FAQ

Yes, tattoos hurt. The pain involved is more irritating and annoying. It feels alot like a cat scratch or a bee sting.

It depends on the tattoo. The size, detail, placement and how well you sit all determine how long your tattoo will take.

According to Iowa State Law, you MUST be 18 years old. You may NOT get tattooed with parental permission. We require a valid state ID, Driver License or military ID to get a tattoo at Skin Kitchen Tattoo.

We do not give price quotes over the phone because it is impossible to give you an accurate price without seeing the design you want. The size, detail, color, and placement on the body all determine the price. Trying to price a tattoo over the phone is like calling a furniture store and asking how much furniture is.

YES!!! All the needles and pigments that the artists use are single-use only and are disposed of as medical waste after each client.

The ultrasonic is a piece of equipment that use vibration and a soap/water mixture to break up the ink particles on the tube. This is NOT sterilizing equipment. After the equipment is cleaned and disinfected it is then ready to be put in the autoclave. The autoclave uses heat, steam, and pressure to kill any and all bacteria. The instruments are in the autoclave at 270+ degrees and 27psi (pounds per square inch) for 15 minutes. The state of Iowa requires 250 degrees at 15psi for 15 minutes.

The State of Iowa requires that all tattoo shops have a permit to operate. Every tattoo artist in Iowa must also have a tattoo permit. We are also inspected once a year by the Health Department

We do everything from flowers to portraits and everything in between. We do custom drawings as well. As long as ou can give the artists a good enough of an idea of what you want they can draw it for you. The only exception to this is if your idea will not lend itself well to being tattooed. They will aid you in getting what you want.

Skin Kitchen Tattoo opened its doors in November of 1997. Jack has been tattooing since 1993 and DaVo has been piercing since 1994. For more information on our other artist go to our Artist Page.

There is no magic number. On average through 7-14 days for scabs and flakes to disappear. The underneath layers of skin take longer to heal, anywhere from 2 weeks to a month.

Yes, we prefer appointments. We ask that you come in to the studio to make an appointment. we require a $20 deposit on all appointments made. If you live out of town we will make an exception for the deposit.

Yes. Everything that leaves this tattoo studio is guaranteed. If it is not your fault, yes we can tell, there is no charge. Hands, feet, and face we charge $20 for set-ups.

The Des Moines Studio's hours are:

• Sunday 2 pm - 8 pm(Walk-In Only)
• Monday 2 pm -8 pm
• Tuesday 2 pm - 8 pm
• Wednesday Closed(open for piercing only from 3-9pm)
• Thursday 2 pm - 8 pm
• Friday 2 pm - 9 pm
• Saturday 2 pm - 9 pm

The Axiom Body Piercing Studio (Piercing Hours) are:

Yes, DaVo of the Axiom pierces Tuesday through Satuday from 3pm - 9pm or by appointment.

Yes, when the time is available, we are happy to do tattoos without an appointment. It depends on artist's availability and the tattoo design.

We prefer to have you set up an appointment but if one of our artists has time, we can sometimes get you right in. It is always best to give us a call before stopping by. You can reach the Des Moines Studio at 515-255-4430.

Yes, we do and you can purchase them at the studio during normal business hours. For more information go here.