Finding Quality Tattoo Shops in San Antonio: A Guide by Kara Pena

Kara Pena has been piercing in San Antonio for over 10 years, working at the top shops in the city. She is the highest rated piercer in San Antonio and is a cornerstone of the piercing community. Tattoo shops have been around for as long as we can remember. However, the ambiance has never been super welcoming. The reason is that tattoo shops have always operated in a “sellers’ market.” Customers are often more eager to get a tattoo or piercing than the artists are to perform the service.

However, since the pandemic, the market has done a complete 180. There are now more tattoo studios than there were tattoo artists 10 years ago. This abnormal growth has been fueled by “tattoo teaching gurus” who swindled millions from unsuspecting individuals wanting to enter the tattoo industry. They promised these newcomers hundreds of thousands of dollars a year right from the start. Unfortunately, the proper apprenticeship has been replaced by apprentice-level talent trying to build their persona around “fine line” and other basic styles, focusing on making a quick buck rather than mastering the art and process.

Quality work at Final Touch Tattoo San Antonio is only the beginning

What Does This Mean for Customers Trying to Find a Good San Antonio Tattoo Shop?

This shift means there are more pitfalls than ever in the tattoo industry. In the tattoo community, we refer to low-quality establishments as "scratcher shops" or simply "cash shops." These shops are often run by young, inexperienced artists who say yes to every request without proper discussion about the tattoo or piercing. Cash shops typically use poor-quality equipment and jewelry, offering deals to churn clientele and maximize profits.

What Do I Need to Look Out for When Trying to Find a Quality Shop?

For San Antonio Tattoos:

Experience

While experience isn’t everything, it is a strong indicator of an artist's skill. For example, an artist with only two years of experience may still be learning. If the entire shop has artists with only a few years under their belts, you risk having a bad experience. Look for shops with multiple artists who have 20+ years of experience to ensure the tattoo procedure is done correctly.

Client-First Mentality

Does the tattoo shop prioritize the client? For instance, Final Touch Tattoo San Antonio and Lackland AFB offer amenities like massage chairs, food, water, personal TVs with headphones, blankets, and privacy screens. This client-centric approach enhances the overall experience and shows that the shop cares about its customers.

Reviews

Check reviews on Google and Yelp. Google is widely used but can be filled with bot-generated reviews. When reading Google reviews, pay attention to the one-star ratings to gauge potential issues. Yelp has stricter review policies, making it a more reliable source for genuine feedback.

Quality

Many people contact us for large tattoos without having a specific artist in mind. This indicates a lack of research on their part. Always check artist portfolios and avoid websites that don’t specify which tattoos were done by which artists. It’s a common trick in the industry to showcase the best work without attributing it to the correct artist.

For San Antonio Piercings:

The “$10 Piercing”

If a piercing costs only $10, be cautious. These shops often use surgical steel, which is not hypoallergenic and can cause allergic reactions due to nickel content. High-quality implant-grade titanium or gold jewelry is much safer. Confirm that the shop uses medical-grade jewelry before proceeding.

Titanium on the left, steel on the right. The difference in quality is apparent when you look closely

Hollow Needles and Autoclaves

Never get pierced with a gun. The blunt force trauma from a piercing gun can cause irreparable damage. A one-time-use hollow needle is far safer. Additionally, ensure the shop has a sterilization machine, called an autoclave, that is up to date. If they don’t, it’s likely they cut corners in other areas as well.

Why Are Deals a Big Red Flag in the Tattoo Industry?

Cutting Deals Often

If a shop is new, it’s understandable they may offer deals to attract customers. However, if a shop has been around for over a year and is still offering discounts, it raises a red flag.

Why Wouldn’t a Shop Be Booked Out?

There are several reasons a shop may not be busy. They might lack the quality clients want or fail to retain repeat customers. This can create a snowball effect. To attract clients, they lower prices, which leads to less revenue and often results in cutting corners on sanitation and safety. This is why some shops have unpleasant odors or appear unkempt. Be cautious of shops that offer very cheap tattoos or piercings.

In conclusion, getting a tattoo or piercing is a significant decision. You are allowing someone to puncture your skin. When you enter a tattoo shop, ask yourself: Would I want a medical procedure done in this environment? If the answer is no, seek out a place where you feel comfortable.

Remember: Cheap isn’t quality, and quality isn’t cheap. You can save money in many areas of life, but skimping on tattoos or piercings is a poor choice. This is a permanent decision. Treat your body with respect!