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, covering everything from color realism, black & gray, and custom sleeves to fine line work, portraits, and traditional styles.
Located at 190 Main Street in East Haven, CT, just off I-95, Darkside welcomes walk-ins, offers free consultations, and regularly hosts world-class guest tattooers — all backed by over three decades of custom work and a client base that keeps coming back.

Yes! We welcome walk-ins whenever an artist has availability — call (203) 469-9208 to check same-day openings. Walk-ins are perfect for smaller pieces and flash designs. For larger or more detailed custom work, we recommend booking a free consultation in advance. [Book a Free Consultation →]
Start with a free consultation — submit your idea through our website, call us, or stop by the studio. We'll discuss your concept, finalize the design direction, recommend sizing and placement, and give you a clear cost estimate. A deposit of $50–$100 secures your appointment and goes toward your final total. [Schedule Your Free Consultation →]
Both! Bring reference images, personal sketches, mood boards — anything that helps us understand your vision. Your artist will adapt the concept for skin, adjusting proportion, line weight, and detail so it works as a tattoo and flows with your body's natural anatomy. We also offer ready-to-tattoo flash designs, which are often available for walk-ins at a lower price point. [Browse our flash designs →]
Yes, there's discomfort — but the vast majority of our clients say it was much more manageable than they expected. Most describe it as a persistent scratching or burning sensation, and your body's natural endorphins kick in within the first 15–20 minutes to dull the feeling. Placement matters: outer arms, thighs, and calves tend to be the most comfortable areas, while ribs, spine, and hands are more intense.
Cover-ups are some of the most rewarding work our artists do. During a consultation, your artist will assess the existing tattoo's size, color density, and placement to develop a strategy — the new design typically needs to be larger or more detailed to effectively conceal the original. In some cases, a session or two of laser lightening beforehand can expand your options significantly. [Book a cover-up consultation →]
Your artist will recommend one of two methods: a Saniderm bandage that stays on for five days and lets your body heal underneath, or the traditional wash-and-wrap method with a non-petroleum aftercare product like Redemption. How your tattoo heals in the first week determines how it looks for the rest of your life — follow your artist's instructions closely and call us immediately with any concerns. [Full aftercare instructions →]
Our shop minimum is $90, and our standard hourly rate is $175/hour — some artists' rates may vary. Small, simple designs typically fall near the minimum, while larger or more detailed pieces are quoted based on estimated session time during your free consultation. A deposit of $50–$100 is required to book and is applied toward your final cost. Quality tattooing is an investment — our pricing reflects the craftsmanship, custom design time, and professional-grade materials that go into every piece. [Book a free consultation for a quote →]
You must be at least 18 with a valid government-issued photo ID. Connecticut does allow tattooing for minors ages 16–17 with both parents or legal guardians present, valid photo IDs for all parties, a birth certificate and photo ID for the minor, and a 24-hour waiting period required by state law. In custody situations, a legal court order is required as proof. [Read our full age policy →]

Guest Artist Nick Baxter Returns to Darkside Tattoo — Jan 8–10 ...more
General News
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Darkside Tattoo will be attending next year's New England Tattoo Expo! ...more
General News ,Upcoming Events
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Coverage from Tommy's Tattoo Convention 2025 ...more
Past Events
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If you want to check out the lastest Darkside Tattoos once a week:

190 MAIN STREET - EAST HAVEN, CT 06512
203 - 469 - 9208
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