The Best Piercing Studios
We graded 49 companies on seven things customers actually report: satisfaction, reliability, workmanship, value, momentum, track record and how owners handle complaints.
From 23,736 Google reviews of 49 top-rated piercing studios nationwide. Updated November 11, 2026.
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Best piercing studios for tattoo design
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Sideshow Tattoo and PiercingHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Tattoo design”:Stars on this job 55%4.98★Number of such jobs 25%371Overall Experts Score 20%95Job match= 96Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.92★) 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.96
Fine Ink Studios TattoosHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Tattoo design”:Stars on this job 55%4.96★Number of such jobs 25%557Overall Experts Score 20%90Job match= 95Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.92★) 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.95
Goddess Temple Tattoo StudioHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Tattoo design”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%85Overall Experts Score 20%100Job match= 92Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.92★) 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.92
Above All Tattoo - Pacific BeachHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Tattoo design”:Stars on this job 55%4.98★Number of such jobs 25%110Overall Experts Score 20%95Job match= 91Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.92★) 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.91
San Diego Tattoo CompanyHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Tattoo design”:Stars on this job 55%4.99★Number of such jobs 25%90Overall Experts Score 20%91Job match= 90Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.92★) 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.90
Eclipse TattoosHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Tattoo design”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%90Overall Experts Score 20%80Job match= 88Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.92★) 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.88
The Skin MuseumHow Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Tattoo design”:Stars on this job 55%4.96★Number of such jobs 25%97Overall Experts Score 20%92Job match= 88Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.92★) 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.88Job match = this company’s ★ on reviews Google tagged “Tattoo design” (shrunk toward the category average when there are few), how many such jobs it has done, and its overall Experts Score.
What customers said about tattoo design
So glad we chose Loveland tattoo for our matching tattoos. Tyler was not only an excellent artist and perfected the line work, but he was quick and professional - light-handed and fun to talk to. Thankful this is where I landed for my swallow on my arm! Made memories and enjoyed the visit.
San Diego Tattoo CompanyGreat vibes while getting my tattoo. Pricing is reasonable went in with my 2 friends and they gave us all a good time and did amazing on all 3 tattoos. My artist was Akim and he did great!
The Skin MuseumMy husband and I came in and we got infinity tattoos with our names on and our anniversary date done and we couldn't be happier how they turned out Kay did an amazing job!!!! The lines are perfect!!!! Wish I could show pictures but don't know how.
Fine Ink Studios TattoosI had Buddahtat as my artist, and I truly admire the work he has done. He was such a chill dude and made my tattoos look better than i even expected them to be. I was very impressed and he truly took his time, and went out of his way to make the tattoos look even better. The other artists there, were honestly so chill to talk to and we all had a good vibe.
Tyler was beyond kind, patient and humble. I will definitely be back to see him. He gave us exactly what we asked for and made us so comfortable. The perfect, simple friendship swallow.
Today my friend and I came in as walk ins to get some ghost tattoos and we had such an awesome experience! Nick was very inventive and made us feel so welcomed. He did an amazing job on both our tattoos and really took his time to make sure it came out right and that we were happy with the end results. I’ll definitely be back for more ink!
Overall ratings
Experts Score 0–100Experts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. and a letter grade per factor (A = top 20% of piercing studios).
