Tattoo Styles in Bangkok
The right style depends on the subject you want, how it should age, and which artist specialises in it. Here is a guide to our twelve styles, and how to choose the one that fits your idea.
Our twelve styles
Each style is handled by artists who work in it daily. Tap a style to explore it in depth.
How to choose your style
Start from the subject. A photo of your dog is realism; a dragon down your back is Japanese; a single word is lettering. Pick the style the subject wants, then we match the artist.
Think about ageing. Bold styles age best: Old School, Neo-Traditional and solid Blackwork keep their shape for decades. Very fine single-needle work is beautiful but softens faster.
Consider size & sessions. Fine line, Sak Yant and lettering often finish in one sitting; realism, Japanese and large blackwork are multi-session commitments, so tell us your dates if you are visiting.
Not sure? Send a reference and rough size and our reception will suggest the two or three styles and artists that fit. Book a free consultation →
Starting prices by style
Fine line, lettering, small tattoos and Sak Yant start at 1,000 THB: a five-line Sak Yant (Hah Taew) is 2,500 THB and a small fine-line script on the wrist is around 1,500 THB. Realistic, portrait, Japanese, blackwork, neo-traditional, old school, new school and neo-Thai start at 4,000 THB, which is roughly the first hour: 1,000 THB in materials plus 3,000 THB per hour, with a maximum price agreed before the session. Whatever the style, the deposit starts at 1,000 THB and touch-ups are free for two years, except on hands and feet.
Who does what
Every style here has at least one artist who works in it daily. Ball BKK, Bon and Zia for realism and portraits; Mhee and Jack for Japanese; Jack for neo-Thai; Titun for new school; Vay for neo-traditional colour; Hack, Mor, Ballin and Mo for blackwork; Mo and Ballin for fine line; Yhee and Mor for calligraphy and lettering; Mor and Hack for Sak Yant, by machine or traditional bamboo with single-use sterile needles. Send us your idea, reference photos, a photo of the area, the size and your dates, and we will tell you which artist fits and what it will cost.
Frequently asked questions
Which style should I choose for my first tattoo?
For a first tattoo, a bold, forgiving style on a low-pain area is ideal: Old School, simple Blackwork, or minimalist lettering on the outer arm, thigh or calf. These heal predictably and keep their shape for decades.
Can I combine different styles?
Yes. Several of our artists blend styles: for example lettering set inside black-and-grey realism, or fine line details in a neo-traditional piece. Tell us your idea at the consultation and we will match the right specialist.
For the history behind all of these styles, the Wikipedia article on tattoos is a good starting point.
Which tattoo style ages the best?
Styles built on bold outlines and saturated colour age best: Old School, Neo-Traditional and solid Blackwork stay legible for twenty years and more. Very fine or tiny work is beautiful but softens sooner as skin naturally spreads.