Hampton Roads Custom Tattoo & Piercing

Whiskey River Tattoo & the Norfolk Ink Gallery are custom and walk-in friendly tattoo studios with locations in Virginia Beach and Norfolk, and a new studio opening in the Phoebus area of Hampton soon. We offer a wide variety of body jewelry and body piercing. Stop in today and chat us up about your ideas.


We carry a large stock of body jewelry from


Our jewelry for initial piercing is high quality implant certified F-136 implant certified Titanium, F-138 implant certified Steel, 14k or 18k solid Gold or Niobium and is either internally threaded or threadless. All of our initial jewelry carries a lifetime guarantee against defects, and meets Association of Professional Piercers standards.
See our work on Instagram!

Aftercare

Tattoo

No matter what, your body will heal. Touch ups are always available. This is why we guarantee our work. Remove the bandage after 3 hours. There is no need to re-bandage the tattoo. All wounds need to breathe if they are to heal properly.


Wash the tattoo using your fingertips or hand only. Use a mild antibacterial soap and warm water. Take care to gently wash away all traces of blood (if dried blood is left to dry on the tattoo it can form a scab). Do not scrub the tattoo with a washcloth during the two week healing period. Always gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean soft cloth or just let it air dry.
Apply a thin coat of Fragrance Free lotion to the tattoo. Aveeno, Eucerin, Keri, Lubriderm, Curel, or Jergens will do. Apply moisturizer five to seven times a day for the remainder of two weeks. Do not use lotions that contain color or fragrance or sparkles until the healing is complete. (Usually anywhere from ten days to two weeks; Possibly longer for slower healers.) For larger color-work tattoos we recommend: Aquaphor ointment (Just enough to make it shine, a little goes a long way ) Work it in well. Dab off all the excess with a paper towel. You should barely be able to tell that it's there This is just enough to keep the tattoo moist and to keep it from scabbing. Your body heat will liquefy the ointment and it may become glossy looking or runny. This means there's too much on there. Dab more off. Too much ointment will only suffocate the tattoo and liquefy any scabs that may have formed causing the ink to fall out and look blotchy.Aquaphor or Lotion can be applied whenever the tattoo is feeling stiff or dry but beware of over-moisturizing. Your body will absorb what it needs where it needs it. Your skin will form a protective layer no matter what you do. If you do not keep it moist or keep it too moist (it's a personal balance, different for each individual), it will form a thick, hard scab that may crack when you move. When you form this kind of a scab the ink sits within it and slowly heals into the skin. When the tattoo is kept moist it doesn't have a chance to form a scab but does form a thin membrane to protect the tattoo while it heals. This layer peels off very similar to a sunburn (do not peel your tattoo, you will pull the ink out!) and it is normal to see small flakes of colored skin falling off during this stage of healing.
You must keep your tattoo clean, however, long showers or baths must be avoided for 2 weeks. Prolonged soaking can and will loosen scabs if any have formed, or will soak through the soft tissue and cause your ink to flow down the drain. This includes Swimming in the Ocean or a Pool, Hot Tubs, and Saunas. Short showers are best under ten minutes if possible.
Please refrain from scratching or picking at the tattoo. Scrubbing with a washcloth can be very harsh on a tattoo and will cause your colors to fade. It is normal for the tattoo to become very itchy during the healing time. To relieve this spray the tattoo with rubbing alcohol or slap it with your hand (this will sting it and take away the itch).
Remember that hands and feet reproduce skin cells much faster than other parts of the body. A tattoo in these areas will sometimes take an extra two weeks to heal. During this time refrain from washing dishes, wearing gloves, or wearing socks and shoes (sandals must not rub the tattoo). Any friction of this type WILL wear away the tattoo within a very short period of time. Tattoos in these areas are almost never guaranteed.
No buts about it, the sun is BAD for your tattoo even if you've had it for a long time. A sunburn on a new tattoo can cause a lot of problems. It will dry out your tattoo and cause it to form a horrendous scab much of the time causing the tattoo to fade before it is even healed. It will take much longer to heal completely. It promotes scarring in a new tattoo. Wait until it is fully healed to go back in the sun or a tanning bed and make sure you put on a high quality SUNBLOCK. (Do not apply sunblock while the tattoo is healing.) The tattoo is under your skin, and your tan will form above it. If you get too dark, some colors (white, yellow, pink, and orange) may not show up as brightly as they could. Over time, excessive exposure to sunlight will cause your tattoo to fade no matter what colors are used.
Individuals heal in so many different ways, it's hard to tell (especially for first-timers) exactly what will happen whether the tattoo will scab or peel. A tattoo in one spot may heal completely different from a tattoo in another spot. The way an artist works the skin can also make a difference in the way a tattoo heals. There is no way to fortell exactly what every tattoo is going to do while healing or how to heal it. Yes, it's probably better for a tattoo to peel, but sometimes people just don't heal this way. Sometimes a scab will form no matter what you do. For some, it's hard to tell whether or not a scab is forming. Sometimes a piece will look like it's scabbed over but will peel, other times it's obvious that a thick, hard scab has formed. If a scab does form you may have to do things a bit differently You should always check with your artist before you change any of your aftercare procedure. In most shops, if you follow their directions and the tattoo heals badly, they usually offer a touch up. If you deviate from their aftercare without seeking their advice and the tattoo heals badly, you usually forfeit that guarantee.

