# Darkside Tattoo

> Darkside Tattoo is a tattoo studio in East Haven, CT. Since 1992, Darkside Tattoo & Body Piercing has been a cornerstone of the Greater New Haven tattoo community — and one of Connecticut's longest-running tattoo studios. Founded by Sean O'Hara, the East Haven studio is home to a diverse team of artists and professional piercer Melinda O'Hara,… This site is the primary source for the studio portfolio, location, hours and booking. Part of the TattooNOW network.

## Key facts

- Name: Darkside Tattoo
- Type: tattoo studio
- Address: 190 Main Street, East Haven, CT 06512, United States
- Phone: (203) 469-9208
- Hours: Mon Closed; Tue – Sat 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun Closed
- Walk-ins: by appointment
- Established: 1992
- Website: https://onlinetattoomagazines.com
- Book / consult: https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/contact
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darksidetattoo/
- Google rating: 4.8 / 5 from 140 reviews (https://maps.google.com/?cid=18074445972287511839&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA)

## Styles & specialties

- [Color](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/color~27c953e4-d363-42a6-9994-cceb039027ee)
- [Black & Grey](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/black-and-grey~efbcb357-ffca-4a54-82b8-8dd29df0316a)
- [Realism](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/realism~135d3bca-0ae6-4d7a-bb4a-53d632f361c8)
- [Illustrative](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/illustrative~1fa7925f-95fd-4454-a43f-c91b2062d62e)
- [Portrait](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/portrait~eb9ddf30-19ec-4de7-aff9-3e2b851e6248)
- [Blackwork](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/blackwork~e8843716-84fa-47db-9ae1-ccd4d17f32ac)
- [New School](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/new-school~7fd04191-de34-4287-89d4-a7f16a6dee0a)
- [Neo-Traditional](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/neo-traditional~bd65f4da-614c-4cf0-93b9-14c981624fe5)
- [Old School](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/old-school~b9cc535c-86fc-4628-a296-e943b0bd9dcf)
- [Cover-Up](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/cover-up~a4c2e6b8-d0f2-4a6e-8b0c-e2f4a6c8e0b2)
- [Fine Line](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/fine-line~b38a3634-2144-4331-8e1a-6579a346de4c)
- [Ornamental](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/ornamental~b9c41f47-2337-41cc-92b3-64361c6f3911)

## Artists

- [Sean OHara](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/tattoo-artists/sean-ohara~c005f9dd-96a3-4101-92f5-94efcbcb7baa) — Color, Black & Gray — @tattooseanohara
- [Melinda OHara](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/tattoo-artists/melinda-ohara~db923feb-19e9-4e1d-af0d-09266be81243) — @melindathepiercer
- [Dave Racci](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/tattoo-artists/dave-racci~b922d2af-b7a2-43cb-85e5-3a0fd4e00733) — Japanese, Pop Culture, Asian, Color, Fantasy, New School — @dave_racci_tattoo
- [Ember Cesar](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/tattoo-artists/ember-cesar~e720ca41-861a-4888-89ce-bd23a9c5aeb4) — Hearts/Love, Nature, Fantasy, Portrait, Realism, Animals — @ember.cesar
- [Nick Trammel](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/tattoo-artists/nick-trammel~9f2e946f-c5fa-403f-b47a-67f17e7e95b6) — Color, Black and Gray — @nicktrammeltattoo
- [Joe Reis](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/tattoo-artists/joe-reis~4e6598a9-a407-40e6-a731-dc3d384afc39) — @sikkitattoo
- [Daniel Adamczyk](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/tattoo-artists/daniel-adamczyk~b05799b2-ec11-47fb-bcf1-e74cf06c79c0) — Blackwork, Japanese, Lettering, Music, Sports, Traditional — @wolfbasher
- [Bella Taverney](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/tattoo-artists/bella-taverney~b8f257b3-0a9b-4580-a042-8748aeb6cddf) — Apprentice — @btar.t
- [Maddie Higley](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/tattoo-artists/maddie-higley~7826beae-2670-4fef-aa39-0fd0464ed74f) — @Decayingroseart

