Apollo Tattoo Studio is LA's premier ear piercing destination, offering professional ear piercing services in a safe, sterile environment. Our Los Angeles ear piercing studio features experienced piercers who specialize in all types of ear piercings—from classic lobes to intricate cartilage work including helix, tragus, conch, daith, rook, and industrial piercings.
Whether you're getting your first lobe piercing or building a curated ear collection, our LA piercing shop delivers exceptional results with premium jewelry from BVLA, Kiwi Diamond, and Industrial Strength. Located in Santa Monica serving all of Los Angeles, we welcome walk-ins and appointments.
Book Your Ear PiercingWhat sets Apollo apart from other ear piercing studios in Los Angeles
We don't just pierce—we help you design your perfect ear with expert styling and placement consultation.
We never use piercing guns. Needles are safer, more precise, and create cleaner piercings that heal better.
Only implant-grade titanium, 14k gold, and surgical steel from BVLA, Kiwi Diamond, and Industrial Strength.
From simple lobes to complex cartilage—helix, tragus, conch, daith, rook, industrial, and more.
Autoclave sterilization, single-use needles, and strict protocols protect your health.
We'll assess your anatomy, recommend proper sizing, and advise on placements that work best for your ear shape.
Apollo's Premium Jewelry Partner
Handmade in Los Angeles since 1996. Lifetime guarantee. Implant-grade gold, platinum, and titanium. Over 3,000 original designs in our case — ask your piercer for a tour.
See the BVLA story →Explore the full range of ear piercing services at our Los Angeles studio.
Flexible booking paths
Schedule your professional ear piercing experience in just a few clicks
Popular starting point
Book lobes, cartilage, or a styled ear appointment with Apollo.
Every piercing heals differently — here's what to expect
| Piercing Type | Location | Initial Healing | Full Healing | Pain Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lobe (Classic) | Soft tissue, lower ear | 6-8 weeks | 3-6 months | 2/10 |
| Stacked Lobe | Multiple lobe piercings | 6-8 weeks | 4-6 months | 2/10 |
| Upper Lobe | Above classic lobe | 6-8 weeks | 4-6 months | 2-3/10 |
| Helix | Upper outer rim cartilage | 3-4 months | 6-12 months | 4-5/10 |
| Forward Helix | Front upper cartilage near temple | 3-4 months | 6-12 months | 5-6/10 |
| Tragus | Small flap over ear canal | 3-4 months | 6-12 months | 4-5/10 |
| Conch (Inner) | Center bowl of ear | 3-4 months | 6-12 months | 5-6/10 |
| Conch (Outer) | Lower center, near anti-helix | 3-4 months | 6-12 months | 5-6/10 |
| Daith | Innermost fold above ear canal | 3-4 months | 9-12+ months | 5-6/10 |
| Rook | Upper inner fold above daith | 3-4 months | 9-12+ months | 6-8/10 |
| Industrial | Two holes connected by barbell | 4-6 months | 9-12+ months | 6-7/10 |
Your safety is non-negotiable at our Los Angeles ear piercing studio
All reusable tools are sterilized in our hospital-grade autoclave.
Pre-sterilized needles opened in front of you—never reused.
Clean, organized piercing stations with EPA-registered disinfectants.
Licensed and inspected by LA County Health Department.
All staff trained and certified in safety protocols.
We stock only the best jewelry brands for your ear piercings
Transparent pricing — jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Jewelry sold separately
Jewelry Upgrades: Premium jewelry upgrades available. BVLA, Kiwi Diamond, and gold pieces priced separately based on selection.






















Senior PiercerSenior Piercer
Bunny Vogt, a dedicated Senior Piercer at our studio since 2019, is known for her artistic eye and expertise in ear styling and curation. She excels at creating beautifully balanced ear arrangements, from simple lobe piercings to complex cartilage compositions that reflect each client's unique style.













FounderMaster Piercer
Blue Mason, our Master Piercer and studio founder since 2004, brings over two decades of ear piercing expertise. From delicate lobe piercings to advanced genital work, Blue's technical mastery ensures perfect placement every time.
From consultation to aftercare, we're dedicated to delivering a safe, comfortable ear piercing experience at our Los Angeles studio.


Proper aftercare is essential for a successful ear piercing. After your session, you'll receive detailed aftercare instructions specific to your piercing type. Cartilage piercings require extra care and patience during healing—our team is always available for questions throughout the process.
Follow the guidelines, and your new ear piercing will heal beautifully.
Book AppointmentClean 2x daily with saline solution. Avoid touching with dirty hands. Some swelling and redness is normal. Don't rotate or twist jewelry. Avoid sleeping on the pierced ear—use a travel pillow if needed.
Continue cleaning routine. Avoid swimming and submerging in water. Don't change jewelry yet. Swelling should subside. Lobe piercings may feel healed but continue care.
Healing time varies by piercing type. Lobes: 6-8 weeks. Helix/Tragus: 6-12 months. Daith/Rook: 9-12+ months. Industrial: 9-12+ months. Visit us for jewelry changes once fully healed.
Getting an ear piercing at our Los Angeles studio is easy—you can choose what works best for you.

See What Our Satisfied Clients Have to Say
"Blue did my helix and conch piercings perfectly! The placement was exactly what I wanted and the healing has been smooth."
"Best ear piercing experience in LA. Got my daith done here and the jewelry selection is incredible. Professional and clean!"
"Bunny helped me curate my entire ear with 4 new piercings. She has such a great eye for placement and styling!"
"Finally found a piercing studio that uses quality jewelry. My tragus healed beautifully. Worth the drive to Santa Monica!"

