How much will my tattoo cost? It’s the first question almost every client asks me. After 18 years and more than 50,000 tattoos at our studio, I’d rather you know our prices before you walk in. Here is exactly how we price tattoos at Body Arts, with real examples.

Tattoo price list at Body Arts, Bangalore (2026)

Discounts on bigger tattoos

The bigger the tattoo, the less you pay per inch:

Discounts can vary slightly by design category. Your artist confirms the final price before we start.

How to work out your tattoo’s size

Measure the design’s width × height in inches. That’s the area in square inches.

• A 2 × 2 inch design = 4 sq. inches

• A 3 × 8 inch forearm piece = 24 sq. inches

• A 6 × 10 inch design = 60 sq. inches

Not sure of the size? Send us a photo of the placement on WhatsApp and we’ll suggest the right size for your design.

Real price examples

These are worked examples. Sleeves vary with arm size and design, so your exact quote is confirmed after the free consultation.

Why is there an ₹800 minimum?

Even the smallest tattoo needs a complete, sterile setup: a sanitised workstation, a new medical-grade needle, a fresh ink setup and a properly cleaned machine. That setup costs the same whether your tattoo is 1 inch or 10 inches. The ₹800 minimum covers it, so we never cut corners on hygiene for a small piece.

Why do colour and cover-up tattoos cost more?

• Colour tattoos (₹700 per sq. inch): good colour ink is expensive. We buy organic inks from the best suppliers, because colour that heals bright and stays safe on your skin is worth it.

• Cover-ups (₹700 per sq. inch): a cover-up needs careful planning. The new design has to fully hide the old tattoo, whether it’s an old name, faded ink or a piece done badly elsewhere. We design it with you first and show you the design before we start.

What’s included in the price

• Free consultation. Share your idea in the studio or on WhatsApp.

• Free custom design. We draw your design from scratch, with no extra charge for designing.

• Design changes. We adjust any element until you’re happy, because it stays on your body for a lifetime.

• A refundable advance. To confirm, you pay 10% of the estimate. It comes off your final bill, and if you don’t like the design, we refund it.

• Hygiene as standard. A new, single-use medical-grade needle, a sanitised machine and workstation, and organic ink for every client.

• Aftercare support. We guide you on healing, follow up with you, and you can message us any time.

• A free touch-up within 6 months, once your tattoo has healed.

How long will my tattoo take?

Time depends on detail, not just size. For a 4 sq. inch tattoo:

• Simple design: about 20–30 minutes

• Detailed design: about 45 minutes to 1 hour

• Realistic design: about 1 to 1.5 hours

For a full sleeve, a simple design usually takes 2 sessions of 8–10 hours, and a detailed sleeve 3 to 4 sessions.

How much does a sleeve tattoo cost in Bangalore?

At our rates, a full black & grey sleeve of about 150 sq. inches comes to about ₹63,000 after the 30% discount. A full colour sleeve is about ₹73,500.

We don’t offer EMI, but you don’t have to pay all at once. We plan the whole sleeve at the first consultation, so it looks like one complete design with no gaps, then tattoo it session by session, and you pay per session.

“Plan the full sleeve with your artist at the start. If each part is designed separately, the pieces won’t match and the sleeve won’t look good. Plan once, then go session by session.” – Srikanth R

Is a cheaper tattoo worth it?

A tattoo stays with you for life, so the cheapest quote is rarely the best deal. Before you choose a studio, check:

1. Hygiene: a new needle opened in front of you, and a sanitised station and machine.

2. Ink: what ink they use and where it comes from.

3. Portfolio: real healed work, not just fresh photos.

4. Custom design: whether they draw for you or copy from a catalogue.

5. Aftercare and touch-ups: whether they’ll support you while your tattoo heals.

Fixing a bad tattoo with a cover-up usually costs more than getting it right the first time.

Piercing prices at Body Arts

We also do professional piercing with a needle, never a piercing gun. Prices include basic surgical-steel jewellery. See the full piercing price list.

Payment

We accept UPI, cash and card. Walk-ins are welcome, since 10+ artists are usually available, but it’s best to call ahead.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a small tattoo cost in Bangalore?

At Body Arts, a tiny tattoo up to about 1 sq. inch costs ₹800 (our minimum charge). A small 2 × 2 inch name or line tattoo costs about ₹2,000.

What is the tattoo price per inch in Bangalore?

At Body Arts, simple tattoos are ₹500 per sq. inch, detailed or realistic tattoos ₹600, and colour or cover-up tattoos ₹700 per sq. inch.

Do you give discounts on big tattoos?

Yes. Tattoos above 20 sq. inches get 10% off, above 50 sq. inches 20% off, and above 100 sq. inches 30% off.

Do you charge for the tattoo design?

No. Consultation and custom design are free. You pay a 10% advance to confirm, which comes off your final price and is refunded if you don’t like the design.

Are touch-ups free?

Yes. We do a free touch-up within 6 months, after your tattoo has healed.