Tattoo Shops · Charleston, SC/Updated June 13, 2026
The Best Tattoo Shops in Charleston, SC
From intricate designs to welcoming atmospheres, these tattoo shops offer the best in artistry and customer care in Charleston.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceThe Edge Tattoo Studio
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Charleston-metro tattoo shops businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.
Charleston's vibrant culture is reflected in its tattoo scene, where artistry meets personal expression. Whether you're a local or a visitor, finding the right tattoo shop is essential to ensure your experience is as memorable as the art itself.
To identify the best tattoo shops in Charleston, we evaluated ten local businesses based on customer reviews, ratings, and overall service quality. Our rankings are based on a transparent scoring system that reflects genuine customer experiences.
10tattoo shops evaluated in Charleston
4.81average rating across the field
2.8Kcustomer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
We analyzed each shop's customer feedback, focusing on ratings and review counts to determine their Vetted Scores. Our list is updated monthly, ensuring that it reflects the most current data and trends without any paid placements.
Each shop was rated on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better customer satisfaction and service quality. This process allows us to provide an unbiased look at the best tattoo shops in Charleston.
The Vetted Score: six weighted factors
Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%
Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.
With a stellar rating of 4.9 from 198 reviews, The Edge Tattoo Studio stands out for its talented artists and welcoming atmosphere. Reviewers frequently praise the shop's cleanliness and the artists' ability to bring ideas to life. It's best for those seeking custom designs and personalized service. However, appointment availability can be limited due to its popularity.
Tattoos by Lil Round boasts a 4.9 rating from 191 reviews, highlighting its affordability and skilled artists. Customers appreciate the friendly service and ability to create unique tattoos that fit their vision. This shop is ideal for those looking for quality work without breaking the bank. A potential downside is the shop's smaller size, which may limit walk-in availability.
With an impressive rating of 4.8 from 477 reviews, Broken Lantern Tattoo is a favorite among locals. Reviewers commend the shop for its diverse artist styles and the ability to accommodate various tattoo requests. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a wide range of designs. However, the high volume of clients may lead to longer wait times.
Holy City Tattooing Collective has a solid rating of 4.8 from 316 reviews, with customers praising its collaborative environment and skilled artists. The shop is known for its community-focused approach and high-quality artwork. It's best for those seeking a meaningful tattoo experience. However, its collaborative nature might not suit everyone.
Upper Hand Tattoo Studio holds a strong rating of 4.8 from 275 reviews, with clients appreciating the professionalism and attention to detail from the artists. The shop is particularly known for its vibrant color work and intricate designs. It's ideal for those wanting detailed, colorful tattoos. However, some clients have noted that the prices can be on the higher side.
Blu Gorilla Tattoo has earned a rating of 4.7 from 776 reviews, making it one of the most popular spots in Charleston. Reviewers highlight the talented artists and the friendly atmosphere. It’s best for those looking for a fun and relaxed experience while getting inked. However, the large client base may lead to longer wait times for appointments.
Get That Art LLC has a perfect rating of 5 from 43 reviews, showcasing its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Clients appreciate the personalized attention and unique designs offered. This shop is great for those wanting custom art. However, the limited number of reviews makes it promising but unproven compared to more established shops.
MOLA Body Piercing & Fine Jewelry has a rating of 4.6 from 231 reviews, offering a unique combination of tattooing and body piercing services. Customers appreciate the expertise and care provided. It's best for those seeking both tattoos and piercings in one location. However, the focus on piercings may not appeal to those solely interested in tattoos.
Stardust Tattoo has a solid rating of 4.6 from 224 reviews, with customers praising the creativity and skill of the artists. The shop is known for its artistic designs and friendly service. It's best for creative and unique tattoos. However, some clients have mentioned longer wait times for appointments. A review base that deep is hard to game, and the score barely moves across it, which is the clearest consistency signal we track. Most of what reviewers hire it for is creative and unique tattoos. It serves Charleston, SC, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are longer wait times and busy schedule.
Southern Magnetic Tattoo holds a perfect rating of 5 from 19 reviews, showcasing a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Clients love the personalized service and unique designs. However, the limited number of reviews makes it a promising but unproven choice in the crowded Charleston tattoo scene. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is unique and personal tattoos. It serves Charleston, SC, with $50 to $150 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and smaller client base.
Choosing the right tattoo shop involves more than just looking at ratings. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision.
Artist Style
Look for an artist whose style matches your vision. Many shops showcase portfolios online.
Cleanliness and Safety
A clean environment is crucial. Check for proper sanitation practices.
Customer Service
Good communication and a welcoming atmosphere can enhance your tattoo experience.
Pricing
Understand the shop's pricing structure and any additional fees that might apply.
What it costs
What tattoo services cost in Charleston
The cost of tattoos in Charleston can vary widely based on the artist's experience, design complexity, and shop location. Here's a general breakdown of what you might expect to pay.
Small Tattoos$50 to $150, usually for simple designs or small placements.
Medium Tattoos$150 to $400, suitable for more detailed work or larger areas.
Large Tattoos$400 to $1,000+, often for intricate designs or full sleeves.
Touch-Ups$50 to $100, depending on the work needed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does tattooing cost in Charleston?
Tattoo prices in Charleston range from $50 for small designs to over $1,000 for intricate pieces.
What should I look for in a tattoo shop?
Look for cleanliness, artist portfolios, customer service, and reviews to ensure a good experience.
How often is this ranking updated?
We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.
Our verdict
For most Charleston tattoo enthusiasts: Editor's Choice name
The top three tattoo shops in Charleston are The Edge Tattoo Studio, Tattoos by Lil Round, and Broken Lantern Tattoo. Each offers exceptional artistry and customer service, making them the best choices for your next tattoo.
Cityvetted