Santa Monica, CA
Apollo was founded by Blue Mason in 2007. With 20+ years of body art experience, Blue brings master-level expertise to every piece. Read Blue's story →
Find answers to common questions about ear piercing services, pricing, scheduling, and more.
To schedule an appointment, you can call us during business hours at (310) 331-0605, or you can schedule an appointment in advance anytime here:
Schedule Your Ear Piercing Appointment
Have questions or seeking a quote for your new ear piercing? Call us or fill out the piercing inquiry form below:
At Apollo Tattoo & Piercing Studio, we are committed to providing the highest level of service and care for each and every one of our clients. To uphold this standard of excellence, we offer piercing services to minors under strict guidelines to ensure safety and compliance with legal requirements.
MINOR PIERCING POLICY
Earlobe piercings for minors start at 5 years old. We do not pierce children under 5.
To pierce minors 5 and older, a parent or guardian must present a valid state or federal photo ID (such as a state driver's license, state ID card, military ID, or passport) along with the original birth certificate and a photo ID for the minor in question (e.g., school ID). Please note that expired forms of ID are not recognized as valid.
The specific age requirements for different types of piercings are as follows:
5+ years:
13+ years:
14+ years:
16+ years:
18+ years:
By adhering to these age-specific policies, we ensure a safe and appropriate piercing experience for our younger clients.
We recommend scheduling an appointment (or at least calling ahead) to guarantee the availability of our skilled piercing artists. This allows us to dedicate ample time to guiding you through the jewelry selection process and consulting with you on the perfect placement.
That said, we understand that inspiration can strike at any moment. If you happen to be in the neighborhood and simply want to stop by, we welcome walk-ins during our regular business hours. Our talented team will do their absolute best to accommodate you on the spot, or assist in booking your preferred appointment time.
Whether you plan ahead or decide to visit spontaneously, you can count on the Apollo Studio experience to be exceptional.
Wait times may vary (unless you have an appointment). For walk-ins, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have to wait, your patience will be richly rewarded. Our skilled piercers are in high demand but trust us—the stunning results are well worth any brief wait.
Plus, we'll do our absolute best to minimize your time in our luxurious lobby. Clients with scheduled appointments will be our top priority, ensuring your experience is seamless from start to finish. But even if you decide to visit us on a whim, our team will move heaven and earth to get you in the chair as quickly as possible.
Ear piercing prices start at $75 for the piercing service. Jewelry is sold separately — choose from implant-grade titanium, 14k gold, and premium brands. Final cost may vary depending on the jewelry you choose and the piercing's placement. Cartilage piercings and complex placements may be priced higher. At Apollo Studio, pricing is always transparent.
We take cash, all major credit cards, Venmo, and Paypal.
We proudly feature an exceptional collection of ear piercing jewelry, meticulously selected to satisfy the most discerning tastes and particular styles. Our offerings include stunning pieces crafted from surgical-grade titanium, as well as gleaming 14k gold in both white and yellow. You'll find an array of internally threaded and push-in styles from renowned brands like BVLA, Junipurr, Stiletto, Kiwi Diamond, and Anatometal.
Of course, we understand that your personal style is unique. You're welcome to bring your own jewelry, but our piercing art experience truly shines when you take advantage of our jewelry consultation services. We're happy to accommodate custom jewelry orders, working closely with you to bring your vision to life.
Your safety and successful healing process are top priorities at Apollo Studio. During your piercing appointment, you'll receive thorough aftercare instructions to ensure your new piercing heals perfectly. Additionally, we'll send you a comprehensive aftercare guide via email immediately following your visit. Our expert piercing team is also available to address any questions or concerns that may arise throughout your healing journey.
Pain varies from person to person, but generally, lobe piercings are the least painful (2/10), while cartilage piercings like the rook, snug, and industrial tend to be more intense (6-8/10). The daith and conch fall somewhere in the middle. Our expert piercers use proper technique to minimize discomfort, and most clients describe the sensation as a quick pinch that's over in seconds. We'll walk you through what to expect before every piercing.
We generally recommend no more than 3-4 piercings in a single session to allow your body to heal properly. However, this depends on the placement and your individual anatomy. For example, getting multiple lobe piercings is easier on the body than multiple cartilage piercings. During your consultation, we'll discuss your goals and create a plan that prioritizes both your aesthetic vision and your body's healing capacity.
Absolutely! We welcome both first-time piercers and experienced clients for cartilage work. Our expert piercers will assess your ear anatomy, discuss placement options, and help you select the perfect jewelry. Whether you're interested in a helix, tragus, conch, daith, or any other cartilage piercing, we'll ensure you leave with a beautifully placed piece you'll love.
Both are cartilage piercings on the outer rim of your ear, but they're in different locations. A standard helix piercing is placed on the upper outer rim of your ear (the curved edge). A forward helix is placed on the front upper cartilage, near your temple, where your ear connects to your head. Both heal in similar timeframes (6-12 months) and look stunning with studs or small hoops. Many clients choose to get multiple forward helix piercings stacked vertically for a curated look.
We welcome clients from across the greater Los Angeles area.
Cities:
Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Venice, Culver City, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Westwood, Hollywood, Downtown LA
We prioritize safety, precision, and professionalism in every ear piercing.
Recognized in Santa Monica's Most Loved 2025
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