Ben was my artist and he has now down two tattoos for me, one on my hip of two elephants and one on my ankle of a abstract star explosion. He made the process really easy and explained everything he was gonna do, where he would start and would stop clean it and ask how I was doing. As for the shop it was kept clean and well managed. It's a fun atmosphere, with a lot of life, if you have to wait (which isn't usually the case if you have an appointment) there is a lot of work to look at. Before we started he asked what song and put it on for me. He also kept the air at ease, never felt tense or unsure of everything when in his chair. The tattoos came out great and I'm in love with his work, its always clean and heals well. read more

Victoria is a awesome tattoo artist and Rick's is very cool.Victoria gave me the most beautiful shading on my swallows...I LOVE MY TATTOO..so awesome and beautiful..I could see beautifully blended shades with a delicacy that was next to perfect . It was obvious she put love into my tattoo. Everyone has been saying how beautiful they are...So I am very pleased! Simply Said, this tattoo parlour has a very cool old school feel in a awesome way. The artists were sketching and everyone was vibing. There was no prententiouness and that is very important when your about to do some thing that is meaningful to you. I felt very welcomed and met several artists there who were all very into art and eachother....very cool! read more

I wish I had asked for one of the women there -- the guy who gave me my tat kept talking and laughing - "Hhhhaaa Hhaaaa Hhaaaa" right into the area he was tattooing until I told him I needed quiet. He finished in less than an hour even though it was an intricate tat, and although the price was reasonable I'm still "paying" for that tat. It was red and swollen and painful for WEEKS. I washed it with antiseptic every day, but even after 2 months it still hurt-- it was looked at more than a few times at my HMO clinic and luckily, no infection, just a lot of pain. I finally had to put Tea Tree oil on it every day and now it still has issues but is healing. read more

Though the place looks sketchy on the outside, I totally recommend in terms of piercing (I don't have any tattoos). Blake and his coworkers really know what they are doing and give good advice as to your piercing. It is safe and clean and I love my new piercings. I will return when it is time for the next! read more

I will begin with the Pros: 1. Very clean shop - let's face it if a tattoo and piercing shop is not clean I strongly suggest you run as fast as possible out of the shop. 2. Very friendly staff - this helps after all when it comes to a tattoo no one would enjoy working with an artist that was not open, honest and willing to work out a design the consumer has in mind. 3. Price point is right on the money - pardon the pun - tattoos well good tattoos are not cheap - more on this concept later. 4. Post tattoo instructions as to how to care for your new art work is provided not only before you jump out of the chair - but in writing. Bottom line - pay attention to this part of the process. One Con: 1. The shop is not accessible if you are unable to walk up stairs - this is not a slam on the business just a simple fact. Who did I work with? - Troy Brett - in a few words, creative, open to design changes, keep in mind that his time is billable meaning if you ask for major changes to the approved design or if you ask for change after change the shop has the right to bill an additional fee. This is clearly outlined in the agreement - read all of the agreement sections. One other note - if you are not happy with the concept of the drawing - speak up, I know Troy will work with you, and I would be very surprised if the other artists would not do the same. A tattoo is forever, before you sit down and have ink added to your body - approve the art work, then go forward. Troy does have a book, so do the other artists, that contain sample of past work. Troy updates the book about once a year, so ask for more samples if you are unsure. Troy will provide you with an firm estimate, on the original design, before you book an appointment. Even if you are a walk in a price is provided up front. Am I happy with my new tattoo? I am indeed, very happy. so much that I set up an appointment to have a second tattoo done right after he completed the one I am reviewing today. What to expect? - Okay, I am not a newbie when it comes to having ink put on my body; however, the last tattoo I had done was in 1997 - so the industry has come a long way since then. First question out of the box - does it hurt? That is a subjective question, each person has a different pain tolerance or acceptance point, for me, I've yet to say that I felt pain while having a tattoo added, I have 15, counting the one just completed, hurt. Sting is a good word, but not pain. The newer machines and needles make the entire process even less uncomfortable. If at first it is a bit painful, take a few good deep breaths, look away, think calming thoughts and give it about 5 minutes after which time the body begins to send out endorphins and the area will develop a mild numbness reducing what you may have thought as pain to a sting or a mere odd sensation. How much will it cost? All depends, how large is the tattoo, how much color or line work is involved, how much detail and on and on. One thing I can easily state - a tattoo is art work, would you pay $5 for a good piece of art? NO! Then anticipate paying the artist for their talent and work, part of the fee goes to the artist and part goes to the shop. On average you are looking from $150, for a very small and simple line drawing, upwards to thousands of dollars. What to bring the day of the tattoo? - Cash, as Rick's does not accept credit or debit cards, there is an ATM in the shop if needed. Identification, must be government issued, so the your friends picture of you will not be accepted. Is there an age requirement? Yes, by law you must be at least 18, and prove it, your BFF is not proof. If you are under 18, bring along a parent or guardian, otherwise, do not show up or be prepared to leave. Things to keep in mind: 1. No food or drink allowed in the shop - back to the whole clean concept. 2. If you are not sitting in the tattoo chair - stay behind the "wall" and watch, one would hate for you the observer to bump into the hand of the person adding ink to someone's body. Whoops is not a good word to hear come out of the person controlling the ink flow out of the machine. 3. Follow the directions - tattoos do need to be cared for, common sense rules here, keep in clean, lightly add Aquaphor - which is recommend by the shop and Troy, for the first week. If during the healing process the area begins to itch - do not scratch - you can cause an infection or damage the tattoo itself. 4. Enjoy the new art work - show it off - assuming you can do so in public - be happy with your very own little piece of not to be seen again art work! Would I recommend this shop to a friend? - YES read more

