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Best Tattoo Shops In Los Angeles

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For the most part, getting a tattoo is a permanent decision, so why not choose to employ the best ink artists around town to do the work? Tat parlors are popping up all over the Southland, but some are definitely better than others. Following are five of the very best.

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Alchemy
2854 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 666-1313
www.alchemytattoola.com

If you put the word out asking for the best traditional tattoo artists in Los Angeles from those who are already rocking awesome inkings, you'll often be directed to Alchemy in Silver Lake. This east side parlor is one of the best in the country according to its repeat clientele who goes there to get fresh art and to perk up art that needs some cleaning up. After all, nobody hankers to hang onto something indelible that can be made better than ever, especially when it comes to wearing that not-so-right tattoo.

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Aces of Hearts
639 W. Channel St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 684-1400
www.acesofheartstattoo.com

A great place for those who don't want to endure heavy hands, Aces of Hearts is home to talented artists who know how to make you feel comfortable while creating amazing body art. Owner Joe Truck has hired some super handy help, including Cole Strem, a great creator with whom to start your tattoo collection, offering steady hands, a kind demeanor and tender loving care.

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Unbreakable Tattoo
11356 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 763-5910
www.tattoounbreakable.com

If you're looking for some fun spot fillers or you want to have a whole new body part covered in a fantastically artistic way, consider Unbreakable in The Valley. Whether you're going for romantic, botanical or pure rock 'n roll inkings, the creators in this crew of tattoo experts deliver. A specialty? Exquisite Asian motifs that pop with color and intricacy.

Related: Best Tattoo Parlors in Orange County

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Shamrock Social Club
9026 W. Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 271-9664
www.shamrocksocialclub.com

This is Mark Mahoney's joint, a popular place for prominent people to get their tattoos with confidence. From Britney Spears to Angelina Jolie to Cher to Notorious BIG, clients from all over the entertainment world regularly make a pilgrimage or two or more to Mark's place for inkings that are memorable. Indeed, Rocky Rakovic, editor of Ink magazine, has called this pioneer "an icon who started when tattoos were for outlaws."

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(credit: Rubi C./Yelp)

Kat Von D's High Voltage Tattoo
1259 N. La Brea Ave.
West Hollywood, CA 90038
(323) 969-9820
www.highvoltagetattoo.com

The 32-year-old owner of High Voltage Tattoo has led a high-voltage life on the small screen and off so it makes sense that this tattoo artist with her international reputation for excellence should be noted here. Kat Von D and her gang of talents can offer just about any kind of inking you have in mind. Not sure? Ask for suggestions from this very special group of individuals who are devoted to what they do, day in and day out, in West Hollywood.

Related: Best Contemporary Art Galleries in LA

Los Angeles freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com

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