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Tattoo Shops · Winston-Salem, NC/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Tattoo Shops in Winston-Salem, NC

Explore the vibrant tattoo scene in Winston-Salem, where artistry meets personal expression.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceBlack Widow Tattoo of Winston-Salem
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Winston-Salem-metro tattoo shops businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Tattoo shops in Winston-Salem offer a unique blend of artistry and personal expression, making them essential for anyone looking to commemorate a moment or express their individuality. With a growing community of talented artists, these shops provide a range of styles and techniques, ensuring that every client finds the perfect match for their vision.

To compile this list, we evaluated ten local tattoo shops based on their customer reviews, ratings, and overall reputation. We prioritized businesses that consistently delivered high-quality work and maintained strong relationships with their clients, ensuring that no one paid for placement in our rankings.

10tattoo shops evaluated in Winston-Salem
4.74average rating across the field
3.0Kcustomer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does tattoo shops cost in Winston-Salem? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
Editor's Choice
96Score

Black Widow Tattoo of Winston-Salem

★★★★★4.9(546 reviews)

With a remarkable rating of 4.9 from 546 reviews, Black Widow Tattoo of Winston-Salem stands out for its talented artists and welcoming environment.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Art Attack Tattoo LLC

★★★★★4.9(400 reviews)

Art Attack Tattoo LLC boasts an impressive 4.9 rating from 400 reviews, with clients highlighting the affordability and quality of their tattoos.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Garden of Ink Studio

★★★★★4.9(344 reviews)

Garden of Ink Studio has earned a stellar 4.9 rating from 344 reviews, with many praising the artistic talents of its staff and the inviting atmosphere.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
4.9★★★★★
546First-time tattoo clients
2
95Score
4.9★★★★★
400Budget-conscious clients
3
94Score
4.9★★★★★
344Custom tattoo designs
4
92Score
4.9★★★★★
118Unique tattoo concepts
5
89Score
4.8★★★★★
173Tattoo touch-ups and revivals
6
87Score
4.7★★★★★
136High-quality artistry
7
85Score
4.7★★★★★
104Relaxed tattoo experience
8
82Score
4.5★★★★★
654Piercing and tattoo combos
9
82Score
4.5★★★★★
412Tattoos and piercings
10
80Score
4.6★★★★★
70Custom tattoo artistry
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 tattoo shops.

We assessed each tattoo shop using a transparent 0 to 100 Vetted Score, factoring in both quantity and quality of reviews. Our goal was to highlight businesses that excel in customer satisfaction and artistic skill, with no affiliations influencing our rankings. Each month, we refresh our analysis to reflect the most current feedback from customers.

No business can pay for placement on our list, allowing us to provide an unbiased view of the best tattoo shops in Winston-Salem. This ensures that our recommendations are based solely on merit, giving you confidence in your choice.

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.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Black Widow Tattoo of Winston-Salem

★★★★★4.9(546 reviews)
96Score

With a remarkable rating of 4.9 from 546 reviews, Black Widow Tattoo of Winston-Salem stands out for its talented artists and welcoming environment. Reviewers frequently praise the shop's professionalism and attention to detail, making it ideal for first-timers and experienced clients alike. However, it can get busy, so booking ahead is recommended.

Pros

  • Talented artists
  • Welcoming atmosphere
  • High customer satisfaction

Cons

  • Can be busy
  • Limited walk-in availability
Best forFirst-time tattoo clients
Service areaWinston-Salem and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$50 to $400
2
Best Value

Art Attack Tattoo LLC

★★★★★4.9(400 reviews)
95Score

Art Attack Tattoo LLC boasts an impressive 4.9 rating from 400 reviews, with clients highlighting the affordability and quality of their tattoos. This shop is celebrated for its diverse styles and friendly staff, making it a great choice for those looking to get high-quality work without breaking the bank. A downside is that some artists may have longer wait times for appointments.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Diverse artistic styles
  • Friendly staff

Cons

  • Longer wait times for appointments
  • Smaller shop space
Best forBudget-conscious clients
Service areaWinston-Salem
Typical pricing$50 to $300
3
Most Reviewed

Garden of Ink Studio

★★★★★4.9(344 reviews)
94Score

Garden of Ink Studio has earned a stellar 4.9 rating from 344 reviews, with many praising the artistic talents of its staff and the inviting atmosphere. This studio is particularly well-regarded for custom designs and detailed work. However, prospective clients should be aware that its popularity means booking can take some time.

Pros

  • Custom designs
  • Inviting atmosphere
  • Skilled artists

Cons

  • Popular, so advance booking needed
  • Limited walk-in options
Best forCustom tattoo designs
Service areaWinston-Salem
Typical pricing$75 to $500
4

Dark Roots Tattoo Co.

★★★★★4.9(118 reviews)
92Score

Dark Roots Tattoo Co. holds a 4.9 rating from 118 reviews, praised for its unique artistic style and personalized approach. Clients appreciate the care that goes into each piece, making it a solid choice for those seeking something distinctive. A potential drawback is the smaller number of reviews, which may leave some hesitant.

Pros

  • Unique artistic style
  • Personalized service
  • Attention to detail

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Limited artist availability
Best forUnique tattoo concepts
Service areaWinston-Salem
Typical pricing$100 to $400
5

Tattoo Revival

★★★★★4.8(173 reviews)
89Score

Tattoo Revival has garnered a 4.8 rating from 173 reviews, with customers highlighting the friendly atmosphere and skilled artists. This shop is known for its ability to revive old tattoos and create fresh designs. However, the shop can be busy, which might 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 tattoo touch-ups and revivals. It serves Winston-Salem, with $75 to $350 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are busy shop and long appointment waits.

