This was my first tattoo. The experience was awesome. The tattoo was double-awesome. Rob Downs is triple-awesome. I knew what I wanted and what style I wanted it in, but Rob designed it the rest of the way. He helped pick colors and size, gave advice, and made sure I was comfortable with everything. There is so much expertise but also soo much "let's make sure you are happy with the end result".I was nervous about getting a tattoo for obvious reasons. Like the permanence and the pain. But also because there's that idea that a tattoo shop is this "cool" community and you will be sized up for how UNcool you are (I may be way off-base here, because I watch too many movies / I am weird). But either way, there was none of that here. The shop is big, open, and welcoming. It was a great experience. Read Less

When I turned 16 I got my belly pierced here and they were great !  I went back to them when I wanted to change my jewelry out. They were always so helpful. Last year I got a tattoo on my wrist done by Johnny. I love it so much. Definitely going back for another piece. Read Less

I was schedule for a 5 hour $500 - $600 tattoo today and arrived on time and John the owner was ready and available for me.  I had to fill out a consent and medical form to get in the chair.  This is not normal for tattoo shops but this business is really a very above board place and is very very clean.  John took the consent and medical form and noticed that I had been a victim of hepatitis type a food passed issue and had recently become  diagnosed with diabetes 2 though just a minimum lower case.  He came back and said he was concerned and wanted to make sure my medical doctor was in agreement to allow a large tattoo to be done with my health and that Vanity Tattoo was not going have health issues!!  Vanity Tattoo is was above board and they were looking out for my health and not about getting a relatively large tattoo job.  This establishment is the exception not the rule.  Clean, legal AND CONCERNED about the health of their customers first!  John you are truly a great person!  Two thumbs up for your concern.  Hopefully I get medical clearance Monday from my doctor!!!  What's honest place!!!  Thanks again.. Read Less

Well, just popped my tattoo cherry!! Was blown away by this place! Been in a lot of tattoo shops, with my friends getting tats and oh boy did this shop stand out! CLEAN! You can tell they pride themselves on clean! My artist was fantastic!!  I would highly recommend this place!! I was celebrating my one year anniversary of being a vegan, and I wanted to get a vegan tat to celebrate!  I am in love with it! Read Less

Loved Vanity Tattoo! John worked with my friend and I on our tattoo ideas and was great to work with us. He talked with us the day before our appointments and had a rough draft of a tattoo made up for my friend the next day. Never did we feel rushed or uncomfortable. John's work on my arm was exactly what I wanted. I'm super happy and highly recommend Vanity Tattoo to anybody who is going for their first or their 90th tattoo! Read Less

Very clean facility. Staff very friendly and accommodating. I had some ideas of what I wanted but not entirely. John worked with my design until I was beyond happy. You will not regret going to Vanity Tattoo. Nice people and professional work. Read Less

Had my tattoo done by John. It was done very well. He is really talented and professional. The studio itself is really nice and clean. The receptionist is welcoming and friendly. This was my first tattoo and I highly recommend this place to anyone who is interested or planning to get a tattoo. Read Less

This review is way OVER DUE!! I went to California several weeks ago and got my Monroe piercing that I've always wanted however my lip swelled up and needed to get a new piece of jewelry  worried about going to a new shop I wasn't sure if they would give me pushback since I didn't get the original piercing from them however what happened was completely opposite! the gentleman by the name of Johnny not only took me in with no problems he changed out the jewelry for a better fit and he didn't even charge me for the service or the jewelry!!! My only complaint I have to say there should always be at least someone who at least acknowledges there customers as when I walked in the gentleman who were doing tattoos didn't even acknowledge or say anything meaning someone will be with you shortly or how can I help you I'm not asking them to be secretaries but to least acknowledge your customers when you walk in the door Read Less

I love this place. Even though I only got one tattoo at Vanity I have nothing bad to say about this place. Everyone is so nice there but the only thing I had problems with was the after care for a belly piercing. I was told to wash it with regular Dial soap when I take a shower and not to use Seal salt spray. After a year following the after care advice my piercing was not healing right and hurt like a mother and wouldn't stop bleeding. I finally gave up and purchased Sea salt spray and my piercing is now healing the way it should. Other than that I can't complain and would definitely get another tattoo at Vanity. Read Less

I absolutely love this place and would recommend it to anyone! John did my tattoo and I am absolutely in love with it. His artwork is beautiful, he does very clean, neat work, and makes you feel so comfortable. The rest of the artists are all very nice as well, and April is a sweetheart. I will definitely be back very soon for my next one. Read Less

I could not say better things about Vanity Tattoo! I went in today to get my noses pierced and not only did they do a great job, but everyone was so nice and friendly. It was quick and painless and the place was super clean with an awesome atmosphere. I highly recommend them! John and April were the best! Read Less

I wouldn't go anywhere else besides this place! They've done all my work and I have even sent family and friends there and they have always been pleased as well. You get what you pay for. This place knows what they are doing!!! Ask for John, or his son Johnny, they are very personable and do AMAZING work. I won't go anywhere else for my tattoos. Read Less

