The key to an amazing tattoo is finding the perfect artist and shop. Read on to learn about the 21 best tattoo shops Des Moines we've tested in Iowa.
With over one-third of Americans sporting tattoos, there is no shortage of opportunities for tattoo shops to open up. If you are looking for one yourself, you want to know the location you pick is safe, both when it comes to the people and the sanitary nature of the facility. This is why today we will review tattoo shops in Des Moines, Iowa.
In this list, you can expect to find out more about each location and the experience we had there. We sent people to each of these facilities to get a new tattoo and find out a little about what the different tattoo parlors are like. By the time you finish the article, you should have a much better idea of the location you want to go to get a tattoo for yourself.
1. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing
After visiting this location, our reviewer was very excited. They would even say this was one of the best tattoo shops in Des Moines, Iowa, they had ever visited. It was a brilliant experience from the start to the end.
When they entered, the staff spoke to them in a friendly way, with a laid-back attitude. Though this mood turned serious when it came to the tattoo itself. So much so the reviewer felt the tattooists treated their body with a great deal of respect.
As the tattooist worked, they talked our reviewer through the steps they were taking and kept them at ease. They also checked in often enough that if something were to happen, the reviewer mentioned they would have felt safe.
The person we sent was also very impressed by the cleanliness of the location. They noted as another person came out, the whole location underwent a very careful cleansing procedure. It appeared to be a practiced and common occurrence, helping the reviewer feel like they were dealing with professionals.
As far as prices go, our reviewer mentioned they were on the good side. Not too expensive, and with the skill of the artist, they were good value for money. As our reviewer wishes to return for more tattoos from these people, we imagine this speaks louder than words.
Our reviewer mentioned the location also does piercings, though they already had plenty and did not want more. They did mention, though, the location would pierce children’s ears. Some people like this, and others do not so make your own judgments based on this information.
Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing Business Hours
Address: 3104 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, United States
2. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Sacred Diamond Tattoo
Before the reviewer had even stepped foot in the door, they were very excited. They mentioned this was one of the top-rated tattoo shops in Des Moines, on Google’s review page. When they visited, they mentioned it was easy to see why.
On entering, they met with the artists Seth and Steven, who made them feel as though they had made the right decision coming through the door. They felt welcome, though they would have preferred a woman as a tattoo artist. Still, they did not feel uncomfortable in the presence of these people.
When talking, our reviewer felt like the artists knew what they wanted and were able to talk through several designs that all appealed to them. Our reviewer even ended up coming back another day, after the artist was able to show them a few different options based on their discussion. After this, they got the work done on their shoulder.
Steven’s portfolio made it obvious he was the better artist for the job. So, over the next several hours, our reviewer watched as he performed with great skill.
When the work ended, our reviewer received plenty of aftercare information. This included a few recommendations for specific products they then bought in the parlor.
Over the next few weeks, the tattoo healed well after the reviewer followed these instructions. So, our reviewer now has a piece of art on their arm they are very proud of. They could not be happier.
Sacred Diamond Tattoo Business Hours
Address: 843 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
3. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Skin Kitchen Tattoo
Working with the artist known as Jack, our reviewer went for a cover-up at this location. Jack and our reviewer shared good humor over the quality of the original tattoo. Though, when it came down to the actual work of designing and applying the tattoo, he was a consummate professional.
Jack was understanding of the needs of our reviewer, asking the right questions and ensuring they felt welcomed. The tattoo was not rushed, and the artistry was beautiful.
Skin Kitchen Tattoo Business Hours
Address: 3800 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States
4. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Yankee Doodle Dandy Tattoo
Our reviewer went in with a serious request, that of a tattoo reminder of a late relative. The artists took the demands of such a commission in their stride. Over the next several hours, they turned a difficult experience for our reviewer into a very well-made piece to be proud of.
The reviewer now often shows off this tattoo in the office, every time we bring in someone new.
Yankee Doodle Dandy Tattoo Business Hours
Address: 2322 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States
5. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Iron Heart Tattoo
Our reviewer worked with one of the artists in this shop to create a piece to remember a lost pet. While this one does not exist on the artist’s website, they are very happy to report the inking went as well as one could expect.
They felt the artist did a great job, and also recommended a couple of changes to the design before they started. When our reviewer turned one of them down, the artist did not respond with an ego, which impressed our reviewer. In the end, they received a piece worthy of the late pet.
Iron Heart Tattoo Business Hours
Address: 2815 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States
6. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Twisted Ink
Of all the tattoo shops in Des Moines, this one made our reviewer feel the most comfortable. And they should know, with the number of tattoos on them.
The reviewer told us the artist paid close attention to the details of the design before the process started. They also checked in often and ensured our reviewer had water when they needed it. Along with this, they had someone else of the opposite gender in the location with them and told the reviewer they could bring a friend if they wanted.
The reviewer was impressed. They said it was “better than cheesecake“, and wanted more positive experiences like this in the future.
Twisted Ink Business Hours
Address: 2305 Easton Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50317, United States
7. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Union Station Tattoo-Piercing
With an artist by the name of Dante, our reviewer was nervous. Though it turns out this was without merit, as the elderly gentleman was more than gentlemanly.
The man seemed genuinely interested in what our reviewer wanted as a tattoo, asking relevant questions and hyping them up. The reviewer described the tattoo as “beautiful beyond expectation”. We felt this was a good enough review on its own.
Union Station Tattoo-Piercing Business Hours
Address: 519 Maple St, West Des Moines, IA 50265, United States
8. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Arcadian Tattoo
The Instagram account for this location allowed our reviewer to see what they were in store for. We thought it would calm them down and stop them from being nervous. In reality, it made them much more excited and hyper.
