Tattoo Shops · Summerville, SC/Updated June 13, 2026
The Best Tattoo Shops in Summerville, SC
Discover the top-rated tattoo shops in Summerville, where artistry meets personal expression, and find the perfect place for your next ink.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent9 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceBlack Water Tattoo Collective
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 9 Summerville-metro tattoo shops businesses evaluated, top 9 ranked by Vetted Score.
In Summerville, SC, tattoo shops offer a unique blend of artistry and personal expression. Whether you're looking for your first tattoo or adding to your collection, the right shop can make all the difference. The vibrant local scene features talented artists who understand the importance of body art.
To create this list, we evaluated nine tattoo shops in the area, considering their customer reviews, ratings, and overall reputation. Every business is ranked based on a transparent Vetted Score, ensuring that you can trust our recommendations without any paid placements.
9tattoo shops evaluated in Summerville
4.71average rating across the field
2.0Kcustomer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
We assessed each tattoo shop based on customer feedback, the quality of artistry, and the overall experience provided. Shops with higher ratings and more reviews were prioritized, reflecting their reliability and customer satisfaction. Our goal is to present a fair and balanced view of available options.
This ranking is refreshed monthly to ensure you have the latest information. We maintain an independent stance, so no business pays for their placement here. This guarantees unbiased recommendations for your tattoo journey.
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 perfect rating of 5 from 255 reviews, Black Water Tattoo Collective stands out for its talented artists and welcoming atmosphere. Customers frequently praise the shop's cleanliness and professionalism, making it a top choice for first-timers and seasoned tattoo enthusiasts alike. However, due to its popularity, booking in advance is highly recommended.
Copper Moon Body Piercing has a strong rating of 4.7 with 271 reviews, known for its friendly staff and expertise in body art. Reviewers appreciate the shop's focus on safety and hygiene, making it a reliable choice for piercings and tattoos. However, some customers noted longer wait times during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
Pros
Expert piercers
Clean and safe environment
Friendly staff
Cons
Longer wait times during busy periods
Limited tattoo options compared to piercings
Best forBody piercings and quality tattoos
Service areaSummerville and nearby regions
Typical pricing$50 to $150 for piercings, $100 to $300 for tattoos
Mystic Tiki Tattoo Studio & Gallery boasts a 4.7 rating from 264 reviews, showcasing a diverse range of tattoo styles and a creative atmosphere. Many customers rave about the unique designs and the collaborative process with artists. A downside is that some clients found the studio's hours inconsistent, so it's wise to call ahead before visiting.
Motorcityink has earned a 4.7 rating from 198 reviews, lauded for its talented artists and vibrant atmosphere. Reviewers appreciate the friendly service and the ability to walk in for consultations. However, the shop's popularity can lead to longer wait times, especially on weekends, so plan accordingly to avoid disappointment. 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 walk-in consultations and friendly service. It serves Summerville and nearby areas, with $80 to $250 depending on design pricing, and the honest trade-offs are long wait times possible and limited parking.
Pros
Talented artists
Friendly service
Walk-in consultations available
Cons
Long wait times possible
Limited parking
Best forWalk-in consultations and friendly service
Tigers Eye Tattoo has a solid rating of 4.9 from 55 reviews, known for its skilled artists and personalized service. Customers highlight the attention to detail and the friendly atmosphere. However, the limited number of reviews suggests it may be promising but unproven for larger projects. 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 personalized tattoos and small projects. It serves Summerville, with $75 to $200 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review base and less experience with larger designs.
LowCountry Elite Tattoo Studio has a strong 4.7 rating from 176 reviews, praised for its professional artists and clean environment. Clients appreciate the variety of styles offered, but some noted that appointments can be hard to secure, particularly with popular artists. Be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment. 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 professional and clean tattoo experience. It serves Summerville and nearby regions, with $100 to $300 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are difficult to secure appointments and higher pricing for top artists.
Exotic Impressions Body Piercing holds a 4.6 rating with an impressive 601 reviews, making it a go-to for body piercings. Customers commend the knowledgeable staff and the shop's commitment to cleanliness. However, the focus on piercings means tattoo services may not be as extensive, so check beforehand if you're looking for ink.
JuiceInkedU Tattoo & Piercing Studio has a strong 4.7 rating from 109 reviews, celebrated for its friendly atmosphere and skilled artists. Customers appreciate the collaborative design process and the welcoming vibe. However, some reviews mention inconsistencies in service quality, so it's worth discussing your design ideas thoroughly before starting. 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 collaborative tattoo experiences. It serves Summerville, with $80 to $250 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistencies in service quality and limited artist availability.
Roses and Ruins Tattoo Summerville has a decent 4.4 rating from 62 reviews, recognized for its artistic designs and friendly staff. While many clients appreciate the atmosphere, the limited number of reviews suggests it may be a newer shop that is still building its reputation. As such, it might be wise to approach with some caution.
Pros
Artistic designs
Friendly staff
Welcoming atmosphere
Cons
Limited review base
Still building reputation
Best forArtistic designs in a friendly environment
Service areaSummerville
Typical pricing$50 to $200
Before you book
How to choose a tattoo shop in Summerville
Choosing the right tattoo shop is essential for a positive experience and a stunning piece of art. Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision.
Artist's Portfolio
Review the artist's previous work to ensure their style aligns with your vision.
Cleanliness and Safety
A clean environment with proper safety protocols is crucial for a positive tattooing experience.
Customer Reviews
Check reviews to gauge the experiences of previous clients and the shop's overall reputation.
Consultation Process
A good shop will offer a consultation to discuss your ideas and any concerns before the tattooing begins.
What it costs
What tattoo services cost in Summerville
The cost of tattoos in Summerville varies based on the artist's experience, the size and complexity of the design, and the shop's reputation. Here's a general breakdown of what you can expect.
Small Tattoos$50 to $150 depending on the design and artist.
Medium Tattoos$150 to $400 based on intricacy and time required.
Large Tattoos$400 to $1,200 for detailed and larger pieces.
Hourly RatesSome shops charge $100 to $200 per hour for custom work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does tattooing cost in Summerville?
Tattoo prices in Summerville typically range from $50 to $1,200, depending on the size and complexity of the design.
What should I consider before getting a tattoo?
Consider the artist's portfolio, cleanliness of the shop, customer reviews, and whether you feel comfortable with the artist.
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 Summerville tattoo enthusiasts: Editor's Choice Black Water Tattoo Collective
The top choice for tattoo shops in Summerville is Black Water Tattoo Collective, known for its exceptional artistry and welcoming atmosphere. Following closely are Copper Moon Body Piercing, praised for its value and expertise in body art, and Mystic Tiki Tattoo Studio & Gallery, celebrated for its unique designs and collaborative environment.
Cityvetted
