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.
