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.

Amazing shop, really cool space & vibe. The staff there are all extremely friendly people, as well…read moreas phenomenal artists. Highly recommend them!

I booked an appointment and experienced misleading pricing, scheduling mistakes, and extremely…read moreunprofessional customer service. The artist quoted me one price, then increased it by $150 after I paid my deposit. My first appointment date was mishandled by the studio, costing me a full day. Their deposit policy is misleading: clients pay $105, and if they need to reschedule, that deposit is forfeited, a second deposit is required, and only the second one applies toward the tattoo. This was never explained upfront. When I had a genuine emergency (my dog was rushed to the ER the night before my appointment and I became physically ill), I notified the studio more than 5 hours ahead. Instead of compassion, I was mocked by staff, told I had 30 minutes to decide whether to come in, and later received rude text messages. I have been tattooed by over 50 artists nationwide and have never encountered such treatment. This business uses unfair, deceptive policies and treats clients with disrespect. I am requesting my $105 deposit be refunded and for their policies to be clearly disclosed to future clients.

Mike did my first tattoo. He was enjoyable to talk to over the couple of hours that it took and it…read morecame out excellent! The conversation between Mike and the others here reminded a bit of being in a barber shop. It was a fun experience and I laughed a lot. I highly recommend Mike & Tattoo Asylum!

if I could give this place no star I would. I had to go up there 2 times for them to fix my belly…read morering. The 1st time they put a small bar in and the 2nd time they put an eye brow piercing in with just belly button piercing balls. My piercing had no room to heal or breath. I definitely would like my $50 back. It was rejecting so bad and crusting up that when someone helped me take it off I ab came up off the chair bc it hurt so bad. I def have relief now.

For future potential clients, this business will take your deposit, cancel on you and refuse to…read morerefund the deposit. The manager was very rude when inquired on my son'a behalf after they canceled his appointment last minute and refused to refund the deposit. Customer service is not a priority.

Christina got back with me, we both got our tattoos touched up. I really appreciate it a ton…read more See pics of touchups added !

My grandma and I got our first tattoo here. We had Matt T as our artist and we couldn't be happier!…read moreI walked in excited and nervous at the same time and all of the staff did an amazing job easing my nerves. The facility was very clean and I felt comfortable there. I was nervous at first to see that there wasn't a private room with another client sitting a few feet away from us, but I quickly became comfortable. We all ended up chatting and I never felt exposed or uncomfortable near anybody. They offered us water, gave us proper cleaning instructions, and truly cared about how we felt while on their facility. Matt T did an amazing job explaining everything step-by-step to both me and my grandma for each turn. The tattoo itself turned out amazing and his design was way better than either of us could have ever imagined. I will definitely be coming back here for more tattoos in the future!

C- at best, for the overall experience. A bit too cool for school. Went it for a simple and small…read moretattoo, with a clear vision, examples and colors. Jason was who I was assigned. But I did not feel like part of the process despite the preparation and vision, and the heartfelt meaningfulness behind the work. Color was off from the start and the back-and-forth was a bit condescending. It was tiring and did not feel supported so it was discouraging to keep trying to talk with him. The return to update the color was a major fail. The color is improved but getting agreement on it was taxing. And what is most disappointing is that the shape is off now. Instead of soft curves that are critical to the message of the tattoo, it has hard edges. I was very hopeful this second time. But I'm pretty disappointed and hope to find another place that will listen better, and know how to control their line drawings. Maybe it is just a simple line tattoo that meant less interest and commitment. I don't know. But I made it clear how meaningful it was to me and that didn't get me the respect and appropriate attention I deserved. He showed up late, there was no apology, and after he cleaned and prepped my skin, he got into a conversation with another artist while I was sitting there, completely ignoring my presence. I should have trusted my gut and left on the first day, and certainly at the return appt. I met with another artist at a different parlor who confirmed the terrible shape. And he made some suggestions and I felt very heard and understood. I'm looking forward to getting this fixed once it heals enough to do. I recommend you go elsewhere, or at least not go to Jason.

Great shop ! Mike did fine work with a medium size mandala , and he has a good sense for color …read more I like some color , but not overdone , and he found the perfect balance . I haven't had any work done by Jeff or Max , but from what I've seen of examples of their work , they are all extremely talented artists .

Got tattooed by Jeff and Mike and got awesome art! They both do good work, and the shop is always a…read moregreat vibe.

Had a great experience with my sister last week. She got her nose pierced and I got my orbital. It…read morewas quick and easy. I loved that the price included the jewelry, which on a lot of shops in the area offer. If I ever need another piercing, this is where I'll go.

- Cold (no heat on), uninviting shop - Homophobic and…read moreunprofessional piercer refused to stretch a P/A because he doesn't want to touch another man's genitals. You're a piercer. Its part of the job. Be a professional and get over it.

I was tattooed by Sam last month and I cannot recommend her enough. I first attended one of their…read moreopen houses where I was able to talk to Sam about my tattoo idea. The shop is nestled in a cute neighborhood with plenty of shop parking. I didn't bring a +1 but the shop has several sitting areas so I am sure you could bring someone if that makes you more comfortable. The shop also is woman-owned and has all women tattoo artists. Sam was wonderful! I have other artwork on my arm so she took the time to ensure the new piece worked with my existing work and also my anatomy. Her prices are reasonable given her 10+ years of tattooing experience and I enjoyed talking to Sam as I was getting tattooed. The tattoo took about 3 hours and we took 2-3 breaks. After the appointment, she gave me a care package that included tattoo moisturizing cream and wash from Ikonik. Overall, I would love to come back to cover more of my arm!

Sam Castro is an amazing natural artist with a very cool and comforting vibe. Her tattoos and…read moretalent are incredible and I don't know if I'll ever go anywhere else.

THEY ARE AMAZING! Went for my first small tattoo with Pat…read moreand weeks later went to get my first nose piercing. The guys are so welcoming all the way from the front desk to whoever you choose to work with. The ambiance is very nice, the services, prices and obviously very satisfying results.

I've been coming here for the past 6 years to get my tattoos and piercings . Although, I was…read morenervous because there were only men present, they treated me with great respect and care. They are also very helpful via email for consultations. I have a low pain tolerance and although, I try not to waste anyone's time, every person who has serviced me has been understanding and professional.

100 STARS Ken is amazing, brilliant, talented, artistic,…read moreprofessional, receptive, personable... the list goes on. He has tattooed, both myself and my husband. Our tattoos could not be more different, in size concept and style, but both are completely perfect and beautiful pieces of art. He can do it all!!! I came to Ken with a hot mess of halfway thought out ideas and he was able to patiently and kindly pluck right out of my "oh squirrel" brain exactly what I wanted and executed it to perfection! My husband and I both are already discussing our next pieces that we will undoubtedly be going to Ken for. I could not be happier with the experience or the art!!!!

OMG, Ken is amazing! He is so talented and kind and gives you plenty of time to make sure your…read moredesign is exactly what you want. I have to say my first tat experience was overall positive thanks to Ken's skilled hands and wonderful demeanor (plus, he's cute as a button). This was my first tattoo at 74 yo and Ken's first opossum! We were both pleased!! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my tattoo!! Thanks so much, Ken.