Tattoo shops in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines is one of the most vibrant tattoo destinations in Iowa, with 57 active studios spread across iconic neighborhoods like East Village, Beaverdale, Sherman Hill, Drake, Downtown. Whether you're looking for delicate fine line work, a bold traditional sleeve, or large-scale Japanese irezumi, you'll find world-class artists working in nearly every style.

The Des Moines tattoo scene has grown steadily over the last decade, attracting nationally-known guest artists and producing several of the country's most respected fine-line, blackwork, and neo-traditional tattooers. Studios range from intimate single-artist private rooms to bustling walk-in shops with shared flash sheets.

Most parlors in Des Moines require appointments for custom work, with booking lead times ranging from a few weeks for established artists to several months for the most in-demand portfolios. Walk-in availability is common for small flash pieces, especially on weekends.

We've indexed 57 shops in Des Moines. Styles vary widely from artist to artist, so check individual portfolios rather than relying on a city-wide generalization. The average rating across Des Moines sits at 4.8★ on 7,161 reviews, and 49 shops hold a 4.7★ rating or higher.