Experts Reviews · Company report
Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing logoHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%98+53.5Reliability 24%97+23.5Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%57+4Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 95Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.95SCORE

Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing

San Diego, CA · Grade ALetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20. · #19Position by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. of 49 piercing studios · 5.0★ from 3,046 Google reviews

Report card

Percentile vs other piercing studios (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.

SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing is better than 98% of piercing studios.A
98
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing is better than 97% of piercing studios.A
97
Craft & serviceCraft & service · 0% of the scoreGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing is better than 99% of piercing studios.A
99
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing is better than 100% of piercing studios.A
100
MomentumMomentum · 0% of the scorePenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing is better than 100% of piercing studios.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing is better than 57% of piercing studios.C
57

Reviews for your job

Customers hired Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing for 8 kinds of job.

Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing for helix piercing

Clear ✕
Jobs reviewedHow many Google reviews are tagged with this job.62
★ on this jobAverage stars on the reviews where the customer tagged this exact job (Google’s “Services” field).4.94
Usually paidThe price range customers picked most often for this job.$100–150
Category typicalWhat the middle half of customers paid for this job across all companies in the category.$61–$132
Rank for this jobPosition of this company in the Job match ranking for this job among the companies we track.Its Job match: 94/100.How Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Helix piercing”:Stars on this job 55%Number of such jobs 25%Overall Experts Score 20%Stars are pulled toward the category average when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.#1 / 9

All 62 Google reviews tagged “Helix piercing” · showing 40

Natalie1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★

My friend and I came in for an eyebrow and helix, Isaac is very skilled and the service was wonderful! Will definitely be coming back.

Customer photo from Natalie's review
Eyebrow piercingHelix piercing
RebeccaLocal Guide · 9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★

Isaac is awesome! I've had several piercings done: tragus, helix and a redo of an old piercing. His eye for placement is spot on. I'm super happy and will be getting a daith next!

Paid $50–100Helix piercingTragus & anti-tragus piercing
Luke2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited a month ago★★

Ended up getting it covered up the tattoo artist Beth wasn’t really fun or exciting to work with and used images off of Google and was rude when I corrected her on how she spelt my name also my bsf at the time got a tattoo there and hers was genuinely god awful 😭 (this is an edit I was happy when I left given it…

Paid $250–300Tattoo cover-ups & reworkingsHelix piercing
Brianna6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

Isaac is a great piercer! I have 13 piercings and counting, and Isaac has done most of them. He’s super helpful with resizing and whatnot too. My industrial jewelry is way too long, he noticed that and ordered me a new, better fitting piece. Piercings are always a breeze with him- super quick and easy. I plan to…

Paid $50–100Rook piercingEar piercingTattoo aftercare
Sadie1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

Isaac is the consummate professional! All of my piercings have healed beautifully and quickly with him whereas every other place I’ve gotten piercings I’ve gotten infected/irritated! I won’t go to another piercing place in SD now!

Paid $150–200Ear piercingHelix piercingTragus & anti-tragus piercing
Marin1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

Isaac did a great job on my double helix piercing! It was less painful than my last helix piercing and he explained and walked through everything he was doing. He gave great recommendations and advice and made sure I thought it was perfect. I will definitely be back next time!

Paid $150–200Ear piercingHelix piercing
Ashley6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

Isaac is the absolute best. Super knowledgeable, professional, and does an incredible job. He’s helped me curate an ear stack that works well with my anatomy and every piercing has been painless and healed fantastic. He really takes his time to make sure everything is measured well and helps you plan for whatever you’d like. Highly recommend!

