Hardwire Tattoo & Body Piercing

Category:	Tattoo and Piercing Shop
Address:	116 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
Phone:	+1 910-343-0013
Site:	hardwiretattoo.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	12–9PM 12–9PM 12–9PM 12–9PM 12PM–12AM 12PM–12AM 12–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 6

Kelly Strowd

I went into this place Sunday while visiting Wilmington and got my tragus pierced on my ear. I got my cartilage pierced there a couple years ago and they did an awesome job, so I wanted to go back for this. FIrst the guy that was taking me back says - I have to go out and have a smoke first - which was rude, he stunk as his hands and breath were all over me. Then I pick out my jewelry, I asked for a stud b/c I liked the look - he says OK and grabs it and takes me back. His hands were so shaky! He said he had a coffee with 3 shots of espresso....not what you want to hear when someone is threading a needle through your ear! He goes on and then loses the jewelry after already putting the needle through...ouch! Then says....uh, well...what do you want to do? Um, I came in for a piercing so I say - do it again. He had to thread it through again, ouch again. Got it in (stinking and shaking the whole time!). I went about my day and night and came back to Raleigh....my ear was super sore and swollen....the next day as I am cleaning it, the back ball came off. I emailed the owner and asked for my $$ back b/c I figured I would need to take it out now as I couldnt get it back on. NO RESPONSE. I went to a local tattoo shop and the first thing the lady says was "You got this pierced yesterday?? With THAT jewelry???". She said the ball came off b/c my ear was so swollen (which it should not be) and that b/c he used an earring with "teeth" it probably cut up the inside of my tragus. She said she could re-do it with a hoop (what you SHOULD always use) but it was so big b/c of the swelling I took it out. $40 down the drain and my ear is still swollen and painful! I would NEVER recommend this place.

Jay ONeil

I havent gotten anything done yet (planning to come here on a weekend coming up). I will say, out of all the places Ive looked at for getting my first tattoo done, this place looked and felt the best. It looked clean and organized. I researched their website first (its very helpful with tips and care) and I would like to mention you should definitely go in and look at their portfolios if youre getting a custom piece done rather than just relying on the photos on their website. The portfolios in shop give a better idea of each artists range and personal style. The lady at the front counter (Im sorry I cant remember her name :( ) was so nice and helpful! She was also really patient with my questions, I wanted a ball park price range for my custom piece so she sent me to the back to talk about it with someone(Again, not sure the name- Im bad with names obviously-) He seemed like he was in the middle of something with a design program on the computer and came off a bit impatient or exasperated with me. I understand that Im not going to get an exact figure, thats impossible, but I figure that was poor communication on my part as the process is new to me. Ill either give another review after I get my piece here or Ill update this one.

Jacob Clayton

For me, the experience of getting a tattoo has always been just as important as the actual ink itself. So when I relocated to Wilmington, I worried that I may not be able to find a place, and a person, that would keep one of my favorite traditions going. But my first trip to Hardwire put my mind at ease. I walked in with a simple design that was ready to go, and by the luck of the draw, I was paired with Will. I connected with him immediately. Will is a true artist - not only talented, but also highly intelligent, driven, sensitive, and real. We crossed paths during an exceedingly difficult period in my life, and the words in my tattoo were meant to provide comfort to me. In my opinion, the best tattoo artists create a safe, non-judgmental space, in which they do their work. Its almost like a therapist. Thats what Ive always loved most about the experience of getting a tattoo. Thats what Will gave to me, and Ill be forever grateful to him and to Hardwire. Oh... and my tattoo is exactly what I wanted. Im already designing the next one, so Ill be back soon!

Jubal Creech

Felt invisible and not hip enough to be helped. A couple employees seemed totally tweaked out. They were no help what-so-ever and it didnt seem like they knew anything about the artists or what was in the cases. Photo books were filled with blotchy looking wall flash and the jewelry was seriously overpriced! Perhaps, if you want some tourist crap and feel like being judged by rude twenty-somethings go for it! But, if you want decent art or to feel like an appreciated customer - dont even bother. I guess this shop survives mostly off of its location and first-time impulse purchases. Ill never set foot in this nasty place again! Felt like I needed a shower after I left! I highly suggest to anyone getting ink- especially for the first time - research your artist and do a little comparison/interview before taking the plunge. Even if you dont have any previous ink - a true artist will give you the time of day and not just treat you like you arent cool... its a life long choice, make it wisely!

DM Eliot

Went to have a new, larger gauge helix earring put in. The guy was nice enough, but his hands trembled, and the first needle he put in didnt have the tip (or end?) he needed, so he had to take it out and put another one in. All of this would have been OK if the new ring I bought from them hadnt caused my ear to swell up and become incredibly sore. After about three days I couldnt stand it any more and had to take it out. The swelling went down within about a day after I got that thing out and its been fine since. Ive had this piercing for 20 years and have put just about every type of metal in it with no problem before, so I have no idea what the hell that thing was made of, but it wont be going back in my ear. They also didnt give me any instructions on aftercare (even though I specifically asked about them) or what to do if I had problems. He just said "Youre good to go." Definitely a Do Not Recommend.

Grace Boel

There isnt a single negative thing that can be said about this Hardwire Tattoo Shop. Its one of the cleanest, friendliest and most professional shops Ive EVER been in. (And Ive been in many) From the very first time i walked into their shop theyve all treated me with respect and like family. Always giving the best advice because they care. Sid Baggett is my artist and hes absolutely phenomenal. Hes one of the coolest and most down to earth artist Ive ever met. Hes done a few cover-ups on me and theyre flawless. Youd NEVER know they were cover-ups. In my opinion hes the absolute best at what he does and I trust no one but him to give me the quality of work Im looking for. Every artist there is great in their own unique way. I promise, you will NOT be disappointed in the atmosphere, location or quality of work you receive from this shop!