Pros

  • Skilled revival work
  • Friendly staff
  • Welcoming environment

Cons

  • Busy shop
  • Long appointment waits
Best forTattoo touch-ups and revivals
Service areaWinston-Salem
Typical pricing$75 to $350
6

Ink Well

★★★★★4.7(136 reviews)
87Score

Ink Well holds a 4.7 rating from 136 reviews, with patrons praising the cleanliness and professionalism of the shop. The artists are known for their versatility and creativity. While the quality is high, some clients note that it may be pricier than other local options. 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 high-quality artistry. It serves Winston-Salem, with $100 to $500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher pricing and limited availability.

Pros

  • Clean and professional
  • Versatile artists
  • Creative designs

Cons

  • Higher pricing
  • Limited availability
Best forHigh-quality artistry
Service areaWinston-Salem
Typical pricing$100 to $500
7

Royal Mag Tattoo

★★★★★4.7(104 reviews)
85Score

Royal Mag Tattoo has a solid 4.7 rating from 104 reviews, with clients appreciating the friendly staff and quality work. This shop is a good choice for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere. However, some reviews mention inconsistent wait times for appointments, which could be a concern. 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 relaxed tattoo experience. It serves Winston-Salem, with $75 to $350 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistent appointment wait times and smaller shop.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • Quality tattoos
  • Relaxed environment

Cons

  • Inconsistent appointment wait times
  • Smaller shop
Best forRelaxed tattoo experience
Service areaWinston-Salem
Typical pricing$75 to $350
8

Deja Vu Tattoo and Piercing

★★★★★4.5(654 reviews)
82Score

Deja Vu Tattoo and Piercing boasts a 4.5 rating from 654 reviews, known for its wide range of services including piercing. Customers appreciate the experienced artists and the vibrant atmosphere. However, the sheer volume of clients can sometimes impact the personal touch of service. 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 piercing and tattoo combos. It serves Winston-Salem, with $50 to $300 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are busy shop and less personal service.

Pros

  • Wide range of services
  • Experienced artists
  • Vibrant atmosphere

Cons

  • Busy shop
  • Less personal service
Best forPiercing and tattoo combos
Service areaWinston-Salem
Typical pricing$50 to $300
9

Earth's Edge Tattoo & Body Piercing

★★★★★4.5(412 reviews)
82Score

Earth's Edge Tattoo & Body Piercing has a 4.5 rating from 412 reviews, with clients praising the skilled artists and welcoming environment. This shop offers both tattooing and piercing services. However, some clients have noted that appointment availability can be limited at peak times. 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 tattoos and piercings. It serves Winston-Salem, with $50 to $350 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited appointment availability and busy periods.

Pros

  • Skilled artists
  • Welcoming atmosphere
  • Diverse services

Cons

  • Limited appointment availability
  • Busy periods
Best forTattoos and piercings
Service areaWinston-Salem
Typical pricing$50 to $350
10

Tattoo Archive

★★★★★4.6(70 reviews)
80Score

Tattoo Archive has a 4.6 rating from 70 reviews, appreciated for its artistic talent and unique designs. Clients commend the creativity and attention to detail, making it a good choice for custom work. However, the limited number of reviews may leave some potential clients wanting more assurance. 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 tattoo artistry. It serves Winston-Salem, with $100 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and less established.

Pros

  • Creative designs
  • Attention to detail
  • Unique styles

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Less established
Best forCustom tattoo artistry
Service areaWinston-Salem
Typical pricing$100 to $400
Before you book

How to choose a tattoo shop in Winston-Salem

Selecting the right tattoo shop is crucial for achieving the desired result. Here are some key factors to consider when making your choice.

Artist Portfolio

Review artists' portfolios to ensure their style aligns with your vision.

Cleanliness and Safety

Visit the shop to assess its cleanliness and adherence to safety protocols.

Client Reviews

Read client reviews to gauge satisfaction and overall experience.

Consultation Availability

Ensure the shop offers consultations to discuss your ideas and ask questions.

What it costs

What tattoo services cost in Winston-Salem

Pricing for tattoo services can vary significantly based on the artist's experience, the complexity of the design, and the shop's reputation. Here’s what you can typically expect in Winston-Salem.

Small Tattoos$50 to $150, depending on detail and time required.
Medium Tattoos$150 to $400, with prices rising based on intricacy.
Large Tattoos$400 to $1,000, often requiring multiple sessions.
Touch-Ups$50 to $100, depending on the original artist's policies.

Frequently asked questions

How much does tattooing cost in Winston-Salem?

Tattoo prices vary, typically ranging from $50 for small designs to over $1,000 for large pieces.

What should I bring to my tattoo appointment?

Bring a valid ID, any design references, and be prepared to discuss your ideas 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 Winston-Salem tattoo enthusiasts: Black Widow Tattoo of Winston-Salem

Our top pick, Black Widow Tattoo of Winston-Salem, stands out for its exceptional quality and customer service, making it the ultimate choice for tattoo lovers. Following closely are Art Attack Tattoo LLC for its affordability and Garden of Ink Studio for its custom designs, both offering unique experiences that cater to diverse tattoo needs.