I decided (after 25 years) that it was time to get another tattoo, so my son and I went to body…read morelanguage in Ringwood, the tattoo I decided to get was my granddaughters name "Jamie" on my left forearm, I don't remember the guys name who did the job, but OMG!!!! it was absolutely bloody fantastic, he did the tattoo exactly as I wanted it, I couldn't believe how well it came out, I'm 100% satisfied, I'm going back for another tattoo in a months time

It was late on a Thursday night that I saw the Instagram post I'd been hoping for for months -…read more"Cancellation at 11:30am, who wants it?" Ummm, well I'm on holidays and it just so happened to be from one of the tattoo artists on my 'to visit' list so I snapped that bad boy up. Walking into Good Luck Tattoo you are hit with a visual overload. Every inch of wall is taken up with framed flash sheets from residence artists or guest artists who have clearly enjoyed their time at the shop. Like all well presented and well stocked (with highly skilled artists) shops there is a steady flow of clients coming in and out of the door, and it seems like the majority of the appointments actually occur ON TIME! Woah! To assist with drowning out the bzzzz bzzz bzzz of that tattoo gun, there is a huge variety of tunes and a lot of shop banter - it's clear that these guys enjoy working with each other. The average hourly rate is $150 p/hr which is totally reasonable for such high quality work. Would defo recommendo!

Though I'm yet to be tattooed by Third Eye folk, I have it on good authority that they are the…read moretits. There are a handful of studios in Melbourne that slot into the upper echelon of work, apparently Third Eye is in the ball park of Tattoo Magic and Chapel Tattoo. They encourage walk ins at Third Eye and this, these days, is a rarity. Their rates are highish and they do charge for drawing of custom work, but just go in and check out the quality and you'll see why it's a bit pricey. They have great gender balance here so there's none of that macho attitude you'll get at the biker shops. Plus, girls tend to have a bit of a lighter touch with the needle, so it doesn't hurt so bad. The shop is immaculate and the folk are super friendly. It's the kind of place you really want if you're a newbie to the world of tatt's. It's the kind of place you'd take your grandma.

I'm getting done my leg sleeve at Third Eye Tattoo. Marshall is my artist . Above all Marshall is…read morea fine artist who has his distinct creative style. He would take extra lengths to meet your expectations precisely, rather than making a blind copy. What you will have is pure art specifically created for you, reflecting your identity in a unique way no one else can imitate. Not just him , all the artists I met there are great ! They are very down to earth and friendly . Also people work at the front desk are very helpful and cheerful .

Amy Duncan is. my. home. girl…read more I lucked out when I came across Amy's website when researching for a new tattoo idea I was cooking up. I live in Tasmania, so I had some local options I was all ready to look into further, but then I googled "botanical illustration tattooist Australia" just to see if there was anyone superb a little further afield... Amy's website is both first and second result, and the third is a Reddit thread also praising her. I read her entire FAQ and sent her an email, trying to be as charming as possible while explaining my idea. Her FAQ expressly says she may take months to reply; she got back to me within 24hrs, keen as mustard. Her studio is out in the Dandenongs but it's so easy to get to, only an hour on the Belgrave line from Flinders Street Station and then a short stroll up to the studio. It's among a short group of shops including a convenience store, a lovely cafe that does great takeaway treats, an op shop that has some amazing treasures and a couple of dinner options if you're getting tattooed all day. Tattooed all day, you say? Totally. I've had two sessions with Amy now, and they start with a fair amount of planning and sketching. A good couple of hours! From there, the tattooing starts, along with lots of chats and cups of tea. After our first session we even caught the train back into Melbourne to see a gig together. So yes, she's very easy to hang out with, but she's also an absolutely brilliant tattooist. She's been doing it for over ten years now and she definitely knows what she's doing. Her linework is detailed and good enough to display as is (my piece is being done all linework first and then colour, and I'm already in love with just the linework so while I'm walking around with a partly-finished tattoo it doesn't feel like that's what I'm doing at all). Her colouring is insane and I love following her instagram to see each new piece as she completes it. Amy is so easy to book in with and is very understanding about my interstate-ness and lengthy gaps in between sessions. Our first planning session was done over Skype. I sat for six hours of tattooing at our last session because I won't be back for three months. She is an utter legend and worth her weight in gold, and I'm so delighted to have her art on my arm forever. So excited to finish this piece.

