Second Skin Tattoo
81 Thuringowa Dr, Kirwan QLD 4817, Australia
4.9 ★ (66 reviews)
Tattoo Portfolio
About Second Skin Tattoo
Second Skin Tattoo is a shop front tattoo studio located in 81 Thuringowa Dr, Kirwan QLD 4817, Australia, QLD. The studio specialises in black and-grey style tattoos.
With a 4.9 star rating from 66 Google reviews, this studio is highly rated by clients.
Whether you're looking for custom artwork, a walk-in piece, or a consultation on your next tattoo, Second Skin Tattoo offers a professional tattooing experience for all styles and sizes.
Opening Hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday Closed
* Hours may vary on public holidays. We recommend calling ahead to confirm.
Location
Pricing Information
Contact for pricing
Contact for pricing
Estimated starting price
• Final price depends on size and detail
• Consultations usually free
• Deposit may be required to book
Studio Information
Location Type
shop front
Style
realism, black and grey, linework
Google Rating
4.9 ★
Location
QLD
What to Know
- Consultation recommended
- Deposit may be required
- Aftercare instructions provided
- ID required (18+)
Nearby Tattoo Studios
About Second Skin Tattoo
Second Skin Tattoo has been a fixture on Thuringowa Drive in Kirwan since 1980, when Les Bowen founded what is now Townsville's longest-established tattoo studio. Decades on, it remains a custom-focused shop with a long local reputation.
Every artist custom-designs their work, and the team trained under Bowen carries on his approach across black-and-grey, realism, linework and floral pieces. Hygiene is treated as a point of pride, with single-use needles, autoclave-sterilised equipment and artists who have completed microbiology training and hold the required licences. Bowen himself now works by appointment to keep up with demand, while the rest of the team take both booked sessions and walk-ins.
For a first tattoo or a considered custom piece in Townsville, it is a studio with genuine history behind it.
Explore more tattoo studios in Kirwan, or browse Realism tattoo artists across Australia.
Artists at Second Skin Tattoo
Les Bowen
Founder who established Second Skin in 1980; works by appointment only to meet the high demand for his custom work.
Dan
Trained by Les Bowen; works on both an appointment and walk-in basis.
Harry
Trained by Les Bowen; available by appointment and for walk-ins.
Mia
Trained by Les Bowen; available by appointment and for walk-ins.
Services
Custom DesignsWalk-InsConsultations
Pricing
- Deposit
- Cash deposit before custom drafting, refundable if the tattoo is applied
Pricing from the studio's website; confirm when booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book?
You can call the studio, visit in person, use the contact form or message on Facebook, where the team is very responsive.
Do you take walk-ins?
Yes. The studio takes appointments and also accepts walk-ins when it can. Founder Les Bowen works by appointment only.
Do I have to be 18?
Yes. Under Australian law you must be at least 18 to be tattooed regardless of parental consent, and the studio makes no exceptions.
Is there a deposit for custom work?
Custom drafting requires a cash deposit before drawing begins, which is refundable if you go ahead and have the tattoo applied.
What aftercare do you provide?
All clients get full written and verbal aftercare instructions. Healing takes roughly two weeks, and aftercare products are sold in-studio.