BEWARE: Permanent scarring and severe infections 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. read more

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

Hot Stuff Tattoo - Bluebird tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

I got a bad ass chess piece. No complaints on the service or vibe. I got I very easily within a day. Thanks mom

Bro. This place is the tits. Had my ribs blasted for 9 hours total two sessions. Drove from deep ass Virginia to see Matt. Most painful and amazing tattooing experience of my life HA! Conversation was great! The most interesting People hop in off the street just to come in and hang out with these guys. Very personable, empathetic (rub me down with those warm rags mmhmm) patient and thoughtful not to mention the skill and experience. Each artist genuinely cares and encourages the other. They Collaborate, ask opinions, crack jokes and enjoy spending time with new faces. Not saying my soft belly fat will ever forgive me but I couldn't be more pleased. It's healing well and the colors are amazing. LFG PS they have also infected my playlist with slow heavy metal. Love that ish the wife not so much. HA! read more

This place was great! We walked in as soon as they opened and they were able to fit my two friends and I in! Our artist Adam was SO nice and did very great work. The only downside was it was SO expensive. My heart sank when I heard the final price. They only accept cash or Venmo. I would recommend this place but be prepared to spend a check. read more

Hot Stuff is such an awesome tattoo shop located in West Asheville. I recently had a tattoo done by Henry and was super happy with the whole experience. The shop is covered in flash, art and taxidermy. It is colorful, bright and inviting. I felt welcome the instant I walked through the door (which can't be said about all tattoo shops, that's for sure). When I met Henry, he showed me my tattoo design and I loved it immediately. He was talkative and relaxed. He got his space set up quickly and made a design transfer so that he was able to actually start tattooing within 15 minutes after my appointment time. I was so thankful for this. I've been to other artists where the tattooing doesn't actually get started until like an hour after I arrive. Henry got started right away and was happy to talk to me and have conversation but was also totally fine with me putting on my headphones to listen to a podcast. I zoned out for most of the tattoo. Henry was quick and efficient and did an excellent job. I love my new tattoo! read more

Jon Sanford is incredible!! After getting one tattoo from him I couldn't stop and eventually got 3 plus a touch up from a old tattoo. He is so personable and authentic and he is incredible talented. Since i'm not an artist whatsoever, I needed lots of help with how the tattoos would be executed and he guided me in the right directions regarding placement, color, even subjects of the tattoos! The tattoos were not only executed flawlessly, they were better than I could've even imagined!! I don't live in Asheville but I would consider flying here just to get another piece done by him. no complaints here at all!!! Jon gets a million stars read more

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10/10 experience. Everyone who works here is super friendly & welcoming. I had Elijah and he did an awesome job and understood exactly what I wanted. If I wasn't visiting I'd get all of my tattoos done here ! read more

Hot Stuff is one of the top 10 tattoo shops in America according to USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/10greatplaces/2018/11/09/tattoo-parlors-top-shops-and-artists/1891548002/ I see Blake Meeks at this location and any other location he has worked at in Western North Carolina. Blake is kind and talented. He specializes in black work, folk art, occult images, and death themes. The shop is lovely. There is a sweet girl who works at the front desk and assists around the shop. I think I'm done getting tattooed for a while, but this is definitely a shop I would recommend. They also accept walk-ins which many shops do not. read more

Adam did a snake for me on my collarbone. Wonderful guy he was super relaxed and a calming presence. He told me he's a registered minister now too which is so cool. The tattoo itself is impeccably pristine the line work is incredible. Over all it was just a great experience getting my tattoo done here. Dry professional and clean and friendly! read more

Popped in with my wife to get a tattoo. The artist was very knowledgeable about placement to where it would present the best on the body. He drew something up really quick and it looked great. read more

my first time getting a tattoo here and my experience was awesome. Everyone is super nice. The shop is cool and clean. Go see Steve!!! His @ is @zimovan on instagram. He is awesome and makes good conversation. Best tattoo experience I've ever had! read more

Hot Stuff Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Amazing experience from start to finish. Booked online and they were extremely responsive. Jon was quick and personable. Felt super comfortable and was in and out. Coming from out of town I felt at ease and was in good hands. Will be back! read more

Great place! Went to Asheville for a girl's trip and two of us were tattooed by Chuck. Highly recommend. read more

