experienced tattoo artists who love creating unique designs for their clients. Some of these tattoo studios also offer piercings, cosmetic tattoos, laser tattoo removal, and tooth gems.

1. Loose Screw Tattoo

Loose Screw Tattoo
Photo Credit: @loosescrootattoo

Established in 2011 by Jesse Smith, Loose Screw Tattoo offers exclusive custom tattoo services. With a team of eleven tattoo artists, Loose Screw has quickly become one of Richmond’s leading tattoo studios.


Tattoo artists at Loose Screw Tattoo Shops are proficient in all tattoo styles, including color realism, new-school, lettering, portraits, and black and gray tattoos.


Loose Screw Tattoo Shop does not accept walk-ins. Prices for tattoos vary, but you can state your preferred budget in the booking form, and your artist will modify the design to fit within your budget.

Speciality

  • Color Realism

Ratings

  • Google Rating: 4.9⭐
  • Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐
  • Facebook Rating: 4.5⭐

Loose Screw Tattoo Shop
Address  3313A W. Cary Street Richmond, Virginia
Contact No.  804.342.1981
Hours  Tuesday-Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday-Monday: Closed
Official Website  LOOSESCREWTATTOO
Instagram ID  LOOSESCREWTATTOO
Twitter ID  LOOSESCREWTAT2
Facebook ID  LOOSESCROOTATTOO
Tattoo Styles  New-School
Color Realism
Black & Gray
Lettering
Portraits
Shop Minimum Fee  Will be disclosed at the time of appointment
Tattoo Rates/Costs Depends on tattoo style, size, and placement
Payment Method  Cash
Credit Cards
Walk-Ins Not Accepted
Free Consultations
Appointments Only
Deposit Required
Other Services  None

2. Graffiti's Ink Gallery

Graffiti
Photo Credit: @graffitistattoo

Established in 2003, Graffiti’s Ink Gallery is a tattoo and piercing studio famed for its custom tattoo designs and safe piercing methods. Though this tattoo shop is not located in Richmond, it frequently caters to tattoo enthusiasts from Richmond.


The senior artist and owner of Graffiti Ink Gallery, Roxanne Wiltshire, has over 15 years of tattooing experience. She excels in colored portraits and black and gray tattoos.


Wiltshire leads a team of four talented tattoo artists. Ed Taylor prefers neo-traditional and realistic tattoos, but he is always up to try a challenging custom design.


Chris Wallmeyer has 14 years of tattooing experience, with his best works being American Traditional, cover-ups, Japanese, new-school, and other miscellaneous styles.


Heather Syvilla enjoys applying illustrative, black and gray, and floral tattoos.


Cameron Mills is passionate about new-school, watercolor, illustrative, and floral tattoo styles.


Graffiti Ink Tattoos accepts walk-ins, though they are subject to the artists’ availability. If you want a session with a specific artist, it is best to book an appointment with him/her as soon as possible.

Speciality

  • Custom Tattoos

Ratings

  • Google Rating: 4.5⭐
  • Yelp Rating: 5⭐
  • Facebook Rating: 4.7⭐

Graffiti's Ink Gallery Tattoo Shop
Address  111 W. Williamsburg Road, Sandston, Virginia
(8.7 miles from Richmond)
7122 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, Virginia
(6.9 miles from Richmond)
Contact No.  804.328.6989
804.559.4658
Hours  Monday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Official Website  GRAFFITI TATTOO
Twitter ID  REXTATTUZ
Facebook ID  GRAFFITISINGALLERYMECHANICSVILLE
Tattoo Styles  Black & Gray Realism
Cover-Ups
Japanese Traditional
American Traditional
New-School
Neo-Traditional
Portraits
Colored Tattoos
Illustrative
Floral
Watercolor
Shop Minimum Fee  Will be disclosed at the time of appointment
Tattoo Rates/Costs Depends on tattoo size, placement, style, and design
Payment Method  Cash
Credit Cards
Walk-Ins Accepted
Appointments Preferred
Deposit Required
Other Services  Piercings

3. Connelly’s Tattooing

Connelly’s Tattooing
Photo Credit: @Connelly's Tattooing

Established in the early 1920s, Connelly’s Tattooing is a family-owned, street-style tattoo studio in Colonial Heights, about 23.4 miles from Richmond.


Currently, only three tattoo artists operate at this popular establishment. Samantha Connelly specializes in several tattoo styles, preferring Polynesian, mandalas, neo-traditional, traditional, watercolor, 3-D, and tribal tattoos.


Tabitha Connelly likes to apply rose, script, butterfly, floral pattern, and color tattoos.


