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Where are you located?

Our 1200 sq. foot studio is located at 1075-114 Garrisonville Road (VA-610 West), Stafford, Virginia which is 1 mile northwest of North Stafford High school in the Patton K Plaza at the intersection of Patton Dr./Garrisonville Rd. Plenty of off-street parking is available in our lot. Our shop is 4 miles west on VA-610 from exit 143B on I-95.

What are your hours of operation?

We operate from Noon-9pm Wednesday through Sunday. We are closed Mondays, Tuesdays and all holidays. Our motto for inclement weather is "if it snows, we close!"

What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, credit/debit cards with the Visa/Mastercard logo, gift certificates.

How do I get to Dark Horse Tattoo Studio?

From the North:
Take I-95 South, take exit 143B (Garrisonville/Aquia).
Stay in left lane as you approach the light at Garrisonville Rd(Rt.610)W.
Take Garrisonville Rd.(Rt.610) West 4 miles from the exit.
We are located at the intersection of Patton Dr./Garrisonville Rd
1075 Garrisonville Rd., Unit 114, Stafford, VA 22556.

From the South:
Take I-95 North to exit 143B (Garrisonville/ Aquia).
At light make left onto Rt.1(Jefferson Davis Hwy.) North
Then make left at light for Garrisonville Rd.(Rt 610)West
Take Garrisonville Rd.(Rt.610) 4 miles West from the exit.
We are located at the intersection of Patton Dr./Garrisonville Rd
1075 Garrisonville Rd., Unit 114, Stafford, VA.

Can I get tattooed TODAY?

Maybe. We take walk-ins every day if there is an artist available. Come as early as possible and if there is time and an artist is available, we will tattoo you. If a walk-in is not possible we do take appointments every day.

We highly recommend appointments if you don’t want a long wait or if your work requires custom drawing (although sometimes quick art modifications can be done on the spot). Walk-ins are not designed for extensive custom work that requires advanced planning such as "sleeving out".

You will need to come with a copy of your design (or pick from our collection) and it should be ready to be tattooed. The artist will do minor alterations but walk-ins are not designed for large custom pieces because these types of tattoos take time and advanced planning. If we do not have the time to do your tattoo immediately, we can book you with an appointment.

Do I need ID?

Yes, we require valid government issued identification each and every time even if we’ve worked with you before. ID establishes your identity as well as your age for verification purposes which the state requires.

Does getting a tattoo hurt?

Yes, tattoos hurt but most tolerate the sensation better than they imagine they would. Tattooing is a stinging sensation. Some areas are more painful than others depending on the person and her or his individual tolerance to discomfort. Happily, most folks tell us it’s not as bad as they imagined it to be.

Does getting a piercing hurt?

Yes, it’s a sharp pinch but it’s over pretty quickly. You’ll probably be very pleased by the swiftness of the procedure.

Should I tip my provider?

All providers work on straight commission and tips account for a large portion of their income just like waitresses or stylists. That being said, a tip is based on your satisfaction and not required. What is a typical tip? Use a waitress’ scale – 20% is common for good service.

Are tattoos and piercings addictive?

Not in the clinical sense, but once someone knows what a tattoo or piercing feels like, their fear level goes down and he or she usually gets more than one. Acceptance is very high for tattoos and piercings and because body modification doesn’t carry the stigma it once did, more and more people feel free to express themselves as individuals. All this means, is that you might the like the result enough to get more than one tattoo or piercing.

Do you accept minors for piercings or tattoos? Do I need to bring anything?

Dark Horse Tattoos chooses to accept minor clients on a case by case basis. Each piercer or tattoo artist may have his or her own guidelines. Please feel free to call or check with the provider on staff that day.
Minors must be at least 16 years old and bring their legal parent* and provide the following:
state ID, driver's license, or passport
AND
birth certificate
AND
parent's or legal guardian’s state ID, driver's license, or passport (parent must be present). In the case of legal guardianship, according to the law, we must see the court documents and cannot accept your word for the relationship.