On entering the location they found calm, professional tattoo artists who made them feel at home. They then left with another beautiful piece of art they were proud to see on the Instagram account later that week.
Arcadian Tattoo Business Hours
Address: 3107 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States
9. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Creative Images
After the reviewer passed on an incomplete description of what they wanted, the artist turned it from a concept into a stunning piece of artwork. Our reviewer almost ran out the door of their house towards the studio as soon as they saw a preview.
They also described both the atmosphere and decor in positive terms, and it allayed any nervousness they had about their first tattoo.
In short: A wonderful location to receive ink, then go home and enjoy something you made yourself.
Address: 2649 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States
10. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - DSM Tattoo Collective
Our reviewer mentioned worrying when the artist finished the piece fast. Turns out, they are that good. The piece was not rushed, the artist was just skilled with their tools.
After returning, we all agreed it was very skilled work, and one of the rest of us even plans to go in the future for themselves.
Address: The Market Building, 118 SE 4th St STE 106, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States
11. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - All Seeing Eye Tattoo
As they came back into the office, our artist was starstruck. “Brent, Brent, Brent”, they kept mumbling. Turns out the artist here has a fan.
We asked if it was the artistry, or Brent’s physique, to which we were met with a meek, “both” from the reviewer.
Take that as you will. The art was great, though.
All Seeing Eye Tattoo Business Hours
Address: 1301 E Euclid Ave suite e, Des Moines, IA 50316, United States
12. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Bodhi Body Modification
Our reviewer only got a small tattoo here, but they told us the artists treated them as if they had asked for a full back piece. They loved this care for every customer and also appreciated receiving free samples of some aftercare products.
This location comes highly recommended.
Bodhi Body Modification Business Hours
Address: 320 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, United States
13. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Rumors Tattoo & Body Piercing
Sophie, an artist at the location, was praised as being both friendly and skilled. She made our reviewer feel comfortable enough that they said they almost fell asleep despite the pain. We think it has something to do with how they did not sleep the night before out of excitement, either that or shock.
Address: 320 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313, United States
14. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Anchors Away Ink
The leg tattoo our reviewer received from Jason was very vibrant, and the work of a very skilled individual. Our reviewer was happy to have visited, mentioning a smooth healing process based on some of the advice given by this studio.
With attentive and patient artists, this location impressed our reviewer enough they now want a full arm-sleeve.
Anchors Away Ink Business Hours
Address: 2005 SE 6th St, Des Moines, IA 50315, United States
15. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Expo Piercing + Ink
Our reviewer met Jessica, an artist at this location, and could not help but gush over how well they got on. The reviewer felt as though they had met a long, lost friend with how she made our reviewer feel comfortable. She made sure the area was clean and helped our representative pick out something to suit them.
When the process was complete, our reviewer returned to our local office with cookies. They then explained how they might choose this location over others in the future.
Expo Piercing + Ink Business Hours
Address: 3800 Merle Hay Rd #1251, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States
16. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Ortiz Gordo Tattoos
With a relaxed atmosphere, this location ended up being a favorite of our reviewer when it came to future work. They said their consultation was one of the most chilled-out they have ever had, and the art they received was exactly what they wanted. It even had a couple of changes the artist recommended they were very happy with.
Ortiz Gordo Tattoos Business Hours
Address: 1705 E Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316, United States
17. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Impressions by Permanent Collection, Inc.
Our reviewer could not be more pleased with their experience with the skilled artists of this tattoo parlor. They mentioned how the people here knew everything down to a T, including how to create a wonderful mood when they were nervous. As the tattoo started, the reviewer mentions how they were careful with keeping everything both safe and sanitary.
Impressions by Permanent Collection, Inc. Business Hours
Address: 3704 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312, United States
18. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Axiom Body Piercing Studio
As the only piercing-only shop on this list, we felt it best to send our piercing aficionado to this one. She came back with six new holes in her body and a story about how she felt so happy there that she wanted to keep getting more.
Axiom Body Piercing Studio Business Hours
Address: 3800 Douglas Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310, United States
19. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Clover Tattoo & Body Piercing
Our reviewer was nervous about some of the art they saw on the Clover Tattoo and Body Piercing studio’s site. Or more correctly, the lack of it. When it came to actually seeing their work, though, they were much less nervous.
The work was beautiful, the artists very professional, and the reviewer gleeful.
Clover Tattoo & Body Piercing Business Hours
Address: 6565 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA 50324, United States
20. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Work of Ink
Ashley did some wonderful work on our reviewer. They are very happy with their sleeve, and Ashley worked her magic over several sessions to ensure the piece looked great at each stage. Work of Ink is a high-class establishment indeed.
Work of Ink Business Hours
Address: 6949 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA 50324, United States
21. Tattoo Shops Des Moines - Color Works Tattoo
This location produces some beautiful work, especially ones with “dark and dangerous” vibes. Lucky for us, we had a reviewer who suits that style.
They came out happy enough that we questioned their commitment to the dark and brooding tone they usually have.
Color Works Tattoo Business Hours
Address: 2741 100th St, Urbandale, IA 50322, United States
The Best Tattoo Shops in Des Moines
With the above information, you can now choose which tattoo shops in Des Moines you want to work with to create a new work of art on your body. Still, there is so much more to learn about the area around you and the different locations you can visit. This is why we have a blog dedicated to it.
Our articles help people find the food, entertainment, and life events they need to have fun in a world filled with busy lives. So, check out our blog and find things you can enjoy as you live your life to the fullest.
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