## Services

- [Color](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/color): Color tattoos bring your ideas to life with rich saturation, smooth blends, and eye-catching detail.
- [Black & Gray](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/black-and-grey): Black and gray focuses on contrast, depth, and smooth shading to create timeless designs.
- [Traditional](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/traditional): Traditional tattoos feature bold lines and solid colors inspired by classic American tattooing.
- [Sleeves](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/full-sleeve): Sleeve tattoos are large designs that flow across the arm, combining multiple elements into one cohesive piece.
- [Cover-ups](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com#booking): Cover-ups transform unwanted tattoos into new custom designs that reinvent the piece.
- [Realism](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/gallery/tattoos/keyword/realism): Realism focuses on lifelike detail, shading, and depth to create artwork that looks photographic.

## Frequently asked questions

- [What should I know before getting my first tattoo?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#what-should-i-know-before-getting-my-first-tattoo)
- [How do I find a good tattoo artist?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#how-do-i-find-a-good-tattoo-artist)
- [What's the best placement for a first tattoo?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#what-s-the-best-placement-for-a-first-tattoo)
- [What size tattoo is best for a first tattoo?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#what-size-tattoo-is-best-for-a-first-tattoo)
- [How do I pick a tattoo design I won't regret?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#how-do-i-pick-a-tattoo-design-i-won-t-regret)
- [Can I bring my own tattoo design?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#can-i-bring-my-own-tattoo-design)
- [Will you copy another artist's tattoo exactly?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#will-you-copy-another-artist-s-tattoo-exactly)
- [How do I choose the right tattoo size?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#how-do-i-choose-the-right-tattoo-size)
- [Do color tattoos or black and gray last longer?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#do-color-tattoos-or-black-and-gray-last-longer)
- [What type of ink do you use? Is it vegan or hypoallergenic?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#what-type-of-ink-do-you-use-is-it-vegan-or-hypoallergenic)
- [How do I book a tattoo appointment?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#how-do-i-book-a-tattoo-appointment)
- [What happens at a tattoo consultation?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#what-happens-at-a-tattoo-consultation)
- [How far in advance should I book?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#how-far-in-advance-should-i-book)
- [Do tattoo artists require a deposit?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#do-tattoo-artists-require-a-deposit)
- [What if I need to reschedule?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#what-if-i-need-to-reschedule)
- [What questions should I ask before booking?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#what-questions-should-i-ask-before-booking)
- [Do you accept walk-ins?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#do-you-accept-walk-ins)
- [I'm traveling from out of town — how do I book?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#i-m-traveling-from-out-of-town-how-do-i-book)
- [How much does a tattoo cost?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#how-much-does-a-tattoo-cost)
- [Why are tattoos so expensive?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#why-are-tattoos-so-expensive)
- [How much should you tip a tattoo artist?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#how-much-should-you-tip-a-tattoo-artist)
- [Do tattoo prices include touch-ups?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#do-tattoo-prices-include-touch-ups)
- [Do you sell gift cards?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#do-you-sell-gift-cards)
- [What forms of payment do you accept?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#what-forms-of-payment-do-you-accept)
- [What should I do before getting a tattoo?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#what-should-i-do-before-getting-a-tattoo)
- [What should I bring to my appointment?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#what-should-i-bring-to-my-appointment)
- [Can I bring someone to my appointment?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#can-i-bring-someone-to-my-appointment)
- [Should I shave before my appointment?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#should-i-shave-before-my-appointment)
- [Can I drink alcohol or caffeine before?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#can-i-drink-alcohol-or-caffeine-before)
- [Where are you located and is there parking?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#where-are-you-located-and-is-there-parking)
