Skins & Needles Durham

Fantastic experience: It was my first time at skins and needles and rest assured I will be going back, you were made to feel welcome as soon as you walked in, good craic all the way through the tattoo session and the end result wow Ste did an amazing job I couldn’t of asked for a better tattoo. Loved this shop and for what I got it was well worth the price

Fantastic experience: I love the work being done by Mel. This is my 4th visit to keep working on my ideas and Mel has just been lovely throughout the whole process. A real gentleman and artist.

Fantastic experience: I had my Rook pierced today by Sarah. She was great, very knowledgeable about piercings, efficient and made me really enjoy my experience even though I’m a tad scared of needles. Would massively recommend if anyone wants to get a piercing. Skin and Needles’ ensure customer safety and quality as well as being affordable. Could not speak highly enough of Sarah.

Fantastic experience: Really nice place, very clean and the staff are really nice and friendly, I would highly recommend Thank u for the good experience I will be back in the future

Fantastic experience: Very lovely staff and 10 stars to my artist Adam. Thank you so much. I am beyond happy with my tattoo ☺️

Fantastic experience: Decided on a whim to get a Septum piercing. The only type I used to fear due to sensitivity. I’m very particular with who I consent to punching holes in my body, as theres many uncertified piercing-gun cowboys out there. With my previous go-to studio being Extreme Needle in Central London; the bar was set high. The studios very straight forward to book with online. Whilst welcoming & very approachable in-person. I was greeted by Sarah ( Saz ) who introduced herself and ensured I had suitable anatomy prior to the appointment. I could see her previous clients where happy with their experiences, which reasured my first impression that Skins & needles Durham was the right choice. Exceptional patience & support, especially for someone as myself who’s nuerodivergent. Eased anxious sweats by talking through the procedure whilst presenting tools. Provided the choice to pierce at a larger size with applicable anatomy The proceedure was very well paced, Sarah is exceptional at keeping bright coversation to aid any anxieties. Valued client comfort & communication over speed. For the customer service, high quality titanium jewlery & memorable experience, their prices are excellent! If your looking for a new mod & nervous who to turn to, Sarah ( Saz ) at Skins & Needles Durham is the one to call for

Fantastic experience: Love the place ✨️ I had a really good experience with them and Adam was great throughout the entire session. The peace is looking good and ill be definitely coming back ✨️

Fantastic experience: Got tattooed today by Tatters, it was such a great experience from start to finish... It was my first tattoo and I was a little nervous but all the guys made it seem like just another day, really put me at ease. Especially the man himself Tatters, good craic throughout, really easy going and relaxing nothing stressful just a really great experience. I also paid a more than fair price for the work that was completed almost to the point where it felt a little unfair for the quality of the job, I would not have batted an eyelid if I had been charged significantly more. On top of all that, the main attraction, the tattoo itself, is outstanding and I am fully in love with my forearm now! Thanks to all the staff at Skins & Needles Durham! I'll definitely be back!

Fantastic experience: I've had a couple of tattoos here from Emily. Really happy with how they turned out! Great service and reasonable pricing, would recommend.

Negative experience: Where do i start… If I could give 0 stars I would. I initially had an appointment at 10am today which they then contacted me to reschedule to 3pm with a different tattooist (had no issue with this). So after travelling 30 minutes to get my tattoo done, I arrived to be told inside the parlour that the tattooist is not going to have time to do my tattoo. The excuse was the tattoo artist told him only 10 minutes before i arrived. Firstly, why was I not called to be told this rather than waiting for me to arrive? Secondly, what tattoo artist only knows 10 MINUTES before his next appointment that he won’t have time? Where’s the professionalism? Will not be returning… complete joke. Would love my petrol money with my deposit.

Fantastic experience: Recently had a tatoo done by Antonia. I absolutely love it. It is exactly what I wanted. Thank you

Negative experience: Got a back tattoo used black transfers not see though one’s so they don’t know where their putting the tattoo and will just take your money if your happy or not with it or not…

Fantastic experience: Amazing colours by Emily. Brilliant artist and lovely person. Thank you so much.

