Isaac is awesome and kind! I wanted something small ended up being a bit bigger than U wanted due to the detail but it looks so cute! I went to consult another place before but they were a but judgey cuz I wanted something cute and small :( but people at the Laughing Hyenas were very nice and supportive and my tattoo looks so adorable! Thanks!!! read more

Wasteland Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me

See all

I got the largest of my three tattoos here almost a year ago, but forgot to review the shop (whoops). After having a negative experience with another very highly rated shop in D.C. (blown out lines, blotchy coloration) I was hesitant to trust an artist with such a large piece...but 100% recommend Dr. Z and Laughing Hyena. The shop looks like most others (black and red, leather, flash on the walls etc) but the vibe is so much more relaxed...none of the arrogance and judgement that you might get from other shops. It is CASH ONLY, but there's an ATM nearby if you forget to bring the dough. The shop is clean but small (which is why they only let you have one guest back by the tattooing area), and the limited guest policy also makes it more comfortable for anyone getting inked/pierced in sensitive areas because you won't have a huge audience of strangers. I came in with a cluster-f*ck of ideas, and Z somehow translated them into a beautiful piece of art. He gave me some direction in styles of art to review (Mucha, Art Nouveau, greek pottery), patiently re-drew the sketch when I changed my mind on color/composition a thousand times, and was lightning fast on the amazingly crisp linework. As for the rest of the artists, everyone was super friendly, and Tom the piercer was quick to console me with some jolly ranchers when I was nearly ready to tap out during my 3rd of 5 sessions. I can't wait to save up and come back for more....thanks Laughing Hyena! read more

Wasteland Tattoos - Fully healed and still incredibly vibrant. - Tattoo Near Me

Very good experience, not major into Tattoos - midlife sparks made me do it lol!!!all in all this was one of my best Tattoos ever...I did a walk in for a simple little tattoo on my back and it was flash-zoom-out! Everyone was super helpful, professional and great to work with! read more

Jesse did a great job. Everything was clean and quick. Staff was friendly. If I ever want another piercing this would be my first choice. read more

See all

Got my first tattoos here!!! DR Z was amazing!!!! So kind and careful especially because it was my first tattoo. The place was great and clean, very sanitary. Even for me, a girl who's never been in a tattoo parlor, it was intimidating or anything at all. I would 10/10 RECOMMEND !!! read more

Wasteland Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me

See all

Dr. Z did such an amazing job! It was my first tattoo and almost painless! He took from a clay print I have of my dogs paw and came up with the most amazing tattoo! Definitely worth the drive and money. I'll definitely be going to him for my next tattoo. read more

Wasteland Tattoos - Paw print by Dr.Z - Tattoo Near Me

What a great friday the 13th experience! Tom (the piercer) was so friendly and interesting to talk to and was extremely knowledgeable about everything in the shop. Isaac ( the owner ) did my tattoo and had me in and out of the chair in less than 10 minutes. The tattoo, while small and basic, came out AMAZING! I can't wait to come back here for my side piece! If youre looking for a great shop with amazing artists, look no further!! read more

Wasteland Tattoos - Photo doesn't do its justice but this is the Friday the 13th tat I got! - Tattoo Near Me

Im so pleased By the work Tom Has done for me. I went to to the shop over the weekend to get a few piercings. It was an good experience. The process was very clean professional, and he made sure that i was comfortable. Talked me through all of the steps and was as gentle as he could be. Overall everything was great and I would recommend Tom to everyone. I most definitely be bring my business back to them very soon. read more

Love the new location, much better than U street. The location is very convenient with cheap garage parking a block away if you can't find street parking. The shop was clean and organized. Although Isaac has done two of my tattoos, I went in to see Tom for a piercing. Tom was very knowledgeable and a stickler about being clean. He answered all my silly questions, explained the process thoroughly and made me feel very comfortable. I would highly recommend this shop. S/N: When I checked in there was a Yelp deal for $10 off. Prices are reasonable. read more

My first ever tattoo! I've wanted a tattoo for a long time but this decision is rather spontaneous, so I was pretty nervous. But Issac worked his magic to calm me down and designed a great kangaroo tattoo for the back of my ear. It was a quick and easy job done in 10 minutes. The part on the bone hurt a little but overall not as bad as I thought! Definitely addicted to getting inked now. Will come back for more soon! read more

