Overview

Chariot Tattoo & Laser Tattoo Removal is a luxury tattoo studio and laser removal center in downtown Boise, Idaho, founded by Tony and Stephanie Ritter. Located at 580 W Main Street in Old Boise, the practice specializes in award-winning black and gray realism tattooing, microblading, and laser tattoo removal using Boise’s most advanced Candela PicoWay picosecond laser system in an opulent, museum-quality environment.

About the Clinic

Founded by husband-and-wife team Tony and Stephanie Ritter, longtime Boise residents who have always dreamed of creating an exclusive, luxury tattooing and removal experience, Chariot Tattoo represents the realization of their vision to “push the envelope further” in the industry. The downtown Boise location was inspired by themes of Greek and Roman cathedrals, art museums, and European boutiques, featuring black walls accented with gold, white marble floors, large oil paintings, Greek statues decorating halls and walls, opulent chandeliers suspended from high ceilings, red velvet ropes at the entrance, and a gilded lounge area hidden in the back—every inch renovated to create an immersive, one-of-a-kind experience. Tony Ritter serves as studio owner and award-winning black and gray realism tattoo artist with over 20 years of experience and 25,000+ Instagram followers, having previously operated A Minds Eye Tattoo as Boise’s first official mobile tattoo studio. Stephanie Ritter is co-owner, master microblading artist who teaches courses about the art, and certified laser technician responsible for tattoo removal treatments. The team includes tattooer Norah Pike, color/black and gray realism tattoo artist and muralist Jared Carter (who painted the black and gray Pharaoh’s Horses mural across the studio wall), and apprentice Zach McCleery. The practice utilizes the Candela PicoWay laser—described as Boise’s most advanced picosecond laser and named the 2022 Aesthetic Awards Device of the Year, featured on NBC’s Today Show. Services encompass laser tattoo removal and lightening with the PicoWay system, custom black and gray realism tattoos, color realism tattoos, microblading and permanent makeup, all delivered in the luxurious, art gallery atmosphere. The booking system opens quarterly on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1, with clients typically booking 6-12 months in advance, ensuring the day they arrive for their appointment is a full experience from start to finish. The practice runs the laser in tandem with a Zimmer Cryo 6, which blows -30 degree Celsius air on the tattoo during removal to increase comfort and reduce inflammation. The biblical symbolism of the Pharaoh’s Horses connects to the owners’ vision of horses pulling a chariot, representing progress and transformation.

What Clients Are Saying

Clients describe being “super nervous” for tattoo removal but report that Stephanie made them “feel super comfortable and calm during the actual procedure,” with the process “actually wasn’t that bad” contrary to expectations. The luxury atmosphere and attention to detail throughout the entire experience earn consistent praise, with clients appreciating that the studio delivers on its promise of making appointments booked months in advance feel special and worth the wait. Reviewers specifically commend the professional, attentive, and nurturing approach to laser treatments, noting the Zimmer Cryo 6 pain management technology significantly improves comfort levels during removal sessions. Tony’s black and gray realism work receives recognition as award-winning, with his 25,000+ Instagram following reflecting the demand for his custom tattoo artistry. Stephanie’s microblading expertise earns recognition both from clients and through her role as an instructor teaching others the art, establishing her as a master-level technician. The combination of world-class laser technology (PicoWay) with artistic expertise creates confidence among clients that they’re receiving both effective removal treatments and access to talented tattoo artists who understand the technical aspects of both creating and removing body art. The studio’s commitment to bringing guest artists from around the state and country for limited-time appearances adds excitement and exclusivity to the experience.

Laser Type Used

Candela PicoWay
PicoWay is an advanced picosecond laser system that delivers ultra-short pulse durations measured in trillionths of a second (picoseconds), offering faster and more effective tattoo removal than traditional nanosecond lasers. The technology uses photoacoustic energy rather than heat to shatter ink particles into smaller fragments that the body can eliminate more efficiently, resulting in fewer treatment sessions and reduced risk of thermal damage to surrounding skin. PicoWay’s multiple wavelengths (1064nm, 532nm, and 730nm) enable treatment of all ink colors across all skin types, including darker skin tones that may be at higher risk with other laser systems. The system’s high peak power and ultra-short pulse duration create a powerful pressure wave that fragments even stubborn ink colors like blues and greens that traditionally resist treatment. Clinical studies demonstrate PicoWay can achieve significant fading in fewer sessions compared to Q-switched lasers, with many patients seeing dramatic results and some tattoos clearing completely with minimal risk of hypopigmentation or scarring.

Business Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

Unique Features

Chariot Tattoo’s museum-quality atmosphere sets it dramatically apart from typical tattoo studios, with the Greek and Roman cathedral-inspired decor, marble floors, oil paintings, Greek statues, and gilded details creating an exclusive, luxury experience more reminiscent of high-end art galleries than clinical settings. The Candela PicoWay laser represents investment in the most advanced technology available—the 2022 Aesthetic Awards Device of the Year featured on NBC’s Today Show—demonstrating commitment to providing Boise’s best removal outcomes. The Zimmer Cryo 6 pain management system running in tandem with the laser, blowing -30 degree Celsius air during treatment, provides significant comfort advantages over standard removal procedures. The quarterly booking system (opening only four times per year) creates exclusivity while ensuring more people have opportunity to schedule with these sought-after artists, with 6-12 month advance bookings reflecting high demand. The dual expertise combining award-winning tattoo artistry with advanced laser removal creates unique advantages for clients seeking coverup preparation, as the team understands both the technical requirements of removal and the artistic considerations of new tattoo work. The husband-and-wife ownership model reflects genuine passion and personal investment in creating extraordinary client experiences. The commitment to bringing guest artists from across the state and country for limited engagements provides Boise-area residents access to diverse artistic styles without traveling to major metropolitan areas. The biblical symbolism and thoughtful design elements throughout the space demonstrate attention to meaning and intentionality that extends beyond mere aesthetics, creating an environment where every detail contributes to the transformative experience of either adding or removing body art.