Fantastic experience: Emily is the best! I've gotten several tattoos off her and she always takes the utmost care. She's a kind soul who makes the tattoo time fun and relaxing. Highly recommended

Fantastic experience: Had 3 piercings by Sarah yesterday and I couldn't be happier with them - Sarah is incredibly professional and knowledgeable and the studio itself is really welcoming and friendly. I really felt like Sarah had my best interests in mind and I've come away with 3 of the best done piercings I've ever had. Thank you! :)

Negative experience: AVOID MEL! Over 1year on he messed up a very sentimental tattoo. He ignores all emails after being given many months & chances to resolve. The studio will not help with contacting him, in refunding me or even an apology. since Mel's mistake ive hand to undergo laser removal ready for a cover up. due to the lack of skill & Care! Disgraceful service from the start sadly I paid the price

Fantastic experience: Love Sarah! Wouldn’t get anyone else to do a piercing for me ☺️ this is the second one in three weeks and she was calm and friendly and wanted to get it just right, just as before.

Fantastic experience: I have been getting piercings from Beth recently, she’s extremely good at repiercing over previously healed piercings and is very good with the aftercare. Both Sarah and Beth have helped me with any issues or jewellery changes after I have been pierced. Both lovely women, always extremely friendly

Fantastic experience: Can't thank Beth enough for my piercings today, she was very honest about what would and wouldn't work best for me with my ears and gave fantastic suggestions. Ive got the cutest double conch now :) She's always amazing during the laser tattoo removal sessions too, and is spot on recommending artists for my tattoo ideas. Just a lovely lass

Fantastic experience: couldn’t ask for a better tattoo! was tattooed by Emily

Fantastic experience: Emily was really good in understanding what I wanted and made me feel comfortable I love my new tattoo and will be back

Fantastic experience: Had my first couple of fine line tattoos done by Emily and she is amazing! They have healed perfectly, I absolutely love them. She is also a lovely person and really good craic, so I'll definitely be booking in again with her - just need to decide what I want to get next!

Fantastic experience: Absolutely phenomenal experience earlier today, despite being quite worried as it was my first tattoo, I was reassured and explained everything clearly. The tattoo was then done efficiently and it looks absolutely great. Thank you so much to Ste again

Fantastic experience: Beth is an amazing piercer ! She was so considerate and did a great job, i'll definitely be back soon !

Fantastic experience: My sister and I came for piercings. Beth was so professional and we both left super pleased with our new piercings. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic experience: Great tattoo! Ste did an amazing job!

Fantastic experience: I got a tattoo today done by Antonia, and I am absolutely in love with it. She checked up on me often and I felt very comfortable. All staff members were incredibly friendly and welcoming ❤️

Fantastic experience: I have been going to Nicky for over a year now and she's been absolutely amazing! Great patience, design and professionality, always respectful of your limits and always good chats during the sessions!

Fantastic experience: I have been getting tattooed by Nicky (Pritchy) over a few years now and I couldn’t recommend her enough, my tattoos are always getting compliments. I love her unique style and I enjoy every appointment even if I am getting stabbed with a tattoo needle I love our chats!. She is a lovely down to earth person who loves her job and has a passion for the art of tattooing. The tattoo shop it self is also a beautiful setting the other staff and artists are always very friendly and helpful!

Fantastic experience: Whenever I’m after a new tattoo, I won’t go to anyone but Nicky. No matter what ideas I bring to her, she always finds a way to blend them with my existing tattoos, adding her own style and creativity. I always end up loving the final result even more than what I originally had in mind. Thank you so much Nicky for your gorgeous work

Fantastic experience: I have now had quite a few tattoo from Nicky and every single one is exactly what i had in mind. She pays some much attention to detail and makes sure you’re happy with the design. Whenever I go to see her she makes me feel so at ease, makes sure I’m comfortable and we chat the whole time.

