There’s nothing quite like the rush of getting a tattoo. The burst of adrenaline, the buzzing needle, the nervous excitement at your changing appearance. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it!
But, for how awesome tattoos are, finding the right artist and shop can be a time-consuming process. Luckily for you, Douglas Avenue is basically Tattoo Boulevard, so there are plenty of options to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for traditional, realist, or new-age tattoos, there’s an artist out there for you and probably one on this very list.
So, without further ado, here are the seven best tattoo shops in Wichita from a self-proclaimed tattoo addict who simply can’t get enough.
Contents
- Map of the Best Tattoo Shops in Wichita
- Addictions in Ink
- Hell Bomb Tattoo
- Elektrik Chair
- Artist At Large
- Time Honored Tattoo
- Red Sea Tattoo
Map of the Best Tattoo Shops in Wichita
Idle Hands Tattoo & Piercing
Idle Hands Tattoo & Piercing is one of the most popular tattoo shops in Wichita, as well it should be! Located on Tattoo Boulevard (Douglas), Idle Hands is chock-full of talented artists and good vibes.
The shop is huge: imagine an open floor plan with fun decorations and lots of natural light. Sure, there’s still the buzzing of tattoo guns in the background and not a lot of privacy, but those seem like two small drawbacks, all things considered.
One of my favorite tattoo artists in all of Wichita is currently stationed at Idle Hands. Alex Garcia specializes in realist and surrealist pieces, and his work blows my mind. You’ve got to check out his page and see for yourself!
Last but not least, Idle Hands is a short walk down the street from Leslie Coffee Co., so if you’re doing a few hours-long session, you can always take a quick coffee break.
Psst: Walk-ins are welcome, but the shop is cash only, so come prepared!
- Address: 924 W Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS, 67203
- Website: Idle Hands Tattoo & Piercing
Addictions in Ink
Addictions in Ink has been open for almost 15 years now, and it’s clear why they’ve lasted this long. They’re very friendly, professional, and, best of all, clean. You never have to worry about dirty needles or a grimy counter with Addictions in Ink, and that’s a blessing!
They currently have nine artists, so you’ll have your pick of the litter. Be sure to do a little research online before scheduling your first tattoo, as each artist specializes in a different style.
If you’re looking for a cover-up, I highly recommend checking out the owner of Addictions in Ink, Bryan Parsons.
And they’re priced by the hour, so there are never any surprise costs or fees. This is a great place to get a tattoo, whether it’s your first or fiftieth.
- Address: 1255 S Tyler Rd, Ste A, Wichita, KS, 67209
- Website: Addictions in Ink
Hell Bomb Tattoo
Traditional tattoo lovers, come one, come all! Hell Bomb is all about honoring the traditional tattoo style while making it their own. They’ve done dragons, eagles, flames, skulls, beautiful women, snakes, and so much more. I could go on and on about how freaking awesome they are, but truthfully, the tattoos speak for themselves.
Located on Tattoo Boulevard, Hell Bomb Tattoo works with their clients to make sure their piece (big or small) is exactly to their liking.
I grew up driving by Hell Bomb Tattoo and imagining getting my first tattoo there. Although that wasn’t the case, this place still has a soft spot in my heart, and I can’t recommend them enough!
Plus, you could always stop at the Anchor on your way out to show off your new tat, and you know the crowds there would LOVE it!
- Address: 1115 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS, 67211
- Website: Hell Bomb Tattoo
Elektrik Chair
Elektrik Chair is also on Tattoo Boulevard and does both tattoos and piercings. Compared to some of the other shops on this list, they are definitely on the pricier side of things. However, if you’re looking for intensive detail and gorgeous coloring, then it may be worth it! Just look up Sergio Valadez’s work. Amazing detail and shading—absolutely worth the price!
They have five tattoo artists on staff, so be sure to call ahead of time and figure out who matches your style best. They are closed Sundays and Mondays, so plan accordingly.
If you are looking for a big, detailed statement piece, Elektrik Chair might be the place for you.
- Address: 1201 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS, 67211
- Website: Elektrik Chair
Artist At Large
If you’ve ever been to Wichita before, then you’ll likely remember the giant gorilla on top of Artist At Large on Douglas. Yes, you read that right—there is a giant gorilla statue on their roof and there has been for years. It’s a Wichita landmark!
Artist At Large makes some super cool tattoos. They’ve got four amazing artists who come up with some rad designs and are always willing to take on custom work too. Traditional, new age, color, black and grey, lettering, whatever you want!
The artists are all men, which I only bring up for any of my other gals out there who prefer female artists. If that doesn’t bug you, then head on down to Artist At Large!
- Address: 1125 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS, 67211
- Website: Artist At Large
Time Honored Tattoo
I love anything and everything in Delano, and Time Honored Tattoo is no different! Specializing in American traditional tattoos (in color or black and grey), these three artists are already treasured by locals, despite only being five years old.
Sloan, Steve, and Jimmy are there to help make your dreams come true. Bring in your wildest fantasies, and they’re sure to make ‘em pop with some gorgeous coloring or heavy linework.
This laidback shop is known for their relaxing and chill environment. No drama, no judgment, no further questions.
To whom it may concern: Time Honored Tattoo only has three male artists on staff currently, in case you would prefer to work with a female artist.
- Address: 926 W 2nd St N, Wichita, KS, 67203
- Website: Time Honored Tattoo
Red Sea Tattoo
Red Sea Tattoo differs from the other shops on this list in that it only has two tattoo artists, Matt and Emily. Matt is the owner and has long talked about how Red Sea Tattoo is not about the quantity produced, but instead the quality.
Matt and Emily specialize in American traditional, Japanese style, and black and white designs. Matt himself has over 21 years of experience, so you know it’s gonna be good.
They’re ready to talk you through your choices and make sure your tat is the best it can be. Like I said before: Red Sea Tattoo is not about quantity, it’s about quality.
They’re walk-ins only, so be ready to either wait in line or come back later. And remember to bring cash!
- Address: 115 S Pattie St, #101, Wichita, KS, 67211
- Website: Red Sea Tattoo