Wasteland Tattoos - This is awesome! - Tattoo Near Me

I just needed my septum ring changed to a horseshoe so I can hide it for work. Tom did it for a reasonable fee. The whole process was quick and easy. Also their jewelry prices are great and all the staff were friendly and professional. Even when I couldn't put my horseshoe back on (lol I swear I've done it before!) Also, they have a great Yelp deal for $10 off piercings...cool! Will be using that in the near future read more

Love this shop, and we will be back again and again. Isaac the shop owner and bobby the piercer made up feel so comfortable. I could go on and on but find out for yourself! read more

Wasteland Tattoos - Excited about my new addition! - Tattoo Near Me

The Happy Hyena is very friendly place to get an tattoo done. Good atmosphere and the girl at front counter was very good handle customers as the place filled up real fast! I am definitely going back to them for my third tat soon! read more

Wasteland Tattoos - This is the tat I'm going to get! - Tattoo Near Me

See all

Absolute perfection! Wonderful tattoo job by Dr. Z I'm super happy with it! Can't say enough about how great this place is! Very clean and professional as well as kind and very willing to work with you! I highly recommend this place, particularly if it's your first tattoo! read more

Wasteland Tattoos - I love it so much! Lovely job by Dr. Z! - Tattoo Near Me

I got my first tattoo here a couple weeks ago. Going into this journey, I did a lot of research on places and artists and instantly fell in love with Laughing Hyena and Maria's portfolio. I booked my appointment with her right away. The day of the appointment, I was getting pretty nervous. But, funny and confident, Maria instantly put me at ease, answered all my questions, and asked about my life to get to know me. Maria was meticulous throughout the entire experience. She was everything I wanted my first experience to be and absolutely recommend her! Also, my tattoo healed wonderfully and looks exactly how I wanted! read more

Came to this shop after reading the reviews on Yelp. Z exceeded my expectations. He worked with me in getting the perfect size, thickness, style, and location of the tattoo which took a while since I was very picky. He also did a great job fixing up the tattoo that I got at Color Therapy in Arlington - don't ever go there, by the way. read more

I had my first large tattoo done by Isaac and it turned out perfectly. I couldn't be more pleased - it turned out exactly how I wanted. The whole place was really helpful and nice. Really great experience all around! read more

Wasteland Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me

See all

This shop is unbelievable. I consulted with Dr. Z about my tattoo design two weeks before we did it. He took all of my inspiration photos and my description of what I wanted and created four beautiful drawings of potential tattoos. I chose one the day I got it and we changed some of the colors and details to be exactly what I wanted. He was flexible and really fabulous about making sure my tattoo was perfect. The actual tattoo process was fast and reasonably priced. He helped me pick the colors and order them in the gradient. The water color effect came out BEAUTIFULLY! The art was precise and realistic, and the entire process was a joy. I cannot recommend them highly enough. read more

First time, and amazing service from Isaac. Came in upset about a terrible finger tattoo I got done. He was very knowledgeable in explaining why it was done incorrectly. Since I wasn't interested in a cover up I got my original idea in a new spot and he did a wonderful job. Love it and I'll be back for my cover up or something else. Thanks! read more

Wasteland Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me

After searching for a reliable tattoo shop in DC for nearly a year, I came across Laughing Hyena Tattoos and I am so glad I did! After seeing everyone's work at the shop on Yelp, I knew I found the right place. Although, my tattoo was very simple, Terrence did a wonderful job on the placement and execution. It took 10-15 mins - I went during the late afternoon. The shop's vibe is so great and welcoming and they are all super duper nice and helpful. Definitely won't be hesitating to return for more tattoos (looking to start a half sleeve later on) and I'll probably get pierced soon as well. Recommending them to all my friends! read more

Wasteland Tattoos - my 'i am okay.' tattoo done by Terrence on 10/9 - in love with it, my favorite out of all three of my tattoos - Tattoo Near Me

