If you’re searching “tattoo shops in Columbus Ohio” and trying to figure out what the experience is actually like once you walk through the door, this post is for you.
I've been tattooing in Columbus since 1997, and I’ve learned that the best tattoo shop experiences all come down to the same things every time — a clean shop, timely communication, a strong portfolio of examples, a ton of client reviews and a team talented artists and skilled tattooers.
Below, I’ll break down what to expect at Sacred Hand Tattoo Society where I ink tattoos. Next, I’ll give you a quick local guide to the greater Columbus-area studios I see people talk about most often, with five standout shops getting a deeper spotlight.
The Quick Summary
If you're like me and too busy or distracted to read the whole post, I've put a brief summary right at the top.
-
Sacred Hand Tattoo Society is a South Side Columbus studio known for quality custom work, a welcoming vibe, and walk-ins.
-
The “best” Columbus tattoo shop depends on your style, budget, placement, and how you want to book (walk-in vs. appointment).
-
Top Columbus-area picks to compare: Sacred Hand, Evolved Body Art, Stained Skin, Envy Skin Gallery, RedTree Tattoo Gallery.
If you want all the juicy details and contact info, go ahead and keep on reading...
5 Top Columbus-Area Tattoo Shops to Know
-
Sacred Hand Tattoo Society – A South Side Columbus favorite offering high-quality custom work, walk-ins (first-come, first-served), and strong consultation energy before booking appointments. Artists at Sacred Hand are known for diverse styles including bold color pieces, traditional flash, and detailed custom designs — with Myles McCain, Bre Montes, Santi, and Dustin among the names seen in recent client work. Open 7 days, welcoming creative collaboration and first-timers alike.
📍 960 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
📞 (614) 670-7249
🔗sacredhandtattoo.com -
Hollow Earth Tattoo – A private, artist-owned studio with a calm atmosphere and deep creative focus on custom black & grey, realism, and conceptual work. The space highlights the art and unique voice of its resident artists — Nathan Marti and Rusty Dornhecker — and tends toward appointments that allow time for illustrative, narrative-driven tattoos.
📍 3240 W Henderson Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
🔗 hollowearthtattoo.com -
Last Moon Tattoo – A private studio in the Upper Arlington/Columbus area with a collaborative, welcoming environment run by a collective of artists rather than a traditional storefront. The shop pridefully centers on inclusive client experiences and detailed artistic work. Popular artists include Sam Little (illustrative/neo-traditional, nature-inspired), Caitlin Watters (detailed blackwork/dot shading), Nicole Elisa (bold color & abstract shapes), and Natalie Davis (pointillism/organic forms). Detailed location and booking info are provided upon appointment confirmation to maintain an intimate workspace.
🔗 lastmoontattoo.com -
Envy Skin Gallery – A polished, appointment-driven Columbus mainstay on Bethel Road with a large roster of seasoned tattooists. Known for excellent hygiene, honest pricing, and skilled execution in styles ranging from traditional and neo-traditional to fine line and portrait work. Artists vary by session — check their portfolio before booking for your style.
📍 1528 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220
📞 (614) 457-3689
🔗 envyskingallery.com -
Red Tree Tattoo Gallery – A large, appointment-focused gallery-style tattoo studio near North Downtown/22nd St. Red Tree blends art gallery aesthetic with expert tattooing from a deep bench of artists. Whether you’re after bold illustrative pieces, detailed black & grey, or expressive custom work, this space emphasizes artistry and storytelling through ink.
📍 904 N 22nd St, Columbus, OH 43219
📞 (614) 379-6019
🔗 redtreetattoo.com
Other Tattoo Shops & Parlors in the Greater Columbus Area
Not a full “every single shop that exists” database (new spots pop up constantly), but this is a solid local spread across Columbus and nearby suburbs:
-
Body Language Tattoo — 1101 S Hamilton Rd, Columbus, OH 43227 (walk-ins welcome).
-
High Street Tattoo — 962 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201 (classic Columbus street-shop energy).
-
Enso Tattoo — 22 E 4th Ave, Suite 1A, Columbus, OH 43201 (Short North; walk-ins + appointments).
-
Memento Tattoo & Gallery — 1453 Grandview Ave, Suite A, Columbus, OH (gallery-forward shop vibe).
-
Tattoo Saga — 47 S Liberty St, Powell, OH 43065 (north burbs).
- Lacquer Gallery (Tattoo) — 1117 Michigan Ave, Columbus, OH 43201 (Harrison West; fine line to realism + more).
What to Expect at Sacred Hand Tattoo Society in Columbus
Location: 960 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 12pm–8pm
Phone: (614) 670-7249 sacredhandtattoo.com
Here’s the real play-by-play when you come into Sacred Hand:
1) You’ll talk through the idea before anyone touches a needle.
Whether you’ve got a full Pinterest board or a half-baked concept like “snake + peonies + make it tough,” the first step is getting clarity: size, placement, style, and your budget.
2) Walk-ins are a thing here (but timing matters).
Walk-ins are welcome, but the best odds are earlier in the day, or coming in with flexibility. Big custom projects usually start with a consult and a scheduled session.
3) Expect a clean, professional setup.
A good shop doesn’t just look clean—it runs clean. That means proper barriers, sterile setups, and an artist who won’t rush the prep.
4) You’ll leave with aftercare instructions (and you should actually follow them).
If you want the tattoo to heal sharp and hold color, your aftercare matters as much as the session. If you want my full prep routine, check the advice I share in my tattoo prep post on TatsByWes.
What I’d Do If I Were You
-
Pick style first. Traditional, realism, fine line, Japanese, patch/embroidery—each shop has strengths.
-
Look at healed work, not just fresh tattoos.
-
Book a consult if it’s large, sentimental, or a cover-up.
-
Show up prepared (sleep, eat, hydrate). I’ve got a full checklist on my site if you want it. tatsbywes.com
And if you want some Columbus tattoo history 👈 (i.e. how our fair city became a serious tattoo town), go back and click that link. 👈
And, while you're here, make sure to check out my work. My studio is located at Scared Hand Tattoo Society on Parsons Ave, and I work with a whole team of talented tattooers.
If you're looking for your first tattoo or even your 100th, feel free to schedule a free consultation with me.
