Do you regret getting a tattoo? Are you a newbie to body inking or looking for something different for your next tat? From experienced tattoo removal clinics to popular tattoo artists, we’ve done the legwork and compiled this ultimate guide to getting your ink done or removed in Singapore.
Where to get your tattoo removed
Drs. Chua & Partners
According to Dr Kevin Chua from Drs. Chua & Partners, tattoo removal takes around eight to 12 laser sessions with at least four weeks in between to help the skin heal and prevent scarring. The total number of treatments needed depends on how much ink there is; older tattoos tend to require less as ink is absorbed and cleared by the body over the years.
This established clinic offers two types of lasers for tattoo removal: Medlite C6 and PicoWay. The former is currently considered the gold-standard laser for tattoo removal, while the latter is the latest advancement in laser technology. PicoWay reduces the number of required sessions to three to six, and comes with fewer side effects, too. As it is very painful to get a tattoo removed, the clinic typically leaves on the numbing cream for a longer time period before starting on the laser treatment. You’ll also be prescribed post-care creams and medications to help with the healing process thereafter.
#03-05 International Building,
360 Orchard Road
6694 6700 | kevinchua.com.sg
Aesthetic & Reconstructive Centre
Best known for its anti-ageing treatments including Fraxel Dual laser – a non-invasive laser treatment to reduce fine lines and acne scares – this aesthetic clinic also offers the Nd YAG laser therapy for the removal of tattoos and stubborn pigmentation. Expect some redness and a downtime of five to seven days. Repeated sessions are often required for deeper coloured tattoos.
3 Mount Elizabeth, #13-08
6733 3712 | andrewkhoo.com
The Dermatology Practice
Apart from tattoo removal, this laser clinic also offers pigmentation removal for birthmarks. Medlite C6 and Spectra XT laser are used. The treated area may darken sometimes but that will fade within two to three months. This is part of the healing process and lightening cream may be prescribed to speed up recovery.
#07-05 Gleneagles Medical Centre
6 Napier Road
6266 7180 | thedermatologypractice.com
Where to get inked
Ink By Finch Tattoo Studio
Specialising in custom designs, Ink By Finch Tattoo & Piercing Studio has a team of artists who’ll take you through the whole process to create your ideal tat. Prices start from $80.
A word from a customer – Joanna from Thailand
“I’d been following Ink by Finch on Instagram for a few years before I decided to get a tattoo with them. During the consultation, I asked Joe many questions about the tattooing, pain and aftercare. I also brought a rose design that I found online. Using that as a reference, and asking me about its meaning and significance, my preferred placement, and any additions, Joe came up with a unique design. I love it!
“During the tattooing session, Joe talked through what he was going to do and spoke calmly to help me take my mind off the pain. It was over faster than I’d imagined! Recovery went really well and the aftercare cream he provided helped to relieve the itching. I couldn’t be happier with the tattoo, the service provided and the helpful artists. I’ve been coming here for almost two years and wouldn’t go anywhere else.”
#02-30 Peninsula Shopping Centre, 3 Coleman Street
9623 4477 | inkbyfinch@hotmail.com | inkbyfinch.info
EZ Tattoo Singapore
With over fifteen years of experience, the guys at EZ Tattoo Singapore offer a wide range of designs, with prices starting from $50.
A word from a customer – Jade from the UK
“I was living in Indonesia and saw a tattoo that an expat had done in Singapore. I asked about the artist and it turned out to be Sha from EZ Tattoo. My first tattoo incorporates three elements: a purple lotus flower, an adoption symbol and a blue butterfly. It was a design I came up with together with my adoptive parents and I had it done on my right thigh. My mum also had the same one done!
“The second tattoo is a phoenix and represents the things I’ve overcome. It’s not only about rising from the ashes, but also the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang (balance). I had it done over three visits – first for the placement and lines, the following session for filling in the colour, and a third session in June 2017 for touching up and to make the Phoenix “pop” more. The artists at EZ Tattoo are talented and friendly. They give good advice and connect with their customers.”
#04-10 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road
6734 5910 | inkingme.com
Bugis Tattoo & Body Piercing
Explore all kinds of tattoo designs at Bugis Tattoo & Body Piercing. The studio has three resident tattooists that specialise in many styles in black and grey, plain black, and colour. They also do cover-up tattoos. Choose from a simple butterfly to an elaborate full-back tribal design.
Blk C New Bugis Street, #CSL 22 (2nd Level)
9003 9868 | bugistattoo.com
Iron Fist Tattoo
Known for their impressive dot-work and black-and-grey designs, this modern tattoo parlour is conveniently located in a cosy Chinatown shophouse. Head to their Facebook or Instagram pages to view their stunning work!
95B Club Street
facebook.com/ironfisttattoo | instagram.com/ironfisttattoo
Elvin Tattoo
If you’re all about the details, head to Elvin Tattoo. This tattoo studio has a huge selection of beautiful designs with intricate details, from geishas and skulls to life-like animals.
Onan Road
9798 9140 | facebook.com/Elvintattooart
Exotic Tattoos & Piercings Singapore
Granddaughter of tattoo pioneer Johnny Two Thumbs, Sumithra Debi (“Sutattoo”) became the youngest professional female tattoo artist in Singapore at age 16. Safety and hygiene is of utmost importance at her studio, as are age limits. Personalised and custom designs can be done and also cover-ups or touch-ups of old tattoos.
