Best Tattoo & Piercing Studios in Istanbul: Meet the Top Artists

Are you interested in getting your new ink done when visiting Istanbul? The tattoo scene in Istanbul is one of the most exciting ones in Europe along with fantastic tattoo artists and shops delivering some of the best quality tattoo arts for their visitors. Our insider guide highlights the best tattoo and piercing studios in Istanbul, ensuring you get the perfect design in a safe and reputable environment. Let’s explore your best options!

Some Important Things to Know Before You Get Your Tattoo

* You should not only say “Let’s get a tattoo!” and act! There are certain preparations  required before you take action.

* You should learn about what you should and shouldn’t do, critical points to be considered, and aftercare before getting a tattoo.

* You should decide on the tattoo style first. Many find a style on the internet, but it is better to created your own model as you may get bored with a model that everyone has.

* Tattoo removal is more difficult than getting a tattoo. Therefore, it is very critical issue to decide on the tattoo style well from the very beginning.

* Hygiene of the tattoo studio and work done, the ink used, the knowledge and the experience of the tattoo artist is very important. We recommend you to review the instagram accounts of the tattoo studios and artists, check out their works on their own websites, and read the comments.

* If you have time, you can go to the tattoo studio and check the above important issues on location and face to face. You can also ask about price information, the most suitable area  regarding the shape and size of the tattoo.

* If you have an outstanding problem with your tattoo, you should contact the tattoo artist immediately.

Before Getting a Tattoo

* If you planned a holiday in less than a month, then you should get your tattoo done when you get back home. This is because exposure of the new tattoo to the sun can affect it badly, as well as you can get infection while swimming in the sea or pool.

* You should not drink alcohol before getting a tattoo as alcohol thins the blood and can increase bleeding.

* It is recommended that you should not sunbathe or not go to the solarium two months before getting a tattoo. This is because ultraviolet rays expand the pores in the skin, and can increase bleeding during tattooing.

* Medication and drugs taken a week before the tattooing can also increase bleeding.

* You should inform the tattoo studio and artist if you have diabetes, hemophilia or infection.

* You may have allergic reactions to tattoos. You can predict this with your past interaction with any make-up materials. So it is recommended to have a test on what kind of ink is used.

After Getting a Tattoo

* The area will be covered and care cream is applied on the bandage after tattooing procedure. The bandage should be kept for at least 1 to 3 hours. You can wash the tattooed area afterwards, and should not apply bandage back.

* You should apply care cream during the 2 weeks healing period of the tattoo. After that thin crusts formed on the tattoo shed on their own.

* You should not scratch your tattoo during the healing period.

* It is also very useful to apply sunscreen when you go out into the sun after the healing period, so that the colors of the tattoo do not fade.

Some Practical Things to Know about Piercing

Piercing is a type of jewelry used by puncturing different parts of the human body and placing it on. It is the process of modifying the body by puncturing the area determined in the skin or cartilage.

The choice of using the right piercing in the right place is very important. It requires a very delicate choice in terms of creating an impression with the outer appearance of the person who has the piercing.

Piercing is mostly preferred in the nose and mouth areas. It is mostly produced from precious metals such as gold, diamond or silver.

Piercings attached to sensitive areas of the skin such as Nipple, Genital and Microdermal Piercings are inserted using local anesthesia. In this way, the piercing is inserted without feeling any pain during the procedure.

The most important stage of piercing is the care stage. You should carefully protect the piercing and perform daily care. You should not keep the piercing area moist, creamy or wet. It is useful to be cautious in this respect, in case you get any infection.

You should apply the antibiotic-based cream to the area of the piercing 1-2 times a day, which can be easily obtained from any pharmacy. You should carefully dry the area with a sterile napkin or a sterile cloth by gently moving the piercing up and down 1-2 times a day.

How Much a New Tattoo Cost in Istanbul?

When it comes to tattooing, prices may vary with the style you will choose but we can say that getting a new tattoo can be very cheap in Istanbul and Turkey, when compared with the tattoo prices in UK, EU or USA.

About pricing, while tattoo prices abroad are usually per hour, no studio or artist in Turkey charges hourly.

Tattoo price in Istanbul and Turkey is determined by the size, the detail of the design, the area where the tattoo will be made, and finally which artist you choose.

Average cost of a medium size tattoo in Istanbul starts from €30 and goes up to €500.

In addition, about all the tattoo studios in Istanbul and Turkey offer free new tattoo design consultation. You should also keep in mind that you are usually paying for the quality of service and artists’ reputation.

Top Tattoo & Piercing Studios in Istanbul

Whether you’re looking for minimalist ink or intricate body art, Istanbul has a variety of top tattoo studios offering incredible artistry and clean, safe environments.

