A reasonably substantial amount of my skin is covered in ink, and a substantial part of that is a…read morework (still!) in progress by Jo Harrison. I feel that qualifies me to both review MBA and also explain why I rate it as highly as I do. The salon itself is clean, bright, airy and easy to get to. They're brilliant with hygiene and cleanliness, and the area that tattooing happens in is shielded from the entrance and waiting area, so you don't ever feel like you're being gawped at when you get your bits out to be tattooed. They don't make any ridiculous claims about being 'pain free' - because as EVERYONE knows, of COURSE being tattooed hurts! It's a process of a needle repeatedly piercing your skin and embedding ink inside you forever. If it didn't sting a little, then they're unlikely to be doing it right. The majority of slots are booked in advance - particularly if you want work done by people like Jo. I waitied a year just to get on the waiting list, then another year and a half to be seen. Dedication, or what?! That said - I've still not managed to get my piece by Jo finished. She went off on a round the world trip midway through my work, and when she came back all her prices jumped up - even for works in progress. It does feel like a bit of a fight to try and make an appointment, and those two things combined knock off that extra point to make it to 5.

The most highly regarded ink shop in Birmingham. The two owners of this place are world famous…read moretattoo artists but they are often our at conventions so in their place are some of Birminghams other most talented artists. The waiting list here is long and the price is high but your paying for the best and its with you forever so it'll be totally worth it. If you pop in or search online they can see examples of the work coming out of this studio, if you had any doubts they will soon be done. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

I have been meaning to write this review since 20th April 2024!…read more Really wanted my first tattoo to be meaningful and had the perfect idea. Sent through enquires around with different prices but Vivid Ink Birmingham was always my ideal place to look into. I received a speedy response from Laura and we discussed measurements and prices. Laura was so helpful on any questions I have (And there were a lot) After a lengthy weekend of consideration. I decided to go for it. Again with Laura's help and guidance, deposit paid, date booked. I also had a call a day before to confirm the appointment, thought that was a nice touch. I went into vivid ink Birmingham a bag of nerves and was shortly introduced to Denise and we sat down and discussed other options of designs but we both agreed the original design was the best (No pressure at all from Denise, just a helpful guidance on other designs which did look amazing also) We went downstairs and the artwork was commencing, another nice touch. Denise offered me a drink and a lollipop, assume to distract from the pain but none the less, still very grateful. After 2.5 Hours or so, The tattoo was complete and I'm still in shock on how well it looks and ever so grateful to Denise for completing this for me in such a way that I almost cried with Joy. If considering your first or next tattoo I would highly recommend Vivid Ink Birmingham as a go to place. I'm already considering my next one with them!

My Niece, 2 girlfriends and I traveled to Birmingham UK from Seattle USA. I was bringing my Niexe…read morehere to see where all her family on both her grandparents side came from. I contacted vivid ink on Queensway as we wanted to get tattoos of the Birmingham Bull as a symbol of our heritage and trip. Although they are always busy they kindly fit us in at short notice. They couldn't have been more welcoming and Dorean did an amazing job. The detail is amazing. Every member of staff that day proved how much they love what they do and who they work with. The shop is extremely clean and beautiful. Thank you for your awesome service. Heather Danielle Sonja and Tami Seattle,WA

Though i have never been inked here, i have a tattooist working on me and its best to stick to one,…read moresome of the work i've seen coming from here is the best i've seen come out of Birmingham and i have no doubt the rest of the team are amazing. I mainly see Mikes work and his attention to detail is amazing, if you pop in request a selection of his work to look at and see what i mean. I've heard there can be quite a waiting list here and it'll be worth it, trust me.

