I got a tattoo done by Paul and it was absolutely amazing. I had seen his work before so I knew it would come out great, but this went above and beyond what I expected. Both Rich and Paul are the nicest, most down to earth guys who know their stuff and the shop itself is impressive. You can tell the minute you walk in that you're going to get quality work done in a clean professional environment. They take pride in what they do. I highly recommend them and I won't be going anywhere else for my tattoos. Read Less

Rich is honest, professional and extremely knowledgeable in his trade. I have been going to him for 13 years and never once had a bad experience. He truly takes care of his clients and cares about our safety. He recently moved to NH and I plan on making the trip to get another piercing. I won't go anywhere else. Read Less

It seemed like the guy knew what he was doing, but he has absolutely zero customer service. He was so rude and kept making snarky comments. I went in frustrated about the healing of my piercing that I got done somewhere else, and never directed my frustration towards him at all, but he made this big speech about how he didn't appreciate the tone I was giving him and that he was doing me a "favor". Last I checked, you're taking my money, so thats not a favor at all. So rude. Whenever I asked questions he would reply as if I was the dumbest person in the world for asking. This is why you're the "PROFESSIONAL". What a jerk. I can definitely get assistance elsewhere with someone who has better social skills and the same quality work as well. I won't be back and will not recommend this place at all. Read Less

Came in here tonight to get my ears pierced. Lame, I know. I was a little skeptical of the place at first but Rich was helpful in answering all of my questions and dealing with my overly-dramatic fear of needles. The room where the actual piercing took place was extremely clean. If I ever decide to get tattoo #2 I'll come here. Rich was efficient, knowledgable and clean. Not sure what else you could want in a tattoo/ piercing place. Read Less

I came here a few years ago (3? give or take), so maybe things have changed but I thought I'd share my review.  The girl who was at the front desk was ridiculously friendly and nice.  And there was a huge bald dude there that was pretty funny, he and someone else were cracking jokes.  There was an artist named Chris working, and I checked out pictures of his previous work/tattoos that looked really good.  I walked in knowing what I wanted to get (a cherub holding a banner with my husband Christopher's name in it, similar to the one on the True Romance movie cover), and he drew something up for me.  Looked really good.  SO I sat and got my tattoo, normal experience.  It was puffy and sore when I left, normal tattoo stuff.  I arrived to a friend's house, excited to show her.  We sadly realized that my tattoo said Chhistopher.  As far as customer service and the niceness of everyone there totally gets 5 stars.  The fact that I get to look down at a tattoo that says Chhistopher every day, knowing that the artist who did its name is Chris gets 1 star. Read Less

I've had my navel pierced for about 10 years now (done in Albany NY) and have never had an issue with it up until recently. I'm 17 weeks pregnant and as my belly has expanded, the top whole of my piercing had gotten irritated as the post became to short.  It cot to be quite red, sensitive, and constantly annoying! I called Primal Instinct to see if they could help me out and Rich was a wealth of knowledge. He explained what I should do, what I could replace my piece with, and said I could come in that day. I was there 20 minutes later and Rich sized up a piece of PTFE (a flexible poly bar) and capped it off with 2 stainless steel balls.I cannot explain the immediate relief that came with a proper sized and flexible post. I feel worlds better. Rich was enjoyable to chat, knowledgeable, professional, and CLEAN. I'd definitely recommend to others. Read Less

Primal Instinct is my GO-TO place for piercings and tattoos.  Rich is knowledgable, and sometimes funny, but always truthful.  He runs his own body art classes and travels to teach new piercers.  Also, the hours are great as they are open til 10pm most nights.  Selection of jewelry is average, you can find good quality jewelry that are not too fancy and ideal of everyday.  None of those classy diamond on gold bling to give your other half or the heavy chunky stuff that will tear your piercing apart.  He has a good eye and takes good care of you.Also, Eva is an amazing tattoo artist.  She specialize in flowers and has amazing drawings posted on the walls.  She will also help you design your tattoos if you'd like.  Very gentle and talkative to ease the 'scratching on a sunburn' feeling.  Plus the fact that she tolerates my ticklish-ness so that is always a plus for me.Malden is a hike for me, but if i need to get any body art done, they are always my first choice.  Though they are open 7 days a week and long hours, its best to call first to make an appointment as i believe Eva is part time and Rich travels to teach classes. Read Less