Gypsy Rose Tattoos & Piercing

Family-owned & operated

Walk-ins welcome

Amanda is awesome…read more Seriously, it was painless, professional and really, actually, enjoyable. The shop is clean, private and perfect for a first timer like me. She took my directions and requests wonderfully and really didn't make me feel like that 'lame and dorky' newbie (which I really am :) ) what I wanted was in her style which is my number one suggestion: make sure your artist art suits you. I ended up with her but 'fate' but she really was the perfect fit. Also easy to talk too after Ill add it was affordable too.

Disappointing Experience - Faded Tattoo in Days…read more My friend and I came in to get matching tattoos on the sides of our hands--an area we knew could be tricky, but we expected a bit more care and guidance. Unfortunately, our experience was disappointing from start to finish. The artist offered little support or direction during the design process and didn't explain the level of fading we might expect clearly. We were asked to sign the hand waivers after the tattoo was completed. We were told it would fade over time, but within just 2-3 days, one tattoo had nearly vanished and the other was missing large chunks. When we brought this to the studio's attention, the manager cited their "hand tattoo policy" but ultimately refused to stand by their work. We were told we could pay again to get it touched up. Instead of offering a resolution or at least a courtesy touch-up, we were told we'd have to pay again to fix tattoos that didn't even last a week. I understand that hand tattoos can be tricky, but this was poorly handled. Lack of support, lack of follow-through, and a lack of accountability. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone--especially if you're hoping for both quality work and respectful customer service. After speaking and showing other artists the work, they agreed that it was poorly done and not deep Enough. Save your money and stay away!!!!

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Strange World Tattoo

4.5(39 reviews)

12.0 km•Varsity

Brett did my sleeve on my right arm. It was absolutely…read moreamazing, I loved the incredible work of art he preformed on my arm. Thank you Brett at SWT. If you are thinking about it, do it at SWT.

Very professional & accommodating! I have 1 last tattoo I'm scheduled for and am excited about it.read more

Valeriia did this a few weeks ago, I brought in a picture & she did an amazing job!

Stencil

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My tattoo last minute change

Tribal Expression

3.3(55 reviews)

6.2 km•Mount Pleasant

I have gotten two piercings from Tribal in the past three years (right tragus, left cartilage) and…read morethen a third one today done today (left conch). Tribal is professional, clean, and is Calgary's only piercing shop. For these reasons, I wouldn't want to go anywhere else. They also will give you 10% off body jewelry if you print off an online coupon or show them your app; and have an extensive collection of body jewelry. Some of my friends have gotten piercings at tattoo shops or places like Merle Norman and had serious complications. I have never had an issue with infection or gotten a keloid. The people at Tribal are qualified and know what they are doing! Go here! However, I write this review because today, I had exceptional service. My piercer, a newer staff member named Hailey, was extremely kind and knowledgable. She put me at ease, was easy to talk to, and is clearly passionate about what she is doing. Even though I have already gotten two piercings there and know how to care for a new piercing, she clearly outlined how to care for it as per protocol, which she is obligated to do. I would highly recommend her. She is the friendliest staff member I have interacted with at Tribal. My new piercing looks amazing and is way less painful than I have anticipated! Thank you Hailey and the Tribal team!

Please avoid Tribal Expressions/Opulence at all costs. Keith, the owner, significantly overcharged…read morefor their service and jewelry. Not only was the service and jewelry overpriced, but the jewelry was also unnecessary, unwearable and caused ear problems. I was charged double the quoted price (with jewelry included), despite confirming in advance via phone that there would be no additional fees prior to booking the appointment and outlining the situation via notes and in person my original piercing experience with the "gun" 40 years ago. I was shocked when I was billed over $200 at the time of piercing and immediately contested the charge. The experience was time-consuming, as Keith frequently bounced between customers and those counter surfing. Even with my appointment, I was there for an hour after arriving ten minutes early. The final outcome was completely misaligned and lopsided piercings, resulting in extra, unnecessary holes in my ears that are permanent. I have photos to support this, and anyone who sees my ears, including George the piercer at Strange World (who I can't recommend enough), can attest the appalling result. I am beyond upset!

