Tattoos are permanent pieces of body art - make sure you get yours from the best. In Wilmington, NC, the tattoo studio everyone trusts for amazing work is Hardwire Tattoo. We are Wilmington's oldest tattoo shop and body piercing provider. It's in our best interest to offer services in a well-maintained, highly-professional, yet fun tattoo parlor.
What's your style? Traditional? Old school? Tribal? We have 19 artists each with their own specialties. When you call any of our three locations, we'll match you up with the artist we think will fit best with your tattoo ideas. For well over 20 years, we have gained an exceptional list of satisfied returning clients, as well as plenty of referrals and new faces.
What's your style? Traditional? Old school? Tribal? We have 19 artists each with their own specialties. When you call any of our three locations, we'll match you up with the artist we think will fit best with your tattoo ideas. For well over 20 years, we have gained an exceptional list of satisfied returning clients, as well as plenty of referrals and new faces.
Services
Tattoos require a lot of thought and preparation - you don't want to end up with something you'll regret. The most important thing you can do before getting a tattoo is to take the time to find the right tattoo parlor and artist. Many people just decide on a whim that they want to get a tattoo and go to the nearest studio without much thought about what they are doing.
We accept walk-ins on a "first come, first serve" basis. If you are interested in a particular artist, you are more than welcome to request them, or may contact them through their contact information. Larger pieces may require some time to put together, and we suggest contacting your preffered artist ahead of time in order to iron out any details before your visit.
You may also want to take along your own razor, however the ones we have in-house do not have a gel strip made from glycerin. And of course, you'll want your tattoo-care products to be vegan as well. Try The Merry Hempsters Vegan Hemp Tattoo Balm, Black Cat Vitamin Infusion Serum, Ohana Organics Tattoo Butter, or even jojoba oil, olive oil, or shea butter.
While a body piercing isn't necessarily as permanent as a tattoo, it is a body modification that should be given a good amount of thought and preparation. Hardwire Tattoo is proud to have piercing shops in the Wilmington, NC area that offer a clean environment and skilled artists. Whether you want your ear pierced or another type of body piercing, our staff is gentle and friendly, making sure you get exactly what you envisioned.
Avoid oral contact with anything irritating such as: alcohol, spicy, salty, sugary or highly acidic food and drink. Swish with distilled water every time you eat, drink, or smoke. No drinking water from straws for 2 weeks. Drink plenty of cold liquids or let ice melt in your mouth. Most jewelry for oral piercings is purposefully longer to allow for swelling.
Reviews (14)
Megan B.
Feb 04, 2021
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My friend and I got 3 small tattoos between the two of us. I got two on my upper right arm and her on her upper left. It took 2 and a half hours for us to get the 3 tattoos. That were each maybe 3 inches each. This was this past Monday the 1st.
I got coordinates and a small quote and she got a small outline of North Carolina. He had the stencil sit for 15 minutes each time. Which as someone whose had over ten tattoos this seemed very weird as I've never had it have to "stick onto my skin". Also the house minimum was 60 per hour as we were told. Which normally means that even if
I got coordinates and a small quote and she got a small outline of North Carolina. He had the stencil sit for 15 minutes each time. Which as someone whose had over ten tattoos this seemed very weird as I've never had it have to "stick onto my skin". Also the house minimum was 60 per hour as we were told. Which normally means that even if
Jenni S.
Nov 16, 2020
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I have had several tattoos done at Hardwire by Sid. He is absolutely an amazing tattoo artist. His line work is clean, shading spot on. My most recent tattoo has color and even the blending and the detail in it is phenomenal. Clean, professional and really captures your vision. I highly recommend getting a tattoo by Sid. I will most definitely be going back for some more ink from him.
Martina K.
Nov 15, 2020
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My artist was Sidney and it was the best tattoo experience I've had! He was very thorough in his tattoo design to ensure i got what i had envisioned. He is very light handed and always made sure I was comfortable throughout the entire process. He was very friendly, personable, and professional. He even stayed after closing to finish my tattoo! Highly recommend!!!!!
Joshua M.
Nov 12, 2020
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To begin with...this review is for the Hardwire Tattoo Location inside of Independence Mall in Wilmington, NOT the Front St. location...since it appears Yelp! has not recognized the Oleander Dr. location near JC Penney. With this all being said, I was beyond pleased with the overall experience I had with Hardwire Tattoo today, plus it had been over 6 years since I last received some artwork. My artist / tattooer was Matt Fischer. Matt is very authentic, eclectic and has an amazing personality. Throughout the 45 minute session, Matt and I conversed multiple times, mostly about our passion for
Erin N.
