Ear Piercing in Santa Monica

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:

• Earlobes

13+ years:

• Simple Cartilage (Helix only)

14+ years:

• Complex Cartilage (rook, tragus, conch, etc. excluding industrial piercings)
• Nostril

16+ years:

• Septum
• Eyebrow
• Navel

18+ years:

• Bridge
• Surface/Single-Point (Dermals)
• Lip
• Tongue
• Nipple
• Genital

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.