Need fresh ink? Check out the 5 best tattoo shops in Glasgow!
My sister’s permanent makeup came out so natural, it sent me straight down the rabbit hole of Glasgow’s tattoo scene. Once I started looking, it was obvious this city has no shortage of seriously talented studios for every style, from fine-line to bold traditional work.
But good ink isn’t just about liking a portfolio. When you’re choosing something permanent, you also want proper hygiene, clear pricing, and an artist whose style actually matches what you want on your skin.
That’s why I made it my mission to look at the best tattoo shops in Glasgow for people who are ready to book, not just browse. Now, get your skin ready for some serious inking!
How much does a tattoo cost in Glasgow?
Before anything else, under the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969, no one under 18 can be tattooed in Scotland, and reputable studios will ask for valid photo ID under Challenge 25.
In Glasgow, tattoo prices usually start at a minimum of around £60 to £80, even for very small pieces, because this already covers setup, sterilisation, and basic materials.
For custom work, many studios charge about £80 to £120 per hour, while larger projects like full sleeves or back pieces often come with a day rate of roughly £450 to £700 for six to seven hours of tattooing.
You should also expect to pay a non-refundable deposit of £50 to £100 to lock in your appointment and drawing time. In my experience, the final price really depends on the tattoo’s size, placement, detail, colour, and how in-demand the artist is.
1. The Kingdom Ink Tattoo Shop
Address: 130 Douglas St
Contact: +441412370890
Business hours:
Monday to Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday, 11 AM–5 PM
The Kingdom in Ink felt like a solid place for me to test the waters because they openly offer consultations and take walk-ins. Those are the exact things I wanted before committing to anything permanent.
It sits right in Glasgow city centre on Douglas Street, so it’s easy to pop into when you’re still in the “let’s see the vibe first” stage. The place is a bright, modern, welcoming studio rather than a dusty old street shop, which worked for a cautious walk-in like me.
Style-wise, I’d rate this studio as best for black and grey realism, though it clearly has range beyond that. Their artist lineup covers everything from fineline and ornamental to traditional, portraits, and cover-ups, so it’s not a one-trick shop.
I also like that they handle both custom designs and pre-drawn options, give aftercare support, and seem to bring in guest artists often enough to keep the work fresh. I’d say The Kingdom Ink suits first-timers, walk-in clients, and anyone wanting a custom sleeve, cover-up, or smaller flash piece without feeling intimidated at the front desk.
That said, because they have several experienced artists and active guest spots, the most in-demand artist for your exact style may not always be immediately available, even if the studio welcomes walk-ins.
Customer Reviews
Lovely studio and friendly staff
Brilliant service at The Kingdom Ink. Went in for a simple matching tattoo with my sister, and they were more than happy to accommodate us without an appointment. Cesar drew up the tattoo and was able to do exactly what we were looking for. Lovely studio and friendly staff. Would definitely recommend.
- Naomi Murphy, Google Review
I love love love my work of art!
Great studio, such a lovely experience with Shauneen, calm vibes and made me feel at ease. She was communicative throughout the whole process, such a lovely human! Took her time on detail,s I love love love my work of art! So, looking forward to future bookings with you.
- Jasmine Rose, Google Review
2. Sugar Skull Tattoo Studio
Address: 213 Paisley Rd W, Kinning Park
Contact: +441412371852
Business hours: Daily, 10 AM–10 PM
My best bud wanted a unique back piece to honour his Mum, so he wasn’t going to risk it with a random walk-in situation. He went to Sugar Skull because it leans hard into custom work and free consultations, which made sense for something emotional, detailed, and permanent.
He said the studio felt like a clean, modern, appointment-led custom space, which has been around since 2013. It’s in Kinning Park, so not quite city-centre handy, but still easy enough if you’re booking with a purpose rather than drifting in on your lunch break.
He appreciates how they regularly bring in guest artists from around the world, and how they work in a clean, private, sterile environment. They position themselves as one of the few Glasgow tattoo studios focused heavily on bespoke custom tattoos, not just flash art.
Judging from my pal’s finished piece, they’re great at black and grey realism, especially for bigger, meaningful work that requires proper planning. He now recommends the studio for those wanting memorial tattoos like his and those wanting larger pieces.
The catch is that they’re strictly by appointment only, so it’s not the place for spontaneous walk-ins and on-a-whim tattoo forays. Also, the more sought-after artists for specific styles may have longer waitlists.
Customer Reviews
So pleased with both tattoos
I would highly recommend Sugar Skull Tattoo Studio. From communication with Adrian and consultation with Joey to getting our tattoos was second to none. My wife and I went together to get our tattoos, mine was my first, and everything went to plan. Our tattoo artist was Hernany, and he knew exactly what we wanted. So pleased with both tattoos. We are booked in again, highly recommend. Update 2nd visit to Hernany at Sugar Skull for my wife and me. Once again, a fantastic experience. My wife got a rose she had reworked, and I got a new tattoo on the opposite arm from the 1st. Hernany is a genius artist, and we are so happy with the finished result.
- Stephen Brady, Google Review
The finished tattoo is amazing
At this time, I am so pleased to have found you and Johnny. The finished tattoo is amazing and is a testament to Johnny himself on his professional approach. He was great to talk to and was meticulous in his work. I hope to be back at some point for more work, and Johnny will be my first choice, if applicable. I will definitely recommend you guys to anyone who asks about my tattoo. Thanks again for the great work and the communication with Adrian (Manager), throughout the whole process.
- Paul Latter, Google Review
3. Forevermore Tattoo Parlour
Address: 202 Hope St
Contact: +441413329340
Business hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM–7 PM
My baby sister wanted a septum piercing, but somehow walked out of Forevermore Tattoo Parlour with a cute flash ink on her forearm.