Right off the bat, this place makes you feel comfortable and at ease. Staff are knowledgeable and totally down to earth. My boyfriend and I decided to pop in to look at their collection of navel jewelry, which they have on full display under a glass case. They have a good amount of selection to choose from and are more than willing to do a special order for you. Rachel was so helpful in offering to put in an order for me and talking about the available jewelry at hand. Within a few minutes of us walking in, another pair came in to ask about rates for tattoos, where they were quickly helped out by another guy at the counter. There were about 1-2 people in the back getting work done, but it didn't seem to busy for a Saturday afternoon. I decided to go with a piece that got my eye from the very beginning. The ring was $65 and for an extra $10, they can put in for you. I decided to have Rachel change out my ring for me since my piercing has been irritated for the past few months. They only accept cash, but there are several ATM machines close by. While my boyfriend ran to the ATM, Rachel took me to a neat little room in the back to expedite the process. Rachel really took her time to thoroughly clean my piercing and my navel, and made sure I was comfortable. She was gentle and talked me through everything she was doing. The whole session took about 10 minutes, and the whole while she was making small talk. My boyfriend was able to watch during the whole cleaning process. I appreciated when Rachel asked me if I wanted the door to the room open or closed, I didn't mind it open. She confirmed my suspicion that my current jewelry was the cause of my irritated piercing - no more buying jewelry from Amazon! She talked to me about aftercare and what sort of products I could use to for with cleaning and swelling. The whole experience was practically painless and quick. Great customer service and I'd be back for any future piercings! Rachel is awesome:) read more

Laughing Hyena and its owner (Isaac) need a good lesson in customer service and honesty. After I called the first few days in July to speak to Isaac about an appointment, and left several messages he never called back. I again spoke to one of the other persons that's works there who took my initial details, and said she would give the message to Isaac. I explained to this person that I would be flying into DC to get the work done, and had availability from July11-13. They called me back on July 3 at 6 PM to tell me they could do my tattoo on July 13, to send them the art to their email. I called them back on July 5th to again to try to speak to Isaac to know at what time they could do my appointment, since they did not say on the call, and because God forbid one wants to speak to the artist initially about the tattoo. Again, Isaac was busy and could not take my call. The person on the phone said send the email and we will get back to you. I told the person, its the 3rd time I leave a message for Isaac in over a week, and I would like to discuss the details of the tattoo (which was not very complicated), and the time of the appointment so we make sure we have enough time to get it done since I'm coming in from out of town, the person again said she would give the message to Isaac. Yet again no call from Isaac. I sent the email as requested, but did not get a call back from Laughing Hyena or Isaac. Today, I decided to call and asked for Isaac, yet again, to see if we were going to get the tattoo done after all, again Isaac unavailable to speak, because he is a very busy man (the rest of us are mere mortals wasting away in our couches). I explained to the person, that I had been waiting for call back to my now 4 calls to Isaac, and a response to my email. She claimed they had responded to my email which I said I have not gotten your email, and she now said that July 13 has been unavailable for 3 weeks. I said, I have a voicemail in my cell phone left by you (on July 3) saying Isaac would be available to do my tattoo on July 13, and now you are telling me July 13 has been unavailable for 3 weeks???!!! (here is the lesson in honesty kids). Since Isaac might be compelled to respond to this review, I would be obliged to upload said voicemail, so everyone reading this review could determine facts vs reality. So lesson here is Laughing Hyena and its employees have terrible communication skills, Isaac is the busiest person on Earth and has no time to talk to potential customers by phone, the customers wait on them (for nearly 2 weeks) because hey that's the way they rock it, and they are not big on honesty! My 2 cents, with plenty of evidence to back it up! This is my response to Isaac's very untruthful and self-serving response, which he posted a few hours after my review, & follows his modus operandi of responses, mainly to the blame the other party: You silly Hyena, of course you are going to quickly answer a negative review while you still did not return 4 calls over a week and a half! But let's go over your lies one by one, or better yet using pictures, since you are a tattoo artist and they really do say a thousand words. Look at the visual voice mail from July 3 below, its a call back from your receptionist clearly stating that you would be "available to do your tattoo on July 13". So if you were not available by over 2 weeks prior and after July 13, we must have some serious issues with our adding and subtracting skills based on the visual voicemail I posted. Be glad to post the audio recording if you want me to as well. Now lets look at this other photo, with the email that I did send telling you what I wanted and explaining why I wanted to speak to you, I think its in plain English. It also clearly complies with your email policy and was sent on July 5, after the July 3 call from your receptionist. So unless you can't read, its difficult to understand why you would write in your comment above "and speak directly to me for reasons I'm not clear." I can see you have several 4 stars, several 3 stars as well. I see in Yelp you have numerous 1 stars, I see you have numerous very negative reviews in just the last months, so again come back from fantasyland where you claim to only have 5 stars. In case you haven't seen here are the links so you are I emailed, I sent the art and the specifics, was lied to about the date (again see the photo images below) they would do the work and now they are trying to lie in their answers to my review. Simply put, Isaac is a pre-madonna that, as other reviews have stated abuses his co-workers and customers. Isaac word to the wise, treat your customers right, don't dig yourself into a deeper whole and apologize when you have royally messed up. As a lawyer I love to write and research all day. You wasted my very important and limited time, learn to appreciate that other people time matters. Options: http://dcist.com/2015/03/the_best_tattoo_shops_in_the_dc_are.php read more