JW Tattooer specializes in horror tattoos, semi-realistic imagery, chaotic black tattoos, nature-inspired imagery, symbols, and abstract tattoos


With a shop minimum fee starting at $50, Connelly’s Tattooing is one of the most budget-friendly tattoo shops near Richmond. However, large tattoos with complex designs can be costly as the shop charges a minimum fee of $150-$250 per hour.


Tattoo artists at Connelly’s Tattooing recommend that clients provide a detailed custom design if they want a more personalized experience. But clients can always request pre-drawn designs if they are in need of inspiration.


Walk-ins are not allowed at Connelly’s Tattooing, so if you are traveling to Colonial Heights to get a tattoo, make sure you have an appointment.

Speciality

  • Surrealism
  • Abstract
  • Polynesian 

Ratings

  • Google Rating: 4.7⭐
  • Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐

Connelly’s Tattooing
Address  415 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia
(23.4 miles from Richmond)
Contact No.  804.526.8286
Hours  Depends on appointment
Official Website  CONNELLYSTATTOOING
Instagram ID  CONNELLYSTATTOOING
Facebook ID  CONNELLYS.TATTOOING
Tattoo Styles  Black & Gray
Realism
Colored Tattoos
Floral
Mandalas
Script
Neo-Traditional
Polynesian
Tribal
Horror
Chaotic Black Tattoos
Symbols
Pen & Ink Style
Surrealism
Sci-Fi
Animals
Abstract
Shop Minimum Fee  $50
$150-$250 per hour
Tattoo Rates/Costs Depends on tattoo artist
Payment Method  Cash
Walk-Ins Not Accepted
Appointment Only
Deposit Required
$25-$100+
Non-Refundable
Other Services  None

4. Heroes and Ghosts Tattoos

Heroes and Ghosts Tattoos
Photo Credit: @Heroes & Ghosts Tattoo

Heroes and Ghosts Tattoos is a premium tattoo shop in Richmond that provides high-quality tattoos and piercings. Heroes and Ghosts Tattoos features a team of eight accomplished tattoo artists specialized in multiple tattoo styles.


If you want a photo-realist or portrait tattoos, then book an appointment with Rod Davis.


For dynamic color and illustrative tattoos, consult Colby Julian.


Conroy Peeps love to do cartoon and nerdy tattoos.


Will Greene excels in tattoos featuring bright colors, clean lines, and multiple color shades.


Josh Richey enjoys working on conventional tattoo styles.


Ish transforms folk art into beautiful color tattoos.


Vincent Riquier is proficient in dark tattoos, psychedelic iconography, and abstract art.

Nick Bryant prefers bold traditional tattoo styles.


All artists at Heroes and Ghost Tattoos charge a minimum fee of $200-$300 per appointment. Heroes and Ghosts Tattoo Shop allows walk-ins, but some artists only work with those who made an appointment.


For piercings, you can consult Cayla Faith and Joey Woodard. Both in-house piercers perform piercings with the utmost care.

Speciality

  • Realism
  • Psychedelic Concepts
  • Folk Art

Ratings

  • Google Rating: 4.4⭐
  • Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐
  • Facebook Rating: 4.5⭐

Heroes & Ghosts Tattoo Shop
Address  3035 W Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia
Contact No.  804.342.0042
Hours  Sunday-Monday: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday-Saturday: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Official Website  HEROESANDGHOSTSTATTOO
Instagram ID  HEROESANDGHOSTSTATTOO
Facebook ID  HEROES-GHOSTS-TATTOOS
Tattoo Styles  Black & Gray
Realism
Color
Architecture
Folk Art
Psychedelic Tattoos
Abstract
Dark Themes
Black
Traditional
Illustrative
New-School
Cartoons
Portrait
Photorealism
Shop Minimum Fee  $100-$300
Tattoo Rates/Costs Depends on tattoo style, size, and detail
Payment Method  Cash
Walk-Ins Accepted
Appointments Preferred
Deposit Required
Other Services  Piercings

5. Lucky 13 Tattoo Shop

Lucky 13 Tattoo Shop
Photo Credit: @lucky13tattooinc

Lucky 13 Tattoo Shop is a large-scale establishment that offers tattoos, piercings, and permanent make-up services. With a team of 13 professional tattoo artists, Lucky 13 Tattoo Shop dominates the tattoo business in Richmond.


All tattoo artists at Lucky 13 know how to apply several tattoo styles, but their best works are traditional, watercolor, and American traditional tattoos. The Lucky 13 Tattoo shop also offers quality tattoo after-care products to ensure the tattoo heals correctly.