My friend & I went in there to get some fairly simple script tattooed. The blowout on hers is tremendous, & I feel awful for having ever suggested this place. Mine looks like I did it myself with my left hand (I'm right-handed). I made the mistake of looking up the artist's instagram AFTER we were done. I wish I'd done so beforehand to avoid having to get my tattoo fixed elsewhere. read more

Saw Blake and had both lobes pierced, he did a good job and answered all my questions. He suggested a location on the lobe but I didn't like it and he was totally fine moving the location to one I was happy with (it's when they make a dot on your ear with a pen). He was quick and did a good job and I was happy with the way the piercings came out. Would recommend this place to anyone getting their ears pierced. It was $80 for both lobes so more pricey then doing it at the mall but they use a sterile needle so I hear it's better then just getting it done with the gun. I got a ring lolipop after the piercings were done, it helped with the pain! read more

The minimum is $80. Even for the SIMPLEST tattoo. Throw a tip on top and you're looking at wayyyy too much for a small outline, with no color, filling, shading, etc. read more

Cons: The place is a little shady. I thought it added to the experience, but my friend was not impressed. I remember the girl at the desk having major attitude(she might not still work there; it was over a year ago.) I get it- I would be annoyed too if I spent half my day making appointments for lower back tattoos of butterflies or answering 16-year-old's questions about navel piercings. However, I did neither, and didn't need any of her condescension when I was paying. The aftercare instructions I received said to use Neosporin. I realize that it's debatable about whether or not that's good for the tattoo, and it's probably fine for most people. Let's just say that it wasn't fine for me. I eventually noticed four or five bumps in my completely shaded tattoo, leaving tiny spots where the ink came off. Although this isn't that noticeable to others, it's obvious to me. I don't want to spend $50 (the usual shop minimum) getting it retouched at another shop, so I'm waiting until I get my next tattoo (probably at Jinx Proof) and asking them to fix it at the same time. Pros: I came in with a easy design I drew up, but Duong was hesitant to just slap it on me. He explained that some parts of what I drew would distort over time and that some pieces needed to be larger in order to get all of the detail. He made several adjustments until he came up with something that he could do and I would be happy with. He then made some changes while I was actually being inked, freehanding some great details that I didn't think of. The care he put into making it a good and lasting design is what earned the three stars. He's also just a cool, relaxed guy who puts you at ease. I'm annoyed that I have to get it touched up, but I don't regret going to him. read more

