10 Best Tattoo Artists and Studios in Singapore for Every Style (2026)

Whether you are after a delicate fine line piece, a full Japanese sleeve, or a bold traditional design, Singapore has a tattoo scene that punches well above its weight. Here are 10 studios and artists worth knowing about, with prices, specialities, and honest tips on picking the right one.

How much does a tattoo cost in Singapore?

Most studios in Singapore charge a minimum of $80 to $150 for small pieces (think a coin-sized design). Medium work like a forearm half-sleeve typically runs $600 to $1,500, while full sleeves and large back pieces can go from $3,000 to $8,000 or more depending on the artist and complexity. Hourly rates generally sit between $150 and $350 per hour. Walk-ins are sometimes possible for small designs, but most artists prefer bookings, especially for custom work.

1. 8 Volts Tattoo Studio

Location: Jalan Besar (near Lavender MRT)
Best for: Realism, Japanese, colour work
Price range: From $150/hour

Founded by Joe Wang in 2007, 8 Volts is one of Singapore's longest-running studios. The team of four resident artists each bring a different speciality, from hyper-realistic portraits to neo-traditional Japanese pieces. Joe's colour realism work in particular has won awards regionally. The studio itself is clean, comfortable, and well lit. A solid choice if you want experienced hands and a proven track record.

2. Inkvasion Tattoo Studio

Location: Orchard (near Somerset MRT)
Best for: Wide range of styles, custom design
Price range: From $100 minimum

Inkvasion stands out for versatility. Their team of artists can handle everything from geometric patterns to watercolour pieces to blackwork. What people consistently mention in reviews is the willingness to collaborate on designs, not just execute a brief but actively improve on it. They are also honest about what will and will not age well on skin, which is exactly the kind of advice you want from a tattoo artist.

3. Familiar Strangers Tattoo Studio

Location: Little India (near Farrer Park MRT)
Best for: Fine line, micro-realism, minimalist
Price range: From $120 minimum

If you are into the delicate, Instagram-worthy fine line style, Familiar Strangers should be on your list. Their artists specialise in intricate detail work, botanical designs, and micro-realism that looks stunning up close. The studio has a calm, gallery-like atmosphere. Booking slots fill up fast though, so plan a few weeks ahead.

4. Imagine Tattoo Studio

Location: Chinatown (near Chinatown MRT)
Best for: Traditional, neo-traditional, abstract
Price range: From $150/hour

Tucked along Trengganu Street in the heart of Chinatown, Imagine has been a fixture of Singapore's tattoo scene for years. The resident artists are known for bold, confident line work and rich colour palettes. If you want something that reads well from a distance and ages gracefully, their traditional and neo-traditional work is hard to beat. The Chinatown location also makes for a good excuse to grab a meal at Maxwell Food Centre afterwards.

5. Oracle Tattoo

Location: Tanjong Pagar (near Tanjong Pagar MRT)
Best for: Japanese traditional (irezumi), large-scale work
Price range: From $200/hour

For proper Japanese-style tattooing, Oracle is widely regarded as one of the best in Singapore. Their artists understand the composition rules, flow, and symbolism that make traditional Japanese pieces work as a cohesive whole rather than a collection of random elements. If you are planning a sleeve or a back piece in this style, Oracle is worth the premium. Consultations are thorough, and they will map out the entire design before touching skin.

6. Ink by Finch

Location: Bugis (near Bugis MRT)
Best for: Piercings and tattoos, first-timers
Price range: From $80 minimum

Ink by Finch is a one-stop shop for body modification, offering both tattoos and piercings under one roof. They are especially good with first-timers. The staff take time to walk you through the process, discuss placement, and make sure you are comfortable. Prices are competitive for the Bugis area, and the hygiene standards are solid. A good entry point if this is your first tattoo.

7. Hansan Studios

Location: Tanjong Pagar
Best for: Blackwork, geometric, dotwork
Price range: From $150/hour

Hansan has built a reputation for precise, clean blackwork and geometric designs. If you want patterns, mandalas, or bold graphic pieces, this is your studio. The artists are meticulous, sometimes to the point of taking longer than expected, but the results speak for themselves. The studio atmosphere is relaxed and the team is known for being friendly and patient with questions.

8. BMF Ink Tattoo Studio

Location: Bencoolen (near Bencoolen MRT)
Best for: Lettering, script, small pieces
Price range: From $100 minimum

BMF Ink prides itself on professionalism and clean execution. They are particularly good at lettering and script work, which is deceptively hard to get right. Crooked letters or inconsistent spacing ruin a script tattoo, and BMF's attention to detail here is excellent. Reviews consistently praise Nina and the team for being friendly, professional, and upfront about pricing.

9. Wild Paw Tattoo

Location: Balestier (near Novena MRT)
Best for: Neo-traditional, colour, illustrative
Price range: From $130 minimum

Wild Paw brings an illustrative, slightly playful energy to their work. Their colour tattoos in particular pop beautifully, with rich saturation that holds up over time. If you want something with personality, a bit of whimsy, or an illustrative style that goes beyond the usual flash designs, Wild Paw is worth a visit. The Balestier location is a bit off the beaten track but easily reachable from Novena MRT.

10. The Standard Tattoo Co.

Location: Boat Quay (near Raffles Place MRT)
Best for: American traditional, old school, bold designs
Price range: From $150 minimum

True to their name, The Standard focuses on classic American traditional tattooing: bold outlines, solid colour fills, and timeless designs. Anchors, roses, eagles, pin-ups, all done properly. If you appreciate the heritage of tattooing and want a piece that will look as good in 20 years as it does today, The Standard delivers. The Boat Quay location is a bonus, especially if you want to grab a drink after your session.

What should you look for in a tattoo studio in Singapore?

• Check their portfolio for your specific style. A studio might be amazing at Japanese work but average at fine line. Look at their Instagram or website for examples that match what you want.
• Hygiene is non-negotiable. Look for single-use needles, autoclaved equipment, disposable gloves, and a clean workspace. Any studio worth its salt will be happy to show you their setup.
• Read Google reviews, but read them critically. Focus on reviews that mention the actual tattoo experience, healing process, and how the piece looks after a few months. A five-star review that just says "nice vibes" tells you nothing.
• Ask about aftercare. Good studios will give you clear aftercare instructions and be available for follow-up questions. Some even offer free touch-ups within a certain window.
• Do not choose based on price alone. A cheap tattoo that you hate is far more expensive than a quality one that costs more upfront. Laser removal in Singapore runs $200 to $500 per session, and you will need multiple sessions.

How do you find the right tattoo artist for your design?

Start by narrowing down the style you want. Browse Instagram hashtags like #SGtattoo or #SingaporeTattoo for inspiration. Once you have a shortlist of artists whose work you like, book a consultation. Most studios in Singapore offer free or low-cost consultations where you can discuss your idea, see the artist's approach, and get a quote. Do not rush this step. A good consultation is the difference between a tattoo you love and one you regret.

Also consider placement carefully. Your artist should advise you on how a design will work on a specific body part, how it will age, and whether any adjustments are needed. If an artist just says "yeah sure" to everything without offering their professional opinion, that is a red flag.