PRICE GUIDE · BEAUTY & GROOMING · 2026–2027
Tattoo Artist cost in the UK
£60–£250 per hour. Typically £120.
Tattoo artists charge £60 to £250 an hour, and about £120 an hour is typical in London studios. The artist's experience is the main driver, followed by the city, the detail in the design and minimum charges for small pieces.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does a tattoo artist cost in the UK?
| Low end | £60 | a junior artist outside London |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | £120 | what most people pay |
| High end | £250 | a senior specialist in central London |
Locufy guide prices for 2026–2027. Updated 2026. A national range, not a quote — enter your town above for real prices from the salons, barbers and mobile stylists near you.
What moves the price
- Artist experience — junior tattoo artists charge far less per hour than senior specialists
- City — London studios, especially central ones, have the highest tattoo hourly rates
- Style and detail — realism, fine line and colour packing take longer per hour of design
- Minimum charge — small tattoos often carry a minimum fee regardless of time
- Custom design — drawing time for a bespoke tattoo may be charged or taken as a deposit
- Day sessions — some tattoo artists offer a day rate for large pieces
Hairdressing prices in the UK are up 26% over five years (ONS Consumer Price Inflation, Hairdressing and personal grooming establishments, to 2026 August). Five years ago a typical tattoo artist would have cost about £95 — an estimate from today's guide price and that index, not a recorded price. Source: ONS MM23 D7EY →
WHAT YOU GET
What a tattoo artist visit includes
Takes: From under an hour for a small tattoo to several sittings of four to six hours. Not included: Design deposits, aftercare products, touch-ups after the free period and laser removal are often charged separately.
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common tattoo artist bookings
KNOW THE PRICE? NOW SEE THE REAL ONES
Tattoo Artist near you, with prices shown
The salons, barbers and mobile stylists that cover your area, nearest first, each with their price and one score from every review. No account needed to look.
Or post the job free and let them come to you, or book by the hour.
How to pay less
- Plan one larger tattoo session rather than several small visits with minimum charges
- Choose a talented junior tattoo artist at a reputable studio for simpler designs
- Look after the healing tattoo so you avoid paying for touch-ups
Before you book
- Tattooing anyone under 18 is illegal in England, Wales and Scotland, even with consent
- Check the tattoo artist and studio are registered with the council or hold a licence
- Look at healed work in the tattoo artist's portfolio, not only fresh photos
- Agree the hourly rate, deposit and any drawing fee before the tattoo session
Tattoo Artist cost: questions people ask
Usually £60 to £250 an hour, with about £120 an hour common in London. Junior artists charge least and in-demand specialists most.
Small tattoos take under an hour. Large pieces are split into sessions of four to six hours.
Yes. In England and Wales tattooists and premises register with the council, Greater London uses a special treatment licence, and Scotland has a skin piercing and tattooing licence. The certificate should be on display.
Many take a deposit that goes towards the final price, and some charge for extensive custom drawing. Ask how it works when you book.
Deposits, aftercare products and later touch-ups may be separate. Laser removal of old tattoos is a different service.
They are Locufy guide prices for the UK taken from a published UK tattoo cost guide. Your artist's own rate and minimum charge are what you will pay.
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