At Lucky 13 Tattoo Shop, all tattoos start at a minimum cost of $50, but the total cost may increase based on the tattoo’s style, design, complexity, placement, and number of sessions. Walk-ins are accepted at Lucky 13 Tattoo Shop, but it is best to make an appointment for a comfortable tattooing experience.

Speciality

  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Watercolor

Ratings

  • Google Rating: 4.5⭐

Lucky 13 Tattoo Shop
Address  1800 W Broad Street Richmond, Virginia
Contact No.  804.358.2012
Hours  Everyday: 12 pm. - 9 p.m.
Official Website  LUCKY13TATTOOINC
Instagram ID  LUCKY_13RVA
Facebook ID  LUCKY13RVA
Tattoo Styles  Black & Gray Realism
Watercolor
American Traditional
New-School
Custom Tattoos
Color Tattoos
Shop Minimum Fee  $50
Tattoo Rates/Costs Depends on tattoo size, style, design, complexity, coloring, and placement
Payment Method  Cash
Credit Cards
Walk-Ins Accepted
Appointments Preferred
Deposit Required
$20-$100
Non-Refundable
Other Services  Piercings
Permanent Make-Up

6. True Tattoo

True Tattoo
Photo Credit: @true_tattoo_rva

Established in 2007, True Tattoo Shop is run by two dedicated and talented tattoo artists, named Scott Calcaterra and Morgan Klassett, who enjoy applying all tattoo styles.


Their best works are new-school, traditional, bold colors, black and gray, Japanese, lettering, realism, and cover-up tattoos.


True Tattoo Shop prefers appointments, though walk-ins are accepted every day when the artists are available. All tattoos start with a minimum fee of $150; however, the price may increase based on the tattoo’s size, placement, and design. Clients can request an estimated price from the tattoo artists during consultations.

Speciality

  • Traditional Tattoos
  • New School
  • Bold Colors

Ratings

  • Google Rating: 4.6⭐
  • Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐
  • Facebook Rating: 4.6⭐

True Tattoo Shop
Address  6106 Jahnke Road, Richmond, Virginia
Contact No.  804.233.8783
Hours  Tuesday-Saturday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Official Website  TRUETATTOORVA
Instagram ID  TRUE_TATTOO_RVA
Tattoo Styles  New-School
Bold Colors
Japanese Traditional
Realism
Cover-Ups
Black & Gray
Old School
Lettering
Shop Minimum Fee  $150-$200
Tattoo Rates/Costs Depends on tattoo style, size, design complexity, and placement
Payment Method  Cash
Walk-Ins Accepted
Appointments Preferred
Deposit Required
Other Services  None

7. Hold It Down Tattoo

Hold It Down Tattoo
Photo Credit: @holditdowntattoo

Hold It Down Tattoo Shop is a tattoo studio in Richmond featuring a team of six tattoo artists. Every tattoo artist is highly-skilled at applying tattoos in varying styles.


Daryl Rodriguez is an expert in applying large traditional American and Japanese tattoos in color, and black and gray formats.


Sean Mc Curry’s best work is American traditional tattoos. McCurry uses a limited color palette, using mostly black, red, green, and gray.


Ricky Styx and Grant Sawyer excel in American traditional tattoos featuring bold imagery and bright colors.


John Stephens specializes in abstract iconography, unruly patterns, geometric shapes, and architectural tattoos.


At Hold It Down Tattoo Shop, walk-ins are accepted every day and appointments are set up via phone calls. Clients can send emails if they have questions, but appointments will not be accepted via email.

Speciality

  • American Traditional
  • Japanese

Ratings

  • Google Rating: 4.7⭐
  • Yelp Rating: 4⭐

Hold It Down Tattoo Shop
Address  302 Goshen Street, Richmond, Virginia
Contact No.  804.643.3696
Hours  Everyday: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Official Website  HOLDITDOWNTATTOO
Instagram ID  HOLDITDOWNTATTOO
Tattoo Styles  Black & Gray
Traditional
Japanese
Tribal
American Traditional
Realism
Colored Tattoos
Architecture
Abstract
Textures & Shapes
Shop Minimum Fee  Will be disclosed at the time of appointment
Tattoo Rates/Costs Depends on tattoo artist
Payment Method  Cash
Walk-Ins Accepted
Appointments Preferred
Deposit Required
Other Services  None

8. River City Tattoo

River City Tattoo
Photo Credit: @rivercitytattoorva

River City Tattoo Shop is Virginia’s top-rated tattoo studio, having four branches at these locations:

  • Ashe Boulevard, Richmond
  • Chesterfield, Turnpike
  • Enigma Studio - Broad Street, Richmond
  • South Park, Colonial Heights

River City Tattoo Shop provides tattoos, piercings, laser tattoo removal, permanent make-up, tooth gem, and jewelry.


