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 specialist who works in it daily: Ball BKK and Bon for realism and portraits, with Zia for black-and-grey realism; Mhee for Japanese; Jack for neo-Thai; Titun for new school; Ball BKK and Vay for neo-traditional; Hack and Ballin for blackwork; Mo for fine line; Yhee for lettering, with Mor for small script; Mor for old school; and for Sak Yant, our bamboo specialist, plus Mor, Mo and Hack by machine, always 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.