This place is incredible, no doubt they only hire the best. I've gotten tattoos here from several artists, all insanely talented... also been pierced by Blake and Craig, both are awesome. Super clean and professional shop, and the artists work with you to make sue you're getting what you want, and its going to withstand time. Tats are an investment, these guys/gals get it, and take pride in their work. Amy has done a lot of my back, and I would give her infinite stars if it was an option. You can't go wrong at Rick's. read more

I'd been thinking for nearly a year of my next tattoo...I knew what I wanted but wasn't sure where it'd go, where I'd get it, etc. I read about a few different tattoo parlors in the DC metro area and settled between Rick's and Bethesda Tattoo Co. BTC was closed the Sunday I called so I called Rick's and they were very friendly immediately. I stopped by and immediately came across Amy. So I immediately felt like Amy knew her stuff. She blew me away with her sense of humor and knowledge of dragons! I left a deposit, a picture of what I wanted, and made an appointment to return. When I returned, Amy had done an amazing job with the drawing. We made a few changes and got to the inking right away. The entire procedure was relaxing and an overall good experience. Her level of detail and technical ability was excellent and her interpersonal skills just simply made her AWESOME. I highly recommend Amy. read more

I had a cartilage piercing here about 10 yrs ago & had an awesome experience. Everything was as smooth as silk. I went back about a week ago & it was pretty much the exact opposite. Usually when I get pierced after the needle goes through the jewelry slips in almost unnoticed. In this case it was forced through, which means the earring was to big for the needle used. The piercer also had a lot of trouble getting the ball in. He did apologize which was nice. I have sat through a half sleeve so it wasn't like I was writhing in pain. Strike one, that night I was gently cleaning the pierced area & the ball fell out (if you've ever been pierced before, if you're reading this I'm guessing you have, you know how tight the balls are normally put in) so I called & told the receptionist what happened. Strike two, She asked what I wanted her to do about it. I wanted to tell her just b/c she works in a tattoo parlor does not give her the right to treat me like I'm an idiot. I went in the next day to get the ball put back in not only was I charged for this but continually blamed for the situation. The ring was bent, I was suppose to have been able to be strong enough to bend the earring but not get the ball back in? Strike three. Simply put this was a bull sh*t experience & highly recommend getting piercing done else where. read more

I just got my nose pierced by Blake and I cannot stress how professional and personable he is. I literally had the best experience ever and will now only go to him as i have never had someone so gentle piercing my nose (and I have had a few piercings). He answered every one of my questions with the knowledge of someone who is accredited and has been piercing for about 20 years. He also gives you his personal cell, in case you come across any problems. read more

I went to Rick's Tattoos to get a tattoo around an existing tattoo. Amy (Ax) did my tattoo and she was amazing! She came up with the way it should be laid out based on the exisiting tattoo. She also made me feel really comfortable. She was just truly amazing and I will only go to her for my next one!!!!! I saw several of the other artists while I was there and she by far makes Rick's what it is! I highly recommend her to anyone. read more

This place is bad. Though there are a few talented artists here. No one is there is as talented as the prices they give. I had a small rose that cost me 220 dollars on my wrist. I could of got the same thing at red octopus for 75. I also asked a guy their for cloud filler, he did not give me what i asked. Not im stuck with a tattoo i hate. I have to get an appointment for tattoo removal now. Save your money, this place is awful. read more

Okay so I this was my second visit to ricks, first round was a tattoo and went well but my last visit was a piercing! I walked in a Wednesday morning and I was taken in right away by a Jessica, she was a doll! She was so nice and friendly and made me feel so comfortable considering I was freaking out nervous. I was getting my tongue web done and its kind of a difficult piercing since everything is in your mouth. She got it done with no pain whatsoever! I didn't even feel a pinch the hardest part was screwing in the little ball. She got it done after some struggle which was mainly my fault since i couldn't keep my tongue up but I left happy after 10 minutes. I left with no swelling or pain and went along with my day till lunch time came around. I tried eating and my piercing had came off, I called Jessica right away and she told me to come in, I went back and after even more struggle of trying to put it back in she went along and changed it to a ring. She was so patient with me, I felt horrible for not being more cooperative but so far after a week my piercing is great and healing awesomely. Definitely recommend!!!!! read more

