Business Details
Award-Winning Tattoo & Piercing Studio in Wilmington, NC
At Hardwire Tattoo & Body Piercing, we believe tattoos and piercings are powerful forms of self-expression. As Wilmington's oldest studio with over 25 years of experience, we combine artistic excellence with strict safety protocols to deliver permanent body art that reflects individuality. Our team of award-winning artists and piercers specializes in custom designs, cover-ups, and precision piercings using state-of-the-art equipment.We maintain hospital-grade sterility standards while fostering a welcoming environment where creativity thrives. Our reputation as trusted artists to the stars stems from meticulous attention to detail and personalized service that prioritizes client comfort throughout the process. With two locations serving Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC, we remain committed to advancing body art as both a technical craft and expressive medium.
Services
Custom Tattoos
Body Piercings
Cover-Up Tattoos
Body Jewelry
Tattoo Aftercare
Highlights and features
- We maintain hospital-grade sterility standards with disposable equipment
- Our artists have collectively over 100 years of professional experience
- Private rooms available for personalized tattoo sessions
- Award-winning team recognized by Southeastern NC Inked & Pierced Reviews
- Walk-in tattoos always welcome with flexible scheduling options
What people say
Award-winning artistry
Sterile environment
Patient artists
Exceptional aftercare
Creative transformations
Services
Custom Tattoos
Our award-winning artists create unique tattoos tailored to personal stories and artistic visions. From realistic portraits to intricate geometric patterns, we transform concepts into permanent body art using advanced techniques. Clients receive detailed consultations to refine designs before execution.
Body Piercings
We offer sterile piercings for ears, nose, mouth, and body jewelry placements. Our certified piercers use single-use needles and implant-grade materials. Each session includes aftercare instructions and follow-up support to ensure proper healing.
Cover-Up Tattoos
Specialized artists excel at transforming existing tattoos into new designs. We assess color density and placement to create effective cover-ups. Multiple sessions may be recommended for optimal results while maintaining skin integrity.
Tattoo Aftercare
Comprehensive aftercare guidance prevents infections and preserves tattoo quality. We provide specific cleaning protocols, ointment recommendations, and healing timelines. Clients receive personalized instructions matching their tattoo's size and complexity.
Private Room Sessions
Private rooms offer comfortable environments for detailed tattoo work. Soundproof spaces accommodate special requests and extended sessions. This service ensures personalized attention while maintaining the studio's signature quality standards.
People
Justin LaNasa
Lead Tattoo Artist
Award-winning artist with 15+ years experience specializing in realistic portraits and intricate blackwork. Recognized for transforming complex concepts into wearable art while maintaining technical precision and client comfort.
Dave Body Piercer
Master Piercer
Certified piercer with 12 years of expertise in body jewelry placement. Maintains strict sterilization protocols while offering personalized jewelry selections. Known for creating unique piercing arrangements that complement individual anatomy.
Zac Kimble
Senior Tattoo Artist
Specializes in vibrant color tattoos and neo-traditional styles. With 18 years in the industry, he combines classic techniques with modern innovations to produce dynamic, long-lasting designs tailored to client preferences.
Will Banga
Tattoo Artist
Expert in geometric patterns and minimalist line work. Brings 10 years of experience creating precise, mathematically balanced designs. Focuses on clean execution and proportionality for timeless body art pieces.
Lee Robinson
Custom Design Specialist
Transforms abstract concepts into wearable art through collaborative design sessions. With 14 years of experience, he specializes in integrating personal symbolism into visually striking tattoos that maintain artistic integrity.
Questions
What tattoo styles do you specialize in?
We offer realistic portraits, traditional American, Japanese, geometric, and custom hybrid styles. Our artists adapt to individual preferences while maintaining technical excellence.
Do you offer piercing aftercare products?
Yes, we provide NeilMed Piercing Aftercare solution and recommend specific cleaning protocols tailored to each piercing type.
Can you modify existing tattoos?
Our specialists excel at cover-ups and design modifications. We assess existing tattoos to create effective revisions while preserving skin health.
Are walk-ins accepted?
Yes, we welcome walk-in clients during business hours. Priority scheduling is available for appointments.
What safety measures are followed?
We use single-use needles, sterilize all equipment to medical standards, and maintain a completely disposable work environment for maximum client safety.
Do you offer jewelry for piercings?
Yes, we carry implant-grade titanium and surgical steel jewelry in various gauges and styles for all body piercing locations.
Reviews (4)
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
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