6.9 km•4th Street SW, Beltline

Our goldsmith at work

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Immaculate Concept

3.4(24 reviews)

got a cross tattoo and they made it look better and the job was done and went perfectly for my…read morefirst time, would reccomend this place

I wasn't planning on getting a tattoo in town. Most of my ink was done by Dragon's Lair Tattoo on…read moreMacArthur in Oakland, so I kind of wanted to keep the tradition. (ETA: Just looked up Dragon's Lair, and discovered they have been closed for over a year now. So much for traditions.) But tragedy and a desire for healing through needles and beauty, brought me here. This was a different experience from my other pieces. My other tattoos are small, black and grey and were done the day I walked in to the parlor (after over a year of tossing the idea back and forth). But in YYC, a decent artist is in extreme demand, so you book an appointment the way you book one for a doctor. Depending on what you want done, and how you want it done, wait times can be anywhere from weeks to months. At IC, you can put down either a cash deposit to secure your time or a PayPal deposit. The deposit covers the first hour and is taken off your final bill. When I brought in my reference photos and idea sketch, the guy booking my appointment suggested I make an appointment with Niki. Having seen some of her gorgeous work when I was perusing their website, I agreed readily. Niki was a blast to talk to, is extremely talented and did her best to make sure my 2 hour sitting was as pleasant as it could possibly be. The memorial piece on my left forearm came out even better than I imagined (bigger too, hehe), and I was stoked from start to finish. As for the shop itself, it's incredibly clean, spacious and about to get even more so, now that the only-sometimes-open Mexican restaurant that once resided below them is no longer there. The atmosphere is relaxed, you can tell all the artists get along with each other (at least the ones that were there that evening!) and that they take great pride in what they do and where they work. Dean, the guy who took my appointment, was pleasant to talk to, even though he was probably anxious to get home. I also love that they have late hours on certain days, because I wouldn't have been able to go on a week day in the middle of normal business hours. Thank you, Niki, for the beautiful work you did. I couldn't ask for a better reminder of my darling.

Niki Nix doing her thing!

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Here is a side pic of my first visit lines with dropkick Danny

Mejuri Chinook

3.3(3 reviews)

10.3 km

I am so excited that Mejuri finally came to Calgary. It's so great to see the jewelry in person and…read morethey let you try on everything, earrings included. I have so many new items on my wish list now. I did buy the oversized paper clip earrings and they are everything that I wanted. The sales associate I had was by far the best, unfortunately the other two staff seemed bored and distracted even though the store was busy. The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5. The piercing studio is open Wednesday-Saturday fyi. I can't wait to come back and shop more and hope there will be some in store sales.

Went in my Fiance to use her store credit from a previous exchange. The employees immediately gave…read morethe look to call a security guard who proceeded hawk over us for the rest of our browsing duration. I spent 600$ in that mall that day, why would I steal from a low end jewelry store. Disgusting customer service.

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Evolution Tattoo & Piercing

5.0(1 review)

4.7 km

Ask for Jeremy - he's the owner and is from Shediac, New Brunswick! He's been tattooing for 19…read moreyears and kicks ass. Love this shop

Heroes & Villains Tattoo & Piercing

2.8(25 reviews)

8.3 km•Red Mile, Sunalta

I firmly believe that this is the best piercing shop in Calgary! I came in at the behest of my…read morefriends (acrylic is NOT your friend), and had several pieces changed out. PiercerDan was courteous, professional, and took the time to point out the flaws in my old jewellery while explaining what exactly it was doing to the flesh around them. It's been a week with the new jewellery, and I am absolutely thrilled! My labret doesn't catch on my gums anymore and I am able to sleep on my side comfortably with new rook jewellery. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who has piercings!

I have been here 2 times and going back on Saturday to get another piercing done by Dan. He is the…read morebest I have found in a long time. Very helpful and very informative. Very clean and very friendly people. Highly recommend.

Industrial piercing with custom bent jewelry done by PiercerDan

A selection of healed piercings with implant grade body jewelry by PiercerDan

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Our comfy waiting area with lots of gorgeous jewelry and fun collectibles to look at!

Human Kanvas

2.6(37 reviews)

0.8 km

I came into the shop to ask for a product (second skin) for my tattoo as my artist was away and I…read morewas going out of town the next day. It is important to note that my artist is not based out of this shop. They were so amazing and instead of just giving me a piece of the roll, they cleaned, dried and sanitized and applied it for me. They went above and beyond to ensure that it was going to be protected. It is great to see artists with the common love for the work that they each do and the respect they have for the clients. Thank you so much for taking care of me today

They charged me for this ugly design, and when I refused to get that tattooed on me, they neither…read morechanged their design nor refunded me.the owner email me: "Karma is a b**tch!"