I accompanied my 18 year old daughter to get a nose piercing. I feel honored and blessed that my daughter asked me to go with her. I have never been to an establishment like this before, we walked in all dressed up from graduation and we felt welcomed. Blake helped us and he was very patient with us and answered all my Mom questions before hand. We did not know they only accept cash but fortunately we had a debit card and they have a machine right on the premises. We both had to go to the bathroom before hand and the bathrooms were clean. Blake took us to the back room and he explained every step along the way to my daughter and told her to breath at the right moment. It did not hurt but rather "pinched" and it made her right eye tear. Blake was so kind and gently and slowly wiped her tears as not to ruin her wing eye liner. My daughter was very touched by that. All instruments were prepacked and he made it known that all the equipment after was being thrown away. Blake told my daughter twice the proper protocol for taking care of the piercing. My daughter and I had a pleasant positive experience and I would highly recommend Ricks Tatoos. read more

So I have never really reviewed anything on yelp but I feel I should with this. Everyone is very nice at ricks tattoo. Friendly. I went in a couple weeks ago and set up an appointment. Rhiannon was great in planning my new tattoo. Unfortunately I had to post pone because I had to get surgery but I'm going back in next week hopefully to get my tat done. Rhionnon was extremely nice and understanding of the situation. Even gave me my deposite back for the time being.if all goes well with the actually tattoo process I ll be giving 5 stats for sure! Great place. Check it out. Can't be more grateful for the kindness. read more

I had a great experience last week getting my tattoo done at Rick's. Chauna is an amazingly talented artist who listens to you describe what you're thinking about, and then makes it happen! She designed the script used on my arm by herself, and I have to say, it's one of my most beautiful tattoos. Highly recommend! read more

I recently got a tattoo on my shoulder from Amy at Rick's and could not be happier. She had initially told me she was booked for about six weeks, but at my consultation she found some time within a couple of weeks. The work itself only took about an hour and she charged a lot less than what she had first quoted at my consult. Her work is gorgeous and she's great - easy-going, fun to talk to and very professional. I was especially encouraged when another artist came to her for feedback on work she was doing on another client. Can't recommend her enough! You won't be sorry! read more

I could not have been happier with my piercer, Craig. He was extremely informative about everything and very nice. I would absolutely recommend Craig to anyone looking to get a piercing. read more

I recently had jewelry replaced by Craig. He was great -- clearly explained all of my options and was super friendly. I wish I had come to him originally! read more

Amy is awesome. The only problem she is too busy, but I don't might waiting for a good tattoo. Very clean place.

I had a 2 tattoos done at Rick's for my 27th birthday and I thought that the color in one was too dark making it hard to see what it was supposed to be. Rick's graciously redid my entire tattoo to my specifications with no charge to me. They are very good at what they do. They make the customers feel welcomed and if you have any problems they go above and beyond to try to fix them. I will be going back for my next tattoo. That would make me have a total of seven but god willing with me getting married next year and having 2 children they will complete my 8th as well. Thanks Rick's read more

Amy is the best. She worked on a difficult piece I have wanted to get done for years. She put the time & effort into it & turned out beautiful. She is super nice, open & puts her heart into the work she does. I would recommend her to anyone. read more

I'm not speaking for their tattoos, only their piercings. I've had four piercings done (when I was young and stupid) here and all have rejected from AWFUL quality jewelry and horrible placement. All of their jewelry is low grade externally threaded steel which isn't safe for healing piercings. They don't sterilize their jewelry to my knowledge, they say their jewelry comes pre sterilized, but this is extremely easy to fake and unreliable. From what I can tell the piercers have had no training. The portfolios are full of unsafe and poorly placed piercings. The prices are ridiculous for the service they provide. Please don't go here - it's not worth it. Your body is worth so much more than bad body jewelry and iffy mods. Don't go here. read more