Almost all artists will advise you to keep the tattoo moist. This can keep it from forming a scab. But what happens when that doesn't work? We notice a lot of people over-applying ointment and lotion too frequently or just too much of it. Keeping it too moist, to the point that it's nearly turning any repairing tissue to mush. Then, while they sleep the mush hardens, turning to a scab. Morning comes and on goes more goo that then absorbs into the scab turning it to mush again and later, dries out to form a thicker scab. More is not better. It won't make healing go any faster. This is not a scraped knee.

Oral Piercing
Use either one or both of the following solutions for inside the mouth:
  • H2Ocean mouth wash
  • Antimicrobial or antibacterial alcohol-free mouth rinse
Rinse mouth 4-5 times daily with cleaning solution for 30-60 seconds after meals and at bedtime during the entire healing period. If you over clean, it may cause discoloration or irritation of tongue.

Soak in H2Ocean solution and/or wash with liquid antimicrobial or germicidal soap* as described below:

1 WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning, or touching on or near your piercing for any reason.

2 SOAP no more than once or twice a day. While showering, lather up a pearl size drop of the soap to clean the jewelry and the piercing. Leave the cleanser on the piercing no more than thirty seconds, then rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing.

3 DRY with disposable paper products such as gauze or tissues, because cloth towels can harbor bacteria and catch on new piercings causing injury. Pat gently to avoid trauma.