Bakirkoy, Taksim, Galata, Karakoy, Nisantasi, Besiktas and Kadikoy are the top districts to find some of the best and contemporary tattoo and piercing studios in Istanbul.

Shadow Tattoo & Piercing (Taksim)

Known for its minimalist and detailed designs, Shadow Tattoo & Piercing is a favorite among locals and tourists. This studio specializes in black and grey, fine line work, and traditional designs.

Located in Taksim, the heart of Istanbul’s art scene, Shadow Tattoo is praised for its professional environment and artistic creativity. The studio has a range of skilled artists, each bringing their unique style to the table.

Red Cat Tattoo Factory (Bebek)

A high-profile studio in Bebek, Red Cat Tattoo Factory is popular among celebrities and tourists alike. Founded by renowned artist Emrah Çakın, this studio is known for its custom tattoo work, specializing in intricate and detailed designs.

Whether you want a small, delicate piece or a full sleeve, Red Cat Tattoo Factory is the go-to spot for top-notch body art.

Getink Tattoo Studio (Asmalı Mescit, Beyoğlu)

If you’re after watercolor tattoos or unique body art, Getink Tattoo Studio is a must-visit.

The studio, founded by Fine Arts graduates, offers a high level of creativity and technical expertise. Their specialty lies in creating tattoos that look like paintings, blending colors seamlessly on the skin.

Cleopatra Ink (Various Locations)

Known for its hygienic practices and professional staff, Cleopatra Ink is one of the most trusted piercing studios in Istanbul. They offer a variety of piercings, including microdermal and traditional options.

With several branches across the city, Cleopatra Ink is known for maintaining high safety standards, ensuring your piercing experience is both safe and stylish.

Popular Tattoo Artists in Istanbul

Great artists bring designs to life, and Istanbul is home to some of the best tattoo artists in the world.

Biçem Şinik

One of Turkey’s best-known tattoo artists, Biçem Şinik is celebrated for her mastery in vector and minimal designs. Biçem’s work often features dotwork and intricate line art, offering a blend of elegance and precision. She runs her own studio in Istanbul, where she continues to create stunning custom tattoos for her clients.

Çağrı Durmaz

Known for his minimalist designs, Çağrı Durmaz is one of Istanbul’s standout tattoo artists. His delicate line work and subtle details have garnered attention, making him a go-to artist for those who prefer clean, minimalistic tattoos. You can check out his portfolio on Instagram to see his exquisite thin-line tattoos that exude sophistication.

Yeliz Özcan

Specializing in watercolor tattoos, Yeliz Özcan is recognized as one of the top tattoo artists in Istanbul. Based at Get Ink Tattoo Studio in Galata, Yeliz uses her artistic talents to create vibrant, fluid designs that look like paintings on the skin. Her use of colors and unique blending techniques make her a favorite for clients seeking a creative and artistic tattoo experience.

Erdoğan Çavdar

With a background in painting, Erdoğan Çavdar brings an artistic approach to tattooing at Anatolia Tattoo, one of Istanbul’s most reputable tattoo shops. Erdoğan is known for his ability to handle both black-and-white and colorful tattoos, delivering pieces that look like true works of art. His studio is particularly renowned for tattoos that stand the test of time, maintaining their vibrancy and detail over the years.

Tattoo Styles to Explore in Istanbul

Istanbul’s tattoo scene offers a wide range of styles, from traditional to contemporary.

• Black and Grey Realism: Popular among many artists, this style emphasizes realistic imagery using shading and fine details.
• Watercolor Tattoos: For a more artistic and vibrant design, try watercolor tattoos, which use color gradients to create a soft, painterly effect.
• Traditional Turkish & Islamic Art: Some studios incorporate elements from Turkish and Islamic art, creating culturally meaningful tattoos with a modern twist.

Tips for Choosing the Right Studio and Artist

• Research Studio Portfolios: Before booking, check out the portfolios of the artists and studios on their websites or social media. This ensures the style matches your vision.
• Prioritize Hygiene: Ensure the studio uses sterilized equipment and follows strict hygiene protocols to avoid infection.
• Consult Before Committing: Many studios offer free consultations. Use this opportunity to discuss your design ideas, get a price estimate, and understand the process before going ahead.

Aftercare for Tattoos and Piercings

Taking care of your new tattoo or piercing is crucial to ensure it heals properly.

• Tattoo Aftercare: Keep the area clean and apply a healing ointment as recommended by the artist. Avoid direct sunlight and swimming during the healing period, which typically lasts about two weeks.
• Piercing Aftercare: Clean your piercing with a saline solution twice a day and avoid touching it with unclean hands. Healing time depends on the type of piercing, but patience is key to avoid infections.

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