Dean’s Tattoo Headquarters

I found Clifton on Instagram– his art work totally caught my eye and I was like say whattt!!! He’s local and got super pumped so I texted him immediately and he responded pretty much right away and was really engaging! We set a consultation appointment and off I went!
We had our consultation and I felt so great! First off he’s super nice and friendly, the shop was small and super clean like it smelled like someone had just hosed it down with disinfectant (that’s a great thing) and I felt at ease. We spent an hour getting a plan. A whole 60 minutes getting organized. I have been tattooed a lot in my life and I have never been treated with such amazing respect.
Today was our tattoo appointment and we spent more time getting everything drawn up perfect and placed. First we started with my feet and I swear to god my tattoo looks so damn perfect it looks like a stick on tattoo my eyes did not believe what they were seeing. Then we started on redoing my arm and that will be a process. So let me recap for you– the shop is clean and nice and there’s a café literally next door for a snack, Clifton is not only a mind blowing tattoo artist but a really kind genuinely nice person. So… Don’t be dumb go see Clifton!

Had a very extensive thigh piece done by the AMAZING Ryan! He did an amazing job at making a rough drawing I brought in to him come to life — rich colors and awesome detail. He has a great classic style. I felt like he really listened to everything I wanted for the piece, and gave helpful suggestions as to what would work and look good without being too pushy. He was a real pro and joy to work with and I will absolutely be coming back next time I am in SF!

Came here to get my first tattoo and I was pretty nervous. I got tatted by Mel, best experience of my life. He was super chill and he was just patient about helping me decide the design and placement. I love my piece and the pricing for my tattoo was more than reasonable. Definitely gonna come again for another one!

I’ve been comin to this shop since it opened and it’s awesome. Ryan is definitely a wizard when it comes to takin any idea you might have and putting it to skin. And he’s also personable enough to give advice without sounding like an ass. And Mr. Mel is the nicest guy in the world have yet to be tattooed by him but it is on the top of my list. See you guys soon

Mel did a great job on my California flag tattoo with a good price too. Clean and chill spot. Would definitely recommend this place

I’ve been tattooed by the late Dean Dennis as well as Mel and Ryan and I love all three experiences and pieces! Mel and Ryan are great artist and have good input when it comes to designing your pieces. They both were very help though the process and surprisingly it didn’t hurt as much as my other experience. The shop is in a nice neighborhood and easy to park.

Mel is friendly and easy to work with. Have had work done here 3 times, all pretty complicated and in different languages-​all came out great. Fair prices and he listens to what you want

super chill, super clean. Mel did my «amor» tattoo on my elbow.

After months of sitting on the thought of getting my first tattoo, I finally decided to go for it but was clueless of any tattoo artists that specialized in script lettering. Luckily a friend of mine who ended up drafting the quote I wanted to get tattooed was able to recommend me to Mel, one of his close and very talented homie at this shop.
I called to drop in and meet with him for a brief consultation to kinda go over what I wanted and the placement of it. He was also straight up about the pricing so that there’d be no surprises later on. I then scheduled an appt a few months later just cause I wanted more time to let it marinate and be certain of my decision, especially since it was my first one.
The shop is super clean and the staff was chill, I didn’t feel intimidated coming in or anything. The artwork they have on display are all awesome. Mel kept in touch through text with any scheduling changes he had or sending over any drafts he worked on, which I really appreciated from him. He was super patient, accommodating and understanding of any changes I wanted to make on the drawing.
On the actual day that I was going under the needle, I was pretty nervous as shit since it was my first tattoo ever and I heard the ribs are a pretty gnarly spot to get any work done on. Mel really helped keep my composure and really talked me through the whole process. The placement part is what really took the longest since I wanted it in an area that made it difficult to get a straight line for a quote (side of my rib coming up to the front under my boob). Mel was super meticulous with his work and always made sure everything was fine with me.
And it’s true, getting tatted on the rib hurt like a bitch but I knew it was a temporary sacrifice I had to make in order for it to turn out exactly how I wanted. Also, the stomach area is a funny spot to work on as he mentioned because it gives off kind of a balloon-​like surface, but Mel diligently worked through everything making sure I was comfortable the whole time. I’m completely satisfied with the turn out and this piece really means a lot to me
I told myself that would be my first and last tattoo, BUT if I ever am even considering about another I’d go to this place and also recommend anyone here especially if they’re interested in getting script/​lettering done!

Mel did my sun and moon. He had the perfect professional friendly attitude I look for in a tattoo artists. Even though he had to reschedule for later that day it was worth it. It’s a cute little shop with some extremely talented artists. Will definitely be returning for future tattoos.

Got my first tattoo here!!! I used to live in the orange house next door so it was only a matter of time before I rolled in drunk and ready for my first tattoo.
Dean, the owner was an amazing man. I miss him and the conversations we would have about life. I’m glad he did my tattoo.
I love this place. If you are looking for excellent service and amazing ink, come here!!! Mel is amazing!

Long overdue for a review but I went into Dean’s exactly a week ago for my first tattoo. This place was very highly recommended by some friends. I had friends get tatts done by Mel & Joey. I just walked in with no appointment & was lucky enough to catch Mel while he wasn’t busy or with another client. I had him do a small 2 line quote in simple cursive script writing on my left back shoulder. Mel is a super nice guy! He was hella attentive to detail & made sure that everything I wanted in this tattoo was perfect. I am super happy with everything he did and how the tattoo came out. He was comforting to my scary ass in the chair just with simple conversation.
Just looking at sample sketches by all the artists in the shop, you really can’t go wrong with any of them. They all seem super talented & got some dope pieces. So my experience couldn’t have been better. Really well deserving of 5 stars & I look forward to getting my next pieces done by Mel.