Fantastic experience: I've seen Beth today for my first tattoo laser removal session + I ended up leaving with a new piercing to as I couldn't resist the amount of beautiful jewellery on offer! Beth is amazing, put me right at ease during my laser removal, explained absolutely everything I needed to know, even down to me pestering about piercings and getting another tattoo artist to take a look at a tattoo I already had, nothing is too much of a bother for her! She also took a look at a piercing I had done elsewhere and was more than happy to advise on it. She helped me with picking jewellery as I spent a good 10 minutes staring into the cabinet struggling to pick. Overall, amazing piercer and an amazing tattoo laser removal! I can't wait to come back as this will now become my 8 week ritual (laser + piercing) ⭐ for Beth

Fantastic experience: Beth was lovely and she put me at ease when getting my belly pierced, she done all the checks for my anatomy and gave me different options in terms of that. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience

Fantastic experience: Thanks Sarah! A painless piercing and a lovely lady. Thanks for the emotional support giraffe.

Fantastic experience: So happy with my floral tattoo that I had done by Nicky a few months back now! It has healed perfectly and i am so in love with the design , I’m definitely planning to come back for more tattoos. Nicky is so welcoming and friendly, i couldn’t be happier with the tattoo and the service . Would 100% recommend :)

Fantastic experience: I’ve had so many tattoos done by Nicky that I’ve lost count. I genuinely wouldn’t go anywhere else for my tattoos. She always makes sure you are happy with the design and the placement and will move them as many times as needed. She always makes sure you are as comfortable as possible and always takes her time to make sure everything is right. Wouldn’t go anywhere else

Fantastic experience: I’ve had quite a few tattoos from Nicky in the past few years, she is excellent in what she does, it’s always a 10/10 experience.

Fantastic experience: Always an amazing experience with Nicky! Nicky has done most of the tattoos I have and my first choice always! Incredibly talented and just the most wonderful person! Made a true friend as well as an incredible artist! Highly recommend always!

Fantastic experience: Had an amazing experience with Mel for a Halloween themed cover up. what an amazing artist he is and genuine nice fella to speak too.

Fantastic experience: Amazing tattoos by Nicky! Floral, animal, anatomy and all things fine line ❤️ Nicky will take design ideas and make them her own, she is always willing to amend designs within reason and you can trust her judgement when it comes to size and placement. I’ve got 5 individual tattoos by Nicky and a half sleeve, highly recommend!!!

Fantastic experience: Booked in with Nicky for one of her original designs that I fell in love with. Nicky was fab, super comforting and totally made me feel at ease. I love the tattoo even more now it's on me.

Fantastic experience: ​Beth is amazing! I am so grateful for the help she provided when I was having an issue with a piercing I had done elsewhere. Despite it not being her original work, she showed incredible patience and care on not just one, but two separate occasions. It's clear she genuinely cares about her clients. Thank you, Beth!

Fantastic experience: Proper class this shop like

Fantastic experience: I have gotten a few tattoos done by Nicky at skins and needles the past few years and every time I come out with another great tattoo, she’s really lovely, pays attention to detail, makes sure your comfortable throughout and an incredible artist. Hopefully I will be back soon : )

Fantastic experience: Had a small and Sentimental tattoo done by Ste today. It was my first time getting tattooed, however I couldn’t have wished for a better experience. All of the staff were super lovely and I was in and out with no issues. Thank you :)

Fantastic experience: Incredible vibes, people and piercing support - even when they didn’t do the original piercing!! Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: I had my ears pierced at the durham shop, the experience was nice, staff friendly and explained everything and wanted to do a good job and this showed in the time they took to ensure they and myself were happy with the finished product. I did develop bruising which I returned to shop for to which the staff again were friendly and explained things and took time to examine my ears. Overall happy.

Fantastic experience: My tattoo is an ongoing sleeve and the healing is just fine roll on the 28th to get some more done

Fantastic experience: It was my first time visiting skins and needles in Durham today and I was tattooed by Nicky and she was the best! I was unsure at first on placement and design but she helped me through it to make sure I was 100% happy. She made sure I was comfortable and I can’t forget the great conversation about cars and dogs! Highly recommend very professional!

Fantastic experience: My wife and I came here for matching tattoos for our 1st wedding anniversary and we cannot fault any part of our service we had. Communication was great and they fitted us in fairly late minute. We went to Ste and he was great with our designs, it was exactly what we wanted and the tattoos themselves have come out amazing! Will definitely recommend here to anyone looking for a quality tattoo in Durham. Bonus points for the pet gecko too!