Amy is great, moves fast with a light hand. I have no fading and lines are still sharp 2 years running

I met Chauna from Rick's at the DC Tattoo Expo back in February 2015. I was there with my husband who has several tattoos, and I wanted to talk to some artists because I had an idea that I wanted to get for a long time but wanted to make sure it was right before I did it, and I had the right artist (this was my first!) I talked with Chauna about it, and out of all of the artists I met that day, she was the nicest and most patient of them all. She took the time to listen about my idea, and was very honest with her ideas about placing, design, etc. I waited a few months until mid-June to get back in touch with her about it as I needed some time to make sure I wanted it. I went in one night after emailing her, she took some measurements for the drawing, and we made an appointment for two weeks later for the actual tattoo. I sent her the photos of my idea and she drew out the design before I came in for the real appointment. I was pretty nervous since this was my first, but she made me feel very comfortable and at ease with getting it. She was very patient too when we had to re-size and re-place the transfer a couple of times :) Her artistry was amazing on my tattoo and I could not be happier with the final result. Her attention to safety, cleanliness, and detail was awesome. She is truly an amazing artist. Everyone else in the shop who I interacted with was very professional and friendly as well. I would definitely recommend Rick's (and especially Chauna!) to anyone. When I get another tattoo, I will only be coming to see her! read more

I had my first tattoo done on my rib cage tonight with Ben. The entire studio is very professional, customer friendly, and matter-of-fact. They tell you everything like it is, and if they don't know how long their wait is, they'll tell you that too and take down your cellphone number. They were happy to answer all of my questions and concerns, and provided me with their cards to call or come back in should I need anything. I couldn't be happier with the customer service and tattoo that I received today, I wouldn't go anywhere else in the DC area to have work done. read more

Me and my S.O. both got pierced by Blake. He was awesome. So professional, knowledgeable, and communicative. We left happy and will definitely be back the next time we need more holes punctured through ourselves. read more

Blake was amazing. I wish I could get more piercings just for the experience! He was professional, knowledgeable, and educated. The process was spotlessly clean, sterile, and efficient. He knows his craft. read more

Love this place! I've gotten all four of my tattoos done here! My friend recomended me here 3 years ago and I'm so happy with the work I have gotten, I get tons of compliments all the time! The outside of the building was a little scary but the inside was very nice and clean! I would definatly recomend this place to anyone! read more

! I have had all my work done there (14 tattoos and 13 piercings..and counting). The people there are nice and friendly. The artists are willing to work with you to get what you want and so the art will look good on you for the rest of your life. People here are experienced and talented. I highly recomend this place for all your piercing/tattoo needs! read more

I got my nose previously pierced from a cheap underground person and shortly after it had gotten infected. I've heard many good reviews about Rick's so decided to go there myself. I called the store and informed them that I had taken my nose ring out a week ago and wanted to get it re-pierced. I was on the phone with a man named Blake, he explained since I had only recently taken it out that they could use a device that would only puncture the little part of skin that closed up. I would then only have to pay the price of the nose ring, not the whole piercing itself. I went there on a Saturday morning, it wasn't busy at all really a couple people. I was greeted and talked to immediately and blake talked to me. He made me feel extremely safe about my new nose ring considering i had went through hell with the last one. He explained the sizes and what would look best, the colors and all my options, I waited at the most 15 minutes and then he took me to the back. He explained everything that was going to happen and made me feel extremely safe. while he was doing everything he also explained it and made me take deep breathes. I ended up only having to pay about 40 for the ring and 10 for the cleaning stuff, which was nice cause it was quality. It has healed wonderfully and looks so much better then the other one. I loved it a lot. Everyone there was extremely sweet and the owner Craig told me how well i did and everything. It might be pricy but it is quality! Next time I get another piercing ill definitely be going here! ( and if you can, ask for blake! hes wonderful! ) read more

The employees were friendly and professional. Blake did an excellent job and was very thorough in his craft. Will definitely be back!

