HYDRA Tattoos
5546 S SE Loop 323, Tyler, Texas, 75701
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Why Choose HYDRA Tattoos?
HYDRA Tattoos in Tyler is anchored by Derek Kastning, whose realism and custom design work consistently draw praise for careful detail and technical skill. The studio maintains private rooms and a clean, professional environment that makes clients feel at ease, and the team listens carefully to transform ideas into finished pieces that exceed expectations.
About HYDRA Tattoos
If you're looking for a tattoo shop in Tyler, HYDRA Tattoos has quietly become one of the most respected names around, and most of that respect points straight at Derek. Ask anyone who's been inked here and Derek Kastning's name comes up first. He's known for realism that people describe as looking like it could be lifted right off the skin, along with strong color work, black and grey, and illustrative pieces. Cover-ups and fixing older tattoos are part of what he does well too, and custom design is really his bread and butter.
Bring him an idea and locals will tell you he asks the right questions, offers suggestions that make the piece better in the long run, and turns it into exactly what you pictured. The word around Tyler is that this is a genuinely clean, comfortable studio, and Derek's attention to detail shows up in everything from the fine work to how the space is kept. The private rooms matter to a lot of people here. One person getting sensitive work done after breast cancer surgery mentioned how much the privacy put her at ease, with no worry about anyone walking in.
That kind of care is part of why regulars keep coming back and say they won't go anywhere else. You'll find more than one artist here too. Katie has earned kind words for making folks feel welcome and confident in their choices. Body piercing is also on offer.
HYDRA is the sort of place where professionalism and real artistry come together, and it's easy to see why people in East Texas trust their skin to this crew.
Location
What Customers Say on Google
“Derek's detail work is amazing and one of a kind. He creates realistic art that looks like it can just be picked up right off of your skin. Shop is super clean, comfortable and Derek is very professional.”
“Derek's shop is private and you don't have to worry about anyone walking in, which put my mind at ease. Plus, his attention to detail in his work is awesome.”
“My artist Katie made me feel very welcome and confident about my decisions. I can't wait to go back!”
Source: Google Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About HYDRA Tattoos
Derek Kastning is the name most associated with HYDRA Tattoos, and he's built a strong reputation around realism that many say looks like it could be lifted right off the skin. He also works in black and grey, color, and illustrative styles, with custom design as his specialty. Artist Katie is also on staff, noted for making clients feel welcome and confident in their choices.
Yes, cover-ups and fixing older or unwanted tattoos are among Derek Kastning's specialties at HYDRA Tattoos. One client had a cover-up done just weeks before her wedding and was thrilled with the result. Bring reference photos and be ready to discuss placement and design, since custom work built around your idea is central to how this shop operates.
HYDRA Tattoos has earned a reputation for cleanliness and professionalism, with clients consistently describing the space as tidy and comfortable. Private rooms are available, which one client specifically valued while getting tattoo work done on a reconstructed breast after breast cancer, appreciating that no one could walk in unexpectedly. As with any studio, verify current licensing and sterile practices with the shop directly and the Texas DSHS.
Beyond custom tattoo work, HYDRA Tattoos offers piercing services, including at least one belly button piercing mentioned by a client. Private rooms are also available for clients who want more discretion during their session. Custom design remains the shop's core offering, with Derek Kastning known for translating a client's idea into a finished piece through detailed consultation.
HYDRA Tattoos holds a very high rating across 21 Google reviews, with near-unanimous five-star local word of mouth. Clients repeatedly point to Derek Kastning's skill, attention to detail, and professionalism, alongside consistent praise for the shop's clean, welcoming atmosphere. Many describe themselves as repeat clients who won't go to anyone else, a strong signal for a shop in the Tyler area.
Contact Details
- Phone
- +1 903-944-8418
- Address
- 5546 S SE Loop 323, Tyler, Texas, 75701
How HYDRA Tattoos Compares
in Tyler
21 reviews on Google
Opening Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- 10AM-5PM
- Wednesday
- 10AM-5PM
- Thursday
- 10AM-5PM
- Friday
- 10AM-5PM
- Saturday
- 10AM-5PM
- Sunday
- Closed
Business Details
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