Fantastic experience: This studio is the best I have been to and I've been to a lot! @Paige's tattoos did my beautiful neck piece and the work is so detailed its absolutely stunning. She herself is a lovely lady, caring, professional and genuine. I saw other artists work whilst there and all I can say is WOW. It's a friendly place with a really fab aesthetic and to top it off I'm been turned on to some new music. Cannot fault @skinsandneedles a bit.

Positive experience: the line work is not even at all so I’m definitely going to have to get it fixed it was my first tattoo and I’m kinda disappointed

Fantastic experience: went for some jewellery changes and a new piercing today and it was a 10/10 experience. Sarah was so friendly,and made me feel so comfortable throughout. will definitely be returning again soon!

Fantastic experience: Massive thank you to Mel for the tattoo I had to cover up an existing tattoo First class work will definately be returning to have more work done

Fantastic experience: Have had three piercings done here all staff and place is amazing would 100% recommend you will not be disappointed

Fantastic experience: Just had my next leg tattoo, can absolutely recommend Skins and needles and Adam who does amazing work

Negative experience: Another negative review for this company. These will continue until they follow gdpr laws. Never signed up to marketing/emails. Asked them to remove me from marketing and was ignored. Blocked their emails, marked emails as spam, but no, I still get them and have for years. Fed up!

Fantastic experience: Recommend 1000%. Had a bad triple forward helix done elsewhere giving me insane swelling and pain and they replaced my bars with longer ones and scheduled a downsize when they were ready. My ear instantly felt soothed

Fantastic experience: Felt welcomed and comfortable throughout my time here. Andy Tatters and the other tattooists were all friendly and fun ... singing away while working. My tattoo was a great success and I love it. I followed the aftercare and after several weeks, it is now fully healed, colourful and vibrant. Thanks Andy!

Fantastic experience: Came in to get my nose pierced staff were really friendly and had a laugh brilliant service

Fantastic experience: Adam made me feel so unbelievably welcome and was so accommodating. Couldn't have asked for more friendly staff right from the offset and will definitely be back

Negative experience: Heart broken on my results of my tattoo, I whent in wile visiting in Durham after visiting the cathedral, I had decided to get a tattoo in memory of my aunt that has stage 4 cancer , I am now having to go to a new tattoo artist in a few weeks to get it corrected as the fairy looks like it has horns and no bun and the body is patchy with a fat neck , apparently the store say a few bits can fall off in the healing process, ridiculous excuses my tattoo has horns on the head instead of a bun ,fat neck and patchy, this has never happened to any of the 5 tattoos I already have . I request a refund

Fantastic experience: Very nice staff, went for my first tattoo and couldn’t have gone better Will be back

Fantastic experience: Came in as a group of 4 for walk in as we were visiting Durham. We did visit a bit later in the day so understandably could not be fit in for all of us the same day but the team were great at getting us booked in for the following day with Andy. Cannot fault this place at all, amazing service and great team honestly. Was a brilliant day. Even had a cheeky piercing while we were waiting! Thanks so much guys, will definitely be back when in the area again!

Fantastic experience: Brilliant, and I will be using again. Both tattoos are turned out perfectly from them.

Fantastic experience: Went here for my first ever tattoo, brilliant service from Andy, explained the procedure, made me feel very at ease, and did a wonderful job, I am delighted with my tattoo. Thanks so much

Fantastic experience: Septum piercing, very friendly, fast, efficient, and didn't hurt (that much). Good people. I will be a regular customer after a positive experience.

Fantastic experience: Great place to get a tattoo, amazing staff, always checking in on you, got a tattoo from Andy and it is 100% the best tattoo I have so far, came out looking exactly how I wanted it to. Always checking in incase I needed a break, such an amazing tattoo artist. Will definitely come here for my next tattoo!

Negative experience: I went in to get a helix piercing about 2 months ago. Initially, a great experience in the store but the piercing was done badly. I have 12 piercings on my ears, so I can confidently say the post used to do the initial piercing was far too short. The jewelry left no room for swelling and I ended up having to return to get it sized up. Fast forward to now and I've had the piercing checked by an APP piercer since it has been having such trouble healing. The piercing was unfortunately done at a very crooked angle and it won't heal, so I had to take it out. Would recommend steering clear and finding an APP certified piercer.

