Pretty In Ink Tattoos — Local services in Bowie

I wanted a nice graduation present to myself and it backfired terribly! The tattoo itself is nice but the customer service was not the best honestly, Make sure you research ALOT of different places before coming here especially if you want to do walk in or non custom piece. This is my second tattoo, my first was done at red octopus and it was two completely different experiences.

I am 21 and I initially wanted to do a walk in tattoo. I called but there was no answer so I texted them asking if it is available, they only do same day appointments I said I was opened to waiting until after graduation (2 weeks from now) but they said they could take me tomorrow (Last Friday) and to give them my pictures of what I desired so I did and then I was asked the size, but being inexperienced with tattoos I measured what I thought the person in the picture had which was 8in.

I also asked for the opinion of the artist and was told "Because I don't know how much the women in the photo shoulders are I cant tell you" so I was given the price of $325 I thought okay that is understandable as it is a bit long. Then I was told them I was debating between 6 and 8 inches. They said the price is still $325 I figured because it was still medium to long length. Although they never explicitly told me in the messages or in the store that the pricing is based on time and not size. If I knew this I would have never made the deposit.

The next day I was told I had to put a $100 deposit to hold my spot for appointment time. I was also never explained how this deposit worked because I was not given a consultation. So it actually is also suppose to go towards the actual tattoo, I found that out later when I researched on the website. I also found out later on the website that I am able to get a free retouch for up to 6 weeks. He said my total cost owed was $254.28. Since I was never given a consultation or explanation I did not know that the deposit was not refundable and that it will be added to the total cost.

Please note that this was Not a customize piece Just a quote from a picture Half the initial length

So the next day I checked my account and I honestly thought they made a mistake and was going to refund me for the deposit. After I realized I never got a refund for the deposit I called the shop and they told me My TOTAL COST WAS $354.28 more than the initial 8 in piece. They refused any refund for the deposit and were also quite rude to my mother as she also called because both she and I were very annoyed and felt they took advantage of me.

It is very unfortunate, as a lot of it has to do with the principle of things! If I was given the consultation and explanation like everyone else where they explain their policies before the fact and not wait until I am asking questions after the fact as I am clearly a new client. I would have been able to know all their policies before making a deposit. I tried to speak to the owner and emailed her but have yet to reach her. There was no real resolution, also they said I should have asked at the store but I already had my appointment spot held with a $100 deposit and was being rushed since I entered the store.

So I highly advise to look somewhere else and this is coming from someone who was very excited to get a piece done here. Definitely feel taken advantage of, I will be getting my free touch up in 6 weeks because of the amount of money and energy I spent here.

My advice: Look past the good reviews but also look into the detail of the bad reviews and do alot of research before committing. Make sure you get a consultation especially if you are a same day appointment. Please explore other shops before considering, I do not want the same thing to happen to other people.

Will definitely do an update, and hopefully things will...

After much thought, and googling on my own for aftercare instructions, if I were you, I would likely look elsewhere for a piercing. I searched for reviews on their piercings and didn’t find very many. That should have been a warning. I had both my Tragus’ pierced and it was pretty smooth but the bedside manner and customer service fell short. I made my appointment online which was a bit confusing as the choices were body and hood piercings. I called but was directed to book online. Two days before my appointment, I was contacted by Tae to say she had to reschedule. I opted to not reschedule and requested a refund. On the day of my original appointment, I was contacted by Tae to say that my piercing could be done by Jackie. Although they did not acknowledge my refund request, I decided to go through with the piercing because I read great reviews about Jackie’s tattoos and believed I would get great service because she seemed to be the owner. I arrived at the shop and was greeted warmly. I was then told Jackie would perform my piercings in between a tattoo she was doing. I did not like that idea but still decided to go through with the piercings. When I sat in the chair, I wasn’t asked if I had any questions, I wasn’t told about the process, and was visibly nervous but was just told “you’ll be fine”. Jackie mainly spoke to her apprentice. When I expressed concern over one thing Jackie said, I was told “calm down”. I was a new customer and wasn’t treated as such. After the first piercing, I was told not to move and it would be harder if I moved. That should have been something I was told in the beginning as I had no idea what to expect even though I researched on my own. After the piercings were over, my care was given to Jackie’s apprentice and she went back to tattooing. There were no aftercare instructions, information on what to look for as far as healing, and I wasn’t asked if I had any questions. I had to ask when I was able to change the piercings. I believe the service is better at Claire’s. Maybe because I opted out of the $25 care kit, they chose not to advise me on anything. At a previous tattoo/piercing shop, I was asked if I had any questions before the piercer started. The piercer explained how the process worked, explained how it may feel, and educated me on the tools they used. I felt comfortable and not rushed. I was also given aftercare instructions FOR FREE! If I had asked to be squeezed in, I could understand the sub-par service I received but I asked for a refund and instead was told to come anyway. I won’t be a...

I cannot recommend Pretty in Ink—and especially my artist, Rosa—highly enough! This studio is truly a standout in the world of tattooing, from the skilled artistry to the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

As other reviews mention, the atmosphere at Pretty in Ink is both lighthearted and calming, instantly putting you at ease. The vibe in this women-owned and operated space is unmistakable; it feels like a safe, judgment-free zone. Whether you’re chatting with your artist, chilling in the chair, or even shedding a tear, you’ll feel supported and accepted. It’s refreshing to find a tattoo studio with such a positive, inclusive energy.

Pretty in Ink is impeccably clean, and the artists are meticulous about safety and hygiene. For me, as an immunocompromised person, that commitment to proper sterilization and sanitation practices is essential. I felt entirely confident in getting my tattoo, and my piece has been healing beautifully!

Rosa is an incredible artist who happens to use skin as her canvas. Her light hand, impeccable design skills, and talent for stencil placement made my tattoo look amazing and perfectly suited to my body. Her work exudes a level of craftsmanship you’d expect from an established artist, and I feel lucky to have found her early in her career. It’s like being a patron of a rising star—her art is something I’m proud to wear and display.

For the first time in years, I proudly took a selfie with my upper arms bared, thanks to Rosa’s stunning work. It was a powerful boost of confidence after a long health journey, and that’s a gift I can’t thank her enough for.

Though I selfishly want to keep Rosa and Pretty in Ink as hidden gems, they absolutely deserve all the support they can get. I’m more than willing to travel from Northern Virginia to Bowie to keep adding Rosa’s beautiful art to my body and enjoy time with the wonderful team here. Highly recommend Pretty in Ink to anyone in the DMV looking for a truly top-notch tattoo experience.

Thank you, Rosa and the Pretty...