Royal Tattoo

Royal Tattoo, located in San Diego, California, is a studio that offers various body art services, including both tattoos and piercings. The studio aims to provide a welcoming environment for clients seeking new body modifications.

Practical Info

While some clients report being able to receive same-day services, others advise caution regarding transparency, particularly concerning gift card vouchers, which some clients claim were not honored or refunded. Visitors describe a varied experience concerning initial pricing versus final cost.

The Studio Experience

The atmosphere at Royal Tattoo garners mixed feedback; some clients describe staff members as “extremely nice” and friendly, while others have encountered individuals described as rude, defensive, or egotistical. Cleanliness is a point of positive mention by some, with visitors noting the “very clean” environment. However, safety and sanitation have been significant concerns for other clients, particularly regarding piercing experiences that led to severe infections and permanent damage. There are also reports of issues with customer service after the initial appointment, with clients feeling concerns were not addressed in a supportive manner.

The Artists and Their Work

Royal Tattoo features several artists, with Rene, Brandon, Mictlan, Wyatt, and Brad receiving commendations for their tattoo work and professionalism. Clients have expressed satisfaction with the results from these artists, with one client “extremely happy with the results” of a hand tattoo by Brandon. Conversely, some clients have reported dissatisfaction with tattoo quality, citing issues such as “sloppy line work,” fading, inconsistent lines, uneven pressure, and even misspelled tattoos. One client described a tattoo as “uncanny-valley-looking trash,” necessitating laser removal.

Piercing & Other Services

Piercing services are a significant offering at Royal Tattoo. Eddie, a piercer at the studio, is frequently lauded by clients for his professionalism, speed, and ability to make the piercing process “painless.” Lydia also received praise for her professional approach and helpful advice regarding piercing jewelry. Despite these positive experiences, a considerable number of clients have reported severe negative outcomes from piercings, including infections such as pseudomonas bacteria and pinna perichondritis, leading to permanent cartilage damage, ER visits, and antibiotic treatments. Concerns include a perceived lack of professional warnings against multiple cartilage piercings, starting with hoop jewelry, crooked placements, and the use of low-quality or unsuitable jewelry (e.g., butterfly backs for fresh piercings, cheap metal). Clients also reported difficulties with jewelry changes and concerns about unsanitary practices by some piercers.

What Customers Say

Many clients highlight the friendly atmosphere, with one visitor describing the experience as having “amazing service. everyone was friendly.” Eddie is frequently praised by customers, with one client stating that he “made it painless if you can believe it!” However, some visitors express dissatisfaction with tattoo quality, with one mentioning that “The line work is sloppy and already fading.”