Fantastic experience: Had a tattoo done by Adam. Very fine and detailed exactly as I wanted. Friendly and welcoming staff.

Fantastic experience: I had a my tattoo done last week and it's healing beautifully. In love with the design and it was done so well you'd never know it's a cover-up. Friendly staff in a clean, modern studio. I'll come back!

Fantastic experience: Great tattoo studio with lovely staff! I had a same day walk-in tattoo done by Antonia. I knew what I wanted but was unsure of sizing so Antonia kindly printed out my design in a few different sizes which was really helpful. She made sure I was comfortable throughout the procedure and talked me through aftercare details. The studio is lovely - very clean and hygienic! I would definitely recommend getting a tattoo done here. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: Josh did a cover up for me on my one and only tattoo. He did a great job and made sure I knew how to care for it going forward.

Fantastic experience: Done a tattoo off my pooch and we had to bring her in to meet the team. Adam was great had a full day session and it was a laugh.

Fantastic experience: perfect

Fantastic experience: Lovely friendly place. Highly skilled artists.

Fantastic experience: Fab! Had my piercings done back in Feb last year- quick and easy, no issues whatsoever, all healed very well. Everyone there was so nice, chilled but still professional. Great atmosphere. I'll be back soon for a few more piercings cos why not!? lol thank you so much x

Fantastic experience: This place is filled with amazing people from the moment I walked in I was greeted and made feel at ease for my first tattoo. The artist I used was Devin and she was truly amazing and created me a tattoo better than I imagined would be happy to visit in the future for my next edition.

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff , great artist Ian, thank you for my remembrance tattoo love every part of it , I will be returning soon for next one .

Fantastic experience: Originally came to get my belly pierced, but got told that my belly button is too small to pierce and if would just reject , which I really appreciated them saying as some places wouldn’t have said no and just left it to reject! Ended up getting my conch pierced instead and it was a lovely experience. All staff were kind, patient, friendly and very professional and the piercing itself was done fast and efficient which was good as I was a little nervous. Will definitely be getting my next piercing here!

Fantastic experience: Great studio, very professional from my first inquiry to getting the tattoo do I would always consider Skins & Needles in the future ☺️

Fantastic experience: Would definitely recommend. Lovely friendly staff and very quick and professional! Everything was well explained eg what she was doing and what after care would work best. All at a very reasonable price!

Fantastic experience: If you've never had a tattoo before or even if you have, you can leave your expectations at the door and be prepared to be blown away. From the moment I walked into the Durham studio, I knew this was going to be a bit special. The climb up the rather steep stairs was an unexpected surprise though but upon entering the reception I was welcomed by a host of artists and other staff members. There's lots of comfy seating if you're early for your appointment and it's surprisingly light and airy with a very modern feel. This isn't your usual tattoo studio, and that's obvious from the first moment you walk through the door. I was introduced to my Andrew Tatters, my artist for the next few hours, where we exchanged ideas on my chosen design. a few minutes later Andrew ask me to follow him to his studio space (each artist appears to have their own, for privacy) After climbing even more stairs Andrew shaved away a few hairs on my skin and carefully applied the stencil outline with great precision, making sure I was 100% happy with it's placement. Now I've had a few tattoos over the years so was very surprised just how smooth the tattoo gun Andrew was using was, the technology has certainly moved on. we chatted and laughed away the next 3 hours while a playlist of Busted blasted away in the background. I was comfortable throughout and Andrew reassured me that rest brakes could be taken whenever we needed. The process of Tattooing is never entirely painless, there's a bit of discomfort and the occasional nipping sensation, but honestly that was the best 3 hours under a buzzing gun I've ever had, sometimes I couldn't even feel it, just a light tickling sensation, but no pain. As for the final result, fook me that's one hell of a good Tattoo. Andrews level of artistry is seriously next level. back down to reception to receive some aftercare advice and a little Butterlux balm to apply and it was all over, until next time of course. Cheers Andrew.

