True Blue Tattoo
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True Blue Tattoo
Our creative team works in every field imaginable. We can bring your ideas to life, no matter how complicated they are. We have over 14 of the best tattoo artists in Austin, all of whom are available for consultation. Browse each artist's portfolio below or call today to book a consultation. Walk-in appointments are frequently available.

Austin Chronicle says The eclectically decorated original downtown location is quite suited for walk-ins, while the Airport shop suggests calling ahead for appointments. Either way, True Blue's high-quality standards have left their mark on our readers.
Services
In 1998, we opened True Blue Tattoo on Red River Street. It was built by several talented people (friends) looking for a new and welcoming place to call home. We have been at this location, as one of the last real "street shops", to this day. In 2013 we opened our Airport Blvd location as a kind of retirement home for our aging tattooers who were done with the fast pace lifestyle of downtown tattooing.
We would like to share some information with you about the laws concerning the piercing of minors, studio policies, and other issues we think are important when considering giving consent to have a minor pierced. True Blue Tattoo will pierce minors with parental consent if the parent is present and has a photo ID for both parent and child.
Below are details of the consent form but you will need to download the pdf below and print it to take to the notary. I understand that the PIERCEE will be pierced under proper and sterile conditions with instruments, jewelry, tools, and techniques designed for body piercing. I understand that the PIERCEE will be pierced with a pre-sterilized needle, used only on the PIERCEE, and then immediately disposed of.
We would like to share some information with you about our studio policies and sterilization procedures. We pride ourselves in the fact that we go far beyond the standards of other studios-and even the Texas Department of Health requirements-for proper sterilization. We have, on-premises, both an autoclave and a statim sterilizer.
Leave the covering on for at least 4 hours. Take the covering off and wash thoroughly, making sure to get the tattoo clean and smooth. If another washing is necessary then wash again. Let the tattoo air dry or blot dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor or A+D ointment, it should not be shiny on the tattoo after application.
Reviews (16)
Kristyn H.
Kristyn H.
Jan 22, 2022
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Got my 2nds on both ears and a 3rd on one ear done here with Joe. He was super professional, friendly, and reassuring throughout the whole process. Would highly recommend to anyone! Definitely call ahead and make an appointment before you go or you may have to wait outside tho.
Taylor M.
Taylor M.
Jan 10, 2022
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My friend and I each got two piercings yesterday done by Joe. He was so nice, thorough, and did a great job. Great experience all around.
Meaghan C.
Meaghan C.
Jan 08, 2022
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We were a group of girls who went in to get various piercings (cartilage, nose, and belly!). We had Laura, she was amazing! First off, they had a large variety of different types of jewelry, we were all able pick/find what we wanted. Laura was very knowledgeable. She took her time, was meticulous, and talked us through the entire process. Highly recommend Laura for piercings in Austin!
T. X.
T. X.
Nov 25, 2021
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Over the summer I did a drop in appointment for a really simple tattoo. Jason Garcia did it. It's taken me a long time to post this review because I hate to bad mouth anyone but the tattoo did not turn out well. You can see the lines are not even or smooth. It looks like a poke and stick. I've grown to accept that it looks pretty wonky. It seemed he may have been using a new tattoo gun but didn't tell us that. Anyway, maybe I caught him on an off day but I am pretty dissapointed given it's my first tattoo. Otherwise the experience of booking it etc was fine.
Kristen E.
Kristen E.
Nov 21, 2021
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Highly recommended! I would give Joe 10 stars out of 5 if I could for an excellent ear cartilage piercing experience!! All the staff were very friendly and informative, made you feel comfortable and well taken care of. Very clean shop and they do a great job of following state protocols and sterilization techniques. Easy to call and make appointments and overall great experience!
Oxy C.
Oxy C.
Sep 04, 2021
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Shout out to Ashley for fixing my nipple piercings. She was very nice and handed me a pamphlet on how to properly care for my nipple piercings. Thank you!
Amy P.
Amy P.
Aug 26, 2021
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What says a lot about a business is their integrity. People who get pierced don't think enough about how a pierce shop will provide aftercare or respond to their mistakes. Those say a lot. Manager worked with me to create a solution plan. I can't reverse the damage to my nose, but speaking w/ her helped me move forward.