My best friend and i were looking to get bestie tattoos and i am SO glad we came to Dean’s. It was my first time getting a tattoo and I was so nervous, Joey was so kind and helped me get through my nervousness. My tattoo is small but perfect, they listened and made sure we got exactly what we wanted. Ryan came in on his birthday and did my best friend’s tattoo, his attention to her ridiculous details was awesome. Love these guys and will definitely be back!

I normally don’t write reviews but I’m making an exception here. Today, I went to 3 different shops quoting prices and so on, I didn’t intend on going into Dean’s Tattoo Headquarters but I’m sure glad that I did.
Joey, the artist that helped me, was as friendliest guy I could’ve asked for. He knew that it was my first tattoo and wanted to make sure that I was comfortable. We cracked some jokes, as he was preparing his equipment and it definitely helped me calm my nerves.
His overall job was great! My arrow came out super clean, he made suggestions that would benefit me in the long run, and did an excellent job explaining after care. He was nice, welcoming, and hilarious! I think the next time I get a tattoo, it will definitely be with Joey. My friends are asking about my tattoo and I’ve already suggested this place to 3 people.

I didn’t even think I’d get a second tattoo, but this place makes it so easy to come back. I have a number of friends who ask me where I get my tattoo, and I drop this place instantly.
I emailed Joey telling him I was coming in, sent him what I had in mind, and he started creating my design and had it ready for me when I came in. As expected, my tattoo looks great!
Joey always makes sure my experience goes as smoothly as possible. Maybe I’m just lucky, but the healing process has been quick and very easy. [Knock on wood] I have not had any complications with bleeding/​scabbing/​scarring and it’s because they use high quality ink and do a good job of cleaning the skin before and after the procedure.
I have seen other artists here as well, and they are all very warm to customers and you can tell they really love what they do. Dean’s is worth checking out!

I was feeling a little spontaneous today. I was tired of my wedding ring always getting dirty at work so I decided to get a tattoo. I walked in and was greeted by Mel. He was super friendly and welcoming. I was pretty particular on the size and where I wanted my tattoo (star with 3 dots on each side). It had to be small enough and centered exactly so if I do decide to wear my wedding ring it would cover it completely. He took his time sketching and made sure it was perfect. After about 20mins. with minimal to no pain my tattoo came out perfectly. I will def be back to see Mel if I decide to get another tattoo.
THANKS Mel for my perfect «baby star» tattoo!!!

Best cover up ever!!! Seventeen years ago I got an extremely important but EXTREMELY UGLY blob of a tattoo. I always wanted to get it covered but each time I showed it to an artist they cringed.
I showed it to Mel at Dean’s and I told him why it was important. Instead of looking perplexed, he exploded with positive energy and vision. He took the horrible tat I had and transformed it into everything I originally wanted it to be and more!
The interesting thing about Mel’s work is how well he listened beyond my words. He listened to what I was trying to say but couldn’t. I didn’t want to specifically run down five or six specific things to make it symbolic. But I didn’t have to either. By the time Mel was done he captured everything I was feeling and put it on my skin.
Mel’s work is excellent It was fun sitting in a shop with a group of real street artists who are humble, confident, and super creative.

This shop was first introduced to me almost two years ago now, and from the get everyone was super friendly, laid back, yet still very professional. These guys take their craft very seriously and can work with nearly any idea or thought that comes to mind. Everything is clean and the shop’s look is great as well.
The artist that is currently working on my full sleeve is Ryan, and let me tell you he does some of the best work I have ever seen. He has done an amazing job so far in the detail and scenery of my tattoo (if you want to see it so far, it is my main picture).
Everyone else in the shop does fantastic work as well, Mel and Joey. Mel inks my best friend and has adapted to doing anything. Another nice this is that they all do other artistic work on the side, Mel does a lot of airbrush/​canister painting, Joey does a lot of sketching and coloring, and Ryan does a lot of painting. So these guys are true artists.
In the end this is the spot to get work done at in the city. Period!
As a side note I hope Dean pulls through with everything and it all goes well. Best wishes Dean!

Whether it’s your first tattoo or your 10^th, this is the place that will get your jaw dropped at how epic your piece will be.
My very first tattoo; a half sleeve done by the legend himself: Dean Dennis. Amazing work with deep colors that just pop out. I ended up getting my other half sleeve done by him as well. Pure epicness.
This shop by far has some of the most talented artists in Northern California. Ryan, Mel, and Joey are all skilled and can take on practically any style of art that you want inked on your body. The atmosphere is great, there’s no pressure, and everyone that works there is laid back and chill to talk to.
So if you’re wanting to get some quality work done, hit this shop up, you won’t regret it!

KILLED IT! ryan –tattoo artist extraordinaire– wilburn, absolutely killed it and i ephasize artist. i had my first two tattoos done by this guy and i couldn’t be more stoked about the job he’s done. dude’s super professional, laid backed, and you can definitely tell that he is totally into his work. i have print on both my tattoos and he’s definitely got skills in the print aspect of tattoos. when i went in for my first tattoo he was great about offering suggestions on ways he thought it might look better. ultimately, i went with my original idea for the first one but he was totally chill about it. on the second, however, i went in with another idea but this time i had to stray away from it and take his suggestions. he turned it from a «copy and paste» look and made it more natural. this guy does great work and i would definitely recommend him for any of your tattoo needs.
the shop. the shop is super clean. the two dudes i met, ryan and danny, are totally chill. there is one other dude in there working but failed to catch his name. regardless, he was super friendly. i was outside shootin the shit with ryan before we began and i could tell immediately he was just like the other two… chill, laid back, friendly, and super mellow.
all in all, this place has some solid talent in there. i plan to be back for my third next month. i definitely got the bug and i fully intend to return to ryan for all my work. go there. you won’t be disappointed. BOOOOOM!