I had John as my tattoo artist and he was awesome! Super clean environment and great people to be around. I would definitely recommend this place to my friends that want tattoos or piercings. Definitely will be coming back for my next tattoo! Read Less

Today was my first time going to this place. I got 2 ear piercings done by Alex. He was very professional, clean, and precise. My piercings turned out exactly how I wanted. And the prices here are more reasonable than any other place I did research on. Read Less

Nothing bad to say about this place. Johnny and John are awesome. They both have done tattoos on me and both came out amazing. I see a lot of negative comments about this place. Honestly if you have a bad experience just call them and I'm sure they will find a way to fix it. But keep in mind and treat everyone with respect. Not everyone will put up with your childish behavior. After all respect should be given if you expect it in return. Read Less

Please do not come here for piercings! I can't speak on behalf of the quality of the tattooing, but my piercing experience was questionable. I didn't feel welcome to ask questions. The piercer seemed to lack interest and was totally rude. I was given a choice between a stud or ring for a first time nose piercing, without thinking I chose a ring. The ring itself wasn't very attractive (I didn't get to pick my jewelry) and it put me in a lot of pain because it was constantly tugged on clothing. The next day I went to a professional piercing studio to switch it a stud and had the opposite experience. It was there that I learned you're not supposed to wear a nose ring until the hole has healed for about 4 months. That's my fault for not having the proper knowledge before walking in to the shop, but I would hope a reputable piercer would have suggested that I stick with a stud to reduce the chance of complications. All in all, I won't be back.*Response to the comment: Thank you for telling me what your piercer SHOULD have done, but failed to do. Read Less

Great family business, starting coming to them before they moved to their current location. Always clean, respectful and have done great work on me. I even trust them to pierce my daughter's nose. I've gotten 2 tattoos here, and a piercing. Brought a friend for a tat too. Looking forward to my next one. Very soon. Love John Sr. and his wife is a sweetheart. Read Less

I got my first tattoo done here and they were awesome! Really felt comfortable and at ease when getting it done. Highly recommend getting it done here very professional, respectful and very nice clean place! Read Less

I went in to get my doubles and my cartilage done and the process was really simple and quick. Everything went smoothly and my piercer did a great job making sure I was comfortable and doing it fast so I didn't even have time to worry about it. Overall great experience definitely would recommend. Read Less

I went in to get a left nostril nose piercing. John did my piercing. The staff was very professional and clean. The place was clean and they did wash their hands a lot. I was in a out in a flash. He gave me after care instructions. I would definitely go back for another piercing. Read Less

Took my friend here so we both could get tattoos, hers a tribute to her mom and mine for my kids. The guy wouldn't do the design either of us wanted. Said it would have to be a certain size and it wouldn't fit on the wrist...BS!! I asked what size needle do you plan on using cause I have seen this specific tattoo in person and it can be done! Gave us such attitude! No thanks....I am going somewhere else!Read Less

I can't say enough positive things about Alex. He did a very simple memorial tattoo for me back in 2015 after my dog passed. He was super pleasant and the tattoo turned out great. I knew I had to get some other work done by him. Last month Alex started my Medusa tattoo. Even with just an outline down, it looked killer. He finished it earlier this month and I've gotten tons of compliments. He is a great artist and knows what he's doing.I have gotten tattooed plenty of times by plenty of people. Some good experiences and some not so good. What left a bad taste was when an artist obviously didn't want to be there tattooing you so you just sort of sat there for hours in this uncomfortable silent dread. I never felt this way with Alex. He's super funny, friendly, and seemed to want to be there tattooing me.I have another large piece planned and Alex is my pick to do it. Thank you! Read Less

I got my first tattoo in October here and it was awesome! Alex was the artist that did my tattoo. I was nervous but he put me completely at ease. He was very nice and even put up with my mom and boyfriend watching and cracking jokes. we had the best time there!! Alex also was very informative and clear about how to care for the tattoo. The shop is very cool looking and extremely clean.a month later I still can keep from looking at it, and am thinking about what my second tattoo will be :) Read Less

Oh my god was this place amazing. I went here with my friend to get our first tattoos and also get our cartilidge done. I was worried that they wouldnt take us seriously but we walked and and they were very polite and professional. I got a little swan done by Jeff and my friend got a butterfly and theyre beautiful. When I went to pay the woman who pierced us told me that the piercings were free because my tattoo was small. I love these guys and will go back again to get my other ear pierced. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!! Read Less

They did not open when the time posted, normally being 10-15 minutes late is no big deal. We waited for a hour and a half and no one was there to help us even though we had an appointment. Never going there again Read Less

Great place to get ink or pierced. Ive gotten a couple of tattoos there and my wife pierced. Now I will be taking my oldest daughter for her first tattoo even though I now live out in Joliet. These guys are good and laid back. Read Less