CityvettedCharleston's tattoo scene is vibrant, with standout shops offering everything from intricate designs to simple pieces. Find your perfect fit here.
Tattooing is an art form that has deep roots in Charleston, SC, where creativity and self-expression thrive. With a mix of well-established studios and emerging artists, the city offers a diverse range of tattoo experiences tailored to individual preferences.
We evaluated ten tattoo shops in the Charleston area, considering both their customer ratings and the volume of reviews. The shops listed here reflect a blend of trusted names and promising newcomers, ensuring you have a variety of options to choose from.
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
How much does tattoo shops cost in Charleston? See the price breakdown →
With a stellar rating of 4.9 stars from 334 reviews, Holy City Tattooing Collective is celebrated for its talented artists and welcoming atmosphere.
Read full reviewThe Edge Tattoo Studio also holds a 4.9-star rating, based on 208 reviews.
Read full review| Business | Vetted Score | Google rating | Reviews | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 96Score | 334 | Custom tattoos | |
| 2 |  | 95Score | 208 | Affordability | |
| 3 |  | 94Score | 192 | Distinctive designs | |
| 4 | 92Score | 489 | Variety of styles | ||
| 5 | 90Score | 282 | Cover-up tattoos | ||
| 6 | 88Score | 812 | First-time tattoos | ||
| 7 | 82Score | 43 | Custom work | ||
| 8 | 80Score | 432 | Body piercings | ||
| 9 | 79Score | 29 | Small tattoos | ||
| 10 | 78Score | 28 | Custom tattoos |
To create this ranking, we assessed each tattoo shop based on their Vetted Score, derived from customer reviews and ratings across multiple platforms. We prioritize transparency, meaning no shop paid for placement on our list.
Our evaluations are updated monthly to reflect the latest customer feedback, ensuring that the rankings remain relevant and accurate. The review count and average ratings provide a clear picture of each shop's reputation in the Charleston market.
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 stars from 334 reviews, Holy City Tattooing Collective is celebrated for its talented artists and welcoming atmosphere. Clients appreciate the attention to detail and creativity in designs. It's the go-to spot for custom tattoos in Charleston. However, wait times can be longer due to its popularity.
The Edge Tattoo Studio also holds a 4.9-star rating, based on 208 reviews. Customers rave about the friendly staff and reasonable pricing. This studio is perfect for those looking for quality work without breaking the bank. Some clients have noted variability in artist experience, so check portfolios before booking. 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 affordability. It serves Charleston, SC, with $80 to $200 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are variable artist experience and limited parking.
Tattoos by Lil Round boasts a 4.9-star rating with 192 reviews. Clients appreciate the unique artistry and personalized service. This shop is ideal for those seeking distinctive designs and a personal touch. However, the limited number of artists can lead to longer wait times for appointments. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is distinctive designs. It serves Charleston, SC, with $90 to $220 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited artist availability and longer wait times.
With a 4.8-star rating from 489 reviews, Broken Lantern Tattoo is known for its clean environment and professional staff. Many customers highlight the variety of styles offered, making it a solid choice for different tattoo preferences. However, some reviewers mention the pricing can be on the higher side. 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 variety of styles. It serves Charleston, SC, with $100 to $250 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher pricing and long wait times.
Upper Hand Tattoo Studio has a 4.8-star rating from 282 reviews. Clients appreciate the skilled artists and the friendly atmosphere. This studio is well-regarded for cover-up tattoos and custom pieces. Some clients noted that booking can be challenging due to the studio's popularity. 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 cover-up tattoos. It serves Charleston, SC, with $90 to $200 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are difficult to book and busy schedule.
Blu Gorilla Tattoo rates at 4.7 stars with 812 reviews. Customers love the relaxed vibe and the range of tattoo styles available. This shop is a favorite for first-timers and has a loyal following. However, some reviews mention inconsistent experiences with certain artists. 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 first-time tattoos. It serves Charleston, SC, with $80 to $200 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistent artist experiences and busy environment.
Get That Art LLC has a perfect 5-star rating from 43 reviews. Clients praise the artistry and the personalized experience. This newer shop is great for custom work. However, with a smaller review base, it remains a promising but unproven option compared to more established studios. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is custom work. It serves Charleston, SC, with $100 to $250 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and limited artist selection.
MOLA Body Piercing & Fine Jewelry rates at 4.6 stars from 432 reviews. It’s known for its body piercing and jewelry selection. Customers appreciate the knowledgeable staff and clean environment. While it excels in piercings, it may not be the best choice for traditional tattoos. 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 body piercings. It serves Charleston, SC, with $50 to $150 per piercing pricing, and the honest trade-offs are not focused on tattoos and limited tattoo artists.
Holy City Tattoo Company has a perfect 5-star rating from 29 reviews. Customers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and attention to detail. This shop is ideal for small tattoos and quick designs. However, the small review count suggests it may still be building its reputation. 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 small tattoos. It serves Charleston, SC, with $80 to $200 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and less known.
Southern Magnetic Tattoo rates at 5 stars with 28 reviews. Clients enjoy the welcoming environment and unique designs. This shop is a fresh option for custom tattoos. However, the limited number of reviews raises some uncertainty about the overall experience. 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 custom tattoos. It serves Charleston, SC, with $90 to $210 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and uncertain reputation.
Selecting the right tattoo shop involves balancing your budget with the quality of work. Consider these factors to make an informed decision.
Look for shops with high ratings and a substantial number of reviews. This indicates consistent quality and customer satisfaction.
Examine the portfolios of artists to ensure their style aligns with your vision. Each artist has a unique flair.
Choose shops that offer consultations. This allows you to discuss your ideas and get a feel for the artist's approach.
The cost of tattoos in Charleston varies widely based on factors like size, detail, and the artist's experience. Here's a breakdown of typical pricing tiers.
Tattoo prices in Charleston typically range from $50 to $200 per hour, depending on the artist and the complexity of the design.
The most popular tattoo shop in Charleston is <strong>Holy City Tattooing Collective</strong>, with a stellar rating of 4.9 stars from 334 reviews.
We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.
For the best overall experience, choose Holy City Tattooing Collective. If you're looking for great value, The Edge Tattoo Studio offers a similar rating at a slightly lower price point. For those willing to splurge, Tattoos by Lil Round provides a unique artistic touch that is worth the investment.