Also note:
If there has been a name change (ie, child's name does not match parent's), you must provide documentation of the name change. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to verify parent and child - you could be someone the kid paid $50 off the street and we do NOT want to get sued when some irate parents demand to know why we modified their child.

How much does a tattoo cost?

Our minimum price on any tattoo is $50. Large scale work like sleeves is $125 per hour. A nonrefundable $50 deposit is due for appointments and/or custom work; this deposit comes off the total cost of the tattoo.

Total cost is based on total size, body placement and the details of the design. Coming in to the studio in person with your design (if you have one) is the ONLY way to get a price on a tattoo as we can’t price designs over the Internet, by fax, phone or mail.

Our tattoo prices cover one of the very cleanest and safest environment in which you can be tattooed. Regardless of the size of your tattoo, from a full sleeve to a tiny dot, the single use set up costs the artist the same which is why there is no discount for multiple people getting the same design. Prices also reflect the overhead of the business - everything from materials, to licensing, to insurance, to taxes are included as a part of the cost of the service just like it is for any legit business from hair-styling to neurosurgery.

For small designs we can usually quote a flat fee for the work. For larger designs, we will quote an hourly fee or a session fee. If your dream tattoo costs more than you expected, it’s best to save your money so you can get what you want rather than compromise your standards because after all, tattoos last a lifetime.

REMEMBER: The sweetness of a cheap price is long forgotten over the lingering bitterness of a bad tattoo.

How much does a piercing cost?

Most single hole piercings average between $50-60 depending on jewelry choice with the exception of lower ear lobe piercing which is $20 per hole with a captive bead ring. Piercings consisting of two holes like industrials, snakebites, spiderbites and so forth run $80 and up based on jewelry. If you need a specific piercing price call us at 540-288-8370.

For intial piercings we use American made jewelry that is 316LVM medical implant grade stainless steel rather than junky foreign made mall jewelry.

Are the needles new?

In accordance with Virginia law, all needles are brand new, sterilized and single use for each and every client. Needles are discarded in an approved sharps container after use.

What do you use to sterilize non-disposable tools?

We use the same hospital-grade sterilization as hospitals or dental offices through the use of one of our two new Tuttnaur 1730 autoclave sterilizers. Autoclaves combine extreme pressure and high temperatures to destroy microbial agents (bacteria & viruses) resulting in sterility. Our autoclaves are subject to spore testing by an independent agency to ensure they are properly functioning.

Are the inks new?

The pigments used in tattooing are poured into tiny single use ink caps and discarded after the tattoo is completed.

Do I need an appointment for a consultation?

You do not need an appointment for a consultation and can come in any time we are open. Consultations are always free of charge.

When should I get a consultation prior to being tattooed?

You should assume you need a consultation prior to making an appointment if you want custom work, extensive work, need an exisiting problem fixed or plan to add on to existing tattoos.

What else do you do to protect my health?

All providers are trained in CPR, Basic First Aid, & Universal Precautions and are licensed by the state for their vocation. All items that a provider uses including arm rests, wash bottles, power dials and machine cords are covered in a non porous barrier such as plastic bags, barrier film, dental bibs or finger cots. All horizontal surfaces are disinfected before and after use with a hospital grade disinfectant known to be effective against blood borne pathogens. Finally we sweep the area with UV light which is known by the CDC to destroy the DNA/RNA of all bacteria & viruses.

Are you licensed?

Our studio itself and all our artists & piercers are licensed by Virginia’s Department of Professional Occupational Regulation. Feel free to come in and check out our licenses which are posted in plain view.

Can I get my tattoo or piercing in private?

Absolutely. We have private individual procedure rooms to serve you. You do, however, have the option to bring 1 guest into your procedure room if it comforts you. And remember, ALL minors must have a parent present.

How do I set up an appointment?

