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Tattoo Shops to Visit in South Dakota

sd tattoo parlor

The difference between an artful, high-quality tattoo and an unsafe amateur tattoo is night and day. Whether getting a full on sleeve or a small ankle tattoo, finding the right tattoo parlor is essential. Head to one of the best tattoo parlors in South Dakota for an unbeatable artistic experience!


The Electric Crayon, Sioux Falls, SD

Voted as the best tattoo and piercing shops in the region by the Local Best, the Electric Crayon has provided top-notch tattoo and piercing services to Sioux Falls for over six years. Their tattoo artists are experienced enough to do all styles of tattooing from lettering to complex pieces. This shop also offers piercing services like traditional ear piercings, dermal implants, and even artistic pieces like corset piercings.

Black Hills Tattoo & Piercing, Rapid City, SD

As the oldest established tattoo shop in the entire state, Rapid City’s Black Hills Tattoo & Piercing knows their stuff! This tattoo parlor prioritizes safety and cautious and, as such, only uses disposable tubes and needles. Their highly-experienced artists can do anything from lettering to traditional to custom designs to portraits. In addition to tattoo services, they also offer full extensive piercing services, with a trained female body piercer.

Alien & Co. Tattoos & Piercings, Sioux Falls, SD

The owner, Steve “Alien” Butterfield, has many years of experience and is the city’s most awarded tattoo artist. Tattoo services include nearly everything, like portraits, traditional, floral, script, and custom designs. Available piercings include traditional offers, many non-traditional piercings, and microdermal piercings. Safety is a top priority and all artists are trained in first aid and about bloodborne pathogens. At Alien & Co. Tattoos & Piercings, your ink will be out of this world!

Thrash’s Tattoo: A Living Art Studio, Rapid City, SD

Thrash’s Tattoo provides the ultimate tattoo experience while still maintaining a highly sterile and clean atmosphere. They belong to the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, so their artists operate by healthy industry standards. Thrash’s Tattoo also offers body piercing, jewelry, and permanent cosmetic tattoos.

Permanent Addictions Tattoos, Sioux Falls, SD

This open and friendly tattoo parlor is one of the most highly in Sioux Falls due to their clean environment and artful, amazing tattoos. The artists have more than 50 years of experience between them, so they can handle any of their customers’ tattoo needs. Reservations can be made in person or by phone, but walk ins are also welcomed.

Tattoo Cellar, Sturgis, SD

Located in the usually small town of Sturgis, the Tattoo Cellar is busy during the rest of the year but is crazy busy during the rally week! This tattoo parlor has made appearances on the Travel Channel’s “Human Safari,” and “Sturgis Raw,” and National Geographic’s “Sturgis Hell on Wheels.” This shop has expert artists who can do nearly every type of tattoo work. They also offer body piercings. Make sure to visit during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to get involved in the whole rally experience!

Bad Cat Tattoo Studio, Rapid City, SD

Rapid City’s Bad Cat Tattoo Studio offers some of the best tattoos around! From simple lettering to detailed portraits to intricate sleeves, their knowledgeable artists can get it done. The artists are pros at tattooing and also making sure their customers are comfortable and not nervous about getting their tattoo, making it the perfect tattoo parlor environment!

Key Insights at a Glance

  • The Electric Crayon: Recognized as the best tattoo and piercing shop in the region, offering a wide range of tattoo styles and piercing services including unique options like corset piercings.
  • Black Hills Tattoo & Piercing: The oldest established tattoo shop in South Dakota, known for its commitment to safety with disposable tubes and needles, and skilled in various tattoo styles and extensive piercing services.
  • Alien & Co. Tattoos & Piercings: Owned by the highly awarded Steve “Alien” Butterfield, this shop offers comprehensive tattoo and piercing options, with strict safety protocols including first aid and bloodborne pathogen training.
  • Thrash’s Tattoo: A Living Art Studio: A member of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists, this studio upholds high industry standards in a sterile environment, offering tattoos, piercings, jewelry, and permanent cosmetics.
  • Permanent Addictions Tattoos: Known for its clean environment and exceptional tattoo art, the artists here boast over 50 years of combined experience. Welcomes both reservations and walk-ins.
  • Tattoo Cellar: Featured on multiple TV channels, this shop is especially busy during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally but offers expert tattoo and piercing services year-round.
  • Bad Cat Tattoo Studio: Offers a range of tattoo styles from simple lettering to complex portraits, with a focus on customer comfort and satisfaction in a friendly studio environment.
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