  • For the first three to five days: significant swelling, light bleeding, bruising, and/or tenderness.
  • After that: Some swelling, light secretion of a whitish yellow fluid (not pus).
  • A piercing may seem healed before healing is complete. This is because piercings heal from the outside in, and although it feels healed the tissue remains fragile on the inside. BE PATIENT, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.
  • Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, leave the jewelry in place.
To help reduce swelling:
  • Allow small pieces of ice to dissolve in the mouth.
  • Take an over the counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen or Naproxyn Sodium* according to package instructions.
  • Sleep with your head elevated above your heart during the first few nights. To maintain good oral hygiene.
  • Use a new soft-bristled toothbrush and keep it clean.
  • Brush your teeth, and use your chosen rinse (saline or mouthwash) after every meal.
  • During healing floss daily and gently brush your teeth, tongue and jewelry. Once healed, brush the jewelry more thoroughly to avoid plaque build up.
  • The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal.
  • Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet.
  • DO NOT PLAY WITH THE JEWELRY. Long term effects of playing with and clicking the jewelry against the teeth can result in permanent damage to teeth and other oral structures.
  • Avoid undue trauma; excessive talking or playing with the jewelry during healing can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, and other complications.
  • Avoid any mouthwash containing alcohol. It can irritate the area and delay healing.
  • Avoid oral sexual contact including French (wet) kissing or oral sex during healing (even with a long term partner).
  • Avoid chewing on gum, tobacco, fingernails, pencils, sunglasses, etc.
  • Avoid sharing plates, cups, and eating utensils.
  • Avoid smoking! It increases risks and lengthens healing time.
  • Avoid stress and all recreational drug use.
  • Avoid any aspirin or alcohol, and large amounts of caffeine.
  • Avoid submerging in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, etc.
  • Once the swelling has subsided, it is vital to replace the original, longer jewelry with a shorter post.
  • Consult your piercer for their downsize policy.
  • Because this necessary jewelry change may occur during healing, it should be done by a qualified piercer.
  • With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness ("Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey").
  • Carry a clean spare ball in case of loss or breakage.
  • Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be temporarily removed (such as for a medical procedure). There are non-metallic jewelry alternatives.
  • Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, seek professional help in the removal of the jewelry and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole has closed. In most cases only a small indentation will remain.
  • In the event that an infection is suspected, quality jewelry or an inert alternative should be left in place to allow for drainage of the infection. Should the jewelry be removed, the surface cells can close-up sealing the infection inside the piercing channel, resulting in an abscess. Until such time an infection is cleared up, leave quality jewelry in!
  • Slowly eat small bites of food, placed directly onto the molars.
  • Avoid eating spicy, salty, acidic, or hot temperature foods or beverages for a few days.
  • Cold foods and beverage are soothing and help reduce swelling.
  • For tongue piercing, try to keep your tongue level in your mouth as you chew and swallow.
  • For labret (cheek and lip) piercings: Be cautious about opening your mouth too wide as this can result in the backing of the jewelry catching on the teeth.
  • Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.

For more piercing aftercare guidance, visit:
Body/Facial Piercing
Use either one or both of the following solutions for inside the mouth:
  • We recommend H2Ocean as part of your daily cleaning
  • Liquid anti-microbial or germicidal soap.*

1 WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning, or touching on or near your piercing for any reason.

2 Use H2Ocean as directed.

3 SOAP no more than once or twice a day. While showering, lather up a pearl size drop of the soap to clean the jewelry and the piercing. Leave the cleanser on the piercing no more than thirty seconds, then rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing.

4 DRY with disposable paper products such as gauze or tissues, because cloth towels can harbor bacteria and catch on new piercings causing injury. Pat gently to avoid trauma.

  • Initially: some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising.
  • During healing: some discoloration, itching, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) that will form some crust on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.
  • Once healed: the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; DO NOT force it. If you fail to include cleaning the piercing, as a part of your daily hygiene routine, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate.
  • A piercing may seem healed before healing is complete. This is because piercings heal from the outside in, and although it feels healed the tissue remains fragile on the inside. BE PATIENT, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.
  • Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, leave the jewelry in place.
  • Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing; leave it alone except when cleaning. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry while healing except possibly during cleaning.
  • Stay healthy. Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet. The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Exercise during healing is fine, just "listen" to your body.
  • Make sure your bedding is kept clean and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable breathable clothing that protects your piercing while sleeping.
  • Showering is safer than taking a bath, because bathtubs tend to harbor bacteria. If you would like to take a bath, clean the tub well before each use.
  • Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewelry and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing, and other complications.
  • Avoid the use of alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Betadine, Hibiclens or ointment.
  • Avoid over cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.
  • Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others' bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.
  • Avoid stress and recreational drug use including excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
  • Avoid submerging the piercing in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, Jacuzzis, etc. Or protect your piercing using a special waterproof bandage* such as Tegaderm, which is available at drugstores.
  • Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays, etc.
  • Don't hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.
  • Unless there is a problem with the size, style, or material of the initial jewelry, leave it in place for the entire healing period. A qualified piercer should perform any necessary jewelry change that occurs during healing.
  • Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be temporarily removed (such as for a medical procedure). There are non-metallic jewelry alternatives.
  • Leave jewelry in at all times. Even old, well-healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! If removed, re-insertion can be difficult or impossible.
  • With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness. ("Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey" ).
  • Carry a clean spare ball in case of loss or breakage. - Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, seek professional help in the removal of the jewelry and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole closes. In most cases only a small indentation will remain.
  • In the event that an infection is suspected, quality jewelry or an inert alternative should be left in place to allow for drainage of the infection. Should the jewelry be removed, the surface cells can close-up sealing the infection inside the piercing channel, resulting in an abscess. Until such time an infection is cleared up, leave quality jewelry in! (In particular, the navel area)
  • A hard, vented eye patch (sold at pharmacies) can be applied under tight clothing (such as nylon stockings) or secured using a length of ace bandage around the body (to avoid irritation from adhesive). This can protect the area from restrictive clothing, excess irritation, and impact during physical activities such as contact sports. (In particular, the ear/ear cartilage and facial region)
  • Use the t-shirt trick: dress your pillow in a large, clean t-shirt and turn it nightly; one clean t-shirt provides four clean surfaces for sleeping.
  • Maintain cleanliness of telephones, headphones, eyeglasses, helmets, hats and anything that contacts the pierced area.
  • Use caution when styling your hair and advise your stylist of a new or healing piercing. (In particular, nipples)
  • The support of a tight cotton shirt or sports bra may provide protection and feel comfortable, especially for sleeping.