Tattoos at River City Tattoo Shop start with a minimum fee of $60. The overall cost will increase depending on the tattoo artist, tattoo’s size, design, style, placement, and details.


River City Tattoo Shop accepts walk-ins; however, Ashly Hutchens and Brandon Saunders work by appointment only.

Speciality

  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Piercing
  • Cosmetic Tattoos
  • Jewelry

Ratings

  • Google Rating: 4.7⭐
  • Yelp Rating: 4⭐
  • Facebook Rating: 4.4⭐

River City Tattoo Shop
Address  1128 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia
Contact No.  804.359.5252
Hours  Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Official Website  RIVERCITYTATTOO
Instagram ID  RIVERCITYTATTOORVA
Tattoo Styles  Black & Gray
Realism
Japanese Traditional
Colored Tattoos
American Traditional
Custom Tattoos
Shop Minimum  $60
Tattoo Rates/Costs Depends on tattoo size, placement, design, and style
Payment Method  Cash
Credit Cards
Apple Pay
Walk-Ins Accepted
Appointments Preferred
Deposit Required
Other Services  Laser Tattoo Removal
Piercings (Adults & Children)
Tooth Gems
Permanent Make-Up

9. Amy Black Tattoo

Amy Black Tattoo
Photo Credit: @amyblacktattoos

Amy Black Tattoo is an exclusive private tattoo studio in Richmond established for mastectomy, decorative post-surgery, and custom tattoos.


Most of the clientele at Amy Black Tattoo Studio are breast cancer survivors. Amy Black Tattoo Studio uses surgery reconstruction methods, helping patients regain self-confidence by applying decorative 3-D body art.


You will only be attended to at Amy Black Tattoo Studio if you made an appointment before visiting.

Speciality

  • Mastectomy Tattoos

Ratings

  • Google Rating: 4.5⭐

Amy Black Tattoo Shop
Address  3125 W Cary Street, 2nd Floor, Richmond, Virginia
Contact No.  804.254.9006
Hours  Depend on individual appointment
Official Website  AMYBLACKTATTOOS
Instagram ID  AMYBLACKTATTOOS
Facebook ID  TATTOOS.AMY.BLACK
Tattoo Styles  Mastectomy Tattoos
Custom Tattoos
Shop Minimum Fee  Will be disclosed at the time of appointment
Tattoo Rates/Costs Depends on tattoo size
Payment Method  Cash
Walk-Ins Not Accepted
Appointment Only
Deposit Required
Other Services  None

10. Civilization Tattoo

Civilization Tattoo
Photo Credit: @civilizationtattoo

Civilization Tattoo Studio features a team of four popular tattoo artists who create unique tattoos by combining traditional and modern trends. Their hand-crafted tattoo designs and stellar craftsmanship are why Civilization Tattoo Shop is considered a top-rated tattoo parlor in Richmond.


Adam Marton, Jason Brown, Jon Sanford, and John Setzer are great artists who specialize in traditional American and Japanese styles. Their creativity and attention to detail have left many customers satisfied.


Civilization Tattoo Shop also provides excellent cosmetic tattoos. Clients love their new looks after the artists finish applying. The tattoo artists at Civilization Tattoo Shop have busy schedules, and only work by appointment.

Speciality

  • Cosmetic Tattoos
  • American Traditional
  • Japanese

Ratings

  • Google Rating: 4.9⭐
  • Yelp Rating: 4.5⭐
  • Facebook Rating: 4.5⭐

Civilization Tattoo Shop
Address  319 N Adams Street, Richmond, Virginia
Contact No.  804.477.6509
Hours  Wednesday-Sunday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Official Website  CIVILIZATIONTATTOO
Instagram ID  CIVILIZATIONTATTOO
Tattoo Styles  Japanese
Black Gray
Traditional
American Traditional
Colored Tattoos
Custom Tattoos
Shop Minimum Fee  $100
Tattoo Rates/Costs Depends on tattoo artist
Payment Method  Cash
Walk-Ins Not Accepted
Appointment Only
Deposit Required
Other Services  Permanent Make-Up

11. Takeaway

Richmond, Virginia has a friendly hipster vibe as evident with the residents’ love for unconventional trends and quirky body art. Being America’s third most tattoo-friendly city, Richmond is the best place to get a tattoo due to its welcoming mainstream culture, top-notch tattoo artists, and popular tattoo shops.


Richmond tattoo shops are praised for their hygienic practices, accommodating staff, and brilliant art. To have the best tattoo experience in Richmond possible, it is recommended you book your appointment as early as possible.

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