- [Does getting a tattoo hurt?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#does-getting-a-tattoo-hurt)
- [What does getting a tattoo feel like?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#what-does-getting-a-tattoo-feel-like)
- [Where are the most painful places?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#where-are-the-most-painful-places)
- [How long does a session take?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#how-long-does-a-session-take)
- [Can I use numbing cream?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#can-i-use-numbing-cream)
- [Can I take breaks during my session?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#can-i-take-breaks-during-my-session)
- [How long does a tattoo take to heal?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#how-long-does-a-tattoo-take-to-heal)
- [What products should I use or avoid?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#what-products-should-i-use-or-avoid)
- [How should I care for my new tattoo?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#how-should-i-care-for-my-new-tattoo)
- [When can I swim after getting a tattoo?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#when-can-i-swim-after-getting-a-tattoo)
- [Can I exercise after getting a tattoo?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#can-i-exercise-after-getting-a-tattoo)
- [When can I expose my tattoo to the sun?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#when-can-i-expose-my-tattoo-to-the-sun)
- [Is it normal for my tattoo to peel and itch?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#is-it-normal-for-my-tattoo-to-peel-and-itch)
- [How do I know if my tattoo is infected?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#how-do-i-know-if-my-tattoo-is-infected)
- [Do tattoos need touch-ups?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#do-tattoos-need-touch-ups)
- [Why do tattoos fade over time?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#why-do-tattoos-fade-over-time)
- [What if I don't like the design once it's on?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#what-if-i-don-t-like-the-design-once-it-s-on)
- [Can you fix or cover up an old tattoo?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#can-you-fix-or-cover-up-an-old-tattoo)
- [How does tattoo removal work?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#how-does-tattoo-removal-work)
- [Is getting a tattoo safe?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#is-getting-a-tattoo-safe)
- [How old do you have to be?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#how-old-do-you-have-to-be)
- [Can I get a tattoo with a medical condition?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#can-i-get-a-tattoo-with-a-medical-condition)
- [Can you get a tattoo while pregnant or nursing?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#can-you-get-a-tattoo-while-pregnant-or-nursing)
- [Can I get a tattoo if I'm sick or on antibiotics?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#can-i-get-a-tattoo-if-i-m-sick-or-on-antibiotics)
- [Can I get a tattoo over scars or stretch marks?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#can-i-get-a-tattoo-over-scars-or-stretch-marks)
- [Can I get a tattoo while on my period, sunburned, or after tanning?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#can-i-get-a-tattoo-while-on-my-period-sunburned-or-after-tanning)
- [Body Piercing Prices and Age Requirements](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#body-piercing-prices-and-age-requirements)
- [Body Piercing Aftercare](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#body-piercing-aftercare)
- [Do you take walk-ins for piercings?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#do-you-take-walk-ins-for-piercings)
- [Do you pierce minors?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#do-you-pierce-minors)
- [Should I tip my piercer?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#should-i-tip-my-piercer)
- [Cancellation Policy](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/faq#cancellation-policy)

## Latest news

- [Discover the Artistry of Darkside Tattoo: A Video Showcase](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/tattoo-news/discover-the-artistry-of-darkside-tattoo-a-video-showcase-moz8y92z~db5527f8-f067-41f8-a348-397ea6f67592) (May 10, 2026): Explore Darkside Tattoo's artistry in this engaging video. Book a consultation today!
- [What tattoo do you regret?](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/tattoo-news/explore-the-artistry-of-darkside-tattoo-studio-free-consultations-available-moxthsgk~45edc2ce-d1f0-47f8-96c6-887b50759845) (May 9, 2026): Darkside Crew talks about tattoos they would not get again if they had the choice.
- [Your input is important at Darkside Tattoo Studio](https://onlinetattoomagazines.com/tattoo-news/exploring-tattoo-consultations-at-darkside-tattoo-studio-motj6zeb~963a8eac-e2ae-4d6b-b515-f73978dd4263) (May 6, 2026): Don't be afraid to ask questions and make requests, its your tattoo and we want it to be perfect!
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