South African owners Rich and Ross came to Hong Kong with one dream in mind; to open a friendly studio that Hongkongers could count on for quality tattoos and customer service. They’ve done a killer job, and have firmly established their reputation as one of the city’s most respectable tattoo shops.  

Star Crossed Tattoo, 2/F 64 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, +852 3427 3820; starcrossedtattoo.com

See also: Neighbourhood Guide: Where To Eat And Drink In Soho, Hong Kong

This Mong Kok tattoo studio is backed by a multi-talented dream team; James Lau, who specialises in contemporary tribalism; Dave Ryo Lau who puts a crisp spin on American traditional tattoos; and Vince Yue, who’s a wizard when it comes to realism.

The Company Tattoo, Shop B, 3/F 581 Nathan Rd, Mong Kok, Kowloon, +852 2349 2649; thecompanytattoo.com.hk 

From Chinese calligraphy to colourful cartoons and delicate, wispy lines as seen above, the spectrum of tattoo styles at MOFO is broad. Decked out with neon signage, retro-inspired wallpaper and bits and bobs that are uniquely Hong Kong, this studio certainly sets the standard in a city that loves its ink. 

MOFO Tattoo, Basement,16 Observatory Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, +852 6626 3080; mofotattoo.com

A Galaxy Tattoo III alum, Karmen Leung has set out on her own and now works from a private studio on Gough Street. This versatile tattoo artist has mastered a multitude of styles, from watercolour to black and grey realism, simple linework to intricate Japanese pieces. She is strictly by appointment only. 

Find out more at missktattoo.work

See also: Thierry Chow’s 8 Lucky Feng Shui Tips For 2020: Year Of The Rat 

Freedom Tattoo was founded by industry heavyweight Gabe Shum (who also founded the Hong Kong China International Tattoo Convention) and currently has stores both in Hong Kong and Beijing. The large Hong Kong studio boasts retro-inspired fittings, and follows the professional health and hygiene standards from North America’s health department so you can rest assured that you're in safe hands. Fun fact: Gabe's client list includes the likes of Lebron James and David Beckham.

Freedom Tattoo, 11/F Tung Nam Factory Building, 40 Ma Tau Kok Road, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon, +852 2712 2332; freedomtattoo.hk

Mirmanda uses vegan-friendly ink to create the clean, delicate style that she's become revered for. Her whimsical drawings often pay homage to nature, be it beautiful flowers or a humpback whale sailing through a starry sky.

Contact Mirmanda via WhatsApp at +852 5546 4566

The Rabbit Cave occupies the fourth floor of a building across from Times Square, and houses both an art gallery and a tattoo studio. With a motto that reads “a rabbit is never caught twice in the same place”, this tattoo studio is all about originality. Its resident artists specialise in varying styles, including geometric, new school, black and grey realism, fine line and dot work.  

The Rabbit Cave, 4/F 26A & 28 Russell Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2887 1126; facebook.com/rabbitcaveart

Named after the idea of "a stress-free Friday", Friday's Tattoo was founded in 2016 by talented artists Wang Pang and Jamie Kam, who have travelled the world tattooing people from all walks of life. Their tattoo studio is all about giving its clients a relaxed experience—in their own words, "there’s no reason to be stressed out over a tattoo, just chill, come discuss with our artist[s] and have a cup of tea, we believe that art will sort itself out."

Friday's Tattoo, 1A Fook Kiu Mansiion, 34-36A Cameron Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, +852 5595 0130; fridaystattoohk.com 

Founded by Mark Wong in 2004, Mark Tattoo is arguably one of Hong Kong's most beautiful tattoo studios. The speciality here is traditional Japanese, be it in smooth black and grey or with bold pops of colour. 

Mark Tattoo, 1/F 1-3 Ki Lung Street, Prince Edward, Kowloon, +852 6744 7327; facebook.com/MarkTattoo.2005 

Looking to get a name, your favourite quote or any kind of lettering done? Big Sammy is the man to know, as he's built a name for himself for his expertise in various lettering styles including old english to calligraphy, chicano and more. 

Contact Big Sammy at +852 6507 3108

See also: Neighbourhood Guide: Where To Eat, Drink And Shop In Sai Ying Pun