Tattoo

Looking for a reliable, safe, clean, TALENTED tattoo artist. Thx

http://www.thehairdressers.com.hk/newsite/index1.htm

There is a tatto shop down in TST, Star Crossed Tattoo & Piercing, http://www.starcrossedtattoo.com/home.html. Cannot vouch for them, but it's worth a look. My husband is looking into having his tattoo done there.

I had a look in the one in TST - the people seemed nice but the set-up reminded me of when I had my first ones done in old-fashioned British tattoo parlours back in the '70s, and the designs weren't that inspiring. But maybe that's still how it is here. However, comparing it to the work I've seen by artists on programmes like Miami/La Ink I've decided to hold out until I'm next over in those parts for more.

That's good to know, I'll let my husband know.

I wouldn't dream of having something done to me, which is going to remain on me for the rest of my life (which, hopefully won't be shortened by HCV, for example, as a consequence of having a second-hand needle used on me during the process) without feeling supremely confident that my tattooist and I speak the same language and understand each other 100%. I'd want to quiz him or her on their experience and see examples of their work, and not just look at library pictures that they may not even have necessarily inked themselves. And really, really important: I'd definitely want to check they use disposable needles, have an autoclave for sterilisation and keep their premises squeaky clean. I've seen so many places that fall far short of these standards.


Actually, it's funny isn't it - if you go to a spa for treatment that's probably going to last you about a week you get ushered into pristine five star facilities, yet when you go for a tattoo that will last you a lifetime you generally walk into a place that looks like it just that week took it over from a scruffy old-fashioned barber's shop that had gone bust. However, the culture of tattoos has been changing - examples in Miami /LA Ink and Tattoo Wars shows how far they've come - so maybe good tattoo shops (or 'ink salons') are now starting to follow suit and become more 21st century wherever they are in the world.

Totally agree Thames. Having said that, tattoo's are so fashionable now that these "ink salons" just push the price up and up and tattoos were expensive to begin with! Of course as you said, hygiene and "the look" of shops are becoming more appealing which obviously attracts the new generation Soom they will probably be offering a local to help with the pain!


But a good tattooist who can speak good english and tell you with confidence exactly about their hygiene/sterilisation process is a must. My husband has only ever been to two different places back home and they were both on recommendations.


i know the hairdressers have a tattoo artist, and i had a look, but I don't like how they have the "guest tattoo artists". I would prefer someone who has been here a long time. I know they might have experience in their country of origin, but how do we get recommendations? I think it is much more expensive also.


If someone out there can give a recommendation for hairdressers, that would be great.

Hi,

I have been following this thread and feel i should chime in with some thoughts and recommendations of my own.

Firstly I have been collecting tattoos for the last 14 years and have pretty heavy coverage so i do feel like i have a fair bit of experience when it comes to tattoos.

I have been tattooed in many of HKs studios and quite honestly the only place I would actually advise any one to go to is starcrossed tattoo in TST.

as far as the designs there go, they do carry some flash designs, but most of the tattoos are custom drawn for each customer, which means you are getting a tattoo that only you will have, and the quality of the tattooing and quality of the art is far superior than any other studio i have seen in Hong Kong. I have had many tattoos done there and have always been greatly impressed with the outcome.

I also know that they are extremely clean ie. new needles, ink pots, ink etc and you can actually see the cleaning equipment right in front of you.(ultra sonic cleaner, and autoclave.) it is also a fact that they have 2 sinks in their studio (very important in preventing cross contamination) and as far as i have seen there are no other studios in HK that do this, even though it is actually THE LAW in the UK. If you want to check their work and studio then you can go to http://www.starcrossedtattoo.com


secondly, I believe that the tattoo shows that you refer to are actually not a particularly good indication of how far tattooing has come. Although the art is great, only last week i watched London ink, and the artist Dan Gold proceeded to scratch his head with his gloves on and the continued to tattoo. Miami ink and LA ink have also showed artists drinking and smoking in their shops...a big no no.


I hope this helps you when you decide to go through with your tattoo

Is anyone able to tell me about Brio in TST. Went to their studio and felt very comfortable there. Seemed a bit more 'clinical' then star crossed and ace dragon.