If you’re ready to get a tattoo, you’re making a big decision! Tattoos last a lifetime and the right tattoo can help you express what’s important to you as well as make a unique statement. To get a tattoo you can be proud of, you need to put some thought into it and make sure you choose the right shop and the right artist.

Here is how to choose among the many fantastic tattoo shops Honolulu to ensure you get a tattoo you’ll love for many years to come.

1.    Research the Artists

Most tattoo shops Honolulu have several artists who work there and most of the time, those artists will have different styles. Have an idea of the style of tattoo you want—examples include watercolor, traditional, script, Japanese, black and grey, and tribal—and make sure there is an artist who specializes in that style at the shop you choose. You can also usually find a portfolio for each artist on the shop’s website so you can get a good idea of their design style before you make your choice.

2.    Talk to People with Tattoos You Like

If you know someone with a tattoo you admire—or even if you see a tattoo you like on a stranger—you should ask them where they went. Most people love talking about their ink—especially if they had a great experience at one of the tattoo shops Honolulu. Make sure you ask which shop they went to, which artist did their tattoo, and their overall experience.

3.    Read Online Reviews

It’s very easy these days to see what real customers think of their experience at tattoo shops Honolulu—you just need to get online and read reviews. Check out Yelp, Facebook, and Google to see which shops have a majority of 5-star reviews. Most people leaving reviews will have specific feedback not only on the shop but on their artist—and they might include pics of their finished ink as well!

4.    Visit the Shop and Talk with the Artist

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of choices to a handful, take some time to visit each shop. Talk with the staff as well as the artist you are most interested in to get a good feel for their customer service skills and to see what the artist would suggest for your own personal ink. This is also the time to gauge the cleanliness and safety protocols of the shop and to see if you are comfortable in the environment.

Choosing Among the Best Tattoo Shops Honolulu

Getting a tattoo is a very personal decision and you want that choice to reflect who you are as a person, your sense of style, and what image you want to show to the world. Working with the right tattoo artist will help you hone in on a style and a design that speaks to you and will be something you will be proud to show off for years to come. When you do your research, get referrals, and spend some time at the shops you’re interested in, you can ensure you’re making a solid decision.