I wanted a shoulder tattoo, something that would represent my love of family, mountains, canines and nature. My teenage daughter and I spent many hours discussing ideas; we finally settled on a wolf pack (male, female and female pup) against a mountain background. Now that we had a design, we needed an artist to make it a reality. We spent an entire Saturday looking at portfolios of local artists online and finally found Jenny Wilson at Lightwave Tattoo in Saugus. I loved the look of her work in black and gray... the realism and attention to detail. I met Jenny for a consult, she reviewed several pages of ideas that I brought and together we settled on one. Two weeks later I was at the studio with Jenny ready to start the wolves. She had the drawing in hand and had taken the time to add her own touches to my idea which only improved upon it. Three hours after she started she was finished and told me to take a look. I nervously got up, looked in the mirror.... and really liked what I saw!!! But it gets better! Three weeks later after the skin healed all the fine detail came out and I absolutely LOVED what I saw; my daughter and wife were blown away as well! The male stood over his family looking alpha and protective, the female in front looked calm and content and the pup nestled between them looked alert and curious. It was like she read my mind, she nailed it 110%. You only get one shot at doing a tattoo right and after it's done you have to live with it forever. You have to take the time to think about what you really want, and then find the best artist in your area to make your vision a reality. I am so glad I found Jenny & Lightwave. I went back tonight to have Jenny finish the mountain scene... Looks good now, I'll update after it's healed. I wish there was a way for me to a post a photo so you could see how great this came out... I'd recommend Jenny & Lightwave to anyone that asked. read more

I had been thinking about getting a tattoo for years and was always afraid to pull the trigger. I finally decided that now was the time and researched many tattoo shops on the North Shore of Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Lightwave stood out from the experience of their artists on staff, their galleries on line and their continued effort to further enhance the mastery of their craft. In the truest sense of the word, these are "ARTISTS" who express their creativity through the "tattoo medium". My experience began wih a phone call and initial meeting with Jeb Riley. He helped me channel the emotions and images in my head into a sketch on paper. I set up an appointment with Jay Ski and went back home to further map out my design. I called Jay ski the next day and gave him some notes on what else I was thinking. The next day Jay Ski had a sketch of what we spoke of and he nailed perfectly on the first try. The next day, I was back in the shop to have my tattoo done and I was excited and very nervous. Jay Ski went over the process from start to finish. He described what he was doing, why he was doing it and the end effect it would produce. He was correct at every step. My tattoo is a family tree with the sun rising behind it, my children's names close to the roots of the tree and my wife's name in a banner which wraps around the tree. The detail, shadowing, blending and outlines are perfect. The colors are breath taking. I strongly recommend Lightwave for your body art needs. read more

I recently went to Lightwave to get a tattoo I'd had floating in my mind. I set up an appointment with XStina, and I'm very glad I did so. She was a bit late getting to the shop, but it wasn't anything drastic, and they even called to let me know what was going on, which not everyone would have done. She was funny, nice, and while I was nervous she made me feel so comfortable almost immediately. After we talked about my design some more, she went back and forth a few times with me to decide on what I wanted, and what she came up with was beyond what I could have imagined. It was the most beautiful piece I could have pictured. She had no issues with my friend coming back with us, and talked to me during the whole thing. I initially had thought the whole session took a while (three hours, and it was my first big tattoo), but I saw how worth it the waiting was. The tattoo was perfect. I couldn't have asked for anything better, because nothing better exists. The shading, details, and everything about it was perfect, I was so amazed. She even knocked off fifty dollars at the end, because she didn't want to go over what we'd talked about. I highly, HIGHLY recommend Lightwave. I especially recommend XStina, and her amazing work, but everyone there seems to do amazing work, and they all seem pretty welcoming. I will definitely go back if I get another. read more