Fantastic experience: Best in County Durham

Fantastic experience: Andy was brilliant, I've gone from no tattoos to two (and planning more!!)

Fantastic experience: Excellent service. Very friendly and the quality of tattoo work is excellent

Fantastic experience: Great experience with Skins and Needles for both my first ear piercing and my first tattoo. The staff were really friendly and patient and gave me plenty of time and clear after-care instructions. Tattoo has healed really well and looks great - thank you!

Fantastic experience: Absolutely mint would highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Absolutely love my first tattoos from Devin. She is super lovely, always making sure I'm okay, and she is super talented. I couldn't be any happier with the outcome and will definitely come back to get more tattoos in the future.

Fantastic experience: Got my belly button pierced a few days ago. All the staff were amazing, they genuinely care for their client's wellbeing and comfort PS. My husband never expected me to do it but he absolutely loves it and was impressed I managed to keep it a secret

Fantastic experience: I went with alyssa and she was amazing, the environment is very relaxing and the people are so friendly- she did an amazing job im super happy :)

Fantastic experience: First time using this tattoo studio and I will never go anywhere else now. I messaged Alisia with what I had in mind and her design was exactly what I dreamed it would be! She was easy going and put me at ease, overall great experience. Thanks again

Fantastic experience: Excellent, very clean all staff friendly and brilliant tattoo done. Will be returning

Fantastic experience: Tous les membres du studio sont super sympas et à l'écoute ! J'y suis allée à 2 reprises et chaque rendez-vous a été pris rapidement, pour des tatouages de qualité ! Je les adore ! Merci beaucoup pour tout ! Vous êtes incroyables ! <3

Fantastic experience: Absolutely delighted with my tattoo experience at Skins & Needles, Durham. The studio is immaculate and everyone I met was friendly and very professional. My artist was Devin and she was absolutely amazing from our first meeting, through the design process of the tattoo, to my two tattoo appointments. Devin is super friendly, really takes the time to listen to what you want and to make whatever design tweaks you want. She is super creative and talented and is friendly and reassuring when tattooing always checking how you are doing. My watercolour tattoo is way better than I could have imagined and I have already booked in with Devin for my next one. At Skins and Needles you really feel like you are in a studio of the highest quality - everything from the booking process through to the aftercare information you receive is extremely professional. Would highly recommend Devin & Skins and Needles, Durham.

Fantastic experience: Originally got a tattoo done by Micah however it was the wrong way around, so I went back to see what could be done and got told he would do a cover up for me for free which was so awesome, Micah is a super friendly guy and so is the rest of the team. He put so much effort into the cover up and the design and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out, definitely going back to Micah and definitely my go to spot now.

Fantastic experience: I got my tattoos done by Nicky and she was an absolute delight! So lovely and understanding and I love my tattoos

Fantastic experience: Peter Nicholson did my tattoo of a Beauty and The Beast design on my left upper-arm for my 26th birthday; I showed him the design I had in mind and, upon arriving at the studio, he had designed a tattoo around the inspiration photo I had in mind and his design was a million times better than the inspiration photo I provided! Overall, the tattoo had taken 7 hours, taking breaks into consideration. I'm an introvert and very shy, however, his client service made the experience so easygoing and he was so nice to talk to; there were times that my brain shut off from the pain because we were just talking like a pair of friends. I will admit I was radio silent at times when the pain got worse and I apologise for that if you're reading this review. Hope my Disney work is on your Wall Of Fame we were discussing during the tattoo! :p

Fantastic experience: I lost my mam due to ill health and wanted a tattoo to remember her by. I got in on Friday 13th 2023 and was tattooed by Peter Nicholson who did a fantastic job, thank you. Will be getting all my tattoos there.

Fantastic experience: I’d taken ages to decide to go ahead, it was easy to book, unfortunately Micah was ill and my first appointment was cancelled, I shared my availability and he came in specifically for me at a convenient time and day for me. My tattoo is gorgeous and I can’t fault the overall experience. I’d recommend this studio and Micah in particular, he tried to be as gentle as possible and the rest of the staff were friendly and quite entertaining! I’ll be back