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Vanh's Tattoo Studio
Categories: Beauty and Spas Tattoo Beauty and Spas Piercing Tattoo, Piercing [Edit]
5659 Columbia PikeSte 200
Falls Church, VA 22041
(703) 671-8287
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 1 pm - 9 pm
Fri-Sat 1 pm - 10 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
12 reviews for Vanh's Tattoo Studio
12 reviews in English
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Review from Mimi N.
Falls Church, VA
Updated - 2/5/2012
Cuong is such a sweetheart. i just got my 5th tattoo yesterday, and he was really patient with me. Everytime i was feeling iffy about something, he'd change it to the way I wanted it. Then when we got to work, he made sure I was comfortable, and I was. He had music playing in the background and I'd just sing along. It was a very comfortable vibe. I'd look over at him and he'd be smiling while he was working. He was really into it. He would keep a conversation with me trying to distract me from the pain.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/6/2010
so i heard avout Vanh's from a friend who goes there for piercings and i really wanted to get body… Read more »
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Review from Mary B.
Los Angeles, CA
7/21/2010 1 photo
This was my first tattoo and I used Yelp to help me find the most top-rated tattoo studio. There are a lot of pros and cons to Vanh's that depend on what tattoo you are looking for.
First off, although they advertise being all about custom artwork, Vanh's fonts are all straight from Microsoft Word. She asked me to send her names of fonts that I liked, which I did, but upon arrival, she never received the e-mail, so we had to work it out in-studio. I was disappointed that my font wasn't more unique but she did work with me once it was printed and made slight changes that I requested. She was patient as I worked out where I wanted the tattoo and was very gentle while tattooing me (I got it on my ribcage and had to take a lot of breaks!) After about thirty minutes, it was done and she bandaged me up. The tattoo is healing nicely and she gave me good aftercare tips.
My tattoo was very overpriced though. She charged me almost $300 even after a referral discount, which is still at least $150 too much. I'm not sure why she charged so much, but my other tattooed friends say I was clearly ripped off. I do love my tattoo - it is very clear and well done.
If I decide that the pain was worth it and get another one, I won't be going to Vanh. There are more experienced, creative artists in this area that are a lot cheaper. She might be a good idea if you're looking for something small and standard or have a very clear idea of what you want before walking in.
Hope this helps! -
Review from Samantha L.
Fairfax, VA
Updated - 3/3/2011
Well, it's been a year since I got my tattoo and it healed poorly. The outlines are very light and the shading isn't what I asked for. I am still looking for another shop to correct this... It's hard to find somewhere new when you got burned by a shop that came highly recommended. I didn't get what I paid for. Lesson learned.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/3/2010
My friend made us appointments with Vanh last night for new ink. The studio was very clean and… Read more »
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Review from kym l.
Washington, DC
8/17/2010
I went here for my first piercing - an industrial in my left ear - and am very pleased with the results.
Thanks to Yelp, it wasn't hard to find the place - park out front, where you see the "TATTOO" sign, but walk around back and up the stairs to find the door. Vahn's was small, clean and comfortable.
We made an appointment for 6pm and arrived a few minutes early. Vahn was finishing up another appts tattoo and said she'd be right with us. No one else was in the office, and it seems like the out of the way locale keeps foot traffic down - which, I thought was fabulous. It was quiet, and by the time we got around to my piercing me, my boyfriend and Vahn were basically the only folks there. She started with us exactly at 6pm, finishing up with her last client right on time.
The first 20 minutes were spent talking to my boyfriend about concept art for the tattoo he is getting with Vahn later on - she was very invested in making sure that he was getting what he wanted, and planned to have the final art work ready in 5 days.
After the artwork chat it was time to get my piercing done. I was finally realizing that this was probably going to be super painful and I started to get nervous. Vahn was soooo sweet and didn't make me feel uncomfortable at all about being nervous. She checked the placement with me, explained why she was putting the bar where she was, and why the size was better than others. Everything was sanitized and clean.
Then it was time for the inhale and the punctures. The first one didn't hurt - but apparently, after the second one I basically became unresponsive. Yeah, it hurt. But, Vahn was awesome, made sure I was okay, got me some water and all was well.
It was great not having an audience for my almost pass out - and nice that Vahn was so professional and sweet. It was $70 for the piercing and the jewelry. A few folks have said that she's overpriced, but if that is the trade off for getting good work, practically privately, in a clean professional shop - I'll take it.
Definitely a great recommendation for first timers who want to find a shop without the hustle and bustle, the parking issues, and some of the customer service problems I've read about with some DC shops.
I hope that a tattoo with Vahn is as pleasant as the piercing experience was and look forward to going back! -
Review from Judith L.
Richmond, VA
Updated - 9/12/2009 18 photos
I cannot praise this place enough; Vanh and her staff are incredible. I called on Thursday night to try and make an appointment for the weekend. I talked to Vanh and got an appointment for Saturday.
