I have only had positive interactions with this shop. I have been to Alex and I honestly could not recommend him enough. He has been so patient listening to the ideas I have and took time to get an image to what I would like. I very highly recommend Alex - he's very talented and kind. Definitely recommend the shop overall! read more

I've had a few tattoos from John M. My experience with Vanity tattoo was and is the most AMAZING!!! Vanity tattoo is the cleanest shop I've ever been in and I've been in a lot of tattoo shops in my day.. My tattoos have always turned out twice as good on my skin than on paper .. THANK YOU JOHN M. read more

Came here with my sister to get a couple piercings. This place is clean, staff is friendly and very informative about the aftercare. I called a couple different places and asked about pricing and they had good reviews and the best price, so I decided to come here. If I would ever get a tattoo this is the spot I would go to. Everyone was so nice and we had fun getting new piercings! read more

Vanity Tattoo - 2 new piercings - Tattoo Near Me - Carpentersville, Illinois

My boyfriend and I got tattoos here and we had nothing other than an amazing experience. Both of our tattoos were larger than usual and our artist did both the same day. We did schedule our appointments ahead of time. He made sure our designs were exactly how we wanted and where we wanted them. He was great and accommodating. The whole facility was very clean. The only downside is it was cash only. Would definitely go here again. read more

Vanity Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Carpentersville, Illinois

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I don't even understand what is going on in this place. Stuff everywhere. I can't review the tattooing...but if you are going for a piercing...don't. The guy told my daughter her earlobes were too big, didn't have the jewelry (had ONE choice) and measured her earlobe with this thing that I don't even understand. How do you make a girl feel bad for having big earlobes? Skip this place for ear piercing. What a joke. We went to Old Traditions in Elgin and will never look back. read more

Best shop in the area. Amazing artists! Clean beautiful shop owned by great people! Definitely recommend!

Went in over the weekend and saw Johnny. First impression the place felt clean. Only spoke to two other people but both were very friendly. Johnny did a great job. Will definitely be going back to him. Would definitely recommend him as well. read more

I have been wanting a nose piercing for a looonnnnggg time so I finally got up the nerve to do it. I took to yelp to see what the locals had to say about the tattoo places in the area. I decided to go with Vanity. The place looked very clean. The woman that was at the desk was very nice and so was the man that actually did my piercing. For the 50 dollars they choose your jewelry. He said that they pretty much know what works so that's what they do. I was cool with that. It was very painful for about 5 seconds and sore for a day or so. Overall I really enjoyed the atmosphere for the small amount of time that I was there. I would definitely recommend them for piercings. read more

Vanity Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Carpentersville, Illinois

Went for ear jewelry with my sister today. This family-owned business has all of my business from now on. GREAT customer service!!

This place is so impressive. This is the second time I have been here that the artist spent more time with me designing and planning on where and how to place my tattoo than it took them to complete it. They take pride in their work and when it's you're time you're the only customer that matters. No hurrying or rushing. You cannot go wrong here. read more

It looks like a nice place and the staff are nice. It took me forever to schedule an appointment because they never answer the phones but I came here to get my double helix pierced. I had researched a ton before getting this done so I was just asking the guy some questions about the healing process to see if what I had read matched up. First, he said he didn't know what a helix piercing was. He said you can change the earrings after 1 month which is totally wrong, you're supposed to wait at least 3 months. After changing the earrings and looking at them, they used earrings with wayyyy to short of a post, where as you want a longer post so if your ear swells up there is room for your ear to move. My ear swelled and the earrings irritated my ear so much. Just a friendly reminder to research what piercing you want and ask questions on the phone or in person so you know if the place is good or not. Not trying to hate just wanted to share my experience. They did clean everything and pierced my ears on a good angle but they aren't super experienced. I'd say this place is better for tattoos, not piercings though. read more

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 more

Vanity Tattoo came highly recommended by some friends. Coupled with the fabulous Yelp reviews I had no doubt in my mind where I would go when getting an addition to my existing ankle vine tattoo. I left it to the fates which artist I would see since I had heard good things about them all. I do recommend an appointment, which I had. The place was very busy on Friday night. Their parking lot is tiny, too, so if there's no parking chances are you will be waiting. I saw Rod, who seems gruff at first, but give him time & he'll warm up. I was almost embarrassed to ask such a talented artist for a simple rosebud and full rose bloom but he didn't mind at all & did a splendid job. He inked, not your boring, average, run-of-the-mill rose bloom, but a gorgeous & interesting bloom I am proud to display. The tiny rose bud & half-dollar sized rose bloom went quick - I checked in at 6:30 and got in to my car at 7:01. I'm contemplating what I'd like to have on my hip so I will be back! read more

