3 Hong Kong tattoo parlours that represent the new generation of body artists

Tattooing has been around in Hong Kong since World War II, when James Ho set up the first parlour in Tsim Sha Tsui. But for years, getting a tattoo was taboo for most city residents. A main source of business for tattoo artists until 2019 was the American warships that used to make regular rest and recuperation stops in Hong Kong.

Wan Chai, with its girlie bars, was a favourite pit stop for sailors, who would also drop into Ricky and Pinky’s tattoo parlour, where they would pay for permanent reminders of their off-duty bliss. Otherwise, there was Tsim Sha Tsui..