Drew a couple ideas at home and I was ready to get my second (and third and fourth) tattoo done. My appointment was originally supposed to be at 3:30pm, but I e-mailed Vanh on Friday to give her a better idea of what I wanted and she e-mailed me back and asked if I could come in at 2 instead.
At about 1pm on Saturday Vanh gave me a call to tell me she was behind and asked if the appointment could be pushed back by a half hour. I agreed (I understand, things happen. And I can truly appreciate that she took the time to call me and let me know/ask me so I didn't have to wait for too long).
Showed up at 2:30pm and Vanh was finishing up a piercing. I was impressed with her patience; the guy before me was obviously new to the piercing world and had tons of questions. Rather than rush him out (or the opposite, rush me in) she was patient and answered every single one of his questions (from types of earrings to after care to tools and recommendations). While she was answering questions, she gave me the forms to fill out so we didn't waste any time. Once the customer left, I got to talk to her about what I wanted.
I showed her my ideas and sketches: two were dates with outlines of flowers that were to go behind each of my ears. The other was a quote for my left wrist and lastly there was a touch up on my right wrist. My sketches for what I wanted behind my ears were rough, and I actually brought in an earring that I wanted one of the flowers to look like. She asked me a couple questions about fonts and sizes and got to work on the computer and sketching.
A little while later, she came over to show me what she had come up with. She presented me with two options for the font of my quote (I picked the most difficult one) as well as perfect sketches for the flowers that I wanted (simple, clean outlines). She gave me an incredible deal (I would have gladly paid more, I have seen her work and it is beautiful) and we got to work.
Had to lay down to get my ears done. Surprisingly, it did not hurt. I don't know how she did it, I was expecting to cry, but a little while later tattoo one was done: and a date and a flower were behind my ear! Turned over to the other side, and it was time for the right ear. It hurt a little more, but it was mostly the sensation of the vibrations going through my ear and to my jaw, which just made me want to laugh. Again, a little while later, I had another new tattoo!
I feel bad for Vanh, because I made the next tattoo extremely difficult, and it took a while. I wanted a quote, upside down (which is a quote that is facing me. To the tattoo artist, this can prove to be difficult- especially because the text was incredibly small and thin- and also because they have to position you at a weird angle in order to be able to tattoo the words onto you). Regardless, Vanh did an absolutely incredible job. I am probably most impressed with that tattoo.
Lastly, she filled in and retouched a tattoo on my right wrist. Originally, Lotoe (who also works at Vanh's) had salvaged the tattoo from the massacre at Eagles (see my old review), but because the tattoo is placed where a crease is on my wrist, it's easier to fade/wear.
In the end, I was in the chair for about an hour and a half, but it was all worth it. If you're getting a tattoo, do yourself a favor and give Vanh a call. She and her staff are incredibly talented: they are tattoo artists, but artists first. I cannot emphasize enough the quality at this studio. Prices are competitive, and you most definitely get exactly what you pay for here. Officially: this will be the only place I will get inked. I've been to other studios, and the quality of both the staff and the work is second to none.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/21/2008
I went to Eagles for a tattoo- what a MISTAKE (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). Right when I walked out… Read more »
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Review from Ingrid K.
California, MD
1/22/2011
Vanh was the only Asian artist I could find in the Northern Virginia/Washington DC area who could customize a Korean calligraphy piece I wanted. She did an amazing job. I am extremely happy with the results!
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Review from Lor B.
Alexandria, VA
7/18/2009 1 photo
http://Yelp.com delivers again! I was a little nervous about Vanh's Tattoo Studio, as most of the glowing recommendations were from users who have posted only one review. I checked out the site, viewed the gallery and decided to go ahead and take the plunge.
Location: It's right off Columbia Pike (right off the exits from route 7), and it's in a strip of townhouse-looking offices. Drive around the back to 5659 (no signage - but just go in and walk up the stairs to the 2nd floor.)
The studio is clean, well lit, with a nice variety of piercings if that's your poison. I'd called to see if I needed to make an appointment, but lucked out and found that Kong (or is it Cuong?) was available. I would _HIGHLY_ recommend that you call ahead though - it sounded like they book up fast.
I had a design in mind already and brought in a book with the image that I wanted. Kong and I discussed that because I didn't want a large tattoo, we'd lose some of the detail. But I was ok with that, and we talked about putting in some white ink for highlights, etc.
Kong was a magician: Kong got into a really good rhythm when he was inking. I just kept riding the endorphin high so that it (mostly) didn't hurt. It helped that he was really friendly and kept up a conversation when he could see that I was hurting. Ask him about the Octopussy story.
It took only 2 hours or so to finish up my tattoo - he said I should come back to add more white ink as he couldn't ink anymore as i was bleeding too much. I'll let it heal up for a few weeks and come back.
Kong, you're a fucking genius! Thanks so much - I'm so happy with my new ink. -
Review from Amy N.
Fairfax, VA
Updated - 4/12/2009
I've been back since the first time i got a tattoo so i figured i'd update my review.