#04-11 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road
6834 0558 | exoticpiercing.tattoo
Familiar Strangers Tattoo Studio
Started in 2009, this tattoo studio is run by Whopper Tan and resident tattooists Tommy Seow and Chris Corleone. The wide range of tattoos include Japanese, Polynesian and font works. From small wrist tats to a zenshin irezumi (traditional Japanese tattoo body suit), most requests can be handled, including customised tattoos.
#01-10, The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Road
97604147 | ask@familiarstrangers.info | familiarstrangers.info
Galaxy Tattoo 2
The four resident artists at this studio, which opened in 1998, occasionally host tattooists from around the world. Choose from black designs as well as lively colours in a selection of designs, from a simple olive branch behind the ears to vibrant full-leg prints.
16A Trengganu Street, Chinatown
6222 2182 | galaxytattoo2.wordpress.com
GimmeLoveTattoo
Opened in 2008, this studio has a safe and sterile environment, and you’ll be in good hands with the artists, who offer customised work in just about every preferred style.
113A Dunlop Street
gimmelovedunlop@gmail.com | facebook.com/gimmelovetattoo
Goodmorning Tattoo
Offering great artwork and designs, this private tattoo studio specialises in vibrant colours and intricate details. From small designs to almost full-body inking, artist Sheng’s skill and dedication is clear.
8128 5763 | goodmorningtattoo@gmail.com | facebook.com/goodmorningtattoo
Imagine Tattooing
Started in 2007 by Aelvin Lim, Imagine Tattooing offers all kind of designs, from tribal and Maori art to Oriental styles. You can even choose to have a memorial tattoo made of a loved one (or a pet)!
#01-10, 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace
9107 9181 | imaginetattoo@gmail.com | imaginetattooing.com
Johnny Two Thumb Tattoo Studio
Founded in memory of legendary tattoo master Indra Bahadur (who had a second thumb on his right hand!), this tattoo studio continues the legacy of standards and style. Helmed by the talented Chak, you can expect nothing less than quality designs and lively colours. He has over 25 years of experience under his belt, and the studio is known for its high standard of hygiene.
#04-15 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road
6737 4861 | johnnytwothumb.com
Kustoms 7 Tattoos
Come by Kustoms 7 Tattoos for high quality, customised inking that will last. Artist Jap Loh offers one-of-a-kind designs with intricate detail, from fonts and roses to realistic animals and tribal prints. Make sure you make an appointment before dropping by.
476B Upper Serangoon View
9002 7096 | inkskin@hotmail.com | facebook.com/kustoms7tattoos
Memory Lane Tattoo Studio Singapore
Helmed by tattoo artist Apple Qu and husband Edward, this studio offers custom designs and scar cover-ups. Apple has been tattooing for over ten years and handles a range of styles including oriental watercolour, fontography and more. Tattoo pigments are imported from Japan and the US, and the studio uses single-use disposable instruments for greater hygiene. Tattoos from $100.
#05-08, SOHO1@CENTRAL, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street
8720 9852 | memorylane.tattoo
Moonstruck Tattoo
The artists at this studio mostly do customised and original designs, from dragons to nature motifs. Designs are never repeated so you’ll be sure to have a one-of-kind gem to show off! Hygiene is highly upheld and consultations are on an appointment-only basis.
#04-00, 213 Jalan Besar
9761 4242 | moonstrucktattoo.blogspot.sg
Of Gods & Monsters Tattooing
Get your next tattoo done by this studio’s resident artist Samuel, who has been plying his trade since 2000, and who offers a range of realistic designs including monsters, animals and nature. He travels the world to do tats, so he must be good!
8189 7899 | mudohori@gmail.com | facebook.com/pg/Mudohori
Rise Above Tattoo & Piercing
This studio was founded in 2012 by Boon, an ink artist for more than 10 years. Boon aims to create a greater appreciation of ink and body art among the wider community. He specialises in black and grey designs but is versatile with others as well. Fellow artist Yus has over 12 years of experience and does great old-school and Japanese works.
#04-70 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road
6235 5610 | riseabovetattoo.com.sg
Tattoo Craft
Since 2003, Tattoo Craft has been creating stunning tattoo designs. Offering both coloured and black works, there are many designs to choose from, including calligraphy, animals, tribal, roses and even cartoon characters.
#02-13, 263 Tanjong Katong Road Suites
9387 4501 | tattoocraft.tumblr.com
Think Tattoo
Talented brothers Elson and Nat Yeo have been tattooing for eight years, and they believe there is an intimate connection between a tattoo and its wearer. Their studio offers traditional, watercolours, realism, abstract, geometric to letterings designs, so drop down for a free consultation and take your pick.
#02-65 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road
9247 1099 | info@thinktattoo.org| thinktattoo.org
Visual Orgasm
Founded in 2005, this tattoo studio offers custom tattoos based on your particular personality and desires. Artist Joseph and his crew strongly believe in freedom of expression, so have a consultation with one of the artists and create your dream tattoo. Tattoos from $150.
2 Haji Lane
6336 5884 | visual-orgasm.com
Read on for more insider tips about living in Singapore or keep updated with the latest style trends.
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