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10 LA Shops for Stylish Tattoos, From Dainty to Dramatic

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Note: The article was first published on April 30th, 2014.

From Venice hippie models like Erin Wasson to Silver Lake artists like Langley Fox to Hollywood heavyweights like Cate Blanchett, fashionable folks have officially jumped on the body art bandwagon. But don't call it a comeback à la that ugly sandal trend; this form of expression has been a local staple for decades, thanks to LA's generous plethora of world-famous tattoo parlors.

From Dr. Woo's brilliantly detailed work at Shamrock Social Club to Craig Jackman's mad skills at American Electric Tattoo, here are 10 of the best places (in alpha order) to produce your next permanent statement. (If real tatts aren't your thing, there's always Mr. Kate's gold foil temporary beauty marks.)

Photo: The Coveteur

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Alchemy Tattoo

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If you're going for bold, try one of the many intricate creations at Silver Lake's Alchemy Works. Artist Rus Laich is an ace when it comes to floral pieces and Jason Profant is known for his imaginative animals. This reasonably-priced studio has a $50 minimum. [Photo: Alchemy]

American Electric Tattoo

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Wanna be like Cara Delevingne? Score your next feline finger tattoo at American Electric. The parlor hosts a handful of fan-favorite artists, including geometric genius Julie Bolene and portrait master Craig Jackman, who is also the popular shop's founder. [Photo: Yelp]

Body Electric Tattoo

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If crazy-vibrant technicolor art is what you're looking for, ask for artist Taka Tamada at this Melrose favorite. Body Electric's specialities include realism, Japanese, tribal, anime and traditional Americana. [Photo: Body Electric]

Broken Art Tattoo

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If you want to transform an embarrassing tatt into a stunning cover-up, head here. Founder Jeremy Swan corrected a handful of regretful etches on TLC's America's Worst Tattoos, and he'll do the same for you. [Photo: Instagram]

Shamrock Social Club

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This legendary shop is not only home to world-renowned artist Mark Mahoney (clients include Lady Gaga, David Beckham and Rihanna), but it's also the place to find one of LA's most sought-after artists, Dr. Woo. One look at his inspiring Instagram page will show you just why Woo's unmatchable precision is beloved by Erin Wasson, Langley Fox and Ellie Goulding. [Photo: Instagram]

Studio City Tattoo

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A hot spot for Valley folks, Studio City Tattoo is great options for all your large-scale body art needs. The Ventura Boulevard haunt offers ten in-demand artists, including Mike Erwin who's known for delicate feathers, wild sci-fi images and freehand-style sketches. [Photo: Studio City Tattoo]

Sunset Strip Tattoo

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Stars like Angelina Jolies, Mark Wahlberg, Pamela Anderson and Ben Affleck flock to this Sunset shop to sit with artist Paul Timman. His detailed work ranges from colorful feminine art to black and white tribal pieces. [Photo: Sunset Strip Tattoo]

The Honorable Society

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Walking into WeHo's The Honorable Society Tattoo Parlor and Lounge is like stepping into a time machine. A frequent draw is Italian artist Marco Cerretelli, who cut his teeth working for the iconic Maurizio Fiorini aka "Il Maestro" aka the oldest-living Italian tattoo artist. [Photo: THS]

Velvet Grip

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In addition to offering stress-free and sanitary piercings,Velvet Grip is also a great place to score a one-of-a-kind tattoo. Owner Todd Sorensen (aka "The Todd") is a wiz at highly-detailed pieces, including text tattoos and fine lines. [Photo: Velvet Grip Family]

Zulu Tattoo

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Known as "The Godfather of Spiritual Tattooing," Roni Zulu's clients include pop stars like Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and Christina Aguilera. In addition to his inspiring work, Zulu's other artists are equally talented, offering high-quality replicas of photographs and creative graphics with bursts of color. [Photo: Zulu Tattoo]

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Alchemy Tattoo

If you're going for bold, try one of the many intricate creations at Silver Lake's Alchemy Works. Artist Rus Laich is an ace when it comes to floral pieces and Jason Profant is known for his imaginative animals. This reasonably-priced studio has a $50 minimum. [Photo: Alchemy]

American Electric Tattoo

Wanna be like Cara Delevingne? Score your next feline finger tattoo at American Electric. The parlor hosts a handful of fan-favorite artists, including geometric genius Julie Bolene and portrait master Craig Jackman, who is also the popular shop's founder. [Photo: Yelp]

Body Electric Tattoo

If crazy-vibrant technicolor art is what you're looking for, ask for artist Taka Tamada at this Melrose favorite. Body Electric's specialities include realism, Japanese, tribal, anime and traditional Americana. [Photo: Body Electric]

Broken Art Tattoo

If you want to transform an embarrassing tatt into a stunning cover-up, head here. Founder Jeremy Swan corrected a handful of regretful etches on TLC's America's Worst Tattoos, and he'll do the same for you. [Photo: Instagram]

Shamrock Social Club

This legendary shop is not only home to world-renowned artist Mark Mahoney (clients include Lady Gaga, David Beckham and Rihanna), but it's also the place to find one of LA's most sought-after artists, Dr. Woo. One look at his inspiring Instagram page will show you just why Woo's unmatchable precision is beloved by Erin Wasson, Langley Fox and Ellie Goulding. [Photo: Instagram]

Studio City Tattoo

A hot spot for Valley folks, Studio City Tattoo is great options for all your large-scale body art needs. The Ventura Boulevard haunt offers ten in-demand artists, including Mike Erwin who's known for delicate feathers, wild sci-fi images and freehand-style sketches. [Photo: Studio City Tattoo]

Sunset Strip Tattoo

Stars like Angelina Jolies, Mark Wahlberg, Pamela Anderson and Ben Affleck flock to this Sunset shop to sit with artist Paul Timman. His detailed work ranges from colorful feminine art to black and white tribal pieces. [Photo: Sunset Strip Tattoo]

The Honorable Society

Walking into WeHo's The Honorable Society Tattoo Parlor and Lounge is like stepping into a time machine. A frequent draw is Italian artist Marco Cerretelli, who cut his teeth working for the iconic Maurizio Fiorini aka "Il Maestro" aka the oldest-living Italian tattoo artist. [Photo: THS]

Velvet Grip

In addition to offering stress-free and sanitary piercings,Velvet Grip is also a great place to score a one-of-a-kind tattoo. Owner Todd Sorensen (aka "The Todd") is a wiz at highly-detailed pieces, including text tattoos and fine lines. [Photo: Velvet Grip Family]

Zulu Tattoo

Known as "The Godfather of Spiritual Tattooing," Roni Zulu's clients include pop stars like Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and Christina Aguilera. In addition to his inspiring work, Zulu's other artists are equally talented, offering high-quality replicas of photographs and creative graphics with bursts of color. [Photo: Zulu Tattoo]