For piercings, we do not take appointments because they are so quick to complete – it’s a first-come, first-served basis for all piercings.

For a tattoo, you must speak to a tattoo artist in person prior to getting an appointment for a tattoo so we know how much time to book and what is involved in your piece. A $50 NONREFUNDABLE deposit is required for all appointments and no artist will work on your artwork without a deposit.

Once you have reviewed our portfolios, you will have an idea whose style you like. Not every provider works every day and you must speak to the artist in person before an appointment can be set. This consultation gives you and the artist time to discuss your ideas.

Your artist will ask you exactly how you want your tattoo to look so it is important to have given this permanent change in your appearance lots of thought. If you can’t convey what you like, it’s very difficult for even the most talented tattoo artist to guess correctly, so if you have reference material (images from magazines or the internet), bring it with you so the artist can see what you like.

Once you have consulted an artist in person you may set up an appointment at the time of the consultation. Sometimes detailed custom work must be drawn up prior to getting an accurate quote and a deposit is required before any artist will work on your tattoo design. This ensures artists aren’t wasting their time drawing art for people who are not actually ready to get tattooed.

What is your deposit policy?

1. All appointments (and custom art) require a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit. Deposits are always non-refundable under all circumstances even if you decide not to get tattooed or simply do not show up for your appointment for any reason.
2. Deposits come off the total cost of your tattoo. In the case of a multi-session tattoo, tattoos are taken off the LAST session.
3. Deposit are for a specific design, so if you change designs you may be required to put down a new deposit if the artist put work into custom art based on the original idea you set the appointment for.
4. Appointments can be changed but a minimum of 24 hour hours notice is required so the artist can fill the slot in her or his schedule.
5. If you are asked to bring reference material in advance of your appointment so the artist can work on your design and you fail to do so as requested, you can lose your deposit.
6. Deposits are for a tattoo not artwork; the artist retains the artwork which was created for the appointment.
7. All deposits expire if work is not under-taken within 6 months of today’s date unless other arrangements are agreed upon in writing.

Can I bring my own picture in?

We encourage you to bring pictures in to help describe how your tattoo should look. Images help artists and clients to get on the same page when discussing styles, colors and symbolism. Even if the image isn’t exactly what you want if there is something about the picture you like it can help convey to your artist the final look you’re going for and almost any image can be turned into a custom tattoo made to fit. Naturally if you need us to redraw a sketch you have, we can do that to although a deposit is required for us to work on any tattoo design.

How do I care for my new tattoo?

You were tattooed in a modern studio with sterilized instruments and pigment. The long term appearance of your tattoo is dependent on the care it receives in the next few days. Following these instructions will ensure that it heals quickly and remains attractive.
• After approximately 2 to 4 hours, remove the bandage that the artist applied. If you notice that the bandage has dried to the tattoo simply wet the bandage with luke warm water and remove it slowly.
• Wash the tattoo with a mild hand soap and warm water, rubbing the tattoo with your fingers until all of the dried blood has been removed. DO NOT scrub or wash your tattoo with any type of abrasive cloth.
• Once the tattoo is clean, blot it dry (being careful not to use anything abrasive). Allow the tattoo to air dry completely.
• Then once the tattoo is dry to the touch, apply a very small amount of a mild dye-free, scent-free moisturizer (available for purchase at the front desk) to the tattoo and surrounding tissue. Massage the lotion into the tattoo with your fingertip. It is VERY important that you use a very tiny amount of lotion, just enough to make it moist. If you see a greasy sheen, you have applied too much. If this occurs, gently blot the excess off.
• Clean the tattoo and apply the lotion every two hours for the first 2-3 days. After the third day, apply lotion 3-5 times a day until the tattoo is completely healed.
• For the first two weeks, do NOT go into the swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, tanning bed, or lay out in the sun. The only exposure to water should be your regular showers. Be careful not to let the shower water beat directly on the tattoo for an extended period of time.
• Do NOT re-bandage the tattoo. Use only lotion. Keep clean, loose clothing over the new tattoo.
• Do NOT scratch, pick at, or peal the new tattoo.
• Do NOT expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight.
• Once the tattoo is healed we recommend using 15-30 SPF sunscreen when the tattoo is exposed to the sun.

