by Glen Poezyn
A tattoo is a lifelong commitment. Are you absolutely certain that the Chinese phrase you’re getting done actually means what you think it does? We’ve listed a few tattoo parlours that have incredible reputations, immaculate line work, and unrivalled style.
True Love
We wouldn’t be surprised if the artists behind True Love named their shop after the feeling you get after getting one of their pieces. Specialising in fine details and explosive colours, the crew at True Love truly are some of the best tattoo artists in Joburg. When approaching them with a design, they’ll sit with both you and the piece of art and try to figure out how to best bring it to life.
Beyond their star quality, there’s something else that this tattoo parlour offers its clients: a sense of community and safety. Welcoming to everyone that walks through their doors, you won’t feel out of place, even if the only ink you have on you is a pen mark. After massive success in Linden, they've just recently moved to an improved space at Nine Yards in Rosebank.
Details: https://www.instagram.com/truelovetattooing
The Crows Nest
Whether a design is meaningful, nostalgic, or just plain rad, the artists at this Melville-based Joburg tattoo shop can sort you out. At first glance, you might assume that their speciality is in smaller pieces, miniature tattoos that take a steady hand, and you’d be right, well, half right. Have a closer look, and you’ll see some works of theirs that are nearly full body and just as detailed as the smaller ones.
What stood out to us at The Crows Nest is some eye-popping 3D work. They’ve showcased pieces that look like they’re coming right off the canvas. Should you be looking for a tattoo that you can reach out and grab a hold of, check out The Crows Nest.
Details: https://www.instagram.com/the_crowsnestsa
Little Hollow Tattoo Studio
Little Hollow Tattoo Studio is the go-to tattoo parlour in Johannesburg if you’re looking for ethereal pieces. Their works of art are otherworldly and fit perfectly into a grand fantasy setting. This isn’t to say that they can’t do other styles and designs; they can and do them quite well, it’s just that their signature is the surreal.
The artists at this Sandton-based parlour will encourage you to look at your design through a different lens in order to gain a new perspective as to what might work a little better. Either that, or they infuse their needles with a little fairy dust to make it all come to life.
Details: https://www.instagram.com/littlehollow_tattoos/
SheKnows Ink
Back-to-back winner of the Best of Joburg 2024 and 2025, SheKnows Ink really does know ink! Founded by Shelby Downey, her specific styles include Illustrative, Fine Line Ornamental, and she has a particular passion for Floral designs as well! Just like Shelby, the rest of the team has an intense love for the craft, meaning that whoever you get to do your design will pour 110% of themselves into that project.
If the awards weren’t enough to convince you that they’re among the best tattoo artists in Joburg, then browsing their social pages most definitely will. They pride themselves on putting together bespoke tattoos that are 1 of 1, just like you.
Details: https://sheknowsink.wixsite.com/sheknowsink/blog
A tattoo can have as much or as little meaning to them as possible; what they are, however, is an expression of who you are. Any of the spots mentioned in this list will be able to help you bring that expression to life. Just get used to people asking you where you got the ink!