Hot Stuff Tattoo - Girl's trip tattoos! - Tattoo Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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What an awesome tattoo shop! My wife and I wanted to get tattoos while on vacation. We found Hot Stuff. Called and got an appointment the next day. Got there and was greeted quickly. Everyone was friendly and welcoming. Filled out the paperwork and was taken right back to the artist. My wife and I both had Chuck. Such a great guy and artist. Friendly. Willing to talk. Been doing this for 20 years. Tattoos came out great! Clean and neat. If/when we are in the area again we would definitely come back here and get some more ink. Recommend checking it out if you want some ink. read more

This is definitely a place I recommend! I came in as a walk-in for a small cover-up and met with John. He was friendly, accommodating, fair in pricing, and provided quality work quickly. The shop is welcoming and clean, the artists are obviously very talented as well. read more

If you are shopping around for a clean, professional, outstanding place to get your tattoo, shop no more! Hot Stuff is the BEST! The staff is courteous, laid back, yet very professional. I was a first timer and quite nervous about even inquiring..... Jon could not have made me feel more at ease. He is patient, kind, thoughtful and a badass tattoo artist! He took his time to help me solidify my design. He did not make me feel rushed at all. He gave me exactly the tattoo I wanted, except even better. I loved my tattoo so much that I drove 4 hrs the next week end to get 3 more! Everyone that sees my tattoo, especially people already with tattoos are very impressed with his work. I HIGHLY recommend Jon at Hot Stuff, in Asheville, NC! You will be in fantastic hands!! read more

Hot Stuff Tattoo - LOVE!! - Tattoo Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

After years of looking for the perfect tattoo design- and the perfect tattoo business- I finally (at 59) connected both at Hot Stuff. Knowing none of the artists at Hot Stuff, I of course tried to book Danny. I almost said forget it when I could not book him but was told about Kris who has 17 years experience and a killer portfolio. I met with him, and he worked with me on my custom design ( a Siren of Greek mythology ). Kris was very patient with all my newbie questions and worked on my first tattoo for well over 3 hours. The result was spectacular! I could not be more pleased. If you are lucky enough to be able to book Kris - you have found an outstanding, experienced and highly talented artist. You get what you pay for folks- Gary L Edenton NC / Colebrook NH read more

My friend and I had planned a hiking trip in NC and decided to get tattoos while in Asheville; BELIEVE THE REVIEWS!! What a great experience!! Hot Stuff was able to take us the same day when we walked in at opening. Got a call maybe two hours later saying they could fit us in, so we popped over and Henry did an incredible job on our tattoos! We got some pretty detailed line work, and he was very accommodating, was able to make the changes we wanted no problem, and got us in and out within an hour or two with some beautiful new tattoos. IF YOU ARE GOING FOR A WALK IN: Either get in early or call and make an appointment! We walked in probably 6 minutes after they opened for the day and there was already a 4 hour wait for walk ins, my friend and I were able to get in so quickly because an appointment had to cancel. I love my tattoo, and I highly recommend Hot Stuff for any tattoos you may want while in the Asheville area!! read more

I have a few tattoos from Jeremy here. He's not too heavy handed, he remembers his loyal customers, and is just all around a cool guy. The shops great and super clean. If you are looking to get a tattoo here I recommend checking this place out first. read more

Hot Stuff Tattoo - Lady bug 100$ and bouquet 320$ done in 2 sessions and sunflower was done separately was $200 all from Jeremy and I'm very happy with them - Tattoo Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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Thank you hot stuff staff for your warm hospitality and amazing suggestions on local spots. Much appreciated!! I got the burger and I saw the sunset. Highlights of my trip beyond Bon Iver show and tattoo :) read more

Really cool shop, everyone that works here is super talented. I have several tattoos from Blake but you can't go wrong with anyone that works here. 10/10 do recommend. My favorite tattoo shop in Asheville! read more

A fantastic tattoo at a fair price! Thank you Chuck, the design you drew up could not have been more perfect, and my ankle will always love you! Super nice, clean, friendly, professional and FUN space. I think they say on their website they specialize in what you want...I promise they mean it. See ya in the spring Chuck, peace! read more

This shop is super clean with awesome décor, including a taxidermy all over the place. A plus, especially with some kewpies. I came in from Knoxville to get work down from a travelling artist and had a perfect experience. Everyone was super kind and hilarious. I have friends who have been tattooed by Danny and John with only great things to say. Hot stuff is located within cute shops and food, in the case your waiting on a friend. Street parking is easily accessible, making this a perfect location ! Thanks Hot Stuff! read more