Piercing by BRANDI LEE @humankanvas CALGARY

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HUMAN KANVAS CALGARY 403.291.4295 www.humankanvas.com

Aeonian Tattoos

5.0(2 reviews)

5.2 km•Forest Lawn

These guys were awesome! I went in there and they were all really friendly and helpful. Helped me…read moreget exactly what I was looking for, and put their own touches on it that made it way better than I coul have ever expected. They were all super chill and made me feel really comfortable there. On top of this, the shop was killer, really clean and nice. I love my tattoo and it healed up really fast, I cant wait to go back there for more. Thanks guys!

By far the friendliest shop I have been too. Had my old artist quit at another shop and these guys…read moretook on the project, later found out all their artist have been there since day one. Puts my fear of getting another project started at ease. Every artist has their own specialty and there art work is amazing. I highly recommend these guys, they have a artist for everyone and your greated with a smile from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave.

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Jokers Tattoo Body F/x

3.4(14 reviews)

4.6 km•Tuxedo Park

I went there today with my older granddaughter's for each a piercing…read more Derico was very helpful and very professional. I was rather surprised to see how light and clean it was in there and Deriko was how helpful and very efficient. Both piercings took no longer then 20 minutes and it was so sterile in there. I recommend this place for all you tattoo and piercing needs. Very happy customer for sure. Thank you! 5 stars,hands down.

If I could leave negative stars, I would I would not recommend this place to my worst enemy,…read morecompletely unprofessional and rude and they also messed up my tattoo and that's on my body for the rest of my life and it's on my wrist and they were also pretty baked to be my tattoo to be honest. I'm probably gonna file a lawsuit against them because I have proof the fact that they have weed in the store is insane not only that the person that I requested completely blew me off for another person so I got tattooed by another guy who had no idea what he was doing to me that sounds like a lawsuit that can be filed. That's not something a joke about especially something that's on somebody's body for the rest of their life.

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C K.

13 years ago

Came to Gypsy Rose for the first time with a friend- we were looking to get some quick script done and thankfully Devon was available. He was nice and fast, obviously can't be held accountable for how painful getting the ribs done is. Second time I went, I was lucky enough to get an appointment with the lovely Joe and was ecstatic, as he is usually booked up quite a few months in advance. I ended up only waiting about 3 months to be tattooed from the actual consultation! I was getting the whole top portion of my foot done, and Joe anticipated that I would need 3 separate appointments to get finished, but he ended up finishing the whole tattoo in 2 and a half hours which now leaves only one appointment for touch ups. I'm speechless at his talent and just how extremely good of a person he is! I would almost dread going to any other tattoo parlor in Calgary since I've heard crazy stories of stuck-up attitude from artists/receptionists/etc, but you do NOT have to worry about that when you come to Gypsy Rose. read more

S T.

14 years ago

I've been to Gypsy Rose Tattoo 3 times now. Devon is currently working on an old arm piece - adding to it, turning into a scene rather than 1 object - and I have to say, I am beyond impressed. The artistry is beautiful and even with only stage 2 complete, it looks amazing. I am not tempted in the least to cover it up until it's done. When he had completed just the outline stage, I went on vacation shortly after. I had clearly 'non-tattoo' people coming up to me and complementing the work even though it was just the outline which even for the best of enthusiasts, can be hard to envision the final piece especially when you have an older piece mixed in with a brand new outline. The ambience at Gypsy Rose is relaxed but professional, clean and very comfortable. They do hundreds and hundreds of tattoos every year and yet when I come in, I feel like they know me, care about my piece, and paid as much attention to my work as anyone else's. Highly recommend. read more

Jay F.

15 years ago

I literally just got my industrial piercing done there and got the best service. I did have to wait a while because they got quite busy but it was a wait with about three people in front of me. This took about forty minutes. Once I got back there my ear was sterilised and marked for the angle. I asked all the questions that I wanted And got them all answered politely and with a smile. He even laughed at my lame jokes! So it was pierced and that was all nice and good. Now, as I was paying, I got woozy and fainted. Now when I woke up, three of the staff were looking down at me with concern. they helped me for the next twenty minutes they made sure I was feeling good even, going to great lengths. Good costumer service is something that I believe heavily in and these guys exceeded expectations. I'd go back there in a second for any other piercing I may want or even for my first tattoo. I will be recommending this to all. read more

Manvir t.

