Preface: whenever I'm unhappy enough with service to leave a less than stellar review, I take a day or two to figure out if I'm just frustrated, or the service/experience was legitimately bad enough to warrant that review. I'm super glad I did in this case, since a friend pointed out something I hadn't realized. I came in based on excessive amazing reviews of both tattoos and piercings. I went in initially on Saturday evening spur of the moment, but was told the piercer had just left for the night and wouldn't be back till Tuesday. That's what I get for not making an appointment or calling ahead, but like I said, spur of the moment. They told me she'd (Karina) be back Tuesday. I figured if they're referring to a single piercer, then she presumably has experience with this piecing and decided to come back Tuesday. So I went back on Tuesday. I called ahead but didn't get a response. To their credit, I got a call back after I went in 20-30 minutes later and they had been packed when I came in. I guess Karina is the only piercer that does the bridge piercing, so after she cleaned up, I came back and she prepped my face for the piercing. Maybe she could tell by looking that I had the anatomy for the bridge? Idk. Then she put the marker on my face and let me check the placement and had me lay back. She didn't even offer to let me see the piercing first, I had to ask. She was intending to use a curved barbell, despite many other piercers advocating the straight one to avoid changes in tension, to prevent gravity from pulling the curve downward and making the claim of reduced tension redundant, and mitigating rejection risk. I believe the piercers that I've followed online, blogs, Instagram, and tiktok. I don't think I can do research and know more than a trained professional, so I read what the professionals said. When I asked for a straight barbell, she seemed frustrated and claimed she didn't even have any straight barbell options despite having a full container of barbells labeled as such and insisted that she's been piercing for 19 years. (Idk their gauges but it was definitely unbelievable considering the boxes were labeled "straight barbells") I'm not trying to negate her experience, but I felt very judged for both wanting to know and having an opinion on what went into my body. If I want to mitigate rejection risk, why should that option be judged? This is a piercing I'd like to keep. It wasn't until I called my second option for the piercing and was asked a few questions and told the pricing that I realized none of that had been discussed at West End Tattoo & Piercing. I even had to volunteer my medication list as described in the paperwork, since no one asked. I wasn't told their pricing before she intended to pierce me. I don't know what the tattoo process is like here, since I've never been for that, and I definitely verified the other location pierces with straight barbells. Lesson learned. I will say everyone was friendly and welcoming until I questioned the piercing jewellery, and the decorations are awesome, but I won't be back, even for a tattoo. Added after reflection: omg, no one spoke to me before any expected piercing about after care, possible migration/rejection, other risks like scaring, etc. I hadn't initially recognized that lack due to my own research following other piercers, but recognizing it now is terrifying. 2* because they were very welcoming when I walked in, and willing to squeeze me in without an appointment. read more

All of the artists here are individually talented and kind people. Isaac is about 50 years ahead of his time and has the skills to back it up. read more

I wanted to update that Zach Napotnik is no longer the piercing expert at West End Tattoo. He has his own shop in the Ashland/Hanover area. I think West End Tattoo has undergone some changes, still a very convenient and clean place to go to for quality tattoos. read more

I wanted my nose double pierced on a whim and looked into who was open early in the morning on a Saturday. I called the shop before opening time and Zach was awesome enough to call me back. He answered all of my questions and shared that he had an opening at the time I was to arrive there (a 20 minute drive). He was more than patient and endured my pain induced anger (lol). I am happy with my choice and he did a great job. Even after the appointment, I called the shop and he provided information regarding replacement post for my piercings. Although I do not plan to get anymore piercings, I would definitely recommend Zach wherever he is/goes. The reviews are true and can be believed. read more

West End Tattoo & Piercing - Linear double nose piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Henrico, Virginia

I cannot say enough about Isaac I got my first Tattoo a portrait after losing my 20-yr old daughter, The portrait is beautiful always get compliments and ask who did it. FastForward to 2024, My birthday was November 24, which is a Sunday, Isaac came in on his day off "Saturday "and did a Portrait of my other daughter whom I lost in October 2023. This made my birthday so special. I always leave their crying, and Isaac has so much compassion and understands my grieving and these Tattoo's show just how Great of an Artist he is. I would Highly Recommend West End Tattoo Shop, they treat you like Family. read more

