Get To Know Us
About Us
The studio and the person behind No Pain No Gain, plus answers to what people ask us most.
Inside The Studio
Where It Happens
The Studio
Welcome to No Pain No Gain Tattoo & Piercing, your trusted tattoo studio in Koh Samui. We specialise in custom tattoos, professional body piercings, and traditional bamboo ink tattoos, blending authentic techniques with modern artistry.
Whether you are looking for a meaningful design, a holiday souvenir, or a complete custom piece, our experienced artists are dedicated to creating high quality work in a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. Visit us to bring your ideas to life and leave with artwork you will be proud to wear forever.
Sahara Salaeree
Owner & Artist
Meet Sahara
Hi, I'm Sahara Salaeree, the owner of No Pain No Gain Tattoo & Piercing.
I fell in love with tattoos at a very early age, and over the years I've built up my own collection across pretty much every style we offer here: custom fine line, traditional bamboo, full machine work. I've sat in the chair as many times as I've stood behind the machine, so I know exactly what it feels like to trust someone with a piece you're going to wear forever.
Opening this studio has been a long time dream of mine, and I'm proud to finally have it open on Koh Samui. Every artist working out of No Pain No Gain is highly experienced in their own style, whether that's bold blackwork, fine detail or bamboo hand tap, and each one takes real pride in the work.
What matters most to me is the environment. I want every client to walk in, feel comfortable and safe, and walk out genuinely happy, not just finished. We listen, and we'll make adjustments as many times as it takes to get a design right before a needle ever touches skin. That's the whole idea behind the name: the result should be something you're proud of, not something you settled for.
Good To Know
FAQ
Do bamboo tattoos hurt more or less than machine tattoos?
Most people describe bamboo tattooing as a duller, more repetitive sensation than a machine. Some find it easier to sit through, others find the session length harder. It really comes down to the person and the placement.
What is the aftercare procedure?
Keep the area clean and moisturised, avoid direct sun and swimming for at least two weeks, and don't pick at any scabbing. We'll walk you through full aftercare and send you home with what you need.
Do bamboo tattoos fade?
All tattoos fade a little over the years, bamboo ink is no exception, but with proper aftercare and sun protection it holds up just as well as machine work.
Can you do colour tattoos?
Yes, our machine artists work in both black and grey and full colour. Traditional bamboo tattooing in Thailand is done in black ink only.
Do you do coverups?
Yes. Bring in the piece you'd like covered and we'll talk through what's realistic given its size, colour and placement.
Do bamboo tattoos take longer than machine tattoos?
Generally yes, bamboo is done stroke by stroke by hand, so a similar sized piece takes longer than it would under a machine.
Do you do custom designs?
Always. We rarely tattoo straight off a wall of flash, most pieces are drawn up around what you bring in or describe to us.
How much do your tattoos cost?
Pricing depends on size, placement and detail. We'll always quote you before any work starts, no surprises on the day.
Are consultations free?
Yes. Walk in or message us your idea and we'll talk it through with you at no charge.
Do you offer consultations online?
We're happy to look at reference photos and rough ideas over Instagram, Facebook or WhatsApp before you arrive in person.