15 years ago

I got my nose pierced here just a few days ago and could not be happier with the way it turned out. The lady that pierced my nose was the most sweetest woman I have ever met unfortunately I didn't get her name, but overall everyone at the shop was very kind and welcoming. The shop was very clean I was very impressed. I was guided through the process so nothing came to a surprise to me also all my questions and concerns where dealt with in the beginning. Plus I wasn't put into an awkward position she was a very comfortable person to talk to and have my piercings done by. I would recommend Gypsy Rose Tattoos to everyone, it is well priced as well. I know I will definitely be coming back to get more piercings from here. read more

Ashley W.

5 years ago

I had a set of two arm pieces done by Dominique, and I couldn't be happier with the whole experience. I wanted to throw in a little behind-the-ear tattoo while I was there, and she was not only accommodating, but she did an amazing job with that as well. She took such care with my custom art, and she really took to heart what I wanted, making sure I was completely happy with it before going ahead (I am pretty picky!). She was a pleasure to chat with over the hours I was there, and made me feel at home. The work turned out better than I could have imagined; I'm still a little stunned at it :) The front desk team was friendly and super helpful as well. I would recommend this place a million times over! read more

Jenni H.

12 years ago

I got my ankle tattoo redone here with Dominique. I had a crappy oversized horseshoe and 4 leaf clover done on my ankle and i needed it covered with something that was more art-like. I came into see Dominique after seeing the amazing work she did for a friend. After showing her some random pictures that i liked she was able to give me exactly what i had in mind. I spent a good chunk of time in her chair but it was totally worth it. I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for a great tattoo and great conversation. read more

Peeks X.

11 years ago

Wonderful staff! I love this place to bits. Everyone is kind and warm and are genuinely fun to talk to. The environment is sterile and the shop is very pleasing to the eye. I came here after one of my lip piercings grew over and they were very sweet to me. I felt safe and welcome which seems to be uncommon with most Tattoo places in Calgary. I went a 2nd time for my tongue piercings and will be going again for future piercings and tattoos read more

Tom C.

16 years ago

I had lettering done here in 2008. Healed horribly and the lines were not straight. Was told by another artist in town that it's because the artist overworked the area. Won't be back as it was very pricey for the quality. Sadly, it cost more than the tattoo to have three laser treatments so it could be redone. read more

Stephanie Z.

5 years ago

The best tattoo and piercing shop in Calgary! It is clean and ran very well by a rocking lady, Nina, and her family. I've personally had Tattoos from Dominique, Naia, and Daryle. All turned out fabulous!!! My piercings from Sarah have all been spot on and healed fantastic. Great atmosphere. Highly recommend read more

Lana W.

10 years ago

This is the best and cleanest tattoo shop here in Calgary. I would get tattooed by any of their artists there. They are professional and very friendly. They treat you like family when you are there. I have had 6 tattoos done by a few of the artists and I am extremely pleased with every single one of them. read more

Kendra R.

4 years ago

I received a tattoo from Naia Zacher today. She was super friendly and did amazing work. My tattoo turned out exactly how I imagined it. The shop was really clean and prices were very reasonable. I will definitely return for my next one!!! read more

Gypsy Rose Tattoos & Piercing - tattoo - Updated October 2026

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People who viewed Gypsy Rose Tattoos & Piercing also viewed

Immaculate Concept

3.4

(24 reviews)

got a cross tattoo and they made it look better and the job was done and went perfectly for my…read morefirst time, would reccomend this place

Human Kanvas

3.8

(12 reviews)

Won a free piercing with the purchase of an Anatometal opal and rose gold flower stud through…read moreRyen's Instagram account. Booking was quick and same day through their easy and user friendly online system. When we got there, the waiting area was spacious and welcoming. A lot of tattoo shops/piercing parlours can have a hard and intimidating atmosphere, but Human Kanvas was clean and modern and seemed more like a trendy retail store than your stereotypical tattoo parlour. The girl at the front desk was an absolute gem - my one year old son had a love affair with her, and she was so friendly and super helpful; I'm only sorry I never grabbed her name. All of the clients that came in were down to earth and friendly, and interacted with my son and I. Oh! Yes, I brought my one year old son in his stroller and he fit right in. I wouldn't say this place is like, a next level daycare, but it's not like you walk in with your kid and feel like you have to leave them in the car while you get your piercing done. Ryen was an absolute doll and [obviously] a total master of the piercing trade. I've never had a piercing done at a parlour before. I've only ever had lobe and cartilage piercings (8 at one point) done with a gun at my local Merle Norman's and/or Shoppers Drug Mart. Everything was SUPER clean. Immaculate and tasteful in cleanliness and appearance. Ryen placed the stud in the perfect spot and did such a thorough job of explaining everything and walking me through the entire process. I'm SO impressed with the service and atmosphere and level of professionalism exemplified by all of the staff and clientele at Human Kanvas. I am eager to come back to have future piercings and/or tattoos done. And may I say, the quality of my Anatometal earring is... next level awesome. I didn't realize there was ever better quality than what was available at Merle Norman, to be honest. Now I want to change up all my hardware to rose gold opalescent bling haha I'm also really happy with all the information Ryen gave me regarding getting my daughter's lobes pierced. She is so honest and genuine, yet totally bad @$$. I'm really really happy. And so far, my piercing is healing SO well. My only gripe is the cost, and that's likely just my own darn fault for getting used to going the cheap route and receiving a mediocre experience. You are paying for quality hardware and equipment, expertise and cleanliness, etc. Don't walk in thinking you're gonna drop $50 total on a piercing. But I can almost guarantee that you'll be so happy with the experience that you'll be able to justify the end result.

