How to Tell If a Tattoo Shop Is Right for You

Let me just start by saying: I love tattoos. Always have. There’s something about turning your skin into a story that feels... I dunno, kind of powerful. But what I didn’t realise when I got my first one is how much where you get it done matters just as much as what you’re getting.

I mean, we all do it, right? We start by typing “tattoo shop near me” into Google, scrolling through whatever pops up, and crossing our fingers that the place with decent photos and a cool logo is actually legit. Sometimes it works out. Sometimes... it doesn’t.

So, if you’re thinking about getting some ink and want to make sure you don’t end up with a regret-shaped blob on your arm, let me save you some stress. Here’s everything I’ve learned about making sure a tattoo shop is actually the right one for you.

Northwest and West tattoo studio

1. Vibes Matter — More Than You Think

The first time I walked into Under The Needle Tattoo Shop, I felt instantly at ease. Not in a fake, “can I help you?” customer service kind of way, but in that “these people actually give a sh*t” kind of way. The lighting wasn’t harsh, the music wasn’t screaming in my face, and most importantly, nobody gave me that intimidating up-and-down glance that makes you feel like you don’t belong.

Trust your gut. If you walk into a place and feel like you're not welcome, that’s a red flag. A good shop should feel open and inclusive, no matter who you are or what you’re getting. Whether you’re looking for your first tiny ankle tattoo or your third full sleeve, the energy should be the same—respectful, calm, and friendly.

2. Check the Portfolios (And Then Check Again)

This might seem obvious, but it’s wild how many people skip this. Every legit tattoo artist will have a portfolio—either on Instagram, their website, or even a physical one in the shop. You’re not just looking for good art, you’re looking for consistency, healed work, and style.

When I was looking for a tattoo shop in West London, I was super drawn to bold linework and black-and-grey realism. But not everyone does that well. Some artists specialise in colour, others in fine-line or traditional. Know what you want, and find someone who actually does it.

At Under The Needle, each artist had their own vibe. I ended up working with someone who nailed exactly what I was going for because I spent time comparing portfolios and asking questions. And speaking of that...

3. Talk to the Artist Before Booking Anything

Please, for the love of good ink, don’t just book an appointment without speaking to the artist first. Even if you’re just planning a walk-in flash piece, a little convo goes a long way.

I found my artist by searching “tattoo artist near me” and reaching out to a few people. Some never replied. Some were super short and kind of dismissive. But the one I ended up choosing? Answered my questions, asked me a few, and we even hopped on a quick phone call to talk about placement and sizing.

A good artist will care about how the tattoo fits your body, not just how it looks on paper. They’ll tell you if something won’t heal well, if a spot is tricky, or if your design needs tweaking to make it really work. That kind of honesty is gold.

4. Cleanliness Isn’t Optional (And You Shouldn’t Feel Weird Asking About It)

This one’s non-negotiable. Every single surface should be spotless. Needles should be single-use and opened in front of you. Gloves, barrier film, sharps bins—all that. Don’t be shy about asking how things are sterilised or how often stations are cleaned.

When I visited Under The Needle Tattoo Shop in Northwest London, the whole place was immaculate. You could smell the cleaning products. I watched them wrap the chair, swap gloves between steps, and explain everything as they went. It made me feel safe, which let me actually enjoy the process instead of silently panicking about infection.

5. Beware of Prices That Seem Too Good to Be True

Listen, tattoos aren’t cheap—and they shouldn’t be. You’re literally paying someone to draw on you permanently. If someone’s offering a full forearm piece for under £100, run. Fast.

That said, expensive doesn’t always mean better, either. When I was pricing out pieces and typing things like “best tattoo shop near me” into my phone, I realised that the best shops were the ones that explained their pricing clearly and didn’t try to upsell me on more than I needed.

Under The Needle gave me a price range up front, stuck to it, and didn’t charge extra for small changes during the design phase. That kind of transparency builds trust, which—when someone’s working with needles on your body—is kind of important.

6. Read the Reviews—But Read Between the Lines, Too

Five-star reviews are great, but dig a little deeper. What are people saying about the shop? Do they mention feeling comfortable? Was the artist patient? Did they get help choosing placement or size? Or was it all just “cool art, sick vibe, love my tat”?

I read every review I could find for tattoo shops in Northwest London and honestly, it helped weed out the ones that looked trendy but didn’t treat clients all that well. If someone says the artist made them feel rushed or didn’t care about their input? Big no from me.

Final Thought: It’s Your Body—Don’t Settle

Tattoos are personal. Doesn’t matter if it’s a tiny symbol on your wrist or a full back piece. It’s on you, literally. So take your time. Ask the questions. Visit the shop. Talk to the artists. Don’t just go where your mate went, or wherever’s closest, or the cheapest one that pops up when you type “tattoo shop near me.”

The right shop will make you feel seen, heard, and hyped to get inked. For me, Under The Needle Tattoo Shop did all of that and then some. And every time I look at my tattoo now, I’m not just proud of the art—I’m proud of the experience behind it.

That’s what makes it worth it.