My little sister and her friend came in for matching tattoos on Saturday, and unfortunately the experience was awful from start to finish. Toby was the artist for my sister's friend, and the tattoo she left with speaks for itself. The line work is uneven, shaky, and poorly executed, especially for such a small and simple design. I am someone who is covered with tattoos myself and have worked with many of apprentices - There's really no excuse for a butterfly outline to look this rough. Especially from someone who claims to have been doing this for 25 years. Beyond the tattoo itself, the professionalism was even more concerning. From the moment we walked in, Toby made both girls and myself visibly uncomfortable. Im very easy going and normally let things go.. But this guy was rude, judgmental, wildly inappropriate, and out of line the entire time. At one point I stepped away briefly to check on my sister, and during that short time he apparently said things that made her friend feel uneasy enough that she brought it up to me immediately afterward. I'm intentionally not repeating the comments he made here because they were very graphic and not something I feel comfortable posting in detail on Google. Things that should not have been said to a freshly 18 year old girl. This was our first experience at this shop, and it will absolutely be our last. A tattoo is permanent. People should be able to trust both the quality of the work and the professionalism of the artist, especially younger clients coming in for something meaningful and simple. Unfortunately, we got neither. I would strongly recommend doing your research before booking here, particularly with Toby. read more

Explosive Tattoo II - Tattoo Near Me - New Castle, Delaware

Kristin did a blue dragonfly memorial tattoo for me in honor of my aunt who passed away almost a decade ago. It's exactly how I wanted it, and Kristin made sure I was fully comfortable, everything was sanitized well, and the music was poppin'. Next time I'm in Delaware visiting family, I'll definitely be returning and requesting Kristin! read more

I have been to my fair share of tattoo shops so I understand that a certain amount of "laid-back-ness" is to be expected. That said, the adjectives I'd use in describing Explosive the shop would be clean, sanitary and comfortable. They have a lot of amazing relics all over the place. The adjectives I would use to describe the staff would be unorganized, aloof, sarcastic unprofessional but friendly. While my first visit went relatively smooth my second not so much. After giving the artist my drawing he kept me waiting for 30 minutes while he goofed around with other staff members and took smoke breaks. Then he blatantly told me he would give me the best price he could if I threw in a good tip. As I was being cashed out he hung around me at the counter in an attempt to see how much I was going to tip. The guy behind the counter with the blue locks says a lot of stuff he needs to keep to himself. including bad mouthing a fellow colleague in front of customers. On the bright side both of my tattoos came out great especially the second one. He interpreted my drawing better than I expected once he got down to business. read more

I wanted to like this place, however, they double talk you into their lying web. I wanted 2 legs done for 1 session. They lied charged in total $1,200.00 when the one leg tatto all black was garrented to be both legs a fire tattoo for $500.00 each. This 1 leg was too threatening and the lying Is ferocious. My advice, run from these web of lies. It's not the price, it's the unethical practice here at Explosive Tattos in Delaware. Run Run Run. read more

Sky(lar) was awesome. Friendly and very helpful. I went there to get my nose redone. I barely had a wait. Of course like any tattoo shop you fill out paperwork. I was able to watch him set up. The whole process took less than 45 mins. He made sure the piercing would be where I wanted it and not where he thought it would fit. However still provided insight. I would definitely return for more work by him. read more

Nice shop, very friendly. Matt Green did my tattoo. Nice guy, did great work on a tattoo that means a lot to me. read more

Explosive Tattoo II - Sparrow Swallow Bird Sun set Memorial - Tattoo Near Me - New Castle, Delaware

I wanted to like this place.... It's conveniently located nearby but you're better off driving to another tattoo shop. First experience: I went in with a friend to get a triple helix pricing. Immediately we were greeted with sarcasm at the door by the piercer with dreads. He mocked, "What, did you see that on pintrest or something and decide you wanted it?". Not sure why he felt the need to make a comment since we do not know one another. Awkward yes, but we stuck around anyway. After awhile he didn't seem comfortable doing it because he couldn't fit 3 rings in one spot. Nonetheless the lack of professionalism led to us leaving and having our piercings done elsewhere which healed nicely. I decided to give them a second chance and got a tattoo by Alisha. She did an amazing job and was a pleasure to work with. She's very knowledgeable, energetic, and personable. Her experience redeemed the shop. Until my third visit...... I paid the deposit and came in for Alisha to add work to my last tattoo. Miscommunication happens to the best of us however, this is where this place lacked professionalism again. It was to my understanding that I would have a tattoo consult with Alisha as I did the first time. Apparently I was scheduled to have work done but I could not stay. On my end I apologized when another older man who I presumed was the shop owner stepped in and verbally insulted me. Way over the line. I could have rescheduled after the whole matter but decided this place isn't worth the aggravation. They can keep the deposit for the "wasted time". read more

Clean, reliable shop. Decent pricing. Dave Sobel was kind and accommodating to me. Will be returning for another tattoo. read more

Explosive Tattoo II - Tattoo Near Me - New Castle, Delaware

Had my first 2 tattoos done here with no regrets. Toby is very friendly, knowledgeable and full of energy. After being certain of what I wanted I signed a form and was on my way to the chair. The parlor is very clean and sanitary; all surfaces are wiped down and cleaned before you're taken care of. I'd definitely recommend this place to anyone who wants some work done and/or even piercings which they do also. read more

Explosive Tattoo II - "Be At Peace, Not In Pieces" in Arabic - Tattoo Near Me - New Castle, Delaware

