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Best Tattoo Shops in Kansas City

2023

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Website
Kansas City, MO 64111
  • Watercolor Tattoos
  • Japanese
  • Asian Tattoo
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Serving Kansas City, Stormy Tattoo caters to providing a relaxing and welcoming tattoo studio that works by appointment only. Its owner, Stormy Jackson, is a renowned tattoo artist who has been in the business since 2001. He has won the Best Tattoo Artist Award from Kansas City Magazine. His expertise lies in custom Japanese tattoos, and he also enjoys creating American traditional tattoos. The skilled and versatile team at Stormy Tattoo is available for various tattoo styles, such as realism, black and grey, traditional tattoos, and cover-ups.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.9
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (278)
Google
4.9 / 5 (75)

Website
115 West 18 Street, Kansas City, MO 64108
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Jessie Hopeless is a professional tattoo artist that has been creating custom body art designs since 2003. She has a newly opened private studio that serves Kansas City and the surrounding communities. Jessie has created various styles, which include realism, black and gray, contemporary, and abstract. Her past works can be viewed on her Instagram account. She was nominated for 2020 Best Tattoo Artist at The Pitch Best of KC. She also has a B.A. in Philosophy degree.

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3425 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

The Ink Parlor - Main St is a Kansas City tattoo studio serving the entire metro area. It offers a variety of flash designs for clients to choose from, as well as custom tattoo services for those who want a more personal touch to their ink. The studio’s artists are able to draw up designs in a wide range of styles, including traditional American, black and gray realism, and colorwork. The studio maintains a clean and sterile environment for everyone's safety.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (86)
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (22)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
7504 North Oak Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64118
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Illustrated Man Tattoo offers body art services to the community of Kansas City. The studio’s owner, Jack Cox, opened the shop in 1972 as the city’s first tattoo studio. With decades of industry experience, he leads a team of artists who can take on a wide range of styles, such as colorwork, traditional Americana, black and grey realism. In addition to these, Illustrated Man Tattoo also provides cosmetic tattoos or permanent makeup services.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.5
Facebook
4.8 / 5 (46)
Yelp
3.0 / 5 (9)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
3111 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Hand & Dagger Tattoo is a tattoo studio that hosts a collective of skilled, talented artists specializing in a wide variety of inking styles for custom-designed tattoos. Artists at Hand & Dagger Tattoo can create tattoos in almost any style including traditional American, Japanese, black and grayscale, script, color, intricate geometrical, realism, and illustrative neo-traditional. Past clients praise Hand & Dagger Tattoo's clean and comfortable facility, talented artists, and relaxing, laid back atmosphere. Hand & Dagger Tattoo accepts walk-in clients.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (1)

Website
6805 North Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO 64118
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1993, A1 Tattoo Shop provides professional tattooing services to clients in Kansas City and Gladstone. Its owner, Brennan O’ Rourke, has been in the business for over 20 years and specializes in American Traditional tattooing and large-scale Japanese-style tattoos. He works with a team of seasoned tattoo artists trained in inking large and small-scale tattoos, diverse tattoo styles—including vintage and hand-drawn artworks—cover-ups, and originals. Brennan and his team's mission is to tattoo clients with professional body art that they can be proud of.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (12)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
4 West 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

STEEL PANTHER TATTOO. formerly known as 39th Street Tattoo is a studio serving Kansas City clients. Its professional tattoo artists create custom designs to ensure 100% originality of tattoos. Clients can view a photo gallery of their work on the website as a reference to what they specialize in. Aubrey, the shop's owner, has years of experience creating tattoos in a variety of styles, including photorealistic, landscape, Japanese, and black and grey. The team provides a sanitary environment for clients when receiving their tattoos.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0
Google
5.0 / 5 (22)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
7111 Leavenworth Road, Kansas City, KS 66109
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Based in Kansas City, Dragonfly Tattoo Studio is a tattoo shop that is owned and operated by Troy Butner since 1997. For the several decades, Troy has built its studio's reputation by selecting skilled and talented artists to work with their clients. The studio's artists are able to create a wide range of body artworks, from minimalistic tattoos to full-sleeved tattoos. Dragonfly Studio Tattoos provides a safe and clean environment to serve its clients' tattoo needs.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.7
Google
4.7 / 5 (137)
Yelp
5.0 / 5 (7)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
6909 Johnson Drive, Mission, KS 66202
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Headless Hands Custom Tattoos has been providing tattoos and piercing services in Kansas City since 2006. It offers customized tattoo designs using sterilized materials in a high-temperature and high-pressure autoclave. The shop's resident tattoo artists are trained in safe and proper tattooing to ensure quality service to its clients. It specializes in various art styles such as illustrative, realism, neo-traditional, abstract, lettering, and watercolor. It also provides after-care services and educates clients on what not to do during the healing process.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
5.0

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
7208 North Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO 64118
  • Body Art

Why choose this provider?

