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Professional Traditional Black and Gray Japanese Tattoos

Nestled at the foot of table mountain… 

…in the heart of Cape Town, we’ve proudly been in the same location since 2011. Our five resident artists specialise in a variety of tattoo styles including Western Traditional, Black & Grey, Japanese and Fine-line. Although our artists are often busy with appointments we always welcome walk-ins and consultations when possible. Drop by anytime to chat with us in person, or send a booking request. We provide a relaxed fun yet professional and sterile environment. We love our craft and look forward to sharing it with you. C.E.T.

Cape Electric Tattoo Shop Cape Town

STYLES

TRADITIONAL

black and grey

japanese

Artists

Waldo Del Rocca - Cape Electric Tattoo
Artist

Waldo

See Waldo's work
Artist

GARETH

See Gareth's work
artist

Caitlyn

See Caitlyn's work
ARTIST

KIEF

See Kief's work
Tarzan, tattoo artist at Cape Electric Tattoo
ARTIST

TARZAN

See Tarzan's work

TATTOO CONVENTION

The South African International Tattoo Convention

Cape Electric Tattoo is the proud host and founding shop of The South African International Tattoo Convention, a 3-day event bringing together tattoo culture, art, music, and people from all over the world in Cape Town, South Africa.

With over 150 tattoo artists from more than 24 countries, the convention gives you the chance to get tattooed by some of the world’s best international and local artists across a huge range of styles.

Proudly tattooer-owned and operated, the convention was built from a real love for tattoo culture and the community around it. Every year, we feel incredibly lucky to bring together such an amazing mix of artists, collectors, and creatives under one roof in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The weekend is about far more than just tattooing. Expect live bands, DJs, craft beer, cocktails, great local food trucks, and an atmosphere that feels creative and welcoming.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Cape Town for the 2027 South African International Tattoo Convention.

South African International Tattoo Convention 2027 poster
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

is an appointment necessary?
Appointments are not mandatory, but they're recommended. While we do accept walk-ins whenever possible, availability can fluctuate daily but we do our best to accommodate, best is just to come to the shop. 
For custom/large scale designs, scheduling an appointment allows the artist time to create the perfect tattoo for you. Additionally, we prefer face-to-face consultations whenever feasible, and these consultations are always complimentary. Deposits are required for all appointments.
 
how much will my tattoo cost?

The price of a tattoo isn't solely determined by its duration; placement also plays a significant role in pricing. There is a shop minimum that applies to all tattoos, no matter how small. For an estimates/quotes, please come into the shop and speak to an artist in person or pop us a email to get the convo started. Larger pieces—such as half sleeves, full sleeves, and back pieces—are charged by the hour. For this kind of work, it is very difficult to estimate how long the tattoo will take, as it depends on the design, how you sit for the tattoo, etc. Sessions for larger tattoos are usually 3-4 hours long and can be scheduled as far apart as you like, but preferred at a two week intervals.

CAN I PAY FOR MY TATTOO WITH A DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD?

Certainly! We accept both cash and all major credit cards as payment methods for your tattoo.

DO YOU DO TEMPORARY TATTOOS?

No, we specialise in permanent tattoos only.

DO YOU DO ULTRAVIOLET/BLACK LIGHT TATTOOS?

We certainly do not

CAN YOU FIX OR COVER AN EXISTING TATTOO?
We're happy to help touch up or rework old tattoos, or even cover them up if possible. However, whether or not we can do this depends on the specific tattoo. The best course of action is to visit our shop and show us your tattoo so we can assess what's possible. It's important to note that a cover-up tattoo will typically need to be significantly larger than the original one. Since tattoo ink isn't completely opaque, covering up a tattoo is more about disguising it. Additionally, very dense, dark tattoos can be challenging to cover and may require several sessions of laser treatment to lighten them before they can be worked on.
 
DOES IT HURT?

Yes

CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL BEFORE I GET TATTOOED?
No, we cannot tattoo individuals who are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
 
IS IT SAFE?
Yes, but there are lot of determining factors outside of our shop and our control. 
We prioritise hygiene and take every precaution necessary to ensure a safe tattooing experience. 
However, it's important to note that there is always a risk of infection if proper aftercare instructions are not followed.
 
CAN I GET TATTOOED IF I AM PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING?
Getting tattooed while pregnant or breastfeeding is generally advised against due to potential risks to the mother and baby:
1. **Risk of Infection:** Pregnant or breastfeeding women may have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Any infection contracted during the tattooing process could pose a risk to both the mother and the baby.
2. **Risk of Allergic Reactions:** Pregnant or breastfeeding women may be more prone to allergic reactions, which could occur as a result of the tattoo ink or the tattooing process itself.
3. **Concerns with Pain Management:** Pain management during the tattooing process, such as the use of topical numbing creams or painkillers, may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
4. **Healing Process:** The body's healing process may be altered during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, which could affect the tattoo's healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Overall, it's essential for pregnant or breastfeeding women to prioritize their health and the health of their baby, and getting a tattoo during this time is generally not recommended. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalised advice regarding any potential risks.
 
should i tip my artist?
If you're satisfied with the work your artist has done and you feel they did a good job, it's customary to tip them as a token of appreciation.
 

CONTACT US

SHOP HOURS:

monday
closed
tuesday
11am > 7pm
wednesday
11am > 7pm
thursday
11am > 7pm
friday
11am > 7pm
saturday
11am > 7pm
sunday
closed

Contact:

Address: 11 Buitensingel St, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001

Tel: +27 21-423-7646

Email: info@capeelectrictattoo.com
Let's chat about your next tattoo...

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