How long will it take for my tattoo to heal?

Generally most tattoos heal in 2-3 weeks depending on its location, the care given while it’s healing and the general health of the client. You may notice some slight swelling and soreness for a day or two afterwards. Most people peel/flake like a bad sunburn. Generally, the peeling starts in 3 or 4 days after you are tattooed and tends to be very itchy. Don’t pick at a flaky tattoo!

Sometimes people get scabs. This usually happens if the client was a heavy bleeder, clothing created a friction burn or the tattoo got water-logged. If this happens do not pick the scab! Let the scab fall off naturally.

Healing a tattoo is not like caring for any other wound. Never use peroxide, rubbing alcohol, aloe, cocoa butter or other products we don’t recommend. Don’t take advice from your friends, the internet or other tattoo studios. Part of the price you paid to get your tattoo is for our expertise in the art of tattooing. Call the studio or stop by if you have questions.

How long will it take for my piercing to heal?

The healing process of piercing varies greatly based on the body part that was pierced, the material inserted, the aftercare received and the general health of the body in question, so please stop by to talk to the piercer for more detailed information.

Can I get my fresh tattoo wet?

You must wash your tattoo and your friends really like it when you shower regularly. However, you should avoid soaking in any type of water. So if you plan to go to some decadent tropical location go on Spring Break, get your tattoo after you come home!

I want a piercing, but my job/school/etc wouldn’t like it, can you pierce with clear jewelry or retainers?

Many retainers available on the market are not recommended for initial piercing, so please come in and ask a piercer to discuss your options.

If I can’t get my jewelry back in after taking it out, what should I do?

Swing by the shop! We’re happy to help with our professional tools which make jewelry insertion a snap.

How many tattoos or piercings is it possible to get at one time?

We usually say that two procedures at once won’t over-tax your body. Remember your body has a limit to how many wounds it can handle healing at one time.

How long should I wait in between stretching a piercing?

Trying to gauge up too quickly can really cause problems in your healing, so please come in to discuss the pros and cons of the different techniques practiced with our piercer.

How long do I need to wait to go swimming after a piercing/tattoo?

For a tattoo we recommend you wait a minimum of three weeks.
For a piercing, it is recommended that you avoid swimming or soaking until you are healed. Please ask your piercer for further information.


How long after getting a tattoo do I need to wait to start tanning again?

We recommend waiting at least three weeks until your tattoo is completely healed Once you are healed use SPF-30 or higher to limit the inevitable fading that tanning and sun exposure causes.

My tattoo is peeling, flaky or scabby. Is that normal?

Yes, sloughing off the skin is a natural part of the healing process and it’s best to let the scabs fall off on their own, so don’t pick or scratch and you’ll be just fine!

Do you offer apprenticeships in tattooing or piercing?

For those who want to become licensed professional tattoo artists, we offer that training for a fee. We don't apprentice body piercers.

Do your tattoo artists only offer one style of work?

We’re artistically versatile and offer many styles of work from simple small pieces to glorious large scale custom creations. Our portfolios feature many styles including, but not limited to, traditional American and neo-traditional work, Japanese work, photo-realism, grey-wash, black-work, portraiture, cartoons, and more. Drop by the studio and talk with our staff to discover just how artistically versatile our artists are.

Do you mostly tattoo men or only have designs that appeal to men?

No! Unlike most studios, we have a massive collection of artwork in our portfolios and on our walls meant to cater to women as well as men. Our clients represent a nearly perfect 50/50 split in gender! We have the best of both worlds and our designs aren’t the old, tired designs that look like they were drawn by a high-school drop-out in detention– we have THOUSANDS of fresh, exciting artistic works to choose from. From celtic to crosses, butterflies to fairies, flowers to flags, we have one of the very best design collections in Northern Virginia bar none. And don’t forget we can take your special idea and make it into a custom tattoo just for you.

