Expertise.com Homepage

2024

Last updated:

Best Tattoo Shops in Des Moines, IA

Our Recommended Top 6

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Des Moines tattoo shops on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

46Reviewed

30Curated

6Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

6949 University Avenue, Windsor Heights, IA 50324

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (52)
Facebook
5.0 (41)

Why choose this provider?

Work of Ink is a custom tattoo shop that serves clients in Des Moines. The tattoo artists from this shop perform cover-up tattoos, custom tattoos, and symbiotic tattooing. They also use several cover-up designs that include birds, skulls, and abstract images. For custom tattoos, the shop encourages clients to look for pictures that relate to their ideas online. Tattoo artist Audrey Karine established Work of Ink. She has been tattooing since 2006 and she specializes in tattoos that integrate personal ideas.

  • Body Art
  • Traditional Tattoos

2322 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Yankee Doodle Dandy Tattoo is a studio in Des Moines that has been offering tattoo services since it was established in 1997. The team consists of a trio of tattoo artists, namely Ace Wilde, Dan Koenig, and Steve Von Riepen, who have over 60 years of combined experience between them. The studio provides a variety of designs such as traditional, classic imagery, sacred geometry, and floral. They can also expand on clients' ideas to meet individual preferences. Guests spots are also offered to other tattoo artists.

  • Traditional Tattoos

3800 Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (52)
Yelp
4.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Skin Kitchen Tattoo is a team of artists that serves the Des Moines area. Its owner and founder, Jack, has been working in the tattoo industry for more than 25 years. Although he works with a wide range of styles, he is known for his photorealistic black and gray work. The artist is committed to making the tattooing experience positive and enjoyable for clients. Skin Kitchen Tattoo, which was established in 1996, also houses the Axiom Body Piercing Studio.

  • Traditional Tattoos

2201 East University, Des Moines, IA 50317

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.6 (9)
Yelp
4.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Located in Des Moines, Lucky Gal Tattoo and Piercing - Eastside DSM offers a professional tattoo and body piercing experience. The shop is home to 16 tattoo artists and two piercers, each with a unique style to meet individual client tastes. Chris Pruisner founded the shop after two years of learning the art of tattooing. Laser removal services, performed by certified laser removal specialists, are also available but only available at its Ankeny location.

  • Traditional Tattoos

707 South Ankeny Boulevard, Ankeny, IA 50023

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.5 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Pink Elephant Tattoo Studio is an Ankeny tattoo parlor that welcomes clients from Des Moines. Its professional artists specialize in creating bespoke tattoos in a wide range of styles, from bold and Neo-traditional to colorwork and Japanese traditional. Clients looking to have old tattoos removed may avail of the shop's non-laser tattoo removal, which makes use of a tattoo machine and a topical numbing solution to reduce the pain during the procedure. The Studio also has an in-house body piercer.

  • Traditional Tattoos

843 42nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50312

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (8)
Facebook
4.8 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Sacred Diamond Tattoo is a Des Moines-based full-service tattoo shop that has been operating for over 10 years dedicated to meeting the tattoo needs of its clients. Its team of artists has decades of combined experience in tattooing and is skilled in various designs from color to black-and-gray, pin-up, and neo-traditional tattoos. Specializing in bold traditional Americana and Japanese styles, they also accommodate custom and flash tattoos, as well as touch-ups and cover-ups.

  • Traditional Tattoos
  • Neotraditional Tattoos

Compare our Top Tattoo Shops

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Work of Ink
6949 University Avenue, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Yankee Doodle Dandy Tattoo
2322 University Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50311
Skin Kitchen Tattoo
3800 Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310
Lucky Gal Tattoo & Piercing
2201 East University, Des Moines, IA 50317
Pink Elephant Tattoo & Piercing Studio
707 South Ankeny Boulevard, Ankeny, IA 50023
Sacred Diamond Tattoo
843 42nd Street, Des Moines, IA 50312