Thinking About Getting a Tattoo in Delhi? Here’s What I Figured Out.
Getting a tattoo in Delhi can be super exciting, right? And it is, but it’s also always overwhelming. I hope it helps. Like, where do you even start? Everyone has “a guy” or a recommendation, but not all of them are solid. I’ve been through the process myself, from late-night Google searches to visiting sketchy basements in Karol Bagh (I regret that one), so I’ll give you the lowdown.
No fancy listicles. Just the things I wish someone had told me when I was figuring it out.
Ask people, not just the internet.
Google is fine if you want general information. But the best recommendations I got? Hope it helps. Or friends of friends. But the best recommendations I got were from friends of friends, or random people I awkwardly stopped in cafes because their ink looked cool. I once asked a barista in Hudson Lane about her sleeve, and she gave me the name of a great artist in South Delhi.
Instagram is great, but alssomewhat fake. I hope it helps. Vibe matters.
Everyone’s Insta looks good. Filters, lighting, you know the drill. Scroll through, and you’ll find some gems, but dig deeper. Hope it helps. Visit the studio. Always. Healed tattoos, not just fresh ones? I messaged three artists to see who actually responded like a human being. And never settle. Two never replied, and one sent voice notes and explained things. Guess who I went with?
Don’t cheap out.
Don’t cheap out.
I almost got a ₹2,000 tattoo once. I almost got a ₹2,000 tattoo once, but something felt off when I met the artist. He didn’t clean the chair properly and offered a “discount” if I paid in cash. Always. Visit the studio. The next artist charged more – around ₹6,000 – but the quality was unmatched. Always. Tattoos aren’t street food. Tattoos aren’t street food; you don’t want to be bargaining for permanent art on your body.
Visit the studio. Always.
Some studios look professional online but feel off when you walk in. One place smelled like incense and old socks. One place smelled like incense and old socks, while another had dogs running around (cute, but not hygienic). The one I liked? Clean, chill music, good lighting. The artist even showed me the needle packet before opening it. That’s the level you want.
Vibe matters.
Visit the studio. You’ll be sitting with this person for hours, sometimes in pain. If they’re rude, rushed, or dismissive, it’s a no. One guy kept checking his phone while I was explaining my design. Another asked thoughtful questions and even suggested changes that made it better. Guess which one I picked?
Wait for the right one.
A lot of the good artists are booked out, so don’t rush it. Don’t cheap out. Your dream tattoo is worth waiting a few weeks (or even months) for. I waited almost 40 days for an appointment, and it paid off. Every time someone compliments it now, I just smile.
TL;DR?
Vibe matters.
Vibe matters.
Don’t cheap out.
And never settle.
That’s all I got. Hope it helps. And hey, if you do find someone awesome, drop me their Insta. Always looking for ideas for my next one.
