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    Zen Ink

    4.6 (77 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Services - Zen Ink

    Gauging or stretching

    Piercing

    Tattooing

    Zen Ink Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Zen Ink

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    Reviews With Photos

    I'll start by saying, I love the piece that I got done. It is what I wanted, maybe not exact, but I'm happy about it. From start to finish - I filled out the questionnaire online and selected my artist 3 weeks prior to my trip. I indicated that I wanted to pay $20 extra for 3 designs to choose from via text or email AHEAD of my appointment time. I was notified via email by the artist that my appointment was selected and that I could now do my deposit. I placed my deposit and set the appointment time (traveling from out of state to visit my sister in Asheville) A week before my appointment I emailed the artist and asked if everything was on track and if I needed to do anything else to help the design along. No response. The day of my appointment I arrive and check in, fill out the waiver and wait. The artist came out approx 20 min later with 1 sketch of my design and was visibly annoyed when I tried to give feedback indicating changes and in accuracies based on my initial request. I had a phrase requested with my design and when I asked for a more scripted girly font was immediately told "I don't do any kind of writing in my work, you won't find a single post on my instagram with words" - I am completely aware each artist has their niche, however when booking the appointment I researched each artist and based on the floral style I had in mind (and response from the artist via email) I assumed that it would be ok prior to putting down my deposit. I should have probably just left at that point, I had a very uneasy feeling. Now, after sorting out the majority of changes needed I got back to the room and the phrase was still wrong on the stencil. Again, I am pleased with the piece I had done. A memorial to a loved one lost (sunflower)with my own personal go-to reminder phrase(Bible verse) but I would have just appreciated a little more communication, especially since that seemed to be expectation from the initial email "I'll be with you every step of the way" It really felt like my piece was designed after I walked in the door at the time of my appointment. I will say, the artist was very kind, sweet and seemed very personable otherwise. She seemed to be interested and listened to my story, but I was only there for a couple hours and I doubt she remembers me or my piece that is so very dear to me after that. Quality tattoo, sub par experience.

    Ashley B.

    I was visiting Asheville from Charlotte with some friends and spontaneously decided to get a couple new piercings. Found this place based on reviews and the location. I emailed them to see if I could make an appointment and someone got back to me within the hour. I love when people get straight to the point! So I booked an appointment for a Saturday. The place is small, but the people are really friendly and super helpful with answering questions. They made you feel super welcome, even for my friends that came with me. The piercings (I got a rook and cartilage, see image) went smoothly and they gave me instructions to clean and care for them. I absolutely loved the service and their good vibes! I definitely would recommend this location for anyone wanting a piercing! Also - it is now 6 weeks since my piercing and I can definitely say I had zero issues or swelling. The solution they have worked perfectly!

    Conch opal crescent earring by Kass.
    Amelia S.

    Kass did my conch piercing yesterday and she was absolutely fabulous. I went in wanting my tragus pierced but she explained that it was too small to work well. She is so so so knowledgeable about her art and she spent 45 minutes with me picking out a new piercing plan. She was very patient and helped me pick out what would be best for my specific ears, since they're so small and compact. I went with the conch and she helped me pick out this beautiful piece of jewelry! She was very clean and did a wonderful job with it. 100000/10 recommend Kass for anyone wanting any type of piercing. I have 9 piercings, and this was by far my best experience ever getting one.

    Tattoo done by Carrie
    Heidi W.

    I went here for my third tattoo and I would definitely come back / recommend! I had Carrie, who was so sweet, calming, and genuine. My tattoo took a total of 30 mins and was at a fair price of $150.

    Meredith W.

    Melissa helped me pick out new ear jewelry and then changed them all out for me. Easy, friendly service! They are taking every precaution with health and I felt totally comfortable. I love the Zen Ink environment. I've gotten several tattoos previously and will continue to give them my business. Highly recommend all services at Zen Ink!

    Tyson G.

    So, this was my first tattoo and I tried to do a lot of research before making my decision of who to entrust it to. I feel like I definitely made the right choice. The appointment process was so easy and communication was always quick. I loved the atmosphere and everyone I encountered seemed so friendly and fun. For my artist, I chose Wyatt. He's so laid back that, after our first meeting, I worried about his professionalism. I shouldn't have. I gave him a lot of creative license and he did not disappoint me. Everyone who has seen it since has had the same reaction, it's bad ass. I will totally recommend this place, and Wyatt in particular, to anyone looking for a tattoo.

    Lobby
    Chelia S.