Wasteland Tattoos - This is the Visual VM from the call I received back from Laughing Hyena in which you can clearly read that 13 was available. Silly Hyena - Tattoo Near Me

Right now, I'm watching my boyfriend get his first tattoo done, but 3 days ago I was getting my first one done and it was AWESOME. A great experience all around! I'm healing up nice, super happy with my tattoo, and I really love the atmosphere of the shop. The talented, professional artists are fun to be around and amazing at what they do. Isaac did my wolf tattoo fast, and even though I was scared to get a piece on my ribs like he suggested, going with his idea was the right choice. It looks perfect and didn't hurt nearly as much as I was scared into thinking it would! I'll be back again, and on my third trip it'll be for my own ink. read more

Wasteland Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me

Doctor Z was so amazing! He tattooed my siblings and I and we couldn't have asked for a more talented or comforting artist. Thanks so much, Z! read more

So, for my first tattoo I looked all over until finding a clean place I felt comfortable and at ease in, and an artist that also put me at ease and made me feel comfortable and heard. I went with Maria and am so so very thankful I did. She was kind, understanding, patience, and just an all around pleasure to sit with for the entirety of my tattoo session. She worked with me to make sure my tattoo was absolutely perfectly what I wanted. The shop and work area was extremely clean and tidy, and the receptionist was fantastic. Maria followed all safety and cleanliness protocols perfectly. She was professional while still being personable. I am absolutely returning and getting her to do more of my tattoos in the future and would highly recommend her to anyone!! read more

Wasteland Tattoos - Tattoo Near Me

I got my first tattoo here back in November (black-and-white, mix of text and art on my right shoulder) and couldn't have been happier. I was totally unprepared (no cash, no appointment, terrible design) and they were booked for the day, but they fit me in anyway. Isaac took my kindergarten-quality sketch and made it perfect. He was crazy fast, obsessively clean, and did not push the brand-name aftercare products. Yes, there's a $60 minimum, but it's worth it. Highly recommend. read more

Just got a sweet arm piece done here by Issac. I was amazed by him. I explained to him what I wanted and it was like he read my mind! So much love to these guys. they will absolutely be seeing a lot of me read more

Wasteland Tattoos - Colorful phoenix done by Issac - Tattoo Near Me

I decided to come to the Laughing Hyena for my very first tattoo and I am so glad I did. The artists/piercers were very funny and friendly. They really helped take the nervous edge off. I got something simple, just my moms birthday in roman numerals. The tattoo was very clean and neat! Im in love with it. definitely worth the money. It did not hurt much at all and they were very kind throughout the whole process. I will definitely come back for my next tattoo! read more

Wasteland Tattoos - LOVE! - Tattoo Near Me

Great group of people - good artists who make you feel 100% welcome. They do a cool figure drawing night, too! read more

This was my first tattoo. I was nervous but this studio and everyone is professional, helpful and focused on providing the client with the best art and customer service. My tattoo artist is Isaac, and I'll definitely be back. He is very very talented, easy going and made my first tattoo a great experience! Thank you!!! read more

Went for a piercing - the piercer, Rachel, was absolutely amazing. She was extremely knowledgeable (because my friend and I had a lot of questions; we were getting something re-pierced), very friendly, and valued hygiene and cleanliness. Couldn't recommend her any more strongly. Also oversaw some consultations about tattoos and the artists seem very professional, flexible, and accommodating. read more

I'm lucky enough to live a 5 minute walk from Laughing Hyena, but it's definitely worth traveling for! My artist was Dr. Z - I had done some preliminary instagram creeping, so I felt totally comfortable sharing my concept and letting him put his own spin on it. I ended up with an awesome piece that I'm absolutely in love with, and will definitely be coming back for my next one. Shop is super clean, everyone working there was friendly, reasonable prices for the DC area and great artists! read more

Great service and talent. Very friendly staff. A great place to get inked in the District.