I absolutely loved my experience at Lightwave Tattoos! The place was very clean and the tattoo artists were all very friendly. I had gotten a few tattoos at other places, but I was never really happy with the tattoo artists. After going here, I will never go anywhere else for tattoos, it's that good! The prices are so reasonable. I had the fortune of having Xstina as my tattoo artist. I already had a tattoo 'bracelet'. It didn't go all the way around my wrist, so I wanted something on my inner wrist. She took one look at the butterfly I have on my ankle, and asked me if I liked it. I said, well I liked it when it was first done, maybe 5 or 6 years ago, but now it's sooo faded, it looks like crap. She said that she could redo it. I said, well, you're already re-doing the wrist one AND adding something to my inner wrist! I was afraid of how much this would all cost. She told me a price and I said, for all that?? I was shocked, because it was the same price as the original one on my wrist, but she was going to be doing so much more work! Xstina took the time to make sure the tats came out really good. She was very friendly and I would recommend her to everyone! She also took a before and after pic of the butterfly on my ankle and she said she would e-mail me the pics, so once she does that, I will post them to my profile. read more

My wife and I go up to MAss every Halloween for our Anniversary. we went to another tattoo plave 2 years ago and we very unhappy with the results. We did a bit of research and found Lightwave, sister shop to Witch City Ink. I checked up on the work and got an extremely personal tattoo there, done by Jon Doe. It was a tattoo of Mjolinir, Thor's Hammer, Which I've had around my neck since I was a boy. I've been planning on getting this since I first wanted a tattoo @ the age of 7. It ended up being my 5th, but I couldn't have had a better experience. I called the Lightwave a month in advance, and kept a regular corespondance with the shop through email. I sent an exact photo of what I wanted and was able to leave a deposit over the phone. It was one of the best parts of our anniversary trip. My wife and I were both worked on by Jon, and we couldn't behappier with the work, Laurie and the rest of teh staff we extremely friendly and accomodating. There were good discussion, and excellent work. I highly recommen this shop to anyone looking for a quality tattoo! They made loyal yearly customers out of my wife and I To see a pic of my piece just go to my profile. read more

I had the pleasure of going to Lightwave at the end of August, hell bent on getting the sugar skull tattoo I've been craving on my right foot. As soon as I walk in, one of the artists, in the middle of tattooing another patron, greets me and asks if he can help me. I show him my ideas and he leads me to Xstina who is known for her love of all things sugar skull. So I make an appointment for the following day and meet with her. She was kick-ass! I had given her my ideas I'd found on the internet the day before and when I went in there she had come up with two completely amazing ideas. For those who don't know, feet tattoos are really pretty damn painful, but she was funny and made the experience less painful to say the least. The QUALITY of work is nothing short of amazing. She took time to make sure every detail was to my liking. The place is clean, staff was entertaining and welcoming. I have other tattoos, but have found the place I'll go for life and highly recommend you do the same if you're looking for a place on the N.Shore! read more

This is my first review. Having been so inspired by my experiences here, just had to write this! By any measure, Lightwave Tattoo in Saugus, owned by Natan Alexander, is a the most fantastic place. We came from Boston on a recommendation from a friend. We will never have a tattoo done anywhere else. Jay Ski, simply put, is the apotheosis!!! He channels the universe with results that are ... breathtaking. He has done three tattoos for me so far. Each one more intricate, by orders of magnitude, than the one before. He is original, brilliant and passionate with his work. I will absolutely have him do all of my future tattoos. It would not be a complete review without telling you that everyone there, from Natan to each apprentice, are a pleasure to speak with. They give terrific advice and always have a smile. If you are looking for your next tattoo, I cannot more highly recommend Lightwave. You will not be disappointed. Matt read more

LoveLoveLove this place. I went in there this past weekend to get my first tattoo. I was really nervous and was questioning whether I should get tattooed or not. Right when I walked in I felt right at home and relaxed. I was looking through some portfolios while Bob was finishing up a client. I explained to him what I wanted and how I wanted it to look. He was really cool and he seemed like he knew his shit. So, we go in and he's starting to draw on my foot what I wanted. I got 2 lilies on my foot/ankle. He drew free hand my tattoo and I was really pleased with it. The experience was great yet painful. In total it took about 2 and a half hours to finish. But I'm really happy with it and am not going anywhere else for a tattoo. :) They have a lot of new artists that are there now. And they're also open 7 days a week, which is awesome. Highly recommended. read more

