Hey Mama, wanna get a tattoo in Charleston?
When I think of moms with tattoos, the first thing that pops into my head is that iconic scene from Mean Girls. You know the one. Amy Poehler as Mrs. George in a baby pink tracksuit, winking as she informs Cady that she’s not a regular mom — she’s a *cool* mom.
Moms with tattoos are cool moms. You know another mom is going to be fun when you spot that floral half-sleeve poking out from her three-days-in-a-row oversized t-shirt that still has baby puff snacks stuck to it. Or you catch her slathering ThinkBaby sunscreen on the American Traditional tattoo she got for her babies.
If you’ve been thinking about taking the leap and getting your first tattoo or you simply want to get another, I’ve put together a quick little guide for my Charleston mamas!
Essential Steps for Before Your Appointment
1. Know what you want (style, budget, color, placement, and size).
There are a lot of choices to make when it comes to a tattoo, whether it’s your first or your 15th. Aside from the image/design you want, you should know what tattooing style you want. This will help narrow down the artists to research too. You have the American traditional, Neo-traditional, fine line, watercolor, B&W illustrative, geometric, and Japanese — just to name a few.
Next, what is your budget? The average tattoo artist rate in Charleston is about $150-$250 an hour.
Where would you like the tattoo to go on your body and what size are you looking for? Artists usually ask you to give them sizes in inches during the consult.
2. Do your research.
Search online or ask around for the shops in your area (Check out my comprehensive list below!) and then read the reviews. I cannot stress this enough. Few things are less fun than willy-nilly choosing a shop because it’s close by or happens to be open during your lunch break just to come out with a blown-out disaster of a tattoo. Read up on how the artists treat the customers. Scour Instagram to see what kind of art the shop and its artists do.
3. Contact your preferred Artist(s).
Once you’ve decided on an artist or two to contact, figure out how they prefer you reach out. About 97% of tattoo artists ask that you not DM them on social media for appointments. They often have their work email linked on the shop’s website or their Instagram pages.
Be as specific and clear as possible when describing what you want for your piece. Send over reference photos that can help them with the design process.
Artists require a small deposit that will go toward your final total to hold your date and time. Don’t forget to ask if the shop is cash only and, if so, do they have an ATM? Some shops MAY accept credit cards, apple pay, or Venmo.
4. Have tattoo care products on hand.
If you’re nervous about the pain or know you’ll be taking on a multiple-hours-long session and want something to dull the sting, ask if your artist works with numbing cream. Some numbing creams can mess with the texture of your skin, so not everyone will tattoo with it or they may have brands they prefer. A great option is Tattoo Numbing Cream Co.
You’ll be given explicit instructions on how to care for your new tattoo. Avoid products with fragrances or dyes. Some good post-appointment care products can be found at Mad Rabbit and After Inked.
5. Show up hydrated, with a full belly, and something to do.
Even if you’re a repeat customer or your appointment is short, you want to show up hydrated and having recently eaten. If you’re going to be sitting for more than two hours, bring a solid snack and water. Also, if possible, avoid anything that can act as a blood thinner before you’re appointment. This includes Ibuprofen.
Make sure to bring something to keep you occupied. Depending on where you’re getting tattooed, you may be limited on what you can do but some good options are: AirPods and music/podcasts/downloaded Netflix series, a book or e-reader, handheld gaming consoles like the Switch, or simply chatting with your artist if they’re up for it.
Don’t be afraid to let your artist know if you need a break! I promise they want you to be feeling good and comfortable during your session.
6. Know how much to tip your artist.
At the end of your session, you should leave a cash tip for your artist. This is usually 15-20% of the final total. So if your session is $500, set aside about $75-$100.
Tattoo Shops in Charleston
Ladson
Red Brick – 9533 Hwy 78, Ladson | (843) 459-2157
Downtown
Blu Gorilla – 1434 Meeting Street Rd, Charleston | (843) 805-8071
James Island
The Edge – 796 Folly Rd, Charleston | (854) 444-2289
North Charleston
Breakthrough Tattoo – 3025 Ashley Phosphate Rd, North Charleston | (843) 718-0036
Stardust – 1019 Aragon Ave, North Charleston | (843) 202-0922
Goose Creek
Yokai Tattoo Club – 1316 Red Bank Rd #3, Goose Creek | (843) 501-7464
Red Kirin – 1258 Red Bank Rd Suite 101, Goose Creek | (843) 459-2085
Blu Gorilla GC – 105 Eagle Rd # C, Goose Creek | (843) 573-7341
Rockstar Tattoo studio – 1258 Red Bank Road, Goose Creek | (843) 499-6054
West Ashley/Ravenel
Gilded Mermaid – 4213 Savannah Hwy B, Ravenel | (843) 608-0614
Iron Lotus – 1921 Savannah Hwy, Charleston | (843) 225-1304
Holy City Tattooing Collective – 1916 Savannah Hwy, Charleston | (843) 202-0950
Broken Lantern – 1931 Belgrade Ave, Charleston | (843) 637-4999
Upper Hand – 1869 B, 1869 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston | (843) 225-8602
Summerville
Motor City Ink – 2072 N Main St, Summerville | (843) 714-4042
Mystic Tiki Tattoo – 1204 N Main St, Summerville | (843) 851-8287
Roses & Ruin – 10150 Dorchester Rd, Summerville | (843) 419-6532
Ivory Tiger – 1319 College Park Rd Unit D, Summerville | (843) 821-8145
Lowcountry Elite – 131 Berkeley Cir, Summerville | (843) 771-9563
Black Water Tattoo Co. – 1111 N Main St suite c, Summerville | (843) 376-7008
Coming soon to Summerville: Fade to Black Tattoo
Monks Corner
Black Sparrow – 445 N U.S. Hwy 52 #101, Moncks Corner | (843) 790-4465
