Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Marlowe Ink

    4.1 (132 reviews)
    ModerateTattoo, Piercing
    Open 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

    By appointment only

    Updated 2 months ago

    Services - Marlowe Ink

    Tattooing

    Marlowe Ink Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Marlowe Ink

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    tattoo

    this place is amazing, my mom was getting a very elaborate piece done by Anya and I decided to get my first tattoo at the shop. My tattoo artist was Jen Root. she was super sweet and made sure that all my questions were answered, gave me a stress ball when it hurt and her room was super cute and welcoming. she let me know I could take breaks whenever I wanted to. The tattoo was exactly what I wanted, and she made sure that we stayed right in my budget. would definitely come here again!

    Small script tattoo
    Ciara K.

    All around great experience. So professional right away in their management and scheduling for consultations, as well as the actual booking. Ken was my artist and was great to work with. He explained everything on our consult, things I hadn't even thought of. On the day of the appointment, Ken was a super fun guy to be around and chat with while we prepped to begin and during. It was a very relaxed space with definite mindfulness of Covid precautions. My tattoo was pretty small, but I'm so in love with it. I would highly recommend if you're looking for script or for elaborate artwork.

    Work in progress-I'm in LOVE! Thanks Phil!
    Katie S.

    I am about 3/4 of the way done with a large piece that Phil created for me and I could not be any happier with the results so far! I have been holding off on this review since I'm not technically done yet, but since Marlowe Ink is looking at expanding to Old Town Alexandria I figure now is as good of time as any to get my thoughts out there. First of all, it's a really nice space. It's located in the heart of Fairfax City, across the street from what used to be TT's (dating myself a little with that one, I know), next to Bellisimo, just up a steep staircase and through the magical door on the right. Once you reach it, the waiting room is vibrant and colorful and there is plenty to occupy yourself if you find yourself waiting for someone. Second, and most importantly, they have some really great talent! I picked Phil for my piece since his flowers are some of the best I have ever seen, but I would be comfortable being tattooed by any of their very talented artists. Each artist has their own preferred style, so I would suggest checking out their portfolios (either online or in person) and booking with whom you feel suits you best. Also fairly important, I think the entire process has been simple and straight forward so far. I have found interacting with Kim at the desk to be pleasant and professional; she's actually been really helpful to me when booking appointments or at answering my random questions. Plus the overall vibe of the shop is everyone seems to like each other and are interested in what each other is doing. I have about ten hours under my belt now on this project and feel very comfortable at Marlowe Ink. Sadly, you can't always say that about a tattoo shop, but walking in the door here I always know I will be pleased with the results and my interactions with their staff. Lastly, and I would be remiss for not mentioning this, I have to give props to Rob their piercer. I actually followed him here from another shop (yeah he's that awesome) and he's pretty much the reason I finally found an artist I could entrust with what I am working on. A+ all around. Fairfax is lucky to have them and Alexandria would be too!

    Papo (top), Reyna (bottom) and Tito (side)

    Been working with Anya for years on my dog tattoos. And This is my 3rd time at Marlowe Ink (was tattooed by another artist in 2009). From 2009 until now things have changed a bit visually but the customer service has always been on point. This year I finally got around to scheduling my session with Anya for my youngest baby @MargaritaTheCleftie (FB and IG). But Covid had other plans for all of us. Throughout the shut down, Kim (manager) reached out to me via the telephone with updates. To me, that meant a lot cause it shows she wanted to personally make sure I was up to date with what was happening at the shop and was ready to answer any questions at that moment. Two weeks ago I got a phone call from Kim stating that they were ready to see me at the shop and I scheduled my appointment for today. I showed up 5min before my appointment and was created at the door as it's locked for Covid safety reasons. They provide hand sanitizer and cups to put clean and used pens in. Everyone in the shop had a mask on as well. The entire spot was clean! Once everything was filled out, Anya was ready to put her skills to work. When she placed the stencil on me, it was game time. We had a great convo and she made sure to check on me every so often to ensure I was doing ok. I laid there like a log for her so I guess she wanted to make sure I was still alive. lol. When she was finished, I was left speechless. I'm a grown man and I'll say this with no care in the world. I cried when I saw the finished product. There's a long story/history with Margarita and her ties to my grandmother who passed away in 2017. All my dogs are special to me, but she's different. With that said, trust Marlowe Ink and put all your trust in Anya, especially with pet portraits. Everyone there is a pleasure to work with. I'm attaching the pictures of my dog's tattoos. The ones with the Cuban link chains were done at Marlowe Ink but all 4 were done by Anya.

