Best Tattoo Shops In Santa Cruz

“Cleanliness: Very clean

Stylist: Joseph James - it was my first tattoo and he was really great about walking me through everything! Overall the experience went really well :)“

“Went great for my first tattoo. I had Tony as my artist and would strongly recommend this place. Great environment and great quality work.“

“Aaron is the best, he has done almost all of my tattoos and has fixed a couple of old ones. His lines are thin so when the tattoo gets old won't loose the shape and they won't disappear either. He will design your tattoo show it to you and give you suggestions about sizes and colors. His shop looks clean and has the right vibes“

“Got a tattoo by Dan today! I'm so in love with it! My uncle has been going to him for all his many tattoos, and when my family decided to get matching ink in honor of my late grandfather, he was more than happy to get us all in the studio! Lines are so clean and neat, and color is unreal! A true artist, and great guy to talk to while getting your piece done! I was a little nervous at first, given I had never been in a tattoo shop, but immediately, we found something to talk about and before I knew it, my tattoo was finished! Hardly even realized it started!“

“I recently got my first tattoo a stunning atlas moth and I couldn't be happier with the entire experience. From start to finish, everything was beyond amazing. My artist, Butter, made the process so comfortable and enjoyable. Not only is Butter incredibly talented, but they're also super chill, which made the whole experience even more comfortable! I'm thrilled with how the tattoo turned out, and I can't recommend Butter enough for anyone considering getting inked!“

“I booked an appointment for a haircut with Tara Murphy at Estrella Collective not quite knowing what to expect. Walking in, the place looks like a party with ivy and twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling. Tara was relaxed and fun and she gave me one of my best haircuts ever- just what I had in mind! Thanks Tara!“

“My favorite shop in town!! Kai, Jason, and Alyssa are all incredible artists who have now provided most of the work I have done. Some of the best vibes in Santa Cruz, it always feels like visiting friends when I'm here :)“

“Bobby is the best around. He touched up a tattoo he did for me 15 years ago and I really like how it came out. Wish I had more time for him to work on it more.“

“WOW ! This place was honestly the most humbling tattoo shop I've ever been to . The ladies who work here were very nice , I scheduled an appointment with Tony and he was very knowledgeable with what he recommended as well . I really liked the way they did the check in process . 10/10 Recommend coming to get work done by him ! The vibe with everyone and him were welcoming to the MAXXXX ! Can't wait to come back !“

“Being from the Central Valley,
I'm extremely grateful to have
found Heavy Water Tattoo and
Tattoo Owner/Artist, Brayton
Furlong in Santa Cruz. Brayton
has used his amazingly
creative and unique talent to
produce pieces of art that I'm
very proud to have
permanently on my personal
canvas, my body.
If you're looking for a Tattoo
Artist who is not only
professional, but who is worth
the drive, who will create a
special piece just for you and
who will make you feel
completely comfortable, you
need not to look any further.“

“Nick V is awesome. Beautiful line work and creative designs. Very respectful service and the whole studio is covid safe with masking required“

“Traveled from the East coast and would do it again to have Josh design and produce a tattoo! HIGHLY Recommend!!!!!

Requested style: My tattoo represents my daughter’s birth flowers along with my favorite, the gladiolus, original design by Josh.
Josh’s design of the lighthouse for my daughter was phenomenal! The shop is well appointed, clean, and the lively banter makes for a fun, relaxing experience!
Special thank you to Kelly for arranging appointments during a busy traveling time for the shop.“

“Quality 10/10 Service 10/10 Vibe 10/10 My husband and I came in to get matching tattoos - they accepted our walk in and did SUCH a good job! So happy with the friendly service too! Thank you Patrick!“