Revelation Tattoo provides tattoo and piercing services to Gladstone and surrounding areas. The studio bills itself as high-energy and traditional and provides full-color artwork and expert piercings. Founder John Monk started the shop in 1992 and is an expert in traditional American and Japanese styles. The studio’s team of nine artists has been recognized by the Gladstone Dispatch as “Best of the Northland” two years in a row.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.1
Yelp
4.0 / 5 (17)
Facebook
5.0 / 5 (1)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail

Website
1621 West 39th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
  • Traditional Tattoos

Why choose this provider?

Exile Tattoo is located in Kansas City and consists of two shops: Whispering Danny's Exile Tattoo and Exile Tattoo 2. Owned by professional tattoo artist Danny Kobzantsev, the team of eight is influenced by classic Japanese imagery and traditional American tattooing and can work on a wide range of artworks and designs. Clients can choose from black ink or colored tattoos as well. Exile Tattoo artists also allow pop-up stores at their shop and often put up personal artwork for sale and for charity.

Reputation:

We scour the internet for reviews from well-known resources. Each provider is evaluated based on the quality and quantity of their reviews, their presence on multiple review sites, and their average minimum rating.
4.8
Facebook
4.9 / 5 (50)
Yelp
4.5 / 5 (30)

Professionalism:

We hire mystery shoppers to call our providers anonymously and evaluate them. Providers who respond quickly, answer questions thoroughly, and communicate politely score higher.
5.0
Responsiveness
Friendliness
Helpfulness
Detail
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Introduction

    A tattoo is body art that leaves permanent designs or pictures on the skin. They're applied via needle by depositing ink onto the second layer of skin. While the first tattoos were applied manually with a single needle that was first saturated in ink, today's tattoos are done by a machine. These machines feature multiple needles that pierce the skin simultaneously, speeding up the process and creating tattoos that are more visually appealing.

    Tattoos are usually done in licensed tattoo shops. These shops adhere to health and cleaning standards and are typically regulated by state and municipal governments. While tattoos are generally safe, there are associated risks, including skin infections. Any person getting a tattoo is legally required to be at least 18 years of age. It's also inadvisable for anyone who isn't in good health to get a tattoo, as the body requires time and energy to heal and prevent infection.

  • What should you know before getting your first tattoo?

    Before getting tattooed, it's important to think about design and placement. A tattoo is a permanent fixture on the body, and it's important not to rush into things. You should also consider the artist's background and take time to look into their portfolio to ensure their style best suits the tattoo you want.

  • What are some examples of tattoo styles?

    There are many types of tattoo styles, and it's important for a person to familiarize themselves with them before they select a design. Styles include:

    • Americana: Bold lines, vivid colors
    • Japanese: Large images that cover the back, arms, and legs
    • Black and Grey: Colorless grayscale designs
    • Stick-n-Poke: Thick, bold, black lines and small designs
    • Blackwork: Bold black lines and larger geometric shapes

  • Is tipping expected & how much to tip on your tattoo?

    While most tattoo artists don't expect tips, it's often appreciated. If you're happy with the work your tattoo artist has done, consider tipping between 15% and 25%. If the tattoo requires multiple sessions, a flat amount per session is appropriate.

  • What are some basic tattoo aftercare tips?

    It's important to follow all aftercare directions provided by the tattoo artist. Usually, artists will advise clients to ensure that tattoos are kept clean and dry. After showering, the tattoo should be gently patted dry and treated with Vaseline or another tattoo aftercare product.

  • What are the best practices for healing a tattoo?

    After removing the dressing, it's important to keep the tattoo clean, dry, and uncovered. Applying Vaseline or another recommended ointment can help to speed up the healing process. As they heal, tattoos can sometimes itch, but it's vital that you don't scratch or pick at it.

  • What are the most and least painful places to get a tattoo?

    Parts of the body that have the most nerve endings are generally the most painful to have tattooed. That includes the head, ears, and face. Places that don't have a lot of fat, such as the fingers, shoulder blades, and feet, are typically more painful. The least painful parts of the body to get tattooed include the outer arm, buttocks, and thighs.