I visited the Wheaton, MD location around 2PM yesterday afternoon to have both a tattoo on my wrist fixed, as well as to have my nose jewelry changed from a stud to a ring. I had no issues with the tattooer as he was very nice and attentive, and did an excellent job fixing my badly scarred tattoo. However, the piercer that was on duty was so unprofessional and disrespectful to me that I've decided not to visit Tattoo Paradise for any other services in the future. From the moment I stepped in the door at 2PM until, literally, the time I left, the piercer had his head down in his phone texting and taking phone calls. When I walked to the back room with him to have him change my nose jewelry, he was pacing around the room aimlessly, continuing to text on his phone. After two or three minutes, he finally began to set up to put in the ring. He then excused himself to take a phone call. I was left in the room for literally over 5 minutes and contemplated leaving and going to another shop for the service. I really wish I would've done so. I have never had a nose ring before, and was unsure as to whether I would like it or not, so I decided to let him finish the job before letting him know my thoughts. Once it was finished, I unfortunately did not like the jewelry. I believe it was more of the type of ring that he used, but he was so inattentive during the visit that I didn't even want to bother asking him anything. I was under that impression that he wasn't all there and I felt very uncomfortable allowing him to work on me because he simply wasn't paying any attention to what he was doing. He was still in the room when I decided to tell him I didn't like it. Before I had the chance to finish my sentence, he sarcastically finished it for me by saying, "I don't like it." In other words, he talked over me, assuming that was what I was going to say. At that point, I wanted to leave. I asked if he could take the ring out and place the old stud in, and he replied that he would have to charge me for it because "you wasted my freakin' jewelry," as he quickly took off his gloves in anger. I was very aggravated with him at this point and told him to give me the jewelry and I would do it myself. Once I took my stud from him, he immediately left the room and continued to text on his phone, leaving me in the room alone for several minutes. I've never had this particular type of stud before and did not want to damage myself due to his arrogance and rudeness, so I walked out of the room to the front of the room to request that someone help me because the piercer was being incredibly disrespectful to me. The piercer overheard me and walked to the front and began a confrontation. Mind you, there were two employees besides the piercer here. There was also me, and a customer. I explained to him and the tattooer I was speaking to that he has been texting on his phone the entire time, not paying attention to my needs, being sarcastic and rude, and expecting me to pay him for doing absolutely nothing. I was so upset, I was literally shaking. The piercer continued to argue with me, red in the face and all, even after I explained to him that his behavior is what caused me to be upset with him, nothing else. He claimed that he was angry by my rejection of the ring, but that is untrue. And even so, who yells and argues with a customer in front of his own staff? At one point during the confrontation, I was speaking to the tattooer and he actually began to text on his phone. Eventually, after 5 whole minutes of back and forth banter, he asked, sarcastically, if "putting it back in would make me happy." He decided to put my stud back in as we both walked back to the piercing room. At this point, he admitted that he was "having a bad day" and apologized for his reaction, but continued to be sarcastic by implying that he might as well put a "diamond stud" in my nose (insinuating that he's doing a free service so he might as well give me something extravagant). I replied that he would like to extend the offer, I'd take it. He laughed my comment off, placed the stud back in, and once again, left the room to text on his phone. I immediately packed my things, said goodbye to the tattoer and left the building. In addition to this, the piercer kept me in the building, unnecessarily, for so long that my meter expired and now I am forced to pay $45 for a parking violation. Had I only allowed the tattooer to finish his work and not bothered with the piercer, this would not have occurred. It amazes me how there are no consequences for people treating their customers like this. I am sure that this piercer will receive no more than a slap on the wrist even after treating me as horribly as he did, for no other reason than he was "having a bad day." People are constantly faced with being disrespected and mistreated by employees, and the employees are free to continue being employed and have no other consequence than losing a customer. read more

I am an ethical vegan so I was looking for someone vegan friendly in that they were willing to use vegan ink. I called a few places and the people there were annoyed that I asked about that. The gentlemen who answered the phone at the DC location and the Wheaton location were both super chill and cool about it. I went to see Shawn at the Wheaton place who not only did a friggin awesome tattoo but he also treated me like a valuable customer and not annoyed that I requested vegan ink. Vegan or not, go to this place. But if you are a vegan, just let Shawn know and he'll take good care of you. I plan on going back for more. I wish I had the money and tattoo ideas to go back every week. read more