I had my first tattoo by Danny after seeing a lot of his work that I love on my friends. All the guys there are really sweet and patient and the place is clean and cool to look around at. The new space is even better than before! Danny knew I was really nervous and he was just great with every aspect of my experience. My tattoo healed really well and it is perfect, exactly what I wanted and he did it really fast! I had my next tattoo by Jeremy and he was also very patient and was honest with me that the placement I wanted was a bad idea. I really appreciate that he basically told me I shouldn't get it for my benefit and he wasn't just going to do it to make some money. I got it done anyway. He took longer than Danny but was very focused and nice to chat with. I was a little surprised with how expensive it was but I guess I should of asked for a quote before hand. My tattoo is behaving in all the negative ways he told me it would, but he did warn me so I have nothing against them for that! The only slight con I have with Hot Stuff is that many of my friends that have larger or (in my opinion) more intricate tattoos than me got them done for much less than me at other tattoo parlors. However, I do believe that the guys at Hot Stuff are the best talent and attitude wise and I would much rather spend a little more and be comfortable in the atmosphere and with the artist. So all in all I am very happy and will definitely be coming back for all my future tattoos! read more

Hot stuff tattoo is in my opinion the best place to go in Asheville for a tattoo. The staff are very helpful and truthful, and give you exactly what you want, and also help give you ideas if you're questioning anything or want a twist on whatever you are interested in. I have gotten two tattoos here, and both are excellent pieces of work. The only issues that I have had here is the price is a little higher than most places, but it is worth it for the excellent work they do. Also, they seem to leave the office for a few hours at a time and if you show up to get a tattoo then you have no idea how long you will be waiting for them to get back. I waited an hour and a half in the rain due to the employees going on a break somewhere and not leaving a note or anything. It is very clean and has a very awesome theme to it! Don't waste your time at other tattoo shops, this place is at the top of the list! read more

Hot Stuff Tattoo - Newest tattoo I got from Hot stuff tattoo. - Tattoo Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Great location! Extremely clean place, awesome decor, friendly staff. Jeremy was extremely friendly and patient when I was deciding the placement of my tattoo. I'll definitely come back for my next tattoo! read more

Shop is clean and fun and Danny is one of the best artists in the country!

I can't even give them more than 1 star because I didn't even end up getting a tattoo there. I wanted a small silhouette of a bird done. Half hour job max. They wanted to charge $150! I couldn't believe it. I told them I've had way bigger pieces done for a price like that! I was informed that was what they charged. So I left. Went down the street to Victory Tattoos and got it done for $60 and it looks awesome! So if you do plan to go to them, make sure you have a minimum of $150 for the smallest of tattoos. I don't even want to know how much they gouge for a big piece! read more

Danny Reed is amazing! I reccomend anyone looking for custom work to go see Danny or anyone else that works at Hot Stuff!

Great place! I will recommend it to anyone. My 2 younger sisters and I wanted to get matching sister tattoos before the youngest left the country for 2 years. We picked out small birds with a little colour on one. The guy that helped us up front was awesome at helping us alter and inform us of what would be best so our tattoos would look amazing. This being both of my sisters first tats ever, he really worked with them and made them feel happy with the placement and design. Matt then gave us our beautiful hummingbirds of 3 on our ankles. Took less than 15 minutes for each of us. A really great experience for us that we won't forget. read more

Great shop! Incredibly clean, great atmosphere, totally relaxed shop. My artist is Chris H. I went in for a *tiny* sentimental piece (I swear it took 25 minutes from the moment I set foot through the door), and he was glad to do it. My past pieces have been larger affairs and I was concerned that the staff might give me attitude or make me feel like I was wasting their time (like that time when I was 18 and basically got the Reading Rainbow butterfly tattooed to my a$$...most.cliche.tat.ever). But everyone at the shop was professional and treated my work with respect. I definitely recommend and will be back for more work! read more

Got a tattoo Thursday evening and I'm very satisfied. This is my 5th tattoo and the colors and saturations are perfect. The staff is friendly and accomodating. I would recommend Hot Stuff Tattoo to anyone. read more

Hands down the best tattoo shop in Asheville. I've been tattooed all over town, all over the country all over my body and this is the shop in Asheville that is in a league of its own. Clean, Courteous, Professional.... read more