Established in 2013 by Shawn and Lori Hawks, Skin Hooked Tattoo & Body Piercing is a quaint little shop located in the basement of one of Athens’ historical buildings on Court Street. Near the beautiful Ohio University campus, our shop is conveniently located and easy to find.
Shawn and Lori have been happily married for over 25 years, and together they have three wonderful children and six fur babies. In addition to being co-owner of Skin Hooked, Lori has been a special educator since 1995, earning her master’s degree from Ohio University. The two were drawn to the diverse and vibrant culture of Athens, Ohio and decided to open Skin Hooked in 2013. While the process of creating a shop “family” has at times been challenging, the current crew at Skin Hooked can’t be beat.
We might be a small establishment, but our drive is mighty. Our mission is to deliver amazing custom body art and top-quality customer service to create a meaningful and memorable experience for each of our customers. We know that your time in our chairs will always be remembered. When you look at your tattoo or piercing, we want you to recall fantastic memories from your time at Skin Hooked and to know that we value quality over quantity. We have made many friends through the years, and we hope to acquire many more.
Whether you are coming to us for your first taste of body modification or you consider yourself a seasoned veteran in the art collection, our crew of talented artists want you to be hooked on Skin Hooked, and we want you to come back to see us time and time again!
Our Artists
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Piercing
Skin Hooked Owners
Tattoo
Shawn & Lori Hawks
FAQs
What are your hours?
Since we are working mostly by appointment, we do not have set store hours, however, we typically book appointments between 11am-4pm Monday-Saturday. Each artist has a different schedule.
Do you take walk-ins?
We have Walk-In Wednesdays for small pieces and piercing! Stop by and see what's available for you.
We schedule tattoos other days by appointments, but due to schedule changes and cancelations, we occasionally have openings for unscheduled SMALL tattoos. Look for our sign outside for walk-in availability or call (740) 249-4446 between 10am-1pm.
How do I schedule an appointment?
We schedule both tattoo and piercing appointments through the online applications found here on our website.
Select an artist and provide complete details for your tattoo ideas for the fastest service.
Once you have been scheduled by an artist, you will be required to make a non-transferable and non-refundable deposit to confirm your appointment. Your deposit will be honored toward the final cost of the tattoo.
Please check your SPAM/JUNK folder for responses. Please be patient, as it may take several days for artists to process requests. Please do not submit the same request over and over.
How old do I need to be?
We prefer to tattoo those 18 years and older. 16-17 year-olds can be tattooed with presence and proof of custodial parent.
Dental gem application is for 18+.
There are different age requirements for different piercings. All under 18 years old must be accompanied by a custodial parent.
5 and below- no piercings offered
6-13 - lobes only
13-15 - lobes and outer cartilage(helix)
16-18 - all ear piercings and navels
18+ - all piercings offered
How can I get a price quote?
The best way to get an accurate price range is through a consultation with an artist through the tattoo request form we mentioned above. In order for us to offer a quote range for your idea, we take into consideration the subject of the tattoo, the placement on the body, the size, details, colors, etc.
It’s practically impossible for us to give you a quote range over the phone or email without having all of this information. We do have a $80 shop minimum.
Am I required to pay a deposit before I get a tattoo?
Yes. Deposits are required to confirm and secure your appointment day and time.
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Deposits are fully applied to the final cost of the tattoo unless:
Weekday appointments are rescheduled without 48 hours notice.
Saturday appointment is rescheduled without 2 week notice.
Client is more than 15 minutes late or fails to appear.
There are significant design changes that result in delay.
Appointment has been rescheduled 3 times.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
1. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment.
2. Have something substantial to eat prior to arrival.
3. Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum within 48 hours.
4. Come with CLEAN and moisturized skin.
5. Bring a photo ID.
Additional COVID precautions:
1. Communicate with your artist about whether you should wear a mask.
2. Communicate with your artist if you have been feeling ill.
3. Come alone if possible. Otherwise, limit company to one guest.
Is parking available?
While metered parking is often available along the street, the Athens City Parking Garage is located on Washington Street, just on the next block.
What is your shop minimum for tattoos?
Our shop minimum is $80.
Is jewelry included in the price of piercing?
Yes, stainless steel jewelry is included. Titanium jewelry can be purchased at an additional cost.