So this is the third time I've been to Rick's Tattoo. My husband started going to Rick's about a year ago. He had Tara do his work for his first tattoo ever. She did an ammmaaazzziiingg job. I decided after that, she was the artist for me too. Since then, she has done one large piece in 2 sessions for me. She makes customers feel comfortable and welcome the whole time. The staff are great. I love the relaxed ultra clean atmosphere. Unlike other tattoo places I have been (in G-Town, DC), they don't treat you like you're an inconvenience. To anyone who complains about prices....you apparently don't care about quality nor safety. I trust all of these artists to do my work and piercings. I never ever question the safety measures they take. If you're looking for cheap, get out and go somewhere else for the risk. Tara really is my tattoo visionary soul mate. I trust her fully to create a design I will love. If she wants to free hand anything, I say go for it. She knows what I like. You all are amazing and I'll be back for many many more! read more

My first experience at Rick's was great. The tattoo that I received there, is in fact, my BEST piece. It is very well done. The artist and myself chatted the entire time and I showed him the piece I would be getting on my next visit. I even tipped. Two weeks later, I emailed the shop asking if the artist would be in the following Saturday. After 2 days, I received no answer. So I called. The first thing the artist conveyed to me was that they received my email (so now I'm thinking, well, why didn't you respond?). I was encouraged to leave my phone number so that I could be contacted later. Well, that was several days ago and I still haven't heard back. Even though the tattoo I received there is my best, I will not be returning. I feel that competing businesses need to be concerned with the TOTAL PACKAGE presentation of their establishment. Even though one does good work, I don't believe that being unresponsive to clients (or future clients) is a formula for success. I'm really sorry it ended this way. But it seems that they aren't. read more

If you are looking for a friendly, comfortable, reasonably priced, not uptight nor arrogant place to get a great custom-made tattoo check out Rick's. I had Amy X do a scroll design with dolphin accent and French wording on my hip and I could not be happier. I went in with a general idea of what I wanted and Amy drew it up and worked with me until it was "just right." The tattoo itself only took about an hour and Amy let my cousin sit with me for moral support. Amy was great and made me feel comfortable and sent me home with lots of aftercare guidance. The only slight problem I had is that they no longer take credit cards (their website says they do) so I had to use their in-store ATM to get cash. But I would definitely return to Rick's and Amy X for any other tattoos I might want and I think my cousin will go see Amy when she decides to take the plunge and get a tattoo! Thank you so much Amy X and Rick's! read more

My sister and I went to Rick's during their walk-in day on Saturday to have fairly simple quotations tattooed; she had hers done on the inside of her upper arm, and I had mine done on my ribcage. Ben did both of our tattoos, and we could not have been any happier with him and with the tattoos' outcome! Not only did Ben meticulously draft each of our quotations and make absolutely sure we liked the way they looked/were laid out, but he is also a very skilled artist and created two amazing designs. This was my second tattoo, but I was still really nervous. Ben didn't scoff or make me feel silly for being anxious (which others certainly could have, since I was getting just a simple design as opposed to a very complicated piece). On the contrary, he was really nice and encouraging while he was doing the tattoo- asking questions to take my mind off the discomfort and telling me I was doing great. I would definitely have Ben do another tattoo, if I decide to get one! The overall experience at Rick's was also really awesome. Because it was their walk-in day, the place was really busy; I definitely recommend getting there early, or you'll wait for a while. Our whole time there ended up being about 4 hours, including the wait time and the actual tattoos. But we had a blast while we waited, so the time went by really quickly. We chatted and watched movies with the other artists/staff; I wish I'd gotten their names, but the guy working the desk and one of the piercers were both great! It just seemed like a fun (and very clean/safe) place to have a tattoo or piercing done; I highly recommend Rick's and will absolutely go back if/when I get another tattoo!! read more