I LOVED this place. I actually found them through yelp and thought, Yeah I'll give this a chance. I've gotten three tattoos done before this at two different places and the experiences ranged from disappointing to I can't believe I paid for this. I called a few days ahead to see if "walk ins welcome" meant, you can walk in and get an appointment for tomorrow, or if it actually meant you could come in and get inked that day. They said they weren't busy. I went in around mid-day on July 30th, 2012 with a print out of the script I wanted across my hip. The guys working were very friendly and engaging, and the other shops I've been in have always been very unfriendly to the point of being rude. I was completely at ease, they asked questions and made sure everything was exactly how I wanted it, no pressure to hurry up or just get it done. It healed amazingly well, quickly and without any problems, whereas all my others have been bumpy for a while after. Truly perfect, it looks exactly how I wanted. I will absolutely be going back. It's been by far the best tattoo parlor experience I've had. read more

Me & my sister came in for nipple piercings. Didn't have like this stupendous experience but it wasn't bad or anything either. We were greeted right away but we had to wait a while for the piercer because he was out to lunch. But that was more my fault because I meant to call before I came up there to make sure someone was there. But when Tim got there, he took us right away. He explained everything thoroughly and he worked quickly. I was also expecting it to be super awkward but it wasn't. In addition, he did a good job. Both me and my sister are happy with our new piercings. They also take credit cards and tips are accepted on credit cards which is always a plus. I will be returning for my piercing needs. read more

I really don't like it when people give places poor reviews without fully trying them out. That being said, my experience at Tattoo Paradise a few days ago pissed me off so much that I'm about to do exactly that. All I needed was some jewelry changes for my industrial and tragus piercings. I walk in and tell the guy working up front what I want. Before he could even move, a man storms by on his cell phone. The guy up front tells me that this is the piercer, and that he'll be with me as soon as he finishes his phone call. Apparently it was a serious freakin' phone call, because the piercer is outside the shop, pacing back and forth, screaming at whoever was on the other end. Kind of unsettling, since he was about to be messing with holes in my ears. After he comes back in, he angrily walks to the back where I see him continue to pace around for a while. FINALLY he walks up towards me... and then turns around and paces some more. I figured the guy working up front would say something to him like, "OH HEY THIS PERSON HAS BEEN WAITING FOR LIKE 15 MINUTES FOR YOU." But he says nothing to the piercer who either didn't know I was there or just was in too much of a pissed off mood to bother with me. I walked out. I NEVER walk out of places. I don't know if the guy I talked to just didn't give a crap that I was waiting or what, but the customer service that I received, as well as just the overall vibe and attitude, was awful. Freakin' awful. Oh hey, I just noticed that someone posted a bad review about the piercer after going there the day after I did! Charina P., your experience was much worse than mine, but I still feel your pain. There are a ton of other places to get pierced in the area. Go to one where they'll actually treat you with some respect. read more

I went in to get a simple monogram tattoo and Dave did a great job. Everyone was very nice and the shop was clean and organized! Thanks guys for making me less nervous! read more

I was there several years ago. Terrible service and very unprofessional. The woman that did my wrist tattoo messed up and I was so annoyed. I made sure I posted bad things about her when I got home. Do not. ..do not go to this hell hole-!!!!! read more

This place was amazing!! I got a nose piercing and they made me feel comfortable. I was a little nervous just because I'm not good with pain but it was done within 15 seconds. It was done by Tim and he made sure everything was fresh from a new packet, he wore gloves, and he changed them whenever he did something new. I would definitely recommend them in your want a piercing. read more

I went to Tattoo Paradise for the first time yesterday to get my nose pierced. My sister got two microdermals. Tim took care of us and was absolutely AMAZING!!!! He was friendly, funny, knowledgeable, and clean. Very clean actually. He changed gloves a few times, opened everything in front of us, sprayed down the table as my sis waited for her turn. Just very thorough. He was also very patient. My sister had about 50 questions and he answered every single one. I totally recommend this place, and if you need a piercing, go to Tim. read more

