3 Best Tattoo Shops in Durham, NC

Best tattoo experience I’ve had ever! This is not your dad’s biker tattoo parlor. It is clean, open, inviting and, as a woman, I felt very comfortable in the environment - you know what I mean, ladies! From start to finish, everyone was friendly and professional, but you could tell by the way they interacted with the customers and each other, that they love their jobs. Shout out to my artist, Hayden!! She spent all the time that was needed going over my vision, combining different elements together and then putting her own unique spin on the art. She made sure we were on the same page before beginning. It never felt rushed and she was such a pleasure to speak with during the process. The time flew by and before I knew it, I had 2 gorgeous tattoos that I will treasure. Thank you, Hayden and the rest of the team!!!.

This was my first tattoo and I wanted it to be done by an establishment with a good reputation and an artist I could trust - I made the right choice in going with Michael at Dogstar. Seeing up my appointment was easy and the price was fair. Michael is a fantastic artist and I felt confident from the moment he started that I was going to love the result. I couldn't be happier.

I'm a huge fan of Dogstar Tattoo, especially artist Megan Chuntz. The employees are welcoming. The facility is clean and professional. Megan's work is incredible. I'm trusting her to do a full sleeve and I've been super happy with the work done this far.

I have had multiple sessions with Mike after learning about him and his studio on Reddit. I was looking for an artist who was experienced in Japanese style and who could rework an existing sleeve, and after driving over an hour away for a consult with him, I knew he was the one to get the job done. My experience at Tattoo Asylum could not have been better. The studio itself is clean, welcoming, and not at all the stereotypical hardcore, intimidating environment we often think of. Chaz (reception) and Alexis (fellow artist and piercer) are both super cool to talk to. Mike is awesome - super knowledgeable and creative, and he makes you feel like you’re just talking to your dad or uncle. His pricing is also very fair considering his experience and the level of skill/work he’s able to do, especially when it comes to cover ups and reworking existing tattoos. I’ve since had to take a break from finishing up my sleeve since I just found out I’m expecting, but I am excited to be back in the chair as soon as I’m able to. In the meantime, I highly recommend Tattoo Asylum for anyone interested in high quality work from some genuine, talented folks. First photo shows the original tattoo from a different artist (left) and the progress that was made over the course of just a couple sessions with Mike (right). Second photo shows the most recent addition in the process of making it an actual sleeve.

I got a small tattoo earlier. I wish I could remember her name, but the female artist I had was amazing. I've been in several shops that kinda make me uncomfortable, for different reasons. But her and the desk guy and the other artist made me feel comfortable and that means a lot. Even though what I got was very simple, I'd recommend them to anyone, especially young women.

Got my first tattoo here and it turned out amazing! Mike is a real pro! Shop was very clean and well kept. Scheduling was a breeze. I will definitely be back!.