This honestly tells you about the studio’s pull; it’s one of those Hope Street studios that make a spontaneous idea feel like a good one! She also tried her luck as a walk-in and succeeded.
The shop has been around since 2009, and my sis says they feel like a proper established tattoo-and-piercing parlour rather than a sterile little trend box. She liked that they didn’t force her into one lane, and was given options to book a custom tattoo consultation or get pierced.
Style-wise, they’re best for traditional inking, even though the studio clearly has enough range to handle custom work across the board. They also host world-renowned guest artists and regularly feature flash, so the place stays lively without being chaotic.
The shop is a reputable all-rounder with proper piercing expertise, central convenience, and enough tattoo talent to tempt even the unplanned. The main downside is that walk-ins depend on availability, so it’s still wise to book ahead.
Customer Reviews
The studio was very clean and professional
I had an amazing experience at Forevermore Tattoo. The studio was very clean and professional, and the atmosphere made me feel comfortable from the moment I arrived. I also really appreciated the clear communication before the appointment and the detailed aftercare instructions. Thank you for such a great experience – I’m very happy with my tattoo and would definitely recommend Forevermore Tattoo.
- Daria Druzenko, Google Review
I was taken care of every step of the way
The place was incredibly welcoming. This was my first big tattoo. I was taken care of every step of the way, made sure I was comfortable and relaxed throughout the whole process would highly recommend this parlour. Tubi the tattooist, no notes, lovely guy who produced amazing wor,k will definitely be back
- Brandon McCusker, Google Review
4. Blancolo Tattoo
Address: 259 Argyle St
Contact: +441412214999
Business hours:
Monday to Monday, 10.30 AM–5.30 PM
Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday, noon–5 PM
I have a colleague whose body is around 60% covered in tattoos, and it’s all thanks to Blancolo. He swears by how they take the basics that actually matter seriously: strong portfolios, a clean setup, and artists who don’t clone each other’s style.
The studio has six different artists with different specialisms, and has a particular focus on black and white realism. However, it has a broad enough experience and skills to handle other custom ideas, as well.
It’s a bright, modern, customer-focused space rather than a mouldy, old-school street den, and will suit plenty of people just fine. They also offer free consultations, handle cover-ups, and proudly meet Glasgow tattoo licence standards.
The fact that my work pal keeps going back there (yes, even during lunch breaks) says more than any sales pitch could. For anyone wanting a studio they can stick to in the long haul, this Argyle Street city centre spot looks built for repeat business.
They’re a dependable city-centre studio for ongoing custom work, especially if you like having multiple artists and even piercing or tattoo removal under the same roof.
The main catch is that my pal can’t verify if they feature guest artists, so if that matters to you, I’d check first before assuming. Also, bigger custom works still come with a non-refundable deposit and rescheduling rules.
Customer Reviews
Nikki is so incredibly gentle during the tattooing process
Came in for the first time today, and Nikki tattooed this beautiful butterfly design on me! I can honestly say Nikki is so incredibly gentle during the tattooing process, and it made it a lot easier to sit through it. She designed it exactly how I wanted based on a reference, and I couldn’t be happier! I can’t wait to come back once I’ve decided what the next tattoo will be!
- Lauryn Louise Owen, Google Review
They are done so beautifully, and I cannot recommend them enough
Had both my tattoos done here, first one by Ailie in 2024 and more recently the one of my dog by Nikki. I am so happy with both of them; they are done so beautifully, and I cannot recommend them enough. Will definitely be back to see Ailie or Nikki for any future tattoos.
- Nicola S, Google Review
5. Mortez Tattoo & Piercing
Address: 116 – 118 George St
Contact: +441412860618
Business hours:
Monday to Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM
Sunday, 10 AM–2.30 PM
My neighbour just went through a nasty breakup, at which point he told me he needed his ex’s portrait tattoo covered up, not permanently commemorated. After swallowing several “I told you so” retorts, I pointed him towards Mortez.
It’s a Glasgow city-centre studio on George Street. That central spot helps when you want to sort a bad tattoo decision without trekking across town. It helps that it’s not a cluttered old-school street shop but a modern studio, so it won’t help him sink further into post-relationship regret.
They position themselves around bespoke tattooing, custom pieces, and cover-ups. They have several resident artists with distinctive styles, along with flash availability and walk-ins for both tattoos and piercings.
They offer a useful mix of planning and spontaneity. My pal likes how their cover-ups are baked into the menu of services, and not made to feel like an awkward afterthought.
It’s a great place for non-judgmental, welcoming conversations about fixing old, unwanted ink. However, they don’t seem to offer a roster of international guest artists, in case you’re looking for a particular style they currently don’t offer.
Customer Reviews
Her artistry is next level
Gillian is an incredible tattoo artist. She’s super laid back and instantly makes you feel at ease, which makes the whole experience so comfortable, which is great when it’s your first time! Her artistry is next level—personal, creative, and executed with amazing detail. You can really tell how much care she puts into her work, and the final result always exceeds expectations. I couldn’t recommend her more to anyone looking for amazing tattoos and a great overall experience!
- Philip O’Brien, Google Review
So vibrant and unique
I’ve been to Mortez several times now for a piercing and several tattoo sessions with Gillian. Everyone at Mortez is so nice, and the atmosphere in the shop is really chilled. Gillian is not only an awesome person but an incredible artist. When everyone else told me my old tattoos couldn’t be covered without a laser, Gillian accepted the challenge, and I couldn’t be happier! I assumed I’d have to have dark, boring cover-ups, but Gillian is giving me better than I could have imagined! So vibrant and unique. Thanks, Gillian and the Mortez crew, for always looking after us when we visit.
- Lisa Witherspoon, Google Review