How old do I have to be to get a tattoo or piercing?
In the state of Virginia it is legal for us to tattoo or pierce you at the age of 16 with as long as a parent or guardian is with you. Both you and your parent/guardian must have valid state issued photo I.D. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS!! Even if you are 18 years old you still must have some form of state issued I.D. in order to receive any tattoo or piercing service. This is state procedure so please don't get upset with us if we cannot provide service. We didn't make the rules, we just follow them.
How much does a tattoo cost?
The price of a tattoo is determined by the size, area, and design. We are not able to give you a price quote for a tattoo over the phone. In order to get an accurate price on a tattoo, please feel free to come by the shop and speak with one of our professional tattoo artists.
How bad does a tattoo hurt?
Pain is subjective. This means that it feels different for every person. We can't tell you what it will feel like on your body. We can only inform you of more sensitive areas. You skin is made up of 7 layers. We are trying to get between 3 and 5. The needle does not "go into your muscle". If you really want to know what it feels like come see us for your first tattoo.
How long will it take for my tattoo to completely heal?
On average, the healing time is about 1 to 3 weeks. This depends on how fast your body heals and how well you take care of your new tattoo. Refer to the aftercare instructions given to you by your tattoo artist for the best healing results.
How will my tattoo change over the years?
All tattoos will fade over time, especially from extreme sun exposure or other damage to your skin. This does not mean that we did not do your tattoo properly. A two week old tattoo will always look better than a 20 year old tattoo. We can always brighten up your old tattoo. If your body type changes (ie... pregnancy, weight gain, scarring, etc...) then your skin will change with it as well as the design and placement of your tattoo. It is always a good idea to think carefully about the placement of your tattoo for the future.
Can I bring in a drawing that I have done myself?
You are more than welcome to bring in a design that you or someone you know has drawn up for you. It may be necessary that we re-draw it to better suit the tattooing process. All of our artists would also be more than happy to custom draw you any design. We are not a typical "flash" shop. We guarantee that your tattoo will be original if you let us.
Is there any reason why certain people shouldn't get tattoos or piercings?
If you are pregnant, you should not get a tattoo or piercing!!! This can cause trauma to your unborn child. You should also not get a tattoo or piercing if you have any serious medical condition without speaking to your health care professional first. These conditions include: Heart conditions, Hemophilia, Skin conditions, etc...
Can I get hepatitis or any other blood born pathogen from getting a tattoo or piercing?
It is possible to contract these blood born pathogens if you do not go to a professional tattoo shop. We go to great measures to meet and surpass all heath code requirements in order to ensure our safety as well as yours.