| # | Company | ScoreExperts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. | FactorsFactor grades, in orderSatisfaction (54%): Recency-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.Reliability (24%): How 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.Craft & service (0%): Google 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.Value (14%): Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Momentum (0%): Penalises 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.Replies to reviews (7%): How 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.One letter per factor score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = below 20. | ★Google star rating as shown on Google Maps. | Typical billMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews). |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Fates AlignedMilwaukee, WI | A 100How 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 69%100+69.2Reliability 31%99+30.5Experts Score= 100Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 5.00 | $356 |
| 2 |  The Ivory NeedleLoveland, CO | A 100How 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 69%100+69.2Reliability 31%99+30.5Experts Score= 100Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 5.00 | $132 |
| 3 |  Picosa Ink Beauty BarLoveland, CO | A 100How 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 69%100+69.2Reliability 31%99+30.5Experts Score= 100Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 5.00 | $126 |
| 4 |  Streetlight TattooingLoveland, CO | A 100How 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 69%100+69.2Reliability 31%99+30.5Experts Score= 100Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 5.00 | $189 |
| 5 | Goddess Temple Tattoo StudioSan Diego, CA | A 100How 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 69%100+69.2Reliability 31%99+30.5Experts Score= 100Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 5.00 | $136 |
| 6 | Rose Body PiercingSan Diego, CA | A 100How 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 59%100+58.7Reliability 26%99+25.8Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 100Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA–AA– | 5.00 | — |
| 7 |  Sharp Edge Body Piercing by Mack The RipperEl Paso, TX | A 100How 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 59%100+58.7Reliability 26%99+25.8Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 100Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA–AA– | 5.00 | — |
| 8 |  Inkarii Tattoo StudioHaines City, FL | A 99How 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 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%99+30.5Experts Score= 99Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 4.99 | $139 |
| 9 |  French Ink Tattoo StudioHaines City, FL | A 99How 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 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%98+30.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 5.00 | $186 |
| 10 | Banter by Piercing PagodaMilwaukee, WI | A 99How 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 64%99+62.9Reliability 28%99+28Replies to reviews 8%100+8.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––AA | 4.98 | — |
| 11 |  Body Art SalonSan Diego, CA | A 98How 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 59%97+56.9Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 98Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AAAAA– | 4.96 | — |
| 12 |  Primrose Tattoo StudioEl Paso, TX | A 98How 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 69%98+67.8Reliability 31%98+30.2Experts Score= 98Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews. | AA––A– | 4.98 | $139 |
What jobs cost
What customers paid, from the price Google asks reviewers to report.
| Job | Low25th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid less than this. | TypicalMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range). | High75th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid more than this. | FairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tattoo design | $119 | $176 | $290 | 100% |
| Tattoos | $114 | $158 | $277 | 100% |
| Ear piercing | $62 | $96 | $132 | 99% |
| Piercings | $52 | $74 | $96 | 100% |
| Nose piercing | $52 | $68 | $88 | 100% |
| Fine line tattoos | $108 | $132 | $170 | 100% |
| Tattoo cover-ups & reworkings | $132 | $214 | $310 | 100% |
| Custom tattoo lettering | $114 | $161 | $222 | 0% |
| Color ink tattoos | $114 | $183 | $271 | 100% |
| Navel piercing | $57 | $74 | $96 | 0% |
| Helix piercing | $61 | $103 | $132 | 0% |
| Sleeve tattoos | $232 | $660 | $962 | 0% |
Piercing Studios at a glance
How the 49 piercing studios we rated compare, and what customers praise most.
Experts Score grades
A = score 80+, F = below 20.
- Grade A4286%
- Grade B714%
- Grade C00%
- Grade D00%
- Grade F00%
Google ratings
Average stars per company.
- 4.90★ and up3878%
- 4.80–4.89★918%
- 4.60–4.79★24%
- Below 4.60★00%
What customers praise
Share of Google review highlights.
- Quality1,16131%
- Professionalism1,15930%
- Responsiveness00%
- Punctuality61616%
- Value86723%
Was the price fair?
All price verdicts left with reviews.
- Great price23253%
- Reasonable19344%
- Overpriced31%
- Not sure102%
Price verdicts by year
Share calling it great / reasonable / overpriced.
How we grade
Satisfaction (54%) — Recency-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.
Reliability (24%) — How 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.
Craft & service (penalty, up to −10) — Google 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.
Value (14%) — Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.
Momentum (penalty, up to −10) — Penalises 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.
Replies to reviews (7%) — How 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.