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I went to this shop today since I called earlier in the week and was told Saturday's are walk in and told them over the phone I was interested in a side waist tattoo. I walk in and waited by the glass counter and must have stood there 15 minutes and was not once asked if I needed help. Meanwhile, an anxiously loud man called Toby just talking in general extremely loud of which never asked if I needed help. I then decided to walk over to the piercing counter to a lady and explain I was interested in a tattoo on my side waist and a cover up and requested Chris. I was then told I need to add my name to the list since two others were already waiting that Chris would call me. The anxiously loud man name Toby tells me that tattoo will take 8 hours and I would need to schedule appointment, Saturday are only for quick tattoo of which that was never stated to me over the phone when I mentioned what I wanted. Toby if you read this, you really should bring it down a few notches. The talking extremely loud is a poor client experience along with not asking people waiting at counter if they need any assistance. Sorry to say my first time walking into this shop was a bad one. Two things I cant stand is loud people and waiting. read more

I love this place ! All the artists that do the tattoos and piercings are super nice and funny! Every time i go there to get something done! My experience gets better and better!! The Artists are so down to earth! Love them! My sister and i always have a great time. Especially the shop is Super clean which i love about the place. The prices are very reasonable as well. And will do what u want done and or even better! Thanks Toby, Harry, Sean for all your help!! read more

Explosive Tattoo II - A cover-up tattoo. Love my new tattoo! Just the way i wanted as well. U did and awesome job on me Toby!! Thanks again!! :) - Tattoo Near Me - New Castle, Delaware

Went to Explosive for the first time yesterday to get my eyebrow pierced, great experience ! Eric was my piercer and kept me super calm during the process. It came out looking perfect. This shop is clean, reputable, and full of kind people for both tattoos and piercings. :) read more

This is an excellent shop! My husband and I both got our tattoos (wedding gifts to each other) done by Alisha who was amazing! She came up with incredible designs that were exactly what we were looking for and was very patient and helpful after my husband changed his mind at the last minute about some details. The shop is clean, and everyone there is really friendly and helpful. The manager is fantastic and I would definitely go there again (and to Alisha!) for any new work. read more

Love explosive tattoo! I have been going there since they opened. The shop is clean, the people are extremely friendly and it's just a great atmosphere. Toby, the owner, is extremely knowledgeable about tattoos and the history/meanings behind them! My boyfriend loves buz's work with skulls and gory things! As long as they stay open I will always go back there! read more

Went here a few days ago with a friend for some nose piercings. Called about 2 hours before to see if they had walk ins and they did!!! Very friendly and goofy staff who were very entertaining. We were greeted by CJ, one of their professional piercers. He was very kind and patient. He did a great job with explaining the process, helping me get through it, and with explaining the aftercare. Love these guys will forever come back for piercings and tattoos !!! Btw my nose looks great read more

Tried to charge me 260$ for some simple line work DO NOT GO TO THIS SHOP UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE OVER CHARGED Had the tattoo done flawlessly in Elkton @ off the root tattoo 60$ excellent shop try them out ! read more

I went there for the first time to get some piercings done and was really nervous. The piercer Erik talked me through the entire thing and then gave me all the necessary information I needed on cleaning my piercings and time of healing. I would definitely reccomend Erik to anyone. But I probably wouldn't go for a tattoo the owner seemed very arrogant and wouldn't listen kept lecturing about how it says that Jesus had a tattoo when it was mention that one of my relatives was very religious and against tattoos and piercings. Could have gone about better but oh well. But Erik was amazing and kind he really helped me calm my nerves read more

Kristen helped me a lot , she talked me through everything that she did for me. Sprayed me for the day so that it was clean. Very fragile with my belly button piercing. i'll be back for sure . (: read more

AMAZING! The whole gang here is awesome and I will send everyone I know here. I was supposed to get it done at studio one in Norwood but thankfully the guy was a complete tool and blew me off. Explosive is amazing. Alisha did mine and I couldnt be happier. The whole crew is fun and totally make you feel welcome and comfortable. I won't go anywhere else.....ever. Thanks Alisha. read more

Got my tattoo done here and don't get me wrong the people were nice. They charged my card without my consent because the other person made a mistake with not charging my card right in the first place. They took 100 out of my account and overdrew it. When I tried to call and set up a time to come in to pay because i work all day no one picked up so they automatically took money out of my account. They said I would have to come in to pay for it because they couldn't do it over the phone BUT they took it out of my account. They will never get my business again. read more

The dude at the front counter(who is also one of piercers) when I was consulting with the tattoo artist(Jimmi) blatantly said "You know your tattoo is not going to come out exactly how it looks, right?" Something in that nature. Very premature comment I must say and I did like my tattoo at first, but learned to really dislike it. It is of Odin and it looks like a friggin lawn gnome... I have been considering on removing it for some time now. read more

I came in wanting an industrial ear piercing, and the extremely professional and honest consultation (from artist Erik) on why it wouldn't be right for my ear type was much appreciated as most shops would rather take this risk instead of being honest. All staff members were incredibly kind and professional. After sorting around other piercing ideas, my friend and I decided to get septum and nostril piercings respectively, and we were walked through the entire process from the piercing procedure to after-piercing care (this was our first time getting facial piercings!). As a person with an extremely low pain tolerance, I was very apprehensive and nervous before being pierced but I was guided through the entire procedure by Erik and left with no pain or uncomfortability whatsoever. Same with my friend! After being pierced, you're given detailed instructions on piercing care and all the information of your piercer, jewelry type, and heal time. Needless to say, we're very happy with our piercings and can't wait to come back to work with this amazing staff again and in the future. Super clean environment, super awesome staff, super happy customers. read more

Got my first tattoo done here in August. Jimmi did a great job! I'll definitely be back for more.