    Marlowe ink is the place to for your first or next tattoo. Located in the heart of northern va this shop is easily accessible with good parking. The owner James is awesome

    By James Marlowe
    Jey J.

    I have been coming to Marlowe Ink for 10 years now. I typically see James Marlowe but recently saw Corey Taylor for my finger tattoo. I have nothing to say but positive things about this business. They are so incredibly friendly and welcoming from the moment you step in. I have have Jaq (I am not going to attempt to spell her name and butcher it. She's a piercer.) Change out my tragus piercing and she didn't even charge. Every time I get tattooed here I feel comfortable and they do an amazing job of keeping up conversation so it's not just odd and awkward laying/sitting there. I recommend them to everyone. The remodel that they have done is also amazing. Do not park in the small lot near the shop or else you will get towed (thankfully this has never happened to me before however there is a free parking lot at the top of the hill (gravel not pavement) and it's a one block walk over. Ample parking there! I've been seeing Misti Kilgore's work on Facebook recently and Instagram and it is absolutely everything that I love. I am trying to figure out free time so I can go see her to get my next piece done! So excited!

    Courtesy of Hayden Abernathy
    Annie Z.

    Warning: lengthy and gushy review ahead. Marl{owe}? More like Marl{oh-em-gee}! This place is AMAZING. There is no other way to put it. I kind of stumbled upon Marlowe to get my nose pierced one weekend in a fit of impulsiveness, and immediately felt at ease - Rob was so quick and did an utterly perfect job! - and I knew that I would be comfortable getting inked here (for the first time) as well. Little did I know how much more I was going to love it once I met my tattoo artist! (Also, I am kind of obsessed with the smell of this place - it is incredibly immaculate, for one thing! Smells - and looks and feels - very, very clean. Take this from the most OCD person on the planet). One of the front desk ladies booked me with Hayden for a consultation a few days later (post piercing), and everything went as smooth as could be expected. First things first: Hayden is without a doubt the cutest, funniest, and most down-to-earth (and easy to talk to) gal I think I have ever met! I was so nervous bringing in my design (because I wanted it to be perfect and also didn't know what to expect, having never sat down with a tattoo artist before) - and nervous about the process - and she made it a total BREEZE. She is just an absolute doll; don't take my word for it, go see for yourself! Hayden was able to squeeze me in the day after my consultation, since she had had a cancellation, which was perfect. The actual appointment went SO well: she talked me through everything, and kept me distracted while she was inking. She was so quick and yet also so thorough; why can't the rest of our adult lives run as smoothly?! Riddle me that. The tattoo itself brings tears to my eyes every time I look at it - it is in memory of 2 of my favorite people - both whom I lost this year: my grandpa and my college best friend. Hayden took my design and brought it to life; in the process, she also assuaged my fears (mainly about perceived pain - it was no worse than getting blood drawn at the doctor's) and made it the most seamless and wonderful experience. I will absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt, turn to Hayden and Marlowe Ink should I decide to get another tattoo (which, I will admit, is probably inevitable!) In conclusion, I cannot recommend Marlowe Ink (and Hayden Abernathy) enough! They are professional, thorough, clean (fastidious even!); from what I can deduce, one of the BETTER and more sought-after tattoo/piercing establishments in the area. Hayden is a gem, and if you can get an appointment with her, you won't regret it!

    Skin rip Caps Tattoo
    Amy J.

    Jackson (who's moved to the Alexandria location) did my very first tattoo. He's amazing, fun to work with and made my first tattoo experience that much better! Incredible talent and he loves Wu-Tang! Thanks Jackson!!

    Nancy N.

    My husband and I absolutely love Anya G. as our tattoo artist! For me she created a piece by Audrey Kawasaki on my arm (perfect shading and colors that is pretty stunning!), and for my husband, she's currently constructing and designing an original Anya sleeve design of a tiger, dragon, with more to come! Anya is a prodigy as her colors are deep, artistic, and this lady works super fast and so detailed-oriented that we are amaze of her skills! For my piece, which is about 5-6 inches long and 4-5 inces wide, she was able to finish the entire Kawasaki girl in 3 hours! The shading and color today is still vibrant (had her tattoo done in 2014) AND her line work is on point! The outline and all lining in my girl is so straight you would think someone printed the portrait on my arm instead of someone etching and filling in the tattoo. Anya is quick, fun, and has so much personality. I would def. recommend her over and over to everyone who wants a great tattoo and art experience that will last for a life time. Marlowe Ink as a studio itself is nice, professional, and easy to find. There is easy parking with options of a parking lot or street parking.