Ear piercingHelix piercing
Emmerz6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

Isaac was very professional and had great cleaning procedures! The piercing room was absolutely fabulous! I barely felt my piercings. They don’t hurt and I love them! He also took the jump scare I gave him really well lol!😳🤣

Paid $200–250Ear piercingHelix piercing
Brooke9 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

We were lucky to find Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing and even more fortunate to meet Isaac. The location is great, and the staff were friendly and professional. We came in with a pretty large group. Two people got tattoos and were very satisfied. Two others, including myself, got piercings. Isaac (piercer) made me…

Helix piercing
Shellee5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★

Scheduled a same day appointment with Isaac for a helix piercing. Isaac greeted my daughter-in-law and myself when we arrived. He is friendly and easy to talk with. He did an exceptional job and made me feel at ease. Thank you Isaac. I definitely recommend his services and will be back!

Paid $100–150Helix piercing
Van2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★

I rarely leave reviews but I have to shout out Isaac for being an amazing piercer. My friend and I walked in wanted a few different things and he was extremely kind, professional, quick, great rapport. Can’t recommend him enough. I’ll be telling everyone about this experience for a while, and I love my piercings

Paid $50–100Ear piercingPiercingsHelix piercing
Cow3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 11 months ago★★★★★

I have a variety of piercings and have gone to a different piercer each time, and Isaac was one of the best. Definitely pierced them faster than anyone else (which let me tell you, getting my septum pierced kinda slowly was a gross sensation). I’m only four days into healing but the three piercings I got (2 forward…

Paid $50–100Ear piercingPiercingsConch piercing
Vanessa1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 11 months ago★★★★★

Issac pierced my low helix and the process was smooth and painless, it’s also healing really well. I highly recommend coming here for any piercings, I will definitely be back!

Paid $100–150Helix piercing
Jules1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 11 months ago★★★★★

Awesome time! Funny guy, very helpful!

Paid $50–100Helix piercing
Talía14 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

I will always recommend getting a piercing from here. A year ago, I got my helix piercing from here, an infamously hard piercing to heal. However, it healed amazingly with minimal swelling. Isaac Neece did the piercing is not only kind but very talented and experienced. I recently got matching piercings on the other…

Paid $100–150Helix piercing
Stephanie1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Absolutely ❤️ Sideshow Tattoo and Piercing!!! The atmosphere is calm and inviting and the artists are friendly yet professional. Our piercer Isaac was very knowledgeable and honest about the types of piercings that would be compatible as well as flattering to your specific anatomy based on what you are seeking. He…

Paid $50–100Helix piercing
Maria5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

helpful & smooth process, haven’t had any issues with the piercings

Conch piercingHelix piercing
Britney4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Isaac was great!

Helix piercing
Beau2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Service was great (Friendly and very informative) and the piercing was done very well and professionally

Paid $100–150Helix piercing
JociLocal Guide · 15 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

10/10 recommend. Decided to walk in & get a forward helix from Isaac & 3 little fine line tattoos from Matt. Both were very welcoming, friendly, & thorough.

Paid $100–150Fine line tattoosPiercingsTattoo design
Mariel4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Went in to get my helix pierced, honestly I was so nervous, but Isaac explained the whole process and honestly the piercing was painless. Super excited to go back and get more!

Paid $150–200Helix piercing
gabby4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

I had a great experience and the service was very friendly.

Helix piercing
mangoLocal Guide · 85 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

super quick n easy, they’re nice and honest

Paid $50–100Ear piercingHelix piercing
Margaret3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Very professional and was very helpful with questions!

Paid $50–100Helix piercing
Daphne3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

very clean and professional! love it

Paid $150–200Ear piercingHelix piercing
Annaleigh1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Isaac did 3 of my ear piercings! He was very kind, helped me pick the right jewelry for me. He was helpful with placement. Isaac showed the sterilization process and talked me through every step of the way. He was quick, which helped with the pain level. I look forward to coming back for more!