West End Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Henrico, Virginia

We wanted to get our noses pierced on a whim today and picked this place based on a yelp reviews. Everything said Zach could not be more sweet and welcoming, and I am here to tell you that is 1000% true. What a sweetheart and I can't wait to go back here for all my piercing/tattoo needs. Some places can be so f%^*king pretentious and this is not their vibe. Go here. You will not be disappointed. read more

West End Tattoo & Piercing - Nose piercings - Tattoo Near Me - Henrico, Virginia

My husband went as a walk-in a few months back and he couldn't have had a worse experience. His two inch tattoo was three Japanese characters in length and done in red ink. His tattoo artist failed to brief him on the nature of red ink tattoos such as their tendency to fade more than black ink, result in allergic reactions, and are almost impossible to fully remove. He was also heavily mislead and charged upwards of $250 for a tattoo that should have been at max $100. He can't recall her specific name but it was a middle-aged and heavily tatted lady. read more

The people here are very beautiful, both literally and personality. Good vibe. Highly recommend booking with Amanda Lineweaver, she is a fucking baddie. Keep slaying. Beautiful artwork and the most adorable chameleons you've ever seen. + read more

West End Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Henrico, Virginia

Went in for some new nose jewelry yesterday and I had a very tricky piercing stuck in my nose. The folks working were SO helpful and SO kind. Literally such a life saver. I was helped immediately and given recommendations on jewelry options and the person helping me answered all my questions. While I was there I saw 2-3 people getting ink so I was surprised to see such a full space in such a hidden area, I hope to come back for ink or a new piercing in the future!! read more

We had scheduled for us to get tattoos with a specific artist, Karina, over a month in advance of our appointment. A few days before our appointment, a receptionist reached out to us to push back our appointment time from 1pm to 4pm. We arrived right before 4pm to check in, and the man at the front was shocked as he told us he was unaware that Karina had another appointment scheduled for that day. He walked away for a few minutes, then came back to tell us that a different artist would be tattooing us. He did not offer to show us any of her work or ask if we would like to reschedule with Karina, whom we had sent the reference images of what tattoos we wanted in advance. The man told us that we would be tattooed after the new artist gave him a tattoo because "he had to leave by 5pm." We did not end up getting started until after 5pm, and we waited over an hour. The staff was nice as the man offered us a shot of alcohol, which was appreciated, however it was frustrating that our appointment had been moved, then the artist had been switched with no prior knowledge, and then again waiting over an hour before starting because an employee needed to be tattooed first. Our new artist, Ilai, did an okay job with our tattoos, but one of us is needing a touch up as the lines are messy. This was a frustrating and unprofessional experience. Ilai does not even seem to be listed on their website as an artist. We were charged for what we were quoted for Karina, but are wondering if we may have been over charged as it was a different artist who isn't even listed on their website. read more

Zach was absolutely amazing! Zach thank you for your kindness and patience with my daughter. Looking forward to seeing you again soon (even though she makes me nervous saying, "Wow that didn't hurt a bit ;-)). She may become a frequent. read more

West End Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Henrico, Virginia

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I came to get an ear piercing and decided on this place due to the Yelp reviews for Zach. He had two people ahead of me but I didn't mind the wait because their music was awesome!!! Zach is very nice and professional...superb at what he does!!! I'll be back for my next piercing! read more

Worth the wait! All around a great experience! I called for a same day appointment, which I found out I was lucky to get. This was an early Christmas gift for my 16 year old daughter. While we waited, Jenn made my daughter feel comfortable, telling her what to expect and how to take care of her new piercing. Cool shop with great music, which was a plus. Zach was amazing, professional and calming. Would definitely return AND recommend. Thanks again, Katie and Ella read more

I walked in for a tattoo and Karina said she could tattoo me right away. She proceeded to make me wait over 1.5 hours while she pierced three people who walked in the door way after me. I wanted a very small tattoo that would've taken just as long as one of those piercings. She did not say anything to me while I waited or as she continued to let people skip in front of me. Eventually she had let so many people go in front of me that I just left. I thought it was very unprofessional and disappointing read more

I stated in my review that i wasn't happy with the service or outcome. I didn't miss any appointnents or ask for money. i think you have me confussed with a different customer- I Still had a bad experience (i won't go into details) but i am currently looking into tatoo removal. I wish the communication was better and i got what i was looking for. Wish things turned out better. If you visit this astablishment i hope you have a better experience than i did. read more