Okay, Alex is the man! Everyone here is super great but Alex was my artist. I went into Vanity in early December looking to get a huge lyric covered up with some flowers on my inner arm. The lady at the front (I think her name is April-super nice and friendly by the way) directed me to Alex and I am forever thankful! I showed him a couple ideas of what I wanted and he wrote down my email and told me that he would draw something up to cover up my old tattoo. A few days later I went in to see what he drew and scheduled an appointment. I spent 6-7 hours at my first appointment and enjoyed the entire thing, even though I was poked with needles the whole time. I like to talk to people, so it was nice that he talked to my friend and I most of the time! I also feel like he could be quiet though if you're the type of person to shy away from conversation while getting tattooed. I finished my second session yesterday and I am in LOVE with the flowers he tattooed on my arm. I'm also impressed he covered the big black letters so well. I've already had 4 people ask me about my tattoo artist, which says a lot. I'll post a picture of my tattoo too! Long story short, I love Vanity and Alex! I noticed that you can't find a lot of his work on their Facebook or Yelp pages, so I hope this helps people out who haven't seen his work! read more

Vanity Tattoo - Obviously I covered the top tattoo up with the bottom tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Carpentersville, Illinois

Can't say enough about this place, all my tattoo's have been done here by John, and love the compassion, the artistry and most important the price. I never feel like I over paid and always get what I want. Seen staff working on others, while getting mine done and can't say anything bad, they are all great with their artistry. read more

Just got another tattoo at vanity tattoo by John this place is awesome there's no need to go anywhere else

My piercer was great!! He was very thorough with the piercing and did a great job! He spreading lots of holiday cheer & made us feel comfortable during the piercing. read more

I love Vanity! I reviewed the old location but it doesn't seem to be linked, sooo I'll write another review! This is a great family owned business - definitely worth checking out if you're in the market for a new tattoo or piercing. I've had 4 tattoos done and a touch up of an existing tattoo. All my tattoos have turned out to be exactly what I wanted and more. I can't recommend Johnny enough. He's got a really good eye for art. For people complaining about pricing... A) This place has great pricing B) Just because you can get a lower price, doesn't mean it'll be quality! C) Stop bitching No, they don't do dermal - along with 99% of the tattoo shops in the suburbs. read more

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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 more

Vanity Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Carpentersville, Illinois

Outstanding talent and service. Alex was amazing with my daughters first tattoo. Go here. Get inked. Be happy.

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 more

Vanity Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Carpentersville, Illinois

Came here for the first time a couple weeks ago and had a pretty good time! Walked out more than happy with my tattoo. Beautiful! However I feel like it was over priced. To be fair this is my first larger tattoo, I don't have a lot of experience with tattoos and I told my artist I did not have a budget because I didn't want to restrict the beautiful artwork from being everything it could be and still I am very happy with it. Just wish I walked out of there with a better price. I have a friend who got a piece done recently, fairly the same size as mine and very detailed like mine and also had color done for around half the price of mine. But hey, guess that's why it's smart to shop around and ask questions beforehand. Just hope I didn't get taken advantage of for money. Happy with my lovely tattoo and good time. Update: it's been about three weeks now since I got my tattoo and while I still love it and it's healed very nicely, it's still darker than I thought it would heal. I know it will take a while to fully heal however because of the price I spent, I'm a bit disappointed read more

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 more

Vanity Tattoo - Awesome medusa done by Alex - Tattoo Near Me - Carpentersville, Illinois

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 more

Walked in strangers - left as family. Let me start off by saying how much I appreciate the owners, John and April! Their warmth and kindness resonates throughout Vanity Tattoo. Every interaction my daughter and I had with them this evening starting with our phone conservation was handled in such a positive and genuine manner that we felt like family. Both John and April went above and beyond to understand my daughter's piercing needs and make her feel comfortable. They asked her about look and placement, made sure the hoops were the right size for her face and fitted her with the highest grade jewelry available. I stood there fully aware she was in good hands - that they truly had her best interest at heart. If you're evaluating sites looking for the right place - you can stop now. Vanity Tattoo is the real deal - family oriented, friendly, clean, customer focused and professional. We could not be any happier with my daughter's piercing and our experience. read more

Got a bicep tattoo done by Alex today and the experience couldn't have been better! The tattoo was all I hoped for and more. Everyone was nice and professional, and the entire shop was very clean. I highly recommend Alex for your next tattoo! read more

Vanity Tattoo - Starry Night tattoo done by Alex - Tattoo Near Me - Carpentersville, Illinois

Went in yesterday, they got me in with no waiting, couldn't believe it, Clean and following all protocol. John did a small key, turned out better than I expected, great work, great people, great atmosphere, recommend highly!! read more

Vanity Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Carpentersville, Illinois