Nov 02, 2020
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Had the "triple helix forward" piercing done July 2019 at Hardwire Tattoo. It was explained to me that it would take awhile to heal, I expected it. I was following all of the post piercing care instructions and treating this piercing like a baby. 8 months into having the piercing done, I contacted the piercer because my ear was still swollen, red, and crusty. The piercer told me to spray it 4 times a day and it should heal. Here I am 16 months later.. still red, goopy & irritated. This picture was taken today.
Out of curiosity, I stopped by another piercing shop in the area today
Out of curiosity, I stopped by another piercing shop in the area today
Montrece T.
Aug 09, 2020
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Great experience at Hardwire on Front Street. Spur of the moment decision to get a tattoo. Walked in, was greeted and attended to quickly. Asked for Will because he free-styled a tat on my arm a few years back and I needed a retouch and wanted to extend it. I got lucky because he was available. He took me right away. He was professional, detailed and explained the process. We chilled, had good conversation and this was an overall, great experience. Loved the finish product, simple but beautiful. Thank you Will! I would post a picture but tattoo wraps around my forearm and picture would
Emily R.
Jul 08, 2020
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Go see Lee!! He's amazing and just a badass person all around! My friend and I both went to him and had the best experience. He listened to what we wanted and came up with an awesome design. He was great at making suggestions and giving his opinion, but always let me make the ultimate decision. I loved the way my piece came out. I also really enjoyed just talking to him while I was getting tattooed. He's super nice and hilarious. I'm from out of state, but I would travel back to Wilmington just to get tattooed by him again. I can't stress this enough, GO SEE LEE!!!
Sara W.
Aug 25, 2019
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The shop itself has so much character you could get lost just looking at all the art and stuff on display. It definitely fits right in with the downtown eclectic vibe. They have several experienced artists that can cater to pretty much any style you're after and a dedicated piercer. I've gotten two tattoos from Matt so far, one of which isn't finished yet so I will definitely be coming back in soon!
Robert G.
May 22, 2019
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Mariah T.
Feb 14, 2019
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Jamyiaa L.
May 05, 2018
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A friend of mine got a tattoo here about a week ago and I'm definitely not impressed. The design was nice which is the only reason I'm giving 2 stars. He was light and skimp on the ink and didn't even apply ink in some areas for the shade. We see the scars, but no ink. Where's the ink?! It's okay. We will find somewhere to get it fixed
Michaela A.
Jan 14, 2018
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My friend and I came in to spontaneously get piercings on a Thursday night. We got right in and were able to be in the room for both of each other's piercings: she got her nose pierced, I got my tragus. It seems like most basic piercings were $40, which is a bit higher than other shops but it was nice knowing I could trust this place to be safe and sanitary. Our piercer Tim was very funny and made us feel comfortable. There was vulgar music playing a little too loudly however I still had a good experience here and would definitely go back in the future.
Eryn R.
Oct 03, 2015
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Just like all my sisters, I decided to put a few holes in my face as soon as I turned 18. Besides the freshman year incident when I ripped out the ring, I have never removed my eyebrow piercing. Monday my face bling fell out in the shower and I kept forgetting to stop and pick up a replacement. I finally remembered when I was getting pie next door.
I have been a customer of Hardwire for years. I have had two tattoos and nine piercings done here since 2007. Nothing special about this tattoo shop but I like it. I walked in and asked the girl at the counter to see the eyebrow rings. She showed me
I have been a customer of Hardwire for years. I have had two tattoos and nine piercings done here since 2007. Nothing special about this tattoo shop but I like it. I walked in and asked the girl at the counter to see the eyebrow rings. She showed me
Mary Ann G.
Aug 11, 2015
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I got the owner Justin. He was awesome! Great artist since I wanted something not in the books. The entire staff is friendly, very knowledgeable and just the best. Did it hurt? Of course! It's a needle! Even the best (Justin!!!) can't make it not hurt...he did keep me occupied by talking to me. This is a 5 star establishment.
My husband is getting a detailed military tattoo by Will and he is taking great care of John.
Want a tattoo? In Wilmington? Come to this place!
My husband is getting a detailed military tattoo by Will and he is taking great care of John.
Want a tattoo? In Wilmington? Come to this place!