Going to this shop for a tattoo is one of the best decisions I've made. I did a ton of research about where to get my tattoo, and I used the yelp reviews, and so I figured I should give back. I went to the Rockville shop, which doesn't appear to have it's own Yelp page yet, and got a large bicep tattoo done by Eric Wilcox. I am so incredibly happy with it. I knew, from friends, reviews, ratings etc that Tattoo Paradise was a top shop in the area, but I didn't know anyone who'd gone to Eric specifically. I chose him based on his portfolio and his tattooing style, which I thought would work well with my idea. I definitely made the right choice! My tattoo is absolutely phenomenal. This is my third tattoo, but my first big one. I gave Eric a few reference photos of what type of thing I wanted and asked him to do an original design based loosely on my idea. I've been wanting this tattoo for almost 4 years and so I was shocked and impressed to see that the drawing was even better than I had ever imagined! Eric (and from what I've heard, all the artists at Tattoo Paradise), really knows what he is doing and I can tell that this is the type of tattoo that will heal really cleanly and look good for a long time. I'm glad I put my trust in him and let him design this more freely because the marriage of my ideas and his style was perfect. In addition, the linework is beautifully clean and even and the image is super clear. He was really nice and had me make sure that the placement and drawing was exactly what I wanted. I asked if he could make one tiny adjustment to the image he'd drawn up, and he was totally on board. I had such a great experience at the shop, from the front desk staff to the artists, everyone was very nice and helpful. I definitely recommend this shop and have recommended it to close friends already. I've only had my tattoo for a few days, but so many people have come up to me and complimented me on it, asking where I got it done. Even my anti-tattoo mom absolutely loves it! Seriously, getting a tattoo with Eric is a really good choice. I highly recommend giving him some artistic freedom with your idea and looking at his portfolio to get a sense of his style. I'm sure he can probably do lots of different styles, but I'm really happy that I asked him to do his thing with mine. You can be sure with this shop that you'll leave with a true piece of art, so I recommend you listen to what the artists suggest because they really know what will work best. read more

Got my tragus pierced here and it came out great. My skin is usually sensitive and gets infected easily, but not this time.. :) I'm so happy how it came out too!! read more

I have been working on a sleeve with Carly (@elcarlycorpse) for about two years now, and he is amazing- you certainly get what you pay for! :) Very pleased. read more

Tattoo Paradise is a good place to get a tattoo. I have been in several different shops in the DC area and this is one of the better shops. The atmosphere is cool, and the shop is very clean. Everyone there was helpful and honest with me. Their artists are talented and fairly trustworthy. Scott just did an amazing tattoo for me. It was one of the best tattoo experiences I have ever had. After having a couple of bad tattoo experiences, it was a relief to find a place like this. read more

Tina Pell is the most amazing artist! I had an idea of what I wanted, Pisces -but I didn't want the koi fish design everyone else has. She worked with photos I sent her and came up with the most beautiful design and it's PERFECT! Her skill with color and shading have brought zillions of compliments and comments- everyone LOVES it! I wish I could post a photo- the next time you want a tattoo-- see her stuff here- tinapell.com and on FACEBOOK at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=56600853 she's by appointment only and it's well worth it for your next tattoo. I can't wait for my second one! (my fish are on my left shoulder it's about 7" in diameter- soo cool!) read more

I bought an earring for my tragus piercing from them and they helped put it in. Extremely sanitary and very gentle. Very good vibes here.

After being spoiled by the amazing Tobias and Jen at Comes a Time in Fairfax, I was sad that I had to drive an hour to see my piercers (I have a septum and a nose piercing and I have trouble changing jewelry by myself). However, Tim at Tattoo Paradise in Wheaton is an angel, super smart, really nice, and professional as all get out. I can't say enough good things about him: very clean, very knowledgeable, patient when I have questions about jewelry or whatever. Super cute, too ;3 Definitely going there when I want anything pierced in the future. read more

I can't begin to describe how comfortable and welcoming the whole experience was working with Ryan Clarke and the whole team at the Wheaton shop. I was able to set up an appointment with Ryan a few weeks in advance to get my first tattoo. He helped me come up with the design I wanted and was super responsive and easy to work with. When I went to get the tattoo he was kind, patient, and just really easy-going and fun to work with. All of the staff members in the shop were great and made me feel welcome and like I'd known them for years from the minute I walked. I will definitely be coming back in the future and will be recommending to others. read more

I went here 2 years ago for a piercing. I should have reviewed then, but I forgot. I went again this weekend, and I had to share. Brian is the best. My first piercing experience with Tattoo Paradise was great. It was in a sensitive area, and Brian completely put me at ease. The dude is totally professional and clearly knew what he was talking about. This was neither my first piercing or first for this placement. It was, however, the most comfortable I've been for the experience. When I decided to get a forward helix piercing this weekend, I went back to Tattoo Paradise in Wheaton and hoped Brian might still be around. They told me their piercer was on vacation, but I could hit the 18th Street location until 1am. I thought I'd struck out for the day since a trip downtown wasn't in my plans. Much later, it worked out and I found myself in front of Brian again. Woot! He's typically in the Wheaton location, so I recommend calling ahead to check on that. I'm sure the other piercers at Tattoo Paradise are great, but I've only met Brian and I HIGHLY recommend. The guy knows his business and will absolutely make it an easier experience. As a bonus, he was able to rec tattoo artists in the shops who I'll definitely be reaching out to soon for my next round of ink. read more

