The coolest tattoo shops in Texas — from Dallas to El Paso

What is a better way to memorialize a time in your life than by getting a tattoo? The buzz of a tattoo needle etching permanent art into skin is a therapy for many. Thirty-two percent of Americans currently have a tattoo, and 22% have more than one tattoo.

People end up getting tattoos for a multitude of reasons. Whether it’s to honor loved ones or declare personal identity and self-expression, tattoos have become a way several generations have chosen to create their own style. However, where you go and who does it can be just as important as the actual tattoo. The experience of the shop, the skill of the artist, and the trust you need to feel are all important factors. After all, tattoos are forever, and coverups or removals can be more costly and painful than the actual tattoo.

The art of tattooing has become a global phenomenon. Shows like Ink Master and How Far is Tattoo Far? elevated tattooing into a mainstream art form, with artists now competing at conventions for acknowledgement of their artistry. Today, the industry is worth over $4.5 billion and is growing.

If you need a new tattoo and want to experience a shop with a different kind of vibe or special deals, then enjoy this list of unique tattoo shops in Texas.

Mother’s House Tattoo:

Mother’s House is a Dallas-based, woman-owned tattoo parlor with a little something extra inside: a coffee and mocktail bar. Customers can enjoy an iced latte or a mocktail while relaxing in the patio garden as they wait their turn for a tattoo. Speaking of the tattoos, the artists specialize in everything from fine line and anime to neo-traditional and beyond.

The outside patio of Mother’s House tattoo shop in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Mother’s House Dallas)

Electric Feels Tattoo:

This fully woman-owned and operated two-story tattoo parlor located in Dallas has a wide variety of tattoo artists who specialize in different styles of artistry. The bottom floor is a dedicated shopping space, where customers can find accessories, home decor, and more. 

Dark Dagger Tattoo:

Located in El Paso, Dark Dagger Tattoo is run by lead artist Andrew Duran, who travels regularly to offer his services, providing clients with a premium and personalized tattoo experience. The shop hosts award-winning guest tattoo artists who are staying in the area.

Pride and Joy:

Pride and Joy Tattoo is a queer-and-woman-owned studio in South Austin that was founded in 2022. Multiple customers have expressed that the atmosphere and service have been stellar. Along with that, the website also notes that it is a safe environment for all of those who enter and want to have “high-quality artistry.” The shop has four artists with expertise in blackwork, neo-traditional elements, Japanese art, and more.

Hell Fire Studio:

Hell Fire Studio is located in McAllen with a unique business model: they will trade tattoos for donations. For the entirety of July, if you bring in a backpack filled with school supplies, you can get a 2 x 2-inch tattoo. For May, they did tattoos in exchange for pet food. The artists are skilled in cartoon designs, realism, traditional art, and more.

1up Ink Tattoo Studios:

1up Ink Tattoo Studio is a Black-owned tattoo shop in Dallas with a specialization in anime designs. They are frequently recommended for their work on darker skin tones. One artist, Troy, even offers deals where you can trade items such as Apple products, real jewelry, Funko Pops, etc, for tattoos.

The anime tattoo of a client. (Photo by 1up ink Tattoo Studio)

The anime tattoo of a client. (Photo by 1up ink Tattoo Studio)

It Always Hurts Tattoo:

Located in downtown Houston, It Always Hurts Tattoos offers clients thirteen tattoo artists who can deliver any design a customer wants. One artist named Cozy B found his signature style, ‘cubism art,’ after being influenced by street art as a child. The space also includes a vintage thrift boutique and a cozy coffee bar. Customers also highlight that there is a great staff with positive energy that adds to the overall aura of the tattoo shop.

La Mancha Tattooz:

La Mancha Tattooz is located in McAllen and is a highly awarded tattoo shop. As of 2022, they won the Best Patriotic Tattoo, and they came in 1st place for the best small black and grey tattoo. Locally, they are the RGV’s First Choice for Quality Tattooing. They even have a partnership with Security Finance to get you approved for a tattoo loan.

Inkfluence Tattoo:

In operation since 1995, Inkfluence is the oldest tattoo shop in Lubbock. They have been voted best of Lubbock for 20 years. They even have a store where you can purchase colorful, designed t-shirts, hats, and a thirtieth anniversary poster. The shop employs seven artists who are skilled in everything from traditional Americana to color to realism.

Virtue Tattoo:

Virtue Tattoo has locations in both Houston and Sugar Land. The Houston shop recently released a deal where they style ear piercings based on the Archeron sisters from the book series A Court of Thorns and Roses. In Sugar Land, they have a “Jump For a Discount” section, meaning that depending on how high a customer jumps, they can get a $10 gift card, a free t-shirt, a free piercing, or a free $100 tattoo. They have artists who are experts in everything from realism to traditionalism to black and gray.

Lilac Tattoo Studio:

Lilac Tattoo Studio has two locations, one in Dallas and one in Fort Worth. The company is Black woman-owned, and is exclusively staffed by women, queer, and nonbinary artists. Both locations accept walk-ins and include an all-gender restroom to keep customers comfortable and safe. The owner and artists are experts in multiple tattoo styles and are also skilled at tattooing dark skin.

Illuminated Ink Studio:

Illuminated is a Black-owned tattoo shop located in Houston, and they accept walk-ins. What makes them so unique is that every single Friday the 13th, they host $13 specials for clients, where they offer complimentary drinks, free giveaways, valet parking, and more.