Tattoos and music go hand in hand.  So this is the perfect opportunity to marry the two…

Rarely I write a review as a personal experience.  But this one has to be that way.  This was special.

Inconspicuous…. not super easy to find; Hart & Huntington Tattoo at The Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, is a fair bit smaller than the original shop that appeared on TV show Inked in 20015/6.  Dizzle is gone.

This is very well maintained establishment, with a small retail section and some superb artwork by the resident tattoo artists on the walls.  We must have encountered at least 100 almost naked women on the way there…  Hard Rock pool parties are very well-known for the scantily clad and slightly tipsy gals….

My husband and I were greeted by a staff member on our arrival, and I caught the tail end of a story that blew me away, but also confirmed that I was in the right establishment.  I won’t repeat the full story, but I will just say that you won’t get a tattoo here unless you are able to sign paperwork for yourself and take responsibility for the care of your tattoo.

That makes this a classy establishment.

BJ was the guy at the desk.  He is a friendly and knowledgable guy.  He also has a super hot wife, but that’s another story.. BJ took all our information, guided us through some paperwork, gave us a quote, recommended an artist, booked our appointment for the following Saturday, and like every other establishment in Las Vegas, he took our money.

OK, to be fair it was only a $100 deposit!!

Ink Masters contestant and friend of guitarist Dave Navarro, Lea Vendetta came into work while we were there to book.  No airs, no graces, no make-up, she just sat down and started to work.  Impressive.

Mike Roche, punk bassist for TSOL was around too.  He is also a talented tattoo artist.  He also seems like a nice, very grounded guy!

We made a quick return visit to HH the day prior to our appointment, to meet our artist Steven Banegas, and to give him a little more to work with for our following appointment.

Steven is bald and heavily tattooed…..  he is also quiet, thoughtful, proud, respectful, intelligent, humble and super talented.

My Lincoln Imp

We were early to our 7pm appointment.  Steven was already there preparing.  He greeted us, and we got to work.  We spent almost five hours with him for our appointment on the day.  All needles were opened in front of us, all cleaning and breaking down was carried out professionally. Steven made sure we were super happy with our stencils, placements and final work. He also made sure he was happy with it all.  Another good sign.

I would wait years to get more work by Steven, and I know I will likely never get ink by anyone else.  Steven is a true professional. You are his guest when he is performing his magic.  He is truly one of the best.  I can honestly say that this was one of the best experiences my husband and I have had together, and we have been together for two decades!

We both got great tattoos that day and both of us are ready to go again!

Poem by S Graham. Copyright S Graham.

I just want to thank everyone at Hart & Huntington Las Vegas, for making it such a great experience.

See you soon HHtattoo.com

by Karen Graham  Headbangerwoman  Picture by KG  August 3 2015