    Not complete yet but linework is dope!
    Sandra G.

    This place is freaking awesome, heard so many things about the artists here and finally got the chance to go with a friend who had scheduled a consult. Danny genuinely took interest in the design I wanted, I wanted Vincent Valentine from Final Fantasy VII. He is such a contrast from my already bright sleeve, but so far, Danny has been working wonders with Vincent's cape, it looks so dope! With anime/video game tattoos, you seriously have to find artists who know a great deal about linework and coloring, and about the genre in general. They have to be fans of it, which Danny is, which also put my mind at ease. The environment is great, clean, awesome to look around at all the artwork on the wall. The banter between artist is hilarious, music choice is great as well (watch out for the laugh track they like to play lol) Definitely reccomend this shop to anyone looking for great artwork for great deals!

    .

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    23 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of N R.
    87
    38
    0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wilson R.
    176
    18
    14

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jey J.
    272
    163
    25

    13 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy J.
    1
    23
    19

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of N H.
    0
    14
    1

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    20 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of James M.

    James M.

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carla C.
    78
    43
    14

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam J.
    62
    91
    154

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Marlowe Ink

    Review Highlights - Marlowe Ink

    James is the owner and not taking new clients so I feel elite because I can get work done with him.

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Patriots Tattoo Piercing - freshly tattooed inner forearm-- done by Mauricio

    Patriots Tattoo Piercing

    4.6(277 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    The best piercer in Northern VA. Super clean, very knowledgeable, and extremely detail-oriented…read more Piercings are something you live with for life, so you really have to love them. Lora is truly the best -- highly recommend. I used to have very low piercings and they looked terrible. I tried getting stacked piercings at Rowan, but the nurse (piercer) didn't really know what they were doing. My ears were poked multiple times, nothing was lined up, and it just looked off. Even though I paid a lot, I ended up taking them out. Then I went to Lora -- she immediately understood what I wanted, walked me through everything, and gave thoughtful recommendations. The result looks SO much better. I honestly wish I had found her earlier. Do not go to places that use piercing guns or devices -- they don't follow your markings properly. Go to Lora.

    I've been going to Patriots for around 8 years now and they have never disappointed me. The…read moreservices i've received are; lobe piercings, nostril piercing, industrial piercing, shin tattoo, inner forearm tattoo, hip bone tattoo, and a front thigh tattoo. In addition, Patriots is my first to recommend when someone mentions seeking tattoos or piercings. I have numerous friends who also have tattoos from this shop. Following given care instructions, I've had great healing experiences with my tattoos and piercings. I've been to various tattoo artists and piercers here, my personal favorite has been Mauricio, tattoo artist. Curt is the shop manager and he's great, friendly and always welcoming. I'll continue to seek services at this studio in the future!

    Photos
    Patriots Tattoo Piercing - Logo and waiting area

    Logo and waiting area

    Patriots Tattoo Piercing
    Patriots Tattoo Piercing

    See all

    Brilliance Piercing

    Brilliance Piercing

    4.8(160 reviews)
    5.0 mi
    $$$

    I initially came here to get my ears repierced after they closed up during my postpartum period. I…read moreswallowed the high price tag expecting premium service, but their customer service is completely rigid and lacking any basic empathy. Be prepared to spend hundreds of dollars once you factor in the premium jewelry they require you to purchase. Their piercing appointments are scheduled for an hour, yet the actual piercing only takes about 5-10 minutes. A significant portion of the appointment is spent discussing and selling jewelry. The real problem came with the follow-up downsizing appointment. After they emailed me to schedule it, the earliest availability was about a month out. As a new mom coordinating childcare for a baby and making a 40-minute drive through NoVA traffic is not easy. The downsizing appointment itself is only scheduled for 20 minutes, which made what happened next even more frustrating. Unfortunately, there was a lot of traffic on a Saturday and I arrived 12 minutes late. When I got there, a front desk lady met me at the door and refused to let me in. My appointment was canceled on the spot because I hadn't called or texted to say I was running late. I was driving and not checking my phone, which apparently didn't matter. There was no flexibility, no understanding, and no sympathy whatsoever for any circumstances. I was told another client was waiting in their car. So after waiting a month for an appointment, arranging my schedule around a baby, and driving 40 minutes, I left without receiving any service at all. Their policies may be their policies, but customer service matters too. The experience felt cold, inflexible, and completely dismissive. Given how much time is built into their appointments and how heavily they emphasize jewelry sales, I was surprised there was absolutely no flexibility for a customer who was a little late due to traffic. There are plenty of piercing studios out there, and after this experience, I would absolutely not waste time here. The prices are already high, and the lack of consideration for customers and new moms made me feel like a lesser person.