    I had a great experience here. I was visiting the area and researched around a bit. I emailed the owner the nite before I was planning to go and she replied very promptly. She was not able to do my tatt herself, but put me in touch with one of the artists that was available. I went in the next day and loved the atmosphere,very clean and tranquil. Each artist has their own private booth area, which is a big plus to me. The artist (Kylie) greeted me and was very sweet throughout the whole session. The entire process was very professional as she started me on time, was polite and patient. She made sure I was content with placement of the tattoo (I brought in a design). The shop minimum is a tad high ($80), but other than that it's a nice spot and I'd definitely visit again/recommend.

    New nose piercing!
    Sarah P.

    I filled out the 'request appointment' box on the web site for a nose piercing and got an email back from Melissa immediately. She was able to schedule me for a same-day appointment while working around my work schedule. She was super friendly, professional, and helpful. She answered all my questions, explained the whole piercing process and walked me through it. I had an awesome experience and would highly recommend Melissa to anyone looking to get a piercing! Also, the whole shop is clean and beautiful, and the staff are taking numerous COVID precautions. I will definitely be going back for a tattoo (whenever COVID permits!)

    Rebecca reworked and added on a delicate botanical masterpiece - thank you!!

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    Got pierced by Alaina today. She did phenomenal and made the process as easy as could be. Would definitely go back. :)

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Zen Ink

    What is the minimum price?

    You'll have to talk to your tattoo artist about that. Each artist has different hourly prices. Tattoos aren't cheap in Asheville because there are so many incredible artists in the city!

    View All 2 Questions

    Review Highlights - Zen Ink

    t. I had an awesome experience and would highly recommend Melissa to anyone looking to get a piercin

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Hot Stuff Tattoo - Bluebird tattoo

    Hot Stuff Tattoo

    4.7(34 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    BEWARE: Permanent scarring and severe infections…read more I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience permanently altered my body and warrants warning others. Background: This was my first time in a tattoo shop in nearly ten years. I came in seeking blast-overs to cover older work. Evan Evol assured me he was capable of doing extensive blast-overs, and believing I might not find another artist willing to take on the project, I agreed. I paid approximately $1,200 for the first two blast-overs on either arm and another 1,200 for the third. Medical complications: Both tattoos became severely infected, requiring treatment at urgent care and a course of antibiotics. At the time, I assumed the infections were my fault. Evan instructed me to keep the tattoos wrapped in plastic for 48 hours, changing the wrap periodically. I have since been informed by another licensed tattoo shop that this practice can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Further damage: About a month ago, I returned for a small blast-over, again believing Evan was my only option. Instead of addressing the specific area discussed, he tattooed over existing professional work in a way that was stylistically incoherent and destructive. The result is chaotic and permanently damaging. For a second session on the same tattoo, Evan tattooed over skin that had not fully healed. He was extremely heavy-handed and used what appeared to be a liner needle for solid black work, resulting in extensive scarring from shoulder to elbow. This tattoo also became infected--despite my following his aftercare instructions exactly. I am now out an additional $1,200 and left with significant scar tissue. Professional assessment: An experienced tattoo professional has informed me that: * I am irreparably scarred as a result of this work * Even a full corrective blackout on my upper arm will not fully conceal the scarring Shop response: I contacted the shop privately requesting a refund so I could pursue corrective work elsewhere. Instead, the owner, Danny Reed, accused me of extortion simply for requesting my money back. Danny offered to "fix" the work himself, despite specializing in traditional color tattoos rather than heavy blackwork. I declined. He insisted that I come into the shop to resolve the issue, which I refused because: 1. His emails became increasingly accusatory 2. I was uncomfortable meeting in person and losing the paper trail of written communication I have since reported the shop to the state regarding the infections and scarring and am continuing medical follow-up. Impact: This experience has been physically, financially, and psychologically traumatic. I spent over $2,400, will need to spend thousands more on corrective work, and will live with the consequences for months--if not permanently. It has significantly impacted my ability to feel safe and comfortable in my own skin. Additionally, the shop environment was deeply uncomfortable. I heard staff use the word "mongoloid." I was blamed for poor healing, despite medical evidence to the contrary. As a woman with PTSD, I struggled to verbalize my discomfort, and my concerns were minimized rather than respected. Final note: I did not want to make this public. However, Hot Stuff Tattoo has refused to take accountability or offer a reasonable resolution. If you are looking for a reputable tattoo shop in Asheville, I strongly recommend going elsewhere.