I've been here twice so far, and both experiences have been extremely pleasurable. They have a very warm welcoming environment and all of the staff is super super friendly. The shop is super clean to begin with and they clean their stations again both before and after a new client. Johnny did my first tattoo on my foot a month ago. I was extremely nervous going into the experience and kept tweaking my stencil until I was satisfied. We talked while he tattooed me and really made the process an amazing experience. Now a month later and when the words I got didn't heal quite right in one spot I went back in for some minor touch ups and he fixed it up just the way I wanted it! He was very cool about the whole thing both times, and, like the first time, was extremely gentle with the whole process. The experience was just as great the second time around as it was the first. He fixed just what I wanted, and didn't stop until I was once again happy with the way it looked. He kept me laughing throughout the whole process and is very easy to talk to. Johnny is both an awesome guy and an amazing tattoo artist! I will definitely be returning to Vanity Tattoo for my next piece, and highly recommend Johnny for any first timers looking to get a beautiful tattoo! When they tell you they stand by their work and will fix anything you want when you want it, they truly mean it. They won't stop until you're happy with your piece. Johnny will definitely be doing my next piece when I return. :) read more

I totally recommend Vanity Tattoo to everyone. This place is Great. Alex was a outstanding Tattoo Artist. He does a outstanding job. I was extremely happy with his work. I would definitely go back and get my next tattoo from him. read more

Just got my first tattoo with Alex! This place is clean, cool vibe and hopping! Alex was very nice, patient and professional. He spent time making sure everything was what I had envisioned, and just a cool dude. I highly recommend this place and Alex-you will be happy and satisfied! Smiles read more

This place was such a wonderful surprise! My sister and I were out in Dundee meeting up with a friend and spur of the moment wanted to get my nose pierced. We googled places and found Vanity Tattoo. We walked in to the clean and friendly environment and my sister immediately decided she was going to get a tattoo she's been talking about for a year. Their work is clean, quality, reasonably priced and the staff is fantastic. Will definitely be making the trip from Naperville again. Thank you! read more

This was my first tattoo and I couldn't have dreamt of a better experience with Rob Downs. He was very friendly and treated me with respect and took a lot of pressure off me. Overall very cool, relaxed atmosphere which I think is necessary in a (sometimes) intimidating place like a a tattoo parlor. Not to mention that my tattoo turned out PERFECTLY. I look forward to working with Rob and Vanity Tattoo in the future. read more

Rob downs is my tattoo artist 4 life he did great 4 tattoos for me I am sticking with rob for along time

What an amazing place of business! The service here was outstanding! Soon as we walked in we were greeted by April she had a very friendly and welcoming smile. John (tattoo artist) was very patient while my friend and I made a new choice on our tattoos. My friend said this was her best tattoo out of the six she has. I love my tattoo as well. I'm very satisfied with the work and service received at Vanity Tattoos, I look forward to going back for the one!! Thank you John!!! read more

Vanity Tattoo - Our Best Friend tattoos! - Tattoo Near Me - Carpentersville, Illinois

I would never come here again for a piercing, after mine was done slanted over a year ago and I still have problems when I need to put new jewelry in because of the first initial piercing was done slanted and not a straight hole. Joy right? Only to find out that one of my friends went in for a nose piercing and got a keloid and infection in it within a week and when she went back to the shop she was informed that "they're known for their tattoos not piercings" so all and all they should just stop piercing :) So please protect your face and body and beware of this place for piercings. Updated review now is I had to have my piercing redone after the jewelry fell out and NO piercer could find the slanted hole without extreme discomfort. read more

Hands down the best tattoo place around. This is an amazing place that I went to for my first tattoo and ended up leaving so happy!!! John the owner did my tattoo and it turned out not only AMAZING BUT SO BEAUTIFUL TOO! Definitely took care of me. Great service and amazing atmosphere to be in and around. Tattoo turned out just as I wanted it too!! Clean, excellent service, and all around a great place. Everyone there was so cool and I'll definitely be returning soon for more! read more

Vanity Tattoo - Beautiful detailed amazing roses for my first tattoo!! In love! Thank you so much John!! - Tattoo Near Me - Carpentersville, Illinois

Brought my son for his 18 bday for his first tattoo. Owner made him feel comfortable and Johnny did a great job with helping him through it as well as the tattoo itself. Price was also reasonable. read more

Hands down the best tattoo place I've been to. John's work is amazing and he's a perfectionist!! I would never go anywhere else.

Got my first tattoo here last weekend. The owners were really nice and even gave me advice on what design I should get! The same day my fiancé got her rook pierced and she had a good experience also. When I decide to get more work done I will definitely come back read more

Vanity Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Carpentersville, Illinois

LOVE my tattoo. Went in with an idea in my head. Looked at some examples. Grabbed a few that I liked & Rob put together the most amazing tattoo. He was efficient (didn't take forever - which is awesome because I am a WUSS & was definitely yelping a bit! LOL!); he was precise (from the hard lines to the shading to the colors); and he had imagination to add some design items (with my approval, of course!). I love the finished product. Great price for a tattoo that runs from my foot up to my knee. Thanks Rob & Vanity!!!! Still loving it 2 years later! read more

Vanity Tattoo - All done! - Tattoo Near Me - Carpentersville, Illinois

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