    I got a helix piercing on both ears as redo from a previously botched job. I'm really happy to have…read morefound them because they actually educated me on piercing care, proper piercing process, etc. it was taking my piercings so long to heal, and I found out that they were pierced at an angle and weren't really going to heal. So I had to let them heal before I could get it done right. I had mostly had Jen do the piercings and the downsizing when it came time. She always gave feedback and was very patient with my questions as well. Tobias was the last person I saw for what was supposed to be a last downsize before I'm set until they heal, but they recommended I stick with the current post. So I actually didn't have to have anything else done. Now, I'm just waiting for my helixes to heal! Here are some more information that may help you determine if Brilliance Piercing is the studio for your piercing needs: they require appointments for any type of service (no drop-ins/walk-ins); they only work with jewelry they have for sale (I believe this is to ensure that the quality of the jewelry is top-notch and they know exactly the metal content - optimal healing conditions); when you have an appointment, you can't bring anyone with you; their jewelry are quite pricey, but not much more than other studios around. Their team is always upbeat, friendly, patient and knowledgeable: they will answer any question you may have and also always ensure you are aware of anything important regarding your piercing after care, etc. They have a wide selection of jewelry appropriate for whatever piercing you're getting! I'm happy with my experience and will come back for more piercings when I'm ready! I trust their professional opinions and also feel comfortable with the quality of their services. Definitely recommend.

    Photos
    Brilliance Piercing
    Brilliance Piercing
    Brilliance Piercing

    See all

    Rowan Fairfax Corner

    Rowan Fairfax Corner

    3.6(12 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    I went to Rowan to get a second lobe piercing, and I was very surprised!! Their staff was very kind…read moreand welcoming, and the space was inviting and clean. The nurse who did my piercing gave me plenty of time to decide if the placement was to my liking, and she made sure it was straight and aligned perfectly to my ear shape. They had many hypoallergenic earring options, and two different methods of piercing, which were device and needle piercing. I chose device since I was on a budget, and I was a little skeptical since I had gotten a piercing done with a piercing gun before (which ended badly) and was very painful. However, the device was hand pressured instead of spring loaded, and was a lot easier and quicker! The pain was very minimal, and there was almost no difference in pain between needle and device piercing. The staff ensured everything was completely sterilized, and gave me lots of proper care instructions. I would recommend for all ages!

    Rowan has lost my confidence and trust. The response to my report of a complication failed to meet…read moremy expectations for a company that markets itself as a service provided by "licensed medical professionals". This is not a medical practice. Nine weeks following a second lobe piercing, I woke up and realized that the labret of my flatback earring had embedded inside my lobe. I went directly to the studio and stated that I was having a complication and wanted to speak to the nursing supervisor. I was denied. I asked if there was one present. I was told yes, but again denied. The nurse I spoke to said she could help me. She assessed my ear. She said that maybe the back had fallen out. She correctly did not want to risk trying to get it out and referred me to Urgent Care. The doctor there was able to expel the labret by pushing the earring forward through the hole. She placed me on the antibiotic Cephalexin 250 mg 4x daily for 7 days and also ordered a tetanus shot. Hindsight is 20/20. I made the mistake of choosing my piercing method based on the jewelry I selected, which called for a "device" piercing. This IS a piercing gun, and there are plenty of reports of adverse outcomes resulting from piercings with this tool. Looking back I am also disappointed in the lack of patient education. If Rowan really wanted you to understand about needle gauge and post length in connection to swelling that is likely to occur they would post that information on their website. Instead they are happy to take your money to change a post when it becomes to tight when swelling occurs, then again, when it is too long after the swelling has gone down. Nobody has followed up with me. Rowan claims a 1% complication rate. Mine is a complication and nobody has documented it or followed up with me. I do not trust that claim and I will no longer do business with Rowan.

    Photos
    Rowan Fairfax Corner
    Rowan Fairfax Corner
    Rowan Fairfax Corner

    See all

    Marlowe Ink - tattoo - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...