I came back for another tattoo and brought a friend for his first tattoo. Vanh doesn't disappoint. The entire wonderful experience happened all over again. SHe was very helpful, her work was very meticulous, the shop was very clean, and i left there already thinking about what im going to get next.
I keep on telling her you know this is going to be my last one for a while... but she makes it so hard because she is so talanted. the friend is already planning his second tat with her.
I would recommend her without and hesitation because she rocks my world!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/24/2008
I went to vanh's last week to get my second tattoo. i hadn't been in the studio but had talked to… Read more »
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Review from Juliet K.
8/3/2008 4 photos
If you ever want a custom tattoo or even anything standard Vanh's Tattoo Studio is the place to go. She can create amazing pieces and really puts her time and effort into each piece. My bf got a phoenix tattoo and went in for many consultations to make sure he got exactly what he wanted. she was so patient with him as he is quite indecisive. She has the most amazing artwork that I have ever seen. she is also great with cover ups. Any one in the DC/VA/MD area - this tattoo parlor is the place to go!!!!!!!!!
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Review from Robert S.
Arlington, VA
12/20/2010
This place does NOT deserve a star. They do a good job at having their friends write good reviews for them on Yelp. However, this place is extremely unprofessional. My wife and I could never seem to get in the place while it was open because they didn't follow their own posted hours. When we drove there and had to call from their office door, Vanh told us she would be there at 3:00 (instead of 1:00 as was posted). We did some errands and came back at 3:05 but the door was still locked. We drove over to Best Buy and came back AGAIN. This time there was a car out front so we went upstairs and knocked on the door...no answer. Trust me folks, if you can't get in the door of this "business" you don't want to have your skin altered forever from a couple of irresponsible people who may not be there if you need corrections done to a tattoo they gave you. There are tons of reputable places out there.
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Review from Aleesha P.
Great Falls, VA
3/23/2009 6 photos
Oh Vanh how I love thee, let me count the ways!
I've been wanting another (my second) tattoo for awhile now, but I didn't know who to go to. Enter Yelp. I yelp for restaurants all the time, so why not a place to get my tattoo? Vanh's doesn't have the most reviews, but it has a rather high rating. The only "reviewer" who gave a one star rating also gave several other tattoo shops a one star rating, hmmm...I wonder why? Anyway, I was impressed with the rating and reviews, so I did some more digging. Vanh doesn't have a website, but she does have a facebook page (search: Vanh Reasonover). If you think the pictures on here are great, take a look at her facebook, you'll be blown away!
Between yelp and facebook I was convinced I had the right tattoo artist in mind for the job. Vanh usually comes in at abut 5PM, so if you're looking for her to do your tattoo, call ahead or don't come in until later in the day. I brought pictures, came in for a 10 minute or so consultation, and booked my appointment for the coming Saturday. I wanted my tattoo in such a place that it would need to be drawn free-hand and on the spot, so Vanh booked me for a whole day as she didn't want to rush it.
On the day of the tattoo I was excited and nervous. The place was absolutely sterile, just the way it should be. I sat down in the chair at 6PM and was done by 10:15PM. My tattoo is about 5" by 3", not very large, very detailed, and absolutely gorgeous. It took longer than I was expecting because Vanh is meticulous, and when you're getting a piece that is very visible that kind of thoroughness is much appreciated! First Vanh drew the outline, and then got more detailed as she was getting ready to start tattooing. I changed my mind during the process several times and Vanh was extremely accommodating every time, I never felt like she was getting annoyed or rushing me. My tattoo hurt like a b*!%h because it wrapped from the top of my hand to my wrist, Vanh always made sure that I was ok and didn't work on the same spot for too long so as to avoid causing me too much pain, and I was grateful!
The pricing for my tattoo was extremely reasonable considering that it was custom artwork and took over 4 hours to complete. Even if I was charged a premium I still would have gone to Vanh because, come on now, this thing's going to be on my body for the rest of my life!
I plan on getting another tattoo in the not so distant (but distant enough for me to not remember the pain) future. I will definitely be going to Vanh for my next piece; I have absolutely no reservations about recommending her. I just hope she remembers me when she's booked solid so I don't have to wait 6 months for an appointment!
And a tip for those of you who will be seeing her for your next tattoo...bring CASH Cards are excepted, but they prefer cash, and you always want to keep your tattoo artist happy :o) -
Review from James N.
Annandale, VA
Vanh is the best tattoo artist I have ever seen and DEFINITELY the best in the D.C. metropolitan area. I would never go anywhere else to get tatted up. Every person that I have introduced to Vanh's Tattoo feels the same way. Her art and detail is breathtaking. She is a tattoo artist that can work with any ideas that you have and throws in her own ideas from her artistic background. You have to go in to the shop to talk about what you want and to get a consultation, because they can not do quotes over the phone. Be sure to leave a message if you get the voicemail, your call will be returned. If you are interested in getting a tattoo, I wouldn't recommend anywhere else but Vanh's Tattoo Studio.