The other reviews are correct. This place is awesome! Shawn was amazing. I checked with other places and they told me that my tattoo would take almost 2 hours because of the location and size. Shawn finished in less than 40 minutes and it's beautiful. Even my ultra-conservative/anti-tattoo mother remarked about how beautiful the tattoo is. Since tattoos can be addictive, I'm sure that I'll be back because I've found my new tattoo home. read more

Went to the Rockville (Redland location) during my lunch break for a cover up tattoo on my wrist. The tattoo was done fast and is absolutely perfect. I received so many compliments today. Eric Wilcox was my tattoo artist. If you see him....you won't be disappointed. read more

I am 3 sessions in on a piece with Cody Abell. I have 1 prior garage tattoo from 13 years ago so I know nothing about tattoos or the process. I knew basic Idea of what I wanted: a phoenix, on side, and black and grey. Thankfully I found Cody through IG and he has been fabulous! He let me know that maybe the side was not the best spot for what I was thinking. I appreciate this honesty a lot. He seemed willing to give up a big piece because he did not think the location would work best for the idea. That alone should tell you what kind of artist and person he is. I let him know I was also thinking that my thigh might be a good spot. He agreed and we chatted a bit more about my idea and his vision for it. I asked for rough estimate and while it was a lot, it did not seem unreasonable. I left my 100$ deposit and came back a few weeks later to see what he came up with. I loved it! so we got to work on it. He has been incredibly professional, personable, entertaining, and kind during our sessions. This has helped make me comfortable and has made the whole process pretty easy. Best part is my tattoo is amazing!! We still have a session to go so I will update with pics once I am done. So far the price is on par with his rough estimate - a lot, but 100% worth it and does not seem unreasonable price for what I am getting TBH. It is on my skin forever. I am willing to pay a good amount for an amazing huge piece done by a great seeming guy! read more

Awesome experience. Clean environment and great staff--polite, attentive, and friendly. A little bit of a wait time but I didn't have an appointment. Tattoo came out great. Will definitely go back. read more

Best place I ever got a tattoo. Ryan did an awesome job designing my cover up tattoo, very detailed and made it look beautiful. Made sure I liked it and made changes before it was put on. Clean shop, friendly staff, very professional. Highly recommended, I will definitely go here again! read more

I went in to get a scaffold piercing done here after reading lots of good reviews. They were quick and efficient at the front desk and they took me back within five minutes. Brian was the guy who did the piercing. He was very nice and made it work for me. These guys know their stuff and are reasonably priced. Already recommended to a friend! read more

Excellent service and work! I got my tattoo on Saturday after I walked in with a couple of photos of what I wanted. Shawn is fantastic. I plan to return for a nose piercing and another tattoo. The prices are high, but the service is worth it. read more

I wish that I didn't have to give a single star to this shop. Let me start by saying I am covered in tattoos from mouth to thighs. I have had work done in multiple states by multiple artist, due to being military. It's always a pain finding a new artist. I was excited to read good reviews on this shop. When I called I was told to come in at 4, when I got there everyone seemed friendly at first. Immediately after telling a female (whom I assume to be the piercer) she started talking money, which is always a bad sign. She showed the design (a simple floral design, one color) to the artist who quoted it at $200. I said that was over priced. I have a cover up piece that is flawless, cost $200, it's fine detail and multiple colors, and took 3hours. The artist said the price was high due to me wanting to be tattooed in a difficult place, I said fine, $200 was okay, but no higher. All of a sudden he changed his mind and said it would be more and it would have be way simpler. Again the design is so simple it couldn't possible get simpler. At that point I said forget it. Everyone in there was just money hungry and their portfolios let a lot to be desired. I'm sure a fine place to get flash art off the walls, but no artistic interpretation. I've seen this too many times when tattoo artist become money hungry and way too cool for school. I will never ever try this place again. The bad attitudes are not worth a decent tattoo. And ripping people off for art is just sad. read more

Went to this shop with my own design. From the very beginning the tattoo artist was not very welcoming. He didn't even bother to get up to greet me, which wouldn't have been a big deal if he turned out to be a nice person. I was told I would have to change my design, which I knew could be a possibilty, but he tried to pressure me into getting something I didn't want. As I was contemplating his suggestions for my tattoo he abruptly became offended and said "If you dont want to do this design, I can just do your design but it's not going to look right". What kind of serious tattoo artist that likes his job would say something like that. He accused me of not being receptive to his suggestions, which was the furthest from the truth. If I wasn't receptive I would have left the shop as soon as he told me he couldn't do my initial design, instead of trying to have a civilized conversation with him about how we could successfully merge his ideas with mine. It is a tattoo going on my body after all. The entire conversation lasted all of 5 minutes so it wasn't a long drawn out debate where I was being difficult. I will take my business elsewhere, someplace where the artist is more receptive, less angry, and happier about his/her work. Too bad this one guy is a representative for the Wheaton shop. The other guy in the shop at the time was very nice and professional. read more