For more piercing aftercare guidance, visit:

Reviews

  • 5 Star Rating
    Excellent tattoo shop. A.J. (the owner) did my work. His technique is almost flawless. His lines look like they could have been made by a laser it looks so precise. Great conversation throughout and the other artists there were friendly as well. Very fair prices too. I would recommend Whiskey River Tattoo to anyone. Mike R.
  • 5 Star Rating
    Whiskey River Tattoo has a great sense of humor, Western-themed lobby & very friendly, efficient receptionists. The artwork displayed by the artists is diverse & well-done. They have all styles & could probably work up something for everyone. (Please think carefully about what you want & where you’d like it placed.) Also, these folks are pros & they’re worth the time & $… especially, Jason Adkins! Kathleen East
  • 5 Star Rating
    I went in with a group of friends, and had an awesome experience with Stacy, the piercer in the parlor. She was nice and easy to talk to. She made everyone really comfortable and alleviated a lot of the nerves in the room. 10/10 recommend. Sarah Keenan
  • 5 Star Rating
    I got my nose pierced here and they had clean tools, and a great atmosphere for anyone. Highly recommend. Whitney Nester
  • 5 Star Rating
    Got John as my tattoo artist. He did an awesome job on my husbands and my own tattoos! Danielle Howington
  • 5 Star Rating
    Outstanding service, advice, and price. Highly recommend this tattoo shop to anyone wanting to receive body art work. Lauren Sandler
  • 5 Star Rating
    Absolutely the best and most comfortable shop I have ever been. Stacey is wonderful and holds the fort down perfectly. Great first impression of the store. Always a joy. AJ Gavin does beautiful tattoos. I highly recommend this place, even if only to drop in for a fun visit. Suzy Pritchett
  • 5 Star Rating
    Wish I could give them more than five stars! Beautiful work! Great atmosphere! Wonderful people!! Thank you! Carol Kovalish
  • 5 Star Rating
    Went in to check out the place and they were so super friendly I went and decided to get my next tattoo there. I was instantly greater with warm welcomes and they were so hospitable towards everyone. The process was quick and easy, the artist got to know me and was awesome. I will definitely be going back for my next tattoo adventures and will recommend them to anyone I know getting tattoos. Kcie Macks
  • 5 Star Rating
    I had a great experience here from the moment I walked in the door. We quickly designed my tattoo and they prepped the station right away. Everyone was friendly and welcoming! The shop was very clean and spacious. Julian did my tattoo and it turned out exactly like I wanted. I definitely recommend Whiskey River Tattoo! Emily Kowalski
  • 5 Star Rating
    My friend and I travelled to Va. Beach for a long weekend get away. Whisky River Tattoo is where the talent is. Stacey is amazing and super sweet. She will help you with anything from a new piercing to ordering Panara for lunch(which she paid for). John is an amazing artist and there is no one else I would want to spend 7 hours on a Sunday with getting a much needed coverup 🙂 I will definitely come back for all of my tattoos! Emily Harris
  • 5 Star Rating
    Got our 8 yr old daughter’s ears pierced. Stacey was great and made the whole experience easy and fun. She is definitely a pro. The place looks great too, very bright and clean with a nice lounge area in front. Ryan Hanson
  • 5 Star Rating
    Julian is the bomb! My tattoo is super clean and healed extremely fast. He has a great personality and is an amazing tattoo artist! All the staff were great and very welcoming and the establishment was super clean! I will definitely be coming back! Victoria Shackleford
  • 5 Star Rating
    Had a good experience getting my VCH piercing done here. Staff was professional, friendly, and informitive. I’m very happy with the end result! Korena Klimczak