Fab place to get your tattoo done its very professional and the parlour itself is super clean and…read morethe decor amazing. Staff are very friendly and will help you in anyway they can.

splash of ink Fantastic the best tattooist in the whole of the midlands,…read moreI.ve never had a tat before when i went into to the shop i was made to feel welcome from as soon as steped into the door ,carl's fantastic the teams great you just want on to keep going back like me i.ve been back five times now and told my friends to go ok man all the best dave the rave

Dragon Fashions Tattoo 'N' Piercing I am a big fan of…read moretattoos; I have a few already and firmly plan on extending my collection, much to the dismay of my parents. As a result of my passion for ink I have checked out various tattoo parlours all over Birmingham and beyond. Some places are slick and modern with an uber cool feel, whilst others are almost dirty looking and instil you with no great deal of confidence. Dragon Fashions falls into neither of these categories; it is a good quality establishment with more than a hint of old school about it. One need only look at the exterior to realise that this establishment is all about traditional tattooing. One thing that did impress me was that they offer a laser removal service; this is not unique but an old school parlour such as this would not usually offer the customer the chance to remove ink. As such, I have a great deal of respect for Dragon Fashions and will keep it in mind when deciding upon where to get my next piece of body artwork.

It's been obvious to even the casual observer that tattooing has undergone some what of an arty…read morefarty make over in the last few years, what with reality tv shows like Miami Ink and studios opening that would appeal to your mother rather beer hungry metal heads. Dragon's Fashion Tattoo has managed to avoid this image change - even from the shops' exterior it is obvious that it remains firmly rooted in what may eventually become known as the biker era of tattooing. However, being old school is not necessarily a bad thing, depending on you tastes. If you want a football crest, some script or some stars tattooed, Dragon Fashions is a good place to come, and they have been building a solid reputation in Selly Oak since 1984. Minimum pricing for a tattoo starts at thirty pound, after that it depends on what you want. A quick look at the facebook page will familiarise you with the kind of styles they do. Laser treatment is also available for those who want to get rid of ink rather than add to their skin.

Is this the best collective of tattoo artists in town? I first heard about Spear Studio through a…read morefriend who lives in Cannock. News of good tattooists travels far. When Jeni decided that she had her mind set on getting a tattoo of a bass clef and a treble clef, (these are the music signs that you see at the start of sheet music), joined together to make a heart, (ahhh) I recommended Spear. Jeni took a look at some example tattoos to gauge the skill, and she was impressed. So on a Saturday morning we went to Spear for Jeni's pre-booked appointment. (Not before some relaxants in the form of a couple of beers over the road at The Kings Head, mind). The decor is modern and informal, and it felt like we had entered a friend's flat. As someone who has had a tattoo before I winced in painful memeory when I head the buzzing of the needle start. No such pain for Jeni, mind. After half an hour the fine, clean, black lines were completed. Looking good! Then the tattooist took Jeni through after-care procedures and gave her a leaflet on looking after her tattoo, and invited Jeni to call her if she had any questions. A high level of skilled art, a stylish studio, and personal service mean that I'd recommended Spear Studio to anyone. N.B-I've advise you to book your session; although you can drop in on the chance that an artist is free, they are often booked well in advance.

Owned by tattooist Leah Moule and her husband with the tattooed face, Spud, Spear tattoo definitely…read morebelong to Birmingham's tattoo elite. Leah Moule's bold and colourful style has earned her work much praise and media coverage, including several multi page features in tattoo magazines. There two other tattooists at Spear Tattoo, both of which are female and have unique styles. It's important to note that custom work is preferred at Spear Tattoo so those looking for a more "standard" tattoo might want to look elsewhere. A recent addition to Spear Tattoo is the Karma Clinic which offers laser tattoo removal and branding services. I can't comment on these services as I know nothing about them. However, if the quality of these services are as good as the tattoos on offer you will have nothing to worry about.

This is a fantastic salon for acrylic nails. The lady that does them is very very good at what she…read moredoes and this shows. I can recommend her above many others i have tried in the area. Staff are lovely and make you feel very welcome. Prices are also very reasonable with a full set of acrylics costing arounf £20. Appts do get booked up very far in advance though but this just proves the quality of work.