I have had a tattoo I have been less than thrilled with on my left upper thigh since I was 18. I had never thought before of getting it covered, until someone mentioned the idea to me. I emailed Lightwaves to find out if this idea was possible and Amelie got right back to me and could not have been more information and helpful. I then went through the list of talented artists and picked JaySki to do my cover. It came out way better than I could have imagined. You can't even see the old tattoo. at all. He is quite a talented artist. He made me feel very at ease. The shop is very professional and clean. Amelie kept getting me water, which was SO helpful, as it was a hot day (and hot in there! and being nervous, not a good combo). I have already recommended the shop to a few of my friends. Wonderful experience. read more

My boyfriend and I called Lightwaves on a whim about a month ago after both getting an urge for new tattoos. After sifting through many Google reviews for local places we decided to give them a shot. We were so impressed by the professionalism and expertise by the manager and Josh. Our tattoos came out just as we hoped. I got a rose on my arm and my boyfriend got a paw print. We are actually going in tomorrow for more tattoos. This time I am getting a paw print and Josh is going to cover up an old sorry looking tattoo on my boyfriend's arm that has bothered him for years. The shop was very clean and unpretentious. I highly recommend Josh, he guarantees his work for life! read more

Lightwave Tattoo & Body Piercing is a FANTASTIC place to have your skin decorated!!! The staff there are not only fun but very professional & unbelievably talented. I have to say that Mulysa Mayhem happens to be my artist of choice because she does my tattoo's!!! Trust me, I would NEVER have someone put permanent art on my bod if it wasn't the best!! Natan over at Lightwave makes sure that his artists ARE the BEST, plain & simple. I truly feel that no matter which of the great artists you decide to go with, you won't be disappointed. Just check out their pics... they tell the whole story. I wish them luck in their new location as well!! read more

It's hard to find artists who genuinely care how your tattoo is going to look down the road who aren't willing to give you a bad tattoo and take your money just because it's what you want. I've been tattooed by Josh multiple times and every time they turn out great. He always spends time working with me to make the tattoo the best it can be. The environment is laid back and fun and always nice and clean (nothing worse than seeing a dirty shop when you go in to get a tattoo). You may have to book an appointment because walk-in slots are limited, but they're definitely worth the wait! read more

Bob is the man! I went in on a Friday night for a tattoo. Didn't have an appointment and hoped for the best. He was more than happy to take me. Everyone that I encounted was super friendly, helpful and took the time to answer any questions that I had. My tattoo came out amazing! He took the time to work with me about font, placement & aftercare. He was really funny and welcoming. Totally helped calm the nerves. I highly recommend them. They're awesome! read more

On the recommendation of a few friends who have gone to Xtina over at Lightwave, I booked an appointment for my first tat. The interest that all the artists showed to me was impressive. The friendly banter made me feel at ease. Xtina did phenomenal work - she is both friendly and dedicated to giving her clients what they need. Would definitely recommend Xtina and the whole gang at Lightwave. Thanks for an awesome experience. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE my fairy tattoo! Seen in my pic. Got it done by Jay Ski at Lightwave in Saugus MA who was able to take my sketchy design and his creativity and turn it into EXACTLY what I wanted! I was pretty particular about how I wanted her face to look well, like a face and I've seen some fairy tats where their faces are all messed up lookin but my fairy is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Coudnt recommend him enough read more

I got my tattoo done by Natan Alexander. He is the best tattoo artist! He is very creative and it shows in his work. I got a cover up, he did an awesome job, you can't tell at all. The shop is clean, staff is very nice. Natan is a great guy all around. I highly recommend Natan, he is the best. You can get tattoo done at either location, Lightwave Tattoo in Saugus or Witch City Ink in Salem. read more

i had an amazing experience going here for my first tattoo. Ben was great he is very particular at what he does. my tattoo came out perfect exactly what i wanted but even better! i was very nervous walking in not knowing what i was getting myself into but he was very calming and that was very help and also fun environment definitely going back for a second tattoo ! read more

My wife had a fairly basic design done while I hung back and waited. Dave was a very personable, professional guy, not the Hollywood scraggly beard version type and the location was so clean it was nearly funny. They also has a well stocked array of books, not just flash or industry mags, A very positive experience, I can't think of one thing to even improve on. read more

AMAZING TATTOO ARTISTS! Xstina is the best I've ever seen and I've gone to quite a few tattoo places. Knows her shit! Everyone that works here is amazing and helpful. They knows just who to send you to for whatever piece of art you want on you. I am just amazed at the ideas that they come up with. read more