Only a one star because I can't do 0. I booked two appointments for piercings, back to back for my…read moredaughter and I. We arrived 10 minutes early for our piercing appointment with Tiff. In that ten minutes instead of helping us, she took a walk-in. No big deal, I get it. My daughter and I picked out our jewelry, and waited. Ten minutes after our appointment time Tiff abruptly whisked us into a room. No pleasantries or nothing. She quickly told my daughter she does not have the right anatomy for the piercing she wanted. Okay, she decided to do something different. Tiff kicked us out of the room and told us to find jewelry for the different piercing. She found it quickly and we waited. Two more walk-in came and were helped. In this time we waited and ten minutes after our last appointment time Tiff came out and picked up her phone from the office and disappeared into the back. We decided to leave, I told the receptionist we didn't want to wait any longer and received no response. I will never go back, why book appointments if you have no intention on keeping them?

Tribal Expression

3.3

(55 reviews)

Strange World Tattoo

4.5

(39 reviews)

Very professional & accommodating! I have 1 last tattoo I'm scheduled for and am excited about it.read more

Jokers Tattoo Body F/x

3.4

(14 reviews)

Mission Tattoo

3.3

(18 reviews)

I have been tattooed by Taylor multiple times. Taylor is friendly, quick, and has the lightest hand…read moreof any tattooist I've ever experienced. She tattooed on my sternum for my 21st birthday in 2015, and I was ready for the pain. It barely hurt at all! I love how light she is when she tattoos. There is never anything worse than a heavy handed tattooist. Her line work and colour is so precise and it pops. She has also tattooed my mother and does an amazing job. My boyfriend has also been tattooed here, and he loved his piece. If you want a custom piece, she is willing to work with you to get exactly what you want! Just remember to book a consult, and be prepared to do a non-refundable deposit, which is commonplace in the tattoo world.

Paid a deposit with Trevor Varem and not long after our consult he conveniently forgot what we had…read moreplanned in our consult. I had to cancel my first appointment due to pneumonia but gave him plenty of notice. When I tried rebooking he either ignored my messages or sent extremely inappropriate sexual comments and informed me he's "good at cunnilingus". After my last text and he replied that I lost my deposit after the second time I cancelled - I only cancelled once. I assume because I didn't take him up on his cunnilingus challenge. When I brought it up on Instagram with the shop I was blocked. Terrible business strategy.

Deadly Tattoos

3.0

(2 reviews)

There is a reason this is the best shop around. I had some cover up work done by Mandy Wendt, and…read moreit turned out great. I would recommend the shop and Her to anyone. She is very professional and easy to work with. I will be back for more work!

I booked in to have a Tattoo done at Deadly Tattoos in Calgary. I paid my deposit upon making the…read moreappointment time. I emailed the day before some pictures of the style of tattoo I liked so the artist would have a good understanding of what I wanted, however he didn't say it was necessary to do so. In fact he acted very casual when I booked the appointment saying that he had an idea of what I wanted anyways. Come my appointment time I walk in and am told that he didn't receive my email and that there was nothing he could do for me. They did not have a computer there so I could show him the pictures on the Usb stick I brought. He seemed completely unapologetic and said he had another client he needed to prepare for (obviously more important than the client in front of him). He couldn't even give me the correct amount of my deposit back. He just shrugged and turned me away leaving me stuck in the middle of no where until I could get picked up over an hour later. To which he didn't care about either. Overall worst experience. Very unprofessional and unhelpful.

Studio Phi Tattoos

4.3

(6 reviews)