-Q: What is your age requirement for a tattoo?

For our shop, everyone must be 18 or older, even if you have a parent or guardian’s permission.  This is a not a Virginia state law, but it is the policy for us. 

-Q: Do I need an appointment or can I just walk-in?    

We accept walk-ins based on that day’s availability and the complexity of your design.  Custom tattoos most often require a consultation appointment before we can schedule your tattoo appointment.  Smaller, ready-to-go designs (symbols, some lettering and numbers, etc.) can be done as walk-ins, when time is available.  You are always welcome to check with us on availabilities!  We also enjoy meeting our clients in person so don’t be shy, just stop by!

-Q:  How do I get a custom tattoo? 

We begin each custom tattoo with a consultation appointment.  Here you will discuss with your artist your ideas for your tattoo and review any reference material you may have.  These appointments usually take 15-30 minutes.  Consultations are free and noncommittal if you decide not to move forward. 

At the time of the consultation, if you are ready to move forward and have your artist begin working on a drawing, we require a $75 nonrefundable deposit.   This deposit goes towards the cost of your tattoo.  If you decide not to get the tattoo we cannot refund your deposit.  The deposit counts towards the current design that was discussed during your consultation and is not transferable to a different design.   

Clients living within 1 hour of the shop are asked to set up the consultation appointment in person.  Out-of-town clients can do their consultation through emails or over-the-phone. 

Turnaround time for a custom drawing can vary depending on the complexity of your drawing and your artist’s current workload.

When your artist has a sketch ready, you can request to make any necessary changes.  Drawing reviews can be done in person or through emails.

After that your tattoo sketch is complete and has your stamp of approval, we can schedule your much desired tattoo appointment!  Scheduling your tattoo appointment is best done over the phone.  Please do not email to schedule your appointment.

Anytime an artist is able to move faster (than the above described) on your custom drawing and setting up the tattoo appointment, we absolutely will!  We’re excited to get you in the chair too! J

-Q: My tattoo isn’t custom.  What should I do now?

Not all tattoos require a consultation.  For small tattoos, and designs that are ready to go (such as symbols, some lettering and numbers, etc.) we can skip the consultation and go straight to setting up your tattoo appointment.  These designs will also work as walk-ins.  For these types of designs, stop by the shop or email your design for a size and price estimate. 

-Q:  How much is a tattoo?

Our minimum charge for tattooing is $75.  Some tattoos will be priced by the piece and some will be put on an hourly rate of $125.  We offer all day sessions, which are 6 hours, for $700.  If you have a specific budget you want to stay within, let us know and we can customize your tattoo idea to fit within your budget. 

All tattoos come with fragrance-free soap and lotion.  We also take care of your first touch up as long as you come back within 6 months of receiving the tattoo.

-Q:  My appointment is coming up soon.  What do I need to do to prepare for my appointment?  What do I need to bring with me?

If you plan to be out in the sun a few days before your tattoo appointment, wear sunscreen or protect your soon-to-be-tattooed skin.  We CANNOT tattoo sunburned skin. 

The night before your appointment, take it easy and get a good night’s rest. 

You need to eat a good meal about 30 minutes to 1 hour before your tattoo appointment and DO NOT drink alcohol!  Bring with you, your state issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, ID card or passport.  Your college ID card WILL NOT be accepted.  We provide bottled water, but you’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks.  Friends are welcome, but sadly, your pets are not.

-Q:  How do I know if my tattoo needs a touch up?

A touch up is to take care of any color that was lost during the healing process, which can be the first 2-4 weeks after getting the tattoo.  So any missing color or light spots that came out during the healing process can be touched up after 4 weeks of healing.  If you aren’t sure, stop by the shop so your artist can take a look at how your tattoo healed. 

If your tattoo is more than 6 months old we will still touch up the tattoo for a reduced rate.  If we did not do the tattoo originally, we are still willing to help you with a touch up, priced at our normal rates. 

-Q: How long does a tattoo take to heal?

Healing can take 2-4 weeks.  Most tattoos are healed within 2 weeks, but all tattoos need 4 solid weeks of deep healing before you can expose them to sun and water.  Even after the tattoo has healed, you should still protect it from prolonged sun exposure.

-Q: How do I heal a fresh tattoo?

After your tattoo is completed, your artist will bandage the tattoo.  Leave the bandage on for 2-12 hours (overnight is okay.)  Do not re-bandage the tattoo during the healing; tattoos need to breathe in order to properly heal well.

Remove the bandage and take a hot shower.  Using a mild, fragrance-free soap, gently wash the tattoo using your fingertips.  Gently pat dry with a clean towel.

With clean hands, apply a small amount of your aftercare product and gently rub it in.  A small amount will go a long way.  Do not overuse; less is more!  Reapply your aftercare product 2-3 times daily. 

Flaking or scabbing may occur in 3-4 days.  Do not scratch or pick!

Take only normal showers for the next 2 weeks.  No soaking in water or swimming.

Do not over-expose new tattoos to the sun.  After the tattoo is healed, tanning will cause fading.  Please use a strong sunscreen.  Repeated burns on tattooed skin have been linked to skin cancer.

New clothing that may touch a fresh tattoo must be washed before wearing to remove flame retardants and other chemicals.

If you develop any type of rash or irritation please call us or stop by for advice.

If you have any questions or concerns about your new tattoo, please do not hesitate to call us or stop by.

-Q:  I’m going to the beach next week?  Can I get tattooed today?

No!  Tattoos need to be fully healed before you go swimming and expose them to the sun.  We recommend at least 3-4 weeks of healing before you take your tattoo on its first beach trip.  4 weeks is always best!  Even then we recommend using the highest SPF available to protect the tattoo from sun fading. 

-Q: Do you sell gift certificates?

Yes!  You can purchase these in person or over the phone.  We can email a copy of the certificate to you if you’re unable to pick one up in person.  Gift certificates don’t have to be for someone else.  You can buy them for yourself and redeem them whenever you want.  Our gift certificates do not expire.

-Q:  Do you offer piercings?

I’m sorry, but no we do not offer piercings at this time.  Do check back with us often; we hope to add a piercer in the future.