Are you hiring?

We’re always willing to review talented professional artists’ and piercers’ portfolios. We also review receptionist applications regularly. Download the application listed under "Employment" and bring it to the front desk at the studio or you can mail it to us.

Can I get an infection from a tattoo or piercing?

There is virtually no chance of getting an infection from the PROCESS of getting a tattoo or piercing since we sterilize all procedural equipment and use new sterile needles for each and every client. That being said caring for your new tattoo or piercing while it is healing is up to YOU and if you don’t take care of it properly as we advise, you CAN get an infection. After all, tattoos and piercings are OPEN WOUNDS and must be treated appropriately.

What do I do if I think I have an infection?

If you think you are in dire need of medical attention, see a doctor immediately because we are not doctors nor should any of our advice be construed as a medical diagnosis. If you don’t believe you are in dire need of medical attention but still have questions, come by the studio for a provider to take a look if you are concerned.

Please do not CALL and ask our opinion on a procedure we are unable to SEE; you must COME IN.

How long will my procedure take?

In general a piercing will take 20 minutes barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Tattoos on the other hand vary greatly in time based on the size, placement, details of the design, skin condition and client tolerance. Small tattoos can usually be estimated very accurately in terms of the time it takes to complete them (barring unforeseen circumstances) so ask how long your piece will take when you sign up. A general guideline in time estimation is below for multi-sitting, large-scale work but this is only an estimate not a guarantee. Final time estimation depends greatly on the details in the image and client tolerance.

• Full Back Pieces: 20 to 100 hours
• Full Arm Sleeve: 10 to 40 hours
• Half Sleeve: 4 to 20 hours
• Quarter Sleeve: 3 to 10 hours
• Forearm Gauntlet: 3 to 10 hours
• Rib Panel: 3 to 30 hours
• Chest Plate: 3 to 30 hours
• Leg Sock: 10 to 50 hours

Large scale work is paid for over time with payment due at the time of each session rather than beforehand or after it’s finished. It is expensive based on the time, creativity and attention to detail involved but paying as you go helps. Your best bet for an estimate is to consult with an artist so you can discuss your tattoo specifically.

Can you tattoo ANYTHING?

No. Not every image is tattoo-able though most any image can be modified to become a successful tattoo if you take your artist’s expertise and experience into account. Some details might need to be removed or the scale or placement might need to be changed. You are paying in part for our expert advice in the skill of tattooing, so we heartily recommend you accept our goal is your satisfaction with a tattoo that will be successful and gracefully weather the years to come.

Can I get a color tattoo if I am dark skinned?

Just because you aren’t ghostly white, doesn’t mean color is always precluded. Ask you artist what will work best with your skin tone but do realize even the most bright & vibrant of colors will look duller on darker skin.

Why can’t I have a detailed tattoo design done super small?

Be afraid! Too small tattoos just don’t hold up over time. Teeny tiny tattoos will turn into an indistinguishable blob. Every tattoo expands with age in every single person. The body is a living canvas and life means wear and tear; biological change is inevitable. Your artist can explain scale limitations in person.

Why should I avoid tattoos with many geometric elements and straight lines?

First off the body is never perfectly flat so even properly placed these elements tend not to look accurate. The body has a tendency to sag with age so geometric shapes and straight lines droop and distort as you move forward in life. Pregnancy, weight gain/loss and a loss of skin elasticity also effect linear elements badly. In other words a perfect circle or a perfect square is guaranteed not to stay that way for life in living skin; that’s the breaks kiddies – age affects us all! Chances are that linear tattoo won’t look linear let alone good in the future. Organic shapes flow with the body and age better.

What should I do to prepare for my appointment?