I had an older tattoo that I wanted to expand and add to. A friend of mine who has been to him several times said to request Dr Z, so I did. He did an *amazing* job taking my concept photos and existing tattoo and creating a beautiful watercolor/silhouette piece that I just love! Additionally, everyone was extremely friendly and professional from start to finish. I would absolutely go back to him again if I ever decide to get another tattoo. read more

Well, for starters I'm not much of a yelper but Laughing Hyena Tattoo definitely deserves a review! I have gotten tattoos done by many different artists, but the artists at this tattoo shop definitely keep me coming. I've gotten 3 tattoos done here by three different artists. (one who unfortunately isn't there anymore) but they are now some of my favorites. Dr. Z recently did one of my tattoos and for what looks like a simple sacred geometry piece, it is not - and he did a GREAT job. Seriously, I recommend anyone to this tattoo shop. Isaac did a cover up of my best friend's tattoo and it looked amazing. Raff did a small little ghost for me for Friday the 13th special (Tattoos are $30 on those days) and also was a great tattoo. You guys are badass! Overall, they are efficient and creative artists. read more

Ehhh, it's a tattoo. Size, placement, artist's input, shop atmosphere, and artist's disposition were all great; I wish I could say the same about the tattoo. It's blown out, a line or two are a little skewed, the black isn't opaque. I don't think my aesthetic really fits tattoo ARTISTS. I like really basic stuff; most of mine are text, not even script. My first tattoo was more than 15 years ago so it predates social media but the artist I chose (after research, which took time because, like I said, pre social-media) had amazing portraits and geometric work in his portfolio. The tattoo I got was GOD AWFUL. I got four more from apprentices and kinda second-tier artists at various well-regarded studios; all much better work, good even. Then this last one from another artist with a great portfolio that I don't hate but ain't gonna show off, it's just there. I had a 6:30 appointment and was on 14th Street looking at NextBus at 6:52. I definitely didn't get an essentially $500/hr tattoo. Isaac does great work; I've seen it on his social media and know people with his art. I know tattoos are handmade art so I'm OK with a little "character." I got more character than I'd bargained for. Luckily, what I got is so literal that people won't really need to inspect it. For artistic or technical marvels, give him a try; 99% sure you'll be pleased. For super basic stuff, I'd go to an artist with something to prove. It's still new. If it cleans/tightens up in the next month or two, I'll update this review. read more

I went in for my first ever tattoo. I wanted something simple but elegant and looked a long time before finding the right tattoo for me. I pulled a picture off the internet (not from another artist web page) and was told it could be done easily. But when I got up from the session, instead of giving me the tattoo I wanted, the artist had made their own designnot even close to what I wanted. I paid $400 for something I didn't ask for because the artist didn't want to "copy someone else's work". It was just a pic off the internet, no artist name even attached! So, it's still very disappointing to think about because getting a tattoo was a big deal for me. Tatts are forever. read more

Review based on my piercing experience: Oooh Shoot! What can I say? Rachel is awesome! As awesome as my Boston Terrier (and thats hard to top). I'm typing this review just 10 mins after getting a piercing, one of the most painful piercings you could get (is one of the top 3 most painful piercings). She did an amazing job, and I couldn't be any more happy. From the moment I walked into the establishment I was showered with great customer service. First, I sat down at the waiting area, trying to grasp the idea of what I was about to do (Did I wanted this or Nawww). Rachel noticed me ~like a good senpai~ and asked me what could they do for me, I told her that I was planning to get a piercing and that I needed like 10 mins to meditate about it, which was pretty much just google more about the type of piercing I was planning to get. Rachel then asked me for my name and what was bringing me in. After telling her she grabbed a chair and sat next to me and went over vital information and what I should be expecting from this experience. Overall, she made me feel very good during the entire experience and it wasn't as bad as I thought, when it came to the pain (but remember everybody's pain tolerance. Brownies Points Bonus: I have to point out something very important for me here, and that was the use of my name during the entire time. I have worked in customer service and the use of a client's name is a difference maker on my part. Alsoooo, she was sooo kind and very caring, like I'm kinda on the introverted side but she made come out of my little shell which made me less nervous. Kudos for that!!! \(^.^)/ XOXO PS. Grammar Police: Please spare me! XD read more

Went for the international women's day flash event and had a blast! Definitely cold, but worth the long wait. Thanks for the great experience! read more

I loved, loved, LOVED my experience with this shop! They made booking my appointment super easy (which was important to me since I was driving from out of town to come and get my tattoo) and once I got there I didn't have to wait too long before being serviced. Isaac was AMAZING and I left with a tattoo even more beautiful than what I had in mind. I will definitely be back again. Too-notch place! read more