  • 5 Star Rating
    Top notch service! Went as a walk in and staff was extremely polite and helpful. Discussed fine details of what I wanted and where, with plenty of discussion to eliminate any vague details. Brandon did my tattoo and was amazing. Very polite, understanding, EXTREMELY knowledgeable, and patient with me (I havent had many tattoos). When the session was done, he explained in depth how to care for it and answered all my questions and most of all, did an EXCELLENT job! These guys rock!!!! Matthew Phillips
  • 5 Star Rating
    Shannon did an incredible, beyond-words-amazing job with my mermaid tattoo and I seriously don’t think she’s fully aware of how talented she really is. I was honored to have my first tattoo done by someone as magical as her. If you’ve by chance read my previous review, I mentioned some unfriendliness from some of the staff. I admit that I let that color my overall impression of Ink Gallery and I worry that Shannon and the other talented artists of this establishment suffered because of it. For that, I apologize. Thank you for my wonderful tattoo. I’m sure I’ll be back. Sarah Brooks
  • 5 Star Rating
    The staff is great here. Everyone is very helpful and nice. The place is clean and has long hours. The tattoo artists are very talented and have styles that differ from each other’s so you can almost definitely find someone who can give you what your looking for. Amanda Kyle
  • 5 Star Rating
    Got both of my tattoos here, and plan on getting more. Great place great atmosphere easy people to work with. Jared H. Fiedler
  • 5 Star Rating
    Great experience.. staff and owner (AJ) great bunch of people. Next time Im in the area I definitely will be getting another. Cameron Screen
  • 5 Star Rating
    Friendly, clean and easy to find. Was surprised that they could take a drawing and turn it into what my daughter and I wanted the same day. Being our first time, we were treated very well. I will be back I am sure. Quality work for sure! Tricia Tinnon
  • 5 Star Rating
    I’ve had a couple tattoos done here, and came with my brother to hang out while he got one. I love this place! Good vibes, really nice aesthetic inside and out. The employees are always nice and accommodating, they offer their insight and advice for the designs to make sure everyone is happen with their ink. I’ll continue to get work done here and recommend it to others. Meag Artista
  • 5 Star Rating
    I had an amazing experience at this shop. The employees were very nice and knowledgeable. The shop itself was extremely clean and professional-looking. The piercer, Stephanie, was very kind and knowledgeable and was able to do my piercing exactly how I wanted it. It was also VERY reasonably priced, yet i still feel like she did an amazing job, and the jewelry was good quality. I’m never going anywhere else for a piercing! Erin Kemp
  • 5 Star Rating
    This is by far the cleanest shop I have ever been to. Chris did my daith piercing today and he made me feel so comfortable. He and the rest of the staff were beyond friendly and helpful. Thank you guys! I will be back for more piercings and some art work. Kelley Sellers
  • 5 Star Rating
    I went here to get a Daith piercing for migraines. I was scared to death. This place is clean and the atmosphere is relaxing. The guy who did my piercing was wonderful. He put my mind at ease and was knowledgeable about the purpose of the Daith piercing. I didn’t even know when he did the piercing. I would definitely come back and recommend other people. Kim Jordan

Leave your thoughts here

1,000s
of Clients Served
100s
of Five Star Reviews
4.8 ★
Whiskey River Tattoo
4.5 ★
Norfolk Ink Gallery

Contact Us

For general questions only. Please stop by the location of your choice and speak with one of our professional staff to discuss body modifications.

( * ) = Required

( * ) = Required

Click here for FREE tickets to The NorVa!