This is my *second* awesome experience with this shop and I'm always blown away by the results!…read moreCame in as a walk-in for a repiercing (not originally done by them) and I waited maybe 5 minutes and we were done in 20! I was allowed to bring a guest this time, which helped my anxiety a lot. There's an ATM for withdrawals/tips and the waiting room is cozy and nicely kept and they have a guest bathroom. Justin helped me out with the entire process from start to finish, was knowledgeable about his craft and made me feel super comfortable during what would be an otherwise unpleasant piercing process. Thank you

Completely professional and a wonderful result. Great experience from design to pricing. Highly…read morerecommended.

Not knowing what to expect from NC tattoo artists- took a chance here. Used to high end so cal…read moreWork. This place is seriously up to par. Took the scratches we brought and made my tattoo look better than what I expected. Took so much time making it perfect. Highly recommended

Today Art help me out with my pierced I had from other piercers. And I got a piercing from him and…read morehe didn't make uncomfortable or anything plus he fast and everything. Go to him he tell you everything you need to know and how to take care of you tattoos and piercing.

Annika did an awesome job piercing my daughters ears. She explained everything and was super sweet…read morewith her.

The piercer was incredibly helpful in my jestrum (a piercing requiring exquisite perfection), moved…read moreswiftly in ensuring the least amount of pain possible, the atmosphere was so relaxing and the receptionist was so sweet and understanding. I don't get why anybody would have an issue with this place, good people and work! And I paid 51 for the full piercing including jewelry.

This establishment took advantage of my elderly mother who didn't know the cost of a tattoo. She…read morewent in to get an empowering tattoo that said " I am enough" on her clavicle and was charged $250. If I could give ZERO stars I would. I would NEVER recommend this predatory establishment to anyone.

Zach did my tattoo, it was a great experience and he had a light hand so it didn't hurt (almost…read morefell asleep ), everything autoclaved and gloves to ensure it's perfectly safe/clean. It feels like the lines and shading will be exactly as expected once healed, this was my 8th tattoo and had bad experiences elsewhere, so happy with this one! In addition on day two, it's not red as others I've had previously that had issues, which means it's healing nicely. I highly recommend him. I also want to recommend the piercer (I don't remember her name ) I got lucky she was available each time I was there and was able to get amazing earrings for my previous piercings... she was knowledgeable and very professional as well as put them in without any problems. Also, they followed up to get me scheduled when I asked, I always remember things later than when places are open so it was a blessing to have them call me! Highly recommend them! My second tattoo was also done by Dogstar in 1998, they were great then and even better now!

This place used to be great, but now they offer the most arrogant employees who provide absolutely…read morehorrible customer service. I am actually shocked at the difference between the service I'm used to when I lived in Durham and what I dealt with today. This place has gone down downhill. I just got hung up on by one of the most aggressively ignorant human beings I've ever encountered in customer service. People like this are why I left Durham and why I will never go back there. The original owner used to be an amazing person and that store used to be an amazing place but I wouldn't go near that establishment now.

Got an amazing tattoo from Gabby. Very well organized went over everything at least twice to make…read moresure I was happy with the design and placement. Will definitely be going back for more work. Gabby was very knowledgeable and was fun chatting and watching her work. Very reasonably priced for quality work.

These guys are amazing and I've only been in for a consult !! I'll update this review in approx two…read moreweeks when I receive my new piece from Chris. But this place has impressed me beyond words, super friendly and humble staff who make you feel welcome and right at home ! Chris took his time with me, we spent upwards of an hour brainstorming how to cover up a pre existing tattoo from a shop that doesn't exist anymore. After multiple apologies from me about taking up so much of his time, he stopped me and told me "don't apologize, this is exactly what I'm here for !" I LOVE that attitude and can not wait to go back in two weeks to receive some nice artwork !! I highly recommend giving these guys a look !! Update: Received my tattoo tonight, by Chris Kelly. One more session to go !And let me tell you guys something, dead serious, you will not find a better tattoo shop in North Carolina. These guys are absolute professionals, and super friendly, they make you feel like an old friend the moment you walk in. The attention to quality and detail is through the roof, I've been tattooed quite a few times now, and have never encountered as good of an experience as I encountered tonight. I HIGHLY recommend, and if it were possible to rate higher, I absolutely would in a second. The shop is super clean and tidy even to the smallest detail, even the mop bucket had a place !!! Once again, I urge you to go to Heart And Hammer for anything ink related.

Emily was the person that I consulted with and What a rude, unprofessional and my opinion racist…read morelady. From the get go she was rude and just plain nasty. I hated my experience with her and regret ever wanting to go there lost a $50 Deposit. The man that helps was very nice Sebastian was friendly and had a great attitude but the tattoo artist was disgusting. If you want to make your experience nice and friendly don't go there unless you are white.

I am throughly impressed with this shop. I had a cover up completed today by Mattie and she…read moreexceeded all of my expectations. Mattie was so careful to explain the entire process from start to finish and her work is exceptional! This was also the CLEANEST MOST PROFESSIONAL shop I have ever been too! If you're looking for a tattoo shop this is the one!

Blair did an amazing job, not only on the work itself but with the design. I was all over the place…read morewith my ideas. I knew I wanted a book tattoo that had elements from several of my favorite books but also didn't want it to look like patchwork. She did an amazing job designing this piece and I absolutely love it! The shop is super cute and clean as well!

Nate at Femme Fatale is my go-to guy from here on out for my artwork. I was hella nervous getting…read moremy homage to Atlanta at a tattoo shop in NC. Sent Nate a broad idea of what I wanted for my tattoo. The concept he came up with was better than what I expected. His coloring work is stellar, especially when considering I have a darker complexion. It was also a cover-up and no one can see the tattoo that was covered up, even after I mention it was a coverup. It's not the cheapest place in town, but I believe you get what you pay for. I'd have paid more!

Update. Extremely disappointed. I was overcharged, for a…read moresimple ear piercing, which is outrageous, especially considering what I received. Just a month later, my right ear is swollen, discolored and clearly not healing properly. This raises concerns about their sanitation practices. no options, no upgrades. For what I paid, I expected at least a basic level of quality and care. I felt like I got robbed in broad daylight. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Oct 2023 I had a slight mishap and needed to change the…read morepiercing. Amber told me at time of piercing in Feb 2019 to just call and she can swap it out anytime as she does this service for other clients. I always tip as a courtesy. A guy answered the phone and said Amber is there and there is a charge. I had a problem so I did not feel comfortable changing myself at the moment. Although the fee was nominal, I am deducting one star based on original information from the piercer. Amber has good customer service. The change back to the flat back 14kt yellow gold earring caused significant pain level such as initial piercing from the 14kt yellow gold hoop which was purchased somewhere else as not sold at this establishment. Omg and yikes! Problem if the hoop is completely 14kt gold as a problem in the manufacturing since 14kt gold does not tarnish. I found another establishment that solely does piercing and carries a vast selection in products including 14kt and titanium and after a month got a different 14kt gold hoop and 2 other piercings, zero pain surprisingly for all services. Hope this review is helpful based on my experiences, thanks.