Just like barber shops and hair salons, tattoo parlors were forced to shut their doors in mid-March in response to the global pandemic. But as the state of Virginia has entered several phases of reopening (now in phase three), local shops have been able to safely reopen their doors.
If you’re looking to finally get that first tattoo, or add another to yourself, here’s where to support local tattoo artists and tattoo parlors for National Tattoo Day, being held on Friday, July 17.
Don’t forget: Masks are required and many locations are encouraging appointments rather than walk-ins. Also, companions are not allowed at many locations in order to limit social exposure.
All American Tattoo
Find the location nearest you in Stafford, Manassas or Gainesville and have the three teams at All American Tattoo create something truly special for you. Clients can come in with prepared artwork, or the artists can offer custom work to bring your imagination to your skin. Ready to book? Make sure to give your desired location a call ahead of time, and feel free to look into the artists and their work if you’re looking for something specific. // 9814 Liberia Ave., Manassas; 7604 Gardner Park Drive, Gainesville; 556 Garrisonville Road, Stafford
Amour Tattoo
This Manassas-based studio has been tattooing in the DMV for over 12 years and is looking forward to helping you envision your ideal tattoo, and bring that image to your personal canvas. The location is currently not accepting walk-ins, but book your appointment online for a hassle-free scheduling. // 9091 Mathis Ave., Suite 109, Manassas
Art of War Tattoo Collective
If you’re looking for beautiful artwork that you will proudly wear for a lifetime, Art of War Tattoo Collective is your next stop. You can check out its most recent work on Instagram, and make sure to call first if you’re looking to book an upcoming appointment. // 7214 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church
Comes a Time Tattoo
If your time has come to get a tattoo, meet with Fairfax’s Chauna Berry and Flash. Comes a Time Tattoo is currently open by appointment only for tattoo consultations and body piercings. // 3852 Old Lee Highway, Fairfax
Exposed Temptations Tattoos
Exposed Temptations Tattoos has been tattooing for over 25 years in the DMV and with eight tattoo artists on the team, you’re sure to find someone to help you create something truly memorable (and worth making permanent). Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are encouraged. // 8686 Liberia Ave., Manassas
Fluid Ink Tattoo Studio
Looking to support a tattoo artist of color? Check out Fluid Ink in Arlington, owned and operated by Antonio Randrianasolo, a Madagascar native and passionate local tattoo artist. The parlor has several artists that can help you bring your tattoo to life. // 944 S. Wakefield St., Suite 302, Arlington
Ink I Adore
If you want to support a tattoo parlor owned by a woman of color, Ink I Adore is your place, conveniently located in Springfield, owned and operated by Natasha. (As a bonus, all team members are women!) The parlor’s services include tattooing and piercing, as well as makeup and beauty services. Make sure to make an appointment until further notice. // 6400B Commerce St., Springfield
Inq
It’s hard not to miss taking a stroll down King Street in Old Town, but you can still stop by Inq to get the tattoo you’ve been waiting for in the heart of downtown. The studio joined the community last year as a husband-and-wife team, and has been proud to serve Alexandria and beyond ever since. // 1011 King St., Alexandria
Inksanity Tattoo Company
Insanity Tattoo Company in Leesburg has been tattooing and serving the community for over 20 years, and was voted by Northern Virginia Magazine readers as the Best Tattoo Studio for four consecutive years. The studio is open by appointment (no additional visitors allowed), and it will honor your deposit even if you need to reschedule due to feeling sick or potential exposure to COVID-19. // 26-A Plaza St., Leesburg
Iron Heart Tattoo Company
If you’re intimidated by your prototype of a tattoo parlor, know there are locations that offer an array of amenities to make you feel as comfortable as possible, and Iron Heart Tattoo Company is one of them. Grab some headphones and catch a movie while getting your tattoo done, or simply enjoy the quiet time for custom art, and being away from home. // 17650 Possum Point Road, Suite C, Dumfries
Lady Octopus Tattoos
Stop by Lady Octopus Tattoos to experience a parlor built and designed by co-founders Gilda Acosta and Jonathan Reed. The location is currently operating with appointments only, so call ahead to schedule one. // 3240 Wilson Blvd., Suite 100, Arlington
Marloweink
With two locations in Northern Virginia, in Alexandria and Fairfax, Marloweink is able to cover a lot of ground (and a lot of skin!) while tattooing in the DMV. The parlor is not currently accepting new appointments due to COVID-19, but keep it on your list if you’re looking for work in a few months from now. // 10405 Main St., Fairfax; 1012 Madison St., Alexandria
Mister Finster’s Tattoo
Established in Falls Church just last year, award-winning tattoo artist and studio owner Fin has been proud to offer his services to the DMV, and is known best for his light touch and attention to detail. He has been tattooing for seven years, and if you’re looking for someone specializing in traditional and black/gray images, he should be your next call. // 412 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Patriots Tattoo and Piercing
Patriots Tattoo and Piercing has been serving the DMV community for over 15 years, and its highly skilled team is eager to help you get the tattoo you love and adore for years to come. “Our dream is to be a studio where anyone, tattoos, piercings or not, would feel free to explore their own ideas on body art,” says the company’s website. Make sure to call ahead for appointments and availability. // 9931 Main St., Fairfax
Rick’s Tattoos
Established in 1980, Rick’s Tattoos is Northern Virginia’s first-licensed and oldest tattoo parlor. Give the team a call to set up a consultation or make an appointment. // 4818 Lee Highway, Arlington
The Body Gallery
A tattoo is not only something that lasts forever on your skin, but it is also a statement of who you are, according to The Body Gallery’s website. Work with the team in either Leesburg or Sterling and make your masterpiece come to life in a clean, professional and friendly environment. // 46950 Community Plaza, Suite 110, Sterling; 2 Cardinal Park Drive SE, Leesburg
Vienna Tattoo Studio
Take a trip to Vienna to visit tattoo artist Jesse Najera for something truly unique, especially if you want to watch your work of art be transformed onto your own canvas. The studio currently isn’t accepting walk-ins, but plan ahead for an appointment and make your tattoo experience safe and exactly what you’re looking for. // 386 Maple Ave. E., Suite 212, Vienna
Virginia Class Tattoo Studio
The six tattoo artists at Virginia Class Studio in Manassas pride themselves on setting the standard on a broad range of styles and custom work, meant to leave you happy and showing off your tattoo for as long as you wish. Call ahead to book a consultation or appointment for your custom creation. // 8088 Sudley Road, Suite 207, Manassas
Way of Ink
This Springfield-based studio has a strong team of five tattoo artists covering a broad range of styles, and is currently open to serve the community during COVID-19. Walk-ins are welcome (as long as you’re wearing a mask!) but appointments are preferred, so even if you’re being spontaneous, plan ahead first. // 7700 F Backlick Road, Springfield
407 Tattoo & Piercing Studio
If you’re planning to get a tattoo but are worried about going in for a consultation—at least for the time being—this Woodbridge-based studio is doing email consultations, as long as you have the information you need to be successful during the meeting. Size, style, color and area of the body are ideal, and the studio can get you an appointment when you’re ready to take the leap. // 13520 Jefferson Davis Highway, Woodbridge
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