Zach was great! He did my ear piercing - it was a second piercing in each ear. It was almost painless, he took time measuring and placing the holes in the perfect place. I was surprised that my ears were not even sore to sleep in the last week. I've been caring for them like he instructed and they look and feel great! Highly recommend for piercing! read more

Absolutely best and attentive people work here!!!! Very professional and super kind! Thank you Ash for my Ruby tattoo , love it ! Xx

great experience!! I got my second lobe piercing from the amazing Aziza and she was absolutely great from the reassuring to the entire piercing process!! she is very sweet and I highly recommend coming here for a piercing from her. it was 40 for each ear and this includes the jewelry. the process was simple and was not very painful at all!!! read more

West End Tattoo & Piercing - Tattoo Near Me - Henrico, Virginia

This may be The best kept secret in the West End! I needed to get my nose re-pierced and I was in the neighborhood. I walked in and Zach was amazing! The place is filled with cool art and collectibles including some guitars. There are awards everywhere indicating the quality of work. But the best was Zach. He was so knowledgeable and made me feel very comfortable and safe. I will definitely be back!!!! They're having an open house/Toy Drive on 12/10. Check them out! read more

We took my daughter to get her second ear piercings and a nose piercing for her birthday. Everyone at West End was friendly, professional and made us feel welcome. Zach was AMAZING and very kind! He explained everything in detail before it happened and why it's done that particular way. He gave my daughter time to calm her nerves between piercings. We went towards the end of the day but they didn't make us feel rushed to get out or that we were inconveniencing anyone by coming in an hour or so before closing. Zach gave very clear instructions for aftercare and told us to call him personally if we had any problems or questions. I HIGHLY recommend Zach for your piercing needs!! If I were ever in the market for a tattoo, I'd definitely go to West End Tattoo and Piercing. It's a great shop with great people! read more

John did a wonderful job, exceeded my expectation! I would highly recommended. Definitely coming back for another one

First time going to this piercing place and can say the experience was amazing,Zach had great customer service and made the experience alot less stressful lol Definitely recommend and definitely will be going back! read more

We took our 6 year old daughter here for her first ever ear piercing and I didn't really know what to expect but it exceeded all expectations. Zach was very patient and kind to my daughter. From start to finish it's clear he knows what he's doing and keeps his process sterile and professional. Even when my daughter thought she didn't want to do it, he was so good with her talking her through the process, making her comfortable and also turning on a favorite show. They are also very reasonably priced. I highly recommend Zach for your child's ear piercing! read more

The shop is very clean, everyone wore gloves and used the proper sanitizing agents. The staff was very welcoming and friendly. They have a lot of pay options so even tho I forgot my wallet I was able to keep the appointment and pay through Venmo. It's definitely the best tattoo/piercing place I've been! read more

Zach is an excellent piercer! Very professional and informative. He did my nostril piercing and it healed beautifully. I also came to the shop for a small walk in tattoo and the artist did an excellent job as well. Super pleased. read more

Saw Zach for 2 piercings (nose and helix). I chose him because he has so many positive reviews. And I'm here to say - he was amazing and exceeded expectations. Very knowledgeable and accommodating. Went through all the options for jewelry and makes sure he understands exactly what you're looking for so he can meet (exceed) expectations. Recommend 1000% for any piercing!! read more

I've gotten my nose piercing here by Zach great customer service patient with explaining everything and answered all of my questions , great music, clean, and affordable prices ! read more

I took my daughter here for a second set of piercings in her ears. Zack really took care of us. The shop is amazing, well lit, beautiful, and most importantly, clean. All the instruments are autoclaved, and Zack took the utmost care to ensure the piercings were placed exactly where my daughter liked. Check, double check, and done before we even knew it started. The flare in the wall was very impressive, clearly a place for artists. If you don't have a regular spot already, I would strongly recommend you check this place out. The people are kind, professional, and dedicated to their work. read more

I am SO pleased with the work Chris did! The pricing here is very reasonable, and everyone on staff is very friendly. They all answered all of my questions about everything with easy to follow detail. I'll definitely be going back for more read more