The amount of effort True Blue put into righting their wrong hoop sizing speaks more than the actual mistake at this point. Any shop can easily make a mistake (human error is normal), but where they go from there speaks volumes on what kind of business they are and what
Christopher M.
Christopher M.
Aug 14, 2021
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Visiting from Berlin. Lived in Austin before. As a heavily tattooed and pierced person who knows a lot of amazing tattoo artists globally, I can tell you that I still get anxious when having to communicate with a piercer or tattoo artist. I guess it stems from being treated with a 'rude, too cool for school attitude' that I witnessed several times when I was very young. Over the years I have come to find out that most piercers, staff, and tattoo artists I've come across (95%) are well grounded, nice individuals who are just trying to make a living just like the rest of us. NOT TRUE
Emily J.
Emily J.
Aug 01, 2021
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Joe (piercing) was incredible. I went in alone and pretty nervous - he was nothing short of kind, patient, and detailed. He walked/talked me through everything, gave me great advice, and educated me on the history of piercing. It's so refreshing to see someone who loves their job and their art. He went above and beyond with customer service and not to mention I am overjoyed with my piercings! Thanks Joe!! Highly recommend!!
Rebecca C.
Rebecca C.
Jun 24, 2021
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True Blue Tattoo in Austin (off of Red River between 6th and 7th) has one of the most amazing piercers; Sarah.

I wondered why a simple double nostril piercing would take an hour, and now I know why.

She took the time to really make sure I was symmetrical, and she also cleansed the space and performed Reiki (she's a Master!) to make sure this was a good hurt, and always asked my opinion at each step.

I am honored to have been touched by her hands.
Kaylyn P.
Kaylyn P.
Jun 18, 2021
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10/10 customer service
Joe was so nice and helpful I decided to go here to him based off other reviews and I'm not disappointed. I am a very anxious person but he was very easy to be around and it was super fast and clean. I appreciate how long they sterilize their jewelry.
Gabriella G.
Gabriella G.
Jun 09, 2021
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I got my earlobes pierced (second hole) and I was pretty nervous and Sarah made me feel so comfortable. Sarah calmed all of my nerves and talked me through the entire process. She also was so well educated and really knew her stuff! She was the perfect piercer and I'm so happy I went to her!!! Highly recommend her!!!!!!
Jayce S.
Jayce S.
May 04, 2021
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I came here to get both sides of my nose pierced on Sunday, and had the BEST experience with Piercer Joe. He calmed my nerves and made me feel comfortable through the process. He's a skilled piercer for sure! He even told us he has nearly 20 years experience. Go in and ask for Joe!!
Gurpreet L.
Gurpreet L.
Dec 25, 2020
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I came here a month ago to get my second lobes pierced and had a wonderful experience during/after the piercing. I made an appointment for Saturday afternoon and it was a quick and painless process - well, as painless as it can be for piercing! Sarah, my piercer, walked me through what she was doing each step of the way which made me feel included in the process. She was very kind, friendly, and informative!

Unfortunately, about two weeks later, my ear swallowed my new piercing which I didn't know was even possible! I woke up, looked in the mirror, and the stud was no longer visible but I
Micky M.
Micky M.
Dec 13, 2020
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Absolutely love Rachel at True Blue! We had those cheesy " I am gonna love you forever but we gonna argue on the way home" mother/daughter tatts. She came into the shop..cleaned the zone, we entered, temp checks,hands washed,sanitized and phones cleaned (phones are dirty af) got us ready safe and great COVID precautions. Our tatts looked beautiful, she is great conversationalist. No awkward silences. We were done and on our way to get that mother/daughter disagreement on..We will be back!! She rocks!!!
Melanie O.
Melanie O.
Jun 17, 2020
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Looking for a new piercing or hardware? Sarah is your girl! She took my appt last minute and was very accommodating. The studio is practicing all the safety precautions given the pandemic!

Sarah was super patient as I threw out different nose ring ideas and was very professional. I was waiting months complete my look and I am super satisfied!