    I met with Evan and described what I wanted. He provided several drawings, all of which were…read moreexcellent, for me to choose from. The colors are vivid, exactly what i wanted. I would definitely return for additional tattoos!

    Photos
    Hot Stuff Tattoo - Poorly done tattoo

    Poorly done tattoo

    Hot Stuff Tattoo
    Hot Stuff Tattoo - Elijah's instagram messages showing lack of respect or accountability towards his poorly done tattoo

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    Elijah's instagram messages showing lack of respect or accountability towards his poorly done tattoo

    Red Rabbit Tattoo - Floral tattoo by Chris

    Red Rabbit Tattoo

    4.3(15 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Me and my good friend were in Asheville and decided to get matching tattoos. We called around and…read morethis place was recommended to us so we said why not. We wanted to get the word hope with a watercolor background. The people were fantastic. Everyone was really nice and welcoming. The place was beyond clean. It was a little weird that they had someone dying hair right next to us but I'm not going to judge. I believe our tattoo artist name was Dan but I'm not 100% sure. He didn't give us a business card. But he had recently come back from not working there for awhile so his name was not on the website. He said he specializes in watercolor so I was on board. No this isn't my first watercolor tattoo so I know the process. He decided to use only two colors. When I got my other watercolor tattoo my artist used a wide range of colors to get the idea that the colors were mixed together. He decided instead of using a stencil for the water color piece he would draw it with watery ink and then tattoo a gray outline as to were the color should be. And that's done if you could cover it with colors but that didn't happen. When I got it I loved it! Now looking at it I'm seeing little imperfections that shouldn't be there. There are small dots that aren't filled in. The outline is showing which in my opinion ruins the effect. And the colors do not look blended they just look like one was placed over the other. Overall, the place was amazing and the people where nice but the tattoo falls short. I don't recommend this place for your tattoo.

    I'm originally from AVL but live in New Orleans these days. After contacting Chris about an…read moreupcoming trip back home and a tattoo that I wanted to get while in town, he quickly got me scheduled and got started on the artwork with short notice. Then the snowstorm hit! We both got snowed in and couldn't make it in to the shop for the appointment. He reworked his schedule to make sure I could get in before my visit was over. On top of his flexibility, the man is a master of his craft and a damn fine artist. He had an amazing design that captured exactly what I wanted. He is fast and efficient with your time and has Netflix, if you're so inclined, to watch while he works (I suggest a nature documentary if you're into it. Leads to fun dialogue.) This tattoo is beautiful and one of my favorites. I highly recommend this shop. Couldn't be happier and I will definitely go to him again when I get back up to my mountains!

    Photos
    Red Rabbit Tattoo - Floral design by Bianca Sky

    Floral design by Bianca Sky

    Red Rabbit Tattoo - Devil chick by Bianca Sky

    Devil chick by Bianca Sky

    Red Rabbit Tattoo - Reverse mermaid by Bianca Sky

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    Reverse mermaid by Bianca Sky

    Seven Swords Tattoo Asheville

    Seven Swords Tattoo Asheville

    4.6(20 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    Jeff was absolutely incredible. Best tattoo experience I've ever had as someone who has 20+…read moretattoos. Kind, quick, professional, and truly experienced. My tattoo barely had any ink deposits under the Saran Wrap with minimal bleeding which is rare for me. Yet after it's healed, it still looks just as bold. The scabbing was so thin- couldn't believe how perfectly he did it. Deep enough to catch ink but not so deep that it created thick scabs. Truly am blown away. Will be coming back again and again. Thanks again man!

    I had a really great experience here recently. As I was visiting Asheville, I wanted to get a…read moretattoo and started google-researching local shops that take walk-ins. I came across Seven Swords and when I went to their website, I was really impressed with artwork by several artists. I called the night ahead to see if 'Z' had any openings the next day, and he did. I was thrilled to walk in the next day and look through his huge portfolio of decorative designs. I picked one out that I loved, and then he worked with me to make some alterations as well. He had a great attitude and was fun to work with. I'll admit that I was cynical about going to a tattoo shop that only employs men, but the vibes were super good and inviting, and funny, and I had a great time. I absolutely love my tattoo and the price was good.

    Photos
    Seven Swords Tattoo Asheville - Tattoo by Z

    Tattoo by Z

    Seven Swords Tattoo Asheville - Stomach piece done by Jeff

    Stomach piece done by Jeff

    Seven Swords Tattoo Asheville - Tattoo by Myke Chambers

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    Tattoo by Myke Chambers

    Zen Ink - piercing - Updated June 2026

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