This place is one of the multitude of tattoo joints that has sprung up in recent times. It seems…read morenow every bastard is getting inked and it can be hard to tell who's cashing in on the trend and who's in it for the long haul. These dudes are clever, however, and are differentiating themselves as an art gallery slash tattoo joint. It's just so crazy it might work. The latest addition to the place is Lara Slater, who, as it turns out, has been tattooing for 15 years now and specialises in custom work. She did her time in the states and you can check out her visual art on the walls. They have revolving exhibitions in the place and as far as tattoo shops go, this one is super inviting and colourful. It's the kind of place you can browse without feeling weird or pressured in any way, and there ain't many tattoo joints on Sydney Road, so it's a welcome addition to the flash and existing colour of the area.

After walking by this place for months and feelin' shaggier by the day, I decided to drop in and…read moremake an appointment with Razor Dolls. I was scared at first! I thought having sleeves of tattoos was a prerequisite for admittance. But the next moment I saw leopard spots being hand painted into a bleached buzzcut. I knew Razor Dolls wasn't full of barbers, but true artists. As soon you get past the skate decks on the walls and the books on tattoos, Razor Dolls has the friendly demeanor of your local corner barber shop. You just want to hang out with them after hours, sipping beers and discussing the latest dramas/events in their lives. In fact, I'm pretty sure they'll offer you a beer to sip while you're getting trimmed! I've had Ryan and Haley cut my hair, and every time they keep one-upping themselves for the best haircut ever. They take their time making sure everything is perfect, so make sure to plan ahead. For a men's cut & wash, it took me between around 60 minutes, and up to 90 minutes. You won't want to leave, but I've warned ya! The prices are definitely higher (for a men's cut) than any other salon I've been to, but worth it for the BEST haircut of your life. My girlfriend couldn't get over how sexy I looked.

I wouldn't go to any other place. The owner and staff at Razor Dolls are the best you can come…read moreacross. I have been a client of Brooke's since 2002, when she was working as an employee in shops in Prahran and Balaclava. She put the same care and attention to detail in her work when she was an employee that she does now as an owner. She creates a work environment where her staff can flourish into professional hairdressers of the highest standard. As a person you are remembered, they listen and care. The staff are always striving to create a relaxed, fun environment for you to spend your time.On top of that you receive an excellent cut and colour. Fantastic hairdresser, I highly recommend you check it out!

Oscar Oscar Salon in St Kilda has been my salon of choice for nearly 12 months and I have had…read morenothing but the most magnificent treatment from the moment I walked in the door. Rach and the team Nicola, Dani, Katie, Chloe and all the fab gals treat every client like no one else matters. Prompt beverage choices and a 'to die for' welcome massage sets the scene for an A++ experience from the get go. Rachael has been my stylist ( cut and col ) from the majority of the time and she never fails to understand the brief and deliver on my expectations. Katie also does a kick ass blow wave, that most weeks gives me 6-7 days of non stop comments. In fact I have never had so many comments on my hair colour and cut as I have in the last 12 months. Highly recommend any one of the lovely team members to look after your hair. Dont hesitate to book in for a freshen up or brand new do !

Hadn't done my hair in over a year and needed to get my dark brown hair to blonde. BREN was so…read moresweet and completely transformed my hair! She was so good at what she does and made me feel so comfortable. Would reccomend anyone to head there and ask for BREN!!

I can't judge them on hair cuts or colours, because I already have an awesome hair dresser at Toni…read moreK Salons Oak Park!! However, the girls here do awesome beauty treatments, cosmetics and hair styles. My sister and I went here a while back to treat ourselves to a little R & R whilst the boys took over kid duties for a couple of hours. It was great here! The girls were friendly and it was a relaxing atmosphere, when we talked we talked, but it wasn't forced and there were comfortable silences. My sister had her hair curled and make-up done, she looked sensational!! I got a mani and gel nails, facial and make-up. It was a really fun alternative to going to an expensive day spa or getting a silent massage. It was more relaxing than a shopping trip, it was pure, unadulterated girly fun!! The stylists were lovely, and the end results were great.