• First be on time. Providers schedule work based on your punctuality; their very livelihoods depend upon it, so please, please, please be on time.
• Get plenty of sleep the night before.
• Drink plenty of water the day of your appointment.
• Eat sensibly and eat directly before your appointment. You are less likely to feel faint if your blood sugar level is normal.
• Wear appropriate clothing. We need bare skin to tattoo/pierce and we don’t want to mess up fancy clothing. Think ahead about what needs to be exposed and then dress appropriately with something loose-fitting.
• Bring your i-Pod. Music helps. Seriously.
• Do NOT bring a gaggle of friends/family to your appointment; only 1 guest is allowed in the procedure room and that guest must be at least 16 years old. Remember this is permanent and your provider must concentrate.
• Do NOT bring children. Our liability insurance bars them from entering the procedure rooms for everyone’s safety and we regretfully do not provide baby-sitting services.
• Do NOT drink alcohol or take drugs. The law demands we turn you away in such a case and you would lose your deposit. In fact, we prefer you don’t drink the night before either; ANY alcohol thins out the blood resulting in excessive bleeding which can negatively impact your work’s results.
• Do NOT apply Emla cream. The law forbids us to work on you in such a case. Emla & lydicane creams make your tissue swell and resist the needle. In the case of a piercing swell can make jewelry placement crooked. In the case of a tattoo swell hinders the needle’s penetration so depositing tattoo pigment doesn’t work well – your tattoo would end up looking faded and old from the get-go.
• Do NOT take painkillers. All OTC and prescription drugs have a blood-thinning agent meant to assist the effect of the drug upon the body. Drugs are not very effective in blocking the pain of tattoo or piercing; tattoos and piercings hurt and that is simply the truth. Bearing the sensation is simply part of the process.

What do I do if I feel faint, light-headed or nauseous before, during or after a procedure?

Tell your provider immediately. Do not try to ignore your body! While feeling sick is fairly uncommon, it’s not unheard of and we know what to do. Let us help!

Can you complete unfinished work or fix a bad tattoo?

Possibly. Show us what you have and we’ll talk about the possibilities.

Can you re-color an old tattoo?

It depends on the tattoo. Most of the time we can re-work old pieces to make them look like new again by re-inking them. Sometimes, especially in cases where tattoos were done too-small in the first place, you may only have covering it up or lasering it off as an option. We’ll give you our best advice if you show us what you have.

Can you cover up a tattoo I am no longer satisfied with?

Often times we can but sometimes we can’t (especially in the case of a very dark dense black piece or a situation where you are trying to cover up something that’s already been covered once). Cover Ups are a more specialized art unto themselves and not every artist wants to deal with fixing a bad piece of work. If we think we can create a successful tattoo, we will. If not, we might recommend lasering the tattoo a few times to lighten it to the point where your cover up options greatly expand.

Can you re-pierce someone?

Most times we can correct a piercing gone wrong. Speak to a piercing professional at the shop for a case-by-case analysis.

Can you tattoo me with glow-in-the-dark (black light reactive) ink?

No. Our insurance forbids it. Additionally, no one here is really convinced it’s safe or long-lasting.

Will my hair grow back over a tattoo?

Yes. Tattooing does not retard hair growth.

Can you tattoo over scars or stretch-marks?

Maybe. It depends on your skin and the marks in question.

Can you tattoo ANY body part?

All skin can be tattooed but not all skin tattoos well. For example, the palms of the hands do not tattoo well because you simply “wear off” the tattoo in most cases.

Can you remove any tattoo by laser?

Not necessarily. The owner has had laser removal done on some of her tattoos and one can see a “ghost” outline of the former tattoos. Swing by the shop if you want to talk to her about the process. The only way to completely remove a tattoo is surgery and in such a case, a scar would inevitably result. While lasering is a great option, it’s not realistic to expect it to restore skin to it’s pre-tattooed state. It can definitely lighten work, especially black and color to a lesser degree, which can give more cover-up options.