A lady name Erika there was awesome and very patient. she was the lady that answer the phone and even going to the shop she was super dope. My girl and I just wanted something reasonable and worth going to for our nose piercing. she was great in telling us how to clean it and take care of it, even the process of putting the needle through our nose was painless. IM NOT FROM MD, WE ARE FROM FLORIDA JUST HAVING BDAY FUN, BUT IF U EVER GO OR LIVE THERE. GO SEE ERIKA AT TATTOO PARADISE!!!!!! HEY GIRL, LOL "KISSES" read more

This was my first tattoo and I was super nervous! From the outside, Tattoo Paradise doesn't necessarily look that nice but it's super clean and nice inside! I was very impressed! The people are nice, professional, patient, and helpful. Keith and Carly were great. (Carly did my tattoo). I would highly recommend this place!! read more

Went in for a piercing and my sister was supposed to get a tattoo which she managed to avoid getting somehow. As soon as we walked into the shop we were welcomed. The shop is very nice and has tons of beautiful tattoo art to browse thru. I filled out my paperwork and within 5 minutes I was back in the piercing area. My piercer was Brian and he was awesome!!!! He made me feel very relaxed by walking me thru each step. He cleaned the area, put a dot where the piercing would be then I laid back and voila!! It took no more than 5 minutes. I've been to other shops for piercings and I didn't get the impression that they enjoyed their job. Brian however was very welcoming and you can tell that he enjoys what he does. When it was over he gave me an after care sheet and added his number at the dc shop (he's only at the wheaton shop on saturdays), in case I had any questions or concerns. As far as piercings go I recommend this spot 100%. If I ever want to get another tattoo I would more than likely come here as well. read more

Went to Tatto Paradise yesterday for my first tat. The place is clean and Vinse was professional throughout. He did exactly what I asked--I sent him a photo of the writing I wanted and he replicated the stencil perfectly. Hoping for a quick heal so I can hit the pool again soon! Thanks, Vinse! read more

I got a nose piercing here a couple of weeks ago for my 16th birthday. God am I pleased. My piercer did such a great job, and my nose is healing wonderfully. I also got an ear cartilage stud changed for a hoop. My piercer was great about sanitation -- did a thorough clean of everything. I will be back. And great pricing!!! read more

Finally decided to get my nose pierce after 6 years. I had attempted to get it done throughout the week and for some reason it didn't happen. I had read good reviews that Brian was awesome so I waited for him to come to Wheaton. Got there and I was greeted right away. He came out, introduced himself as well as asked what ring would I like. Due to work I cannot have a big ring so I wanted the smallest, tiniest one. He explained to me that starting off with the smallest is not the best idea and that it would sink into my nose. Went in into the room and told him I was scare. He said I had nothing to worry about. And before I knew it, woah! He said if for whatever reason I had trouble at work because of it to come to him and he would help me out. He was not lying. I have 9 piercing in total and my nose was the less painful one and quickest. Definitely coming back to him. And I was so excited and amazed that I forgot to tip Brian. He so earned it. I'll stop by next time he comes to thank him once again. Thanks Brian! read more

Carly gave my daughter her first tattoo today and it looks amazing. Very professional and friendly. Thanks so much Carly, you are the best!

This tattoo parlor is a bit over price. Wanted something really small like a inch big, not much details just lines and wanted to charge $159. Went somewhere else and was only $70 and came out perfect read more

I was her to get my ears pierced and there was nothing I could point out to be wrong!Erica did a great job!!! She made sure that I was calm throughout and explained to me the process and the after care so well that I was not scared anymore and it was done before I knew it!! will definitely recommend it to everyone!!!! read more

Scott is the man! I can always count on him to come up with great ideas. He's a great artist and tattooer.

My fiancee and I got our pierced ears stretched by Brian after doing thorough research of the tattoo and piercing shops in the area. He was very knowledgeable and it was clear that he took his craft seriously. He explained everything that would happen and made it a point to set us both at ease. We both highly recommend him! He is only at the Wheaton shop every other Saturday but is at the Adams Morgan shop more frequently. read more