Paid $200–250Helix piercingTragus & anti-tragus piercing
Alexis1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Got Conch, Helix, and doubles. Very easy making the appointment and very nice and professional when picking out jewelry beforehand and during the piercings. He really made sure they were in good places and confirmed with me every step of the way. Very seamless when piercing and quick but efficient. Would def recommend

Paid $250–300Ear piercingConch piercingHelix piercing
Shaili1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

My daughter, friend and I went for our annual piercings. Tragus, conch, and double helix were on our agenda. We were recommended to Isaac and he did not disappoint. His space was clean and his workflow was efficient. He has great options to choose from ranging in prices. We will definitely be visiting Isaac again.…

Paid $100–150Ear piercingConch piercingHelix piercing
Christine2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★

Isaac was very professional, quick, and helpful. I got a double helix and it looks great!

Paid $100–150Ear piercingHelix piercing
OliviaLocal Guide · 6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★

Very grateful I came here! I got two piercing and he was very quick and made sure the placements were to my liking. They offer both high quality and affordable jewelry, would definitely recommend!

Paid $100–150Ear piercingHelix piercing
Taylor6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★

Highly recommend!! I was pierced here by Isaac and the whole experience start to finish was lovely - Isaac is a true professional and I felt confident in his suggestions and expertise. Will definitely go back in the future!

Ear piercingHelix piercing
Claudia8 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★

I got my helix piercing done by Isaac and could not have asked for a smoother experience. I was nervous about the pain, as I didn’t know what to expect, but Isaac did the piercing quickly and with virtually no pain! I highly recommend this place for a piercing, and especially by Isaac.

Paid $100–150Helix piercing
Julianna2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★

great service!!! 10/10

Paid $100–150Helix piercing
andrea5 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★

I got my first helix piercing a week ago from today by Isaac and I’m so happy with it. I went as a walk-in and it was a good experience. Isaac was very nice, efficient, and knowledgeable. I’ll definitely be going again for more piercings, I highly recommend this place and Isaac.

Ear piercingHelix piercing
Samantha6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★

Isaac was professional and personable from start to finish . He pierced my right forward helix with care and precision, helping me to focus on my breathing to minimize pain. I’m from Sacramento but would absolutely go back to San Diego for another piercing from him. Thanks Isaac!

Paid $50–100Ear piercingHelix piercing
Peyton3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★

Spontaneous stop in, Isaac did a great job with my helix piercing, he was so friendly and made it an easy experience. No pain during or the following days, jewelry was a reasonable cost and I’m excited to go back in a few weeks for a shorter back stop so I can sleep on both sides again!!

Paid $50–100PiercingsHelix piercing
Julia6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★

Great service here! Issac was very precise and careful when he pierced my ears. Better than anyone I’ve ever went to before and it was so painless and quick! Cant thank you enough 10/10 would recommend

Ear piercingPiercingsHelix piercing
Kelli2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★

The professionalism and friendliness of the artists at Sideshow Tattoo were evident as I walked in. The studio was clean, the artists I spoke with were knowledgeable and helpful, and the overall experience was a delight!

Helix piercing
Carla2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★

Loved going here. The atmosphere was pretty cool and the piercer was really nice. Only thing was that there was a long waiting line even with an appointment.

Paid $100–150Helix piercing
Krystal6 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★

You don’t have to look any further. Isaac is amazing! He’s a professional with the experience to back it up. And don’t get me started on his sterile technique…It’s Exquisite and extremely appreciated. I love my new mid helix and counting down the days until I go back for more. Thank you Isaac!!! See you soon!

Paid $100–150Ear piercingHelix piercing

Show more helix piercing reviews (22 more) →

Price

$1260% vs typical piercing studios

Bar = middle half of what customers paid · gold mark = category median.

Price verdictsGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Great price 0%Reasonable 0%Overpriced 0%Not sure 0%

Jobs customers hired them for

JobReviewsCategory typical
Ear piercing482$62–$132
Tattoo design371$119–$290
Nose piercing258$52–$88
Piercings256$52–$96
Fine line tattoos250$108–$170
Tattoos229$114–$277
Helix piercing62$61–$132
Tattoo cover-ups & reworkings57$132–$310

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