Hot Rod Tattoo

Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern Virginia, Hot Rod Tattoo has been a haven for clients seeking custom, high-quality tattoos since 2003. Our owner and lead artist, Shaun Carroll, founded Hot Rod Tattoo with the mission to provide a clean, friendly, and professional environment where clients can relax and enjoy the tattooing process.

Our Services

At Hot Rod Tattoo, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and results. We offer a range of services, including custom tattoos, custom designs, and small, ready-to-go tattoos. Our expert artists will work closely with you to bring your unique design to life. We pride ourselves on our attention to detail, exceptional customer service, and commitment to providing a safe and clean environment for our clients.

Sanitary Process

The safety and well-being of our clients and employees are our top priority. To maintain a sterile environment, we utilize pre-sterilized, single-use disposable tubes and needles. All surfaces, including work counters, chairs, and armrests, are covered in a disposable, single-use barrier. All work counters are made of stainless steel and are cleaned with a chemical sterilant before and after each client. We also maintain a strict policy of wearing gloves and washing hands regularly.

Appointment Policy

We understand the importance of flexibility, which is why we prioritize accommodating our clients' needs. We typically work by appointment, but we also accept walk-ins based on availability. If you have a small design in mind, we encourage you to schedule an appointment or stop by without an appointment to see what we can do for you. For custom tattoos, we recommend scheduling a consultation appointment to discuss your design ideas and review any reference materials you may have.

Payment Options

We accept cash and major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. We appreciate the ease and convenience that comes with having multiple payment options.

How to Get a Custom Tattoo

Getting a custom tattoo is a process that requires patience, creativity, and collaboration. We begin by scheduling a consultation appointment, where we'll discuss your design ideas and review any reference materials you may have. Once we've solidified your design, we'll require a $75 non-refundable deposit. This deposit goes towards the cost of your tattoo and is non-transferable. We ask that clients living within 1 hour of the shop schedule an in-person consultation, while out-of-town clients can participate remotely. Our turnaround time for custom drawings may vary depending on the complexity of the design and our current workload. Once your design is complete, we'll schedule your tattoo appointment.

Non-Custom Tattoos

Not all tattoos require a consultation. For small, ready-to-go designs, we can schedule an appointment or welcome walk-ins when time is available. Simply contact the shop to schedule an appointment and take a deposit to reserve your spot.

Tattoo Pricing

Our minimum charge for tattooing is $75. Some tattoos will be priced by the piece, while others will be billed at an hourly rate of $150. We also offer all-day sessions for $825. If you have a specific budget in mind, we can work with you to customize your tattoo idea within your budget. All tattoos come with fragrance-free soap and an aftercare product, and we include your first touch-up as long as you return within 6 months of receiving your tattoo.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Before your appointment, we recommend taking it easy the night before and getting a good night's rest. On the day of your appointment, please eat a nutritious meal about 30 minutes to 1 hour beforehand and avoid drinking alcohol. Be prepared to wear a face mask in the shop and during the tattoo procedure. We are restricting our capacity due to Covid-19 concerns.