Apollo Tattoo Studio is Santa Monica's best piercing shop, offering professional piercing services in a safe, sterile environment. Our Santa Monica piercing studio specializes in ear piercings, nose piercings, lip piercings, navel piercings, and all body piercings with premium implant-grade jewelry from BVLA, Industrial Strength, and Kiwi Diamond.
Whether you want your first piercing or your twentieth, our Santa Monica piercing shop delivers exceptional results every time. Located on Main Street in Santa Monica, we welcome walk-ins and appointments 7 days a week.
Book Your Piercing
5000+ clients
What sets Apollo apart from other piercing shops in Santa Monica
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, Industrial Strength, and more. No cheap mystery metals.
Our piercers have years of experience and ongoing training. This isn't a side gig -- it's their craft.
Autoclave sterilization, single-use needles, and strict protocols protect your health.
From kids' first ear piercings to adult body modifications, we serve clients of all ages appropriately.
We'll tell you what to expect, recommend proper sizing, and advise against piercings that aren't right for your anatomy.
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 piercing services at our Santa Monica studio.
Lobe, helix, tragus, conch, daith, rook, industrial, and full ear curation. From first piercings to complex cartilage stacks.
Nostril, septum, bridge, and high nostril piercings. Precise placement for optimal healing and aesthetics.
Labret, Monroe, Medusa, snake bites, and tongue piercings. Expert technique for oral placements.
Navel, nipple, eyebrow, dermal, and surface piercings in a private, comfortable setting.
Safe, gentle ear piercings for children ages 5+. Hypoallergenic jewelry and patient, kid-friendly piercers.
Flexible booking paths
Schedule your professional piercing appointment
Popular starting point
Reserve a body piercing appointment with jewelry, placement, and timing confirmed.
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 |
| Transverse Lobe | Horizontal through lobe | 2-3 months | 6-10 months | 4/10 |
| 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 |
| Hidden Helix | Tucked under rim | 3-4 months | 6-12 months | 5/10 |
| Flat | Flat cartilage area (between rook & rim) | 3-4 months | 6-12 months | 6-7/10 |
| Tragus | Small flap over ear canal | 3-4 months | 6-12 months | 4-5/10 |
| Anti-Tragus | Above lobe, opposite tragus | 4-6 months | 9-12+ months | 6-7/10 |
| 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 |
| Snug | Inner ridge of anti-helix | 4-6 months | 9-12+ months | 7-8/10 |
| Industrial | Two holes connected by barbell | 4-6 months | 9-12+ months | 6-7/10 |
| Orbital | Two holes connected by ring | 4-6 months | 9-12+ months | 6-7/10 |
| Nostril | Side of the nose | 2-3 months | 6-9 months | 3-4/10 |
| Septum | Tissue between nostrils | 6-8 weeks | 3-6 months | 4-5/10 |
| Bridge | Skin across nose bridge | 2-3 months | 6-9 months | 5-6/10 |
| Eyebrow | Above the eye | 2-3 months | 6-9 months | 3-4/10 |
| Anti-Eyebrow | Cheekbone surface, below outer brow | 6-8 weeks | 6-12 months | 4-5/10 |
| Lip / Labret | Below lower lip | 6-8 weeks | 3-6 months | 3-4/10 |
| Monroe / Madonna | Upper lip (left or right) | 6-8 weeks | 3-6 months | 4/10 |
| Medusa (Philtrum) | Center upper lip | 6-8 weeks | 3-6 months | 4-5/10 |
| Tongue | Center of tongue | 4-6 weeks | 2-3 months | 4-5/10 |
| Snake Eyes | Horizontal tongue tip | 4-8 weeks | 4-6 months | 6-7/10 |
| Smiley | Upper lip frenulum | 4-8 weeks | 2-3 months | 3-4/10 |
| Navel (Belly Button) | Above or below navel | 3-6 months | 6-12 months | 4-5/10 |
| Nipple | Through nipple tissue | 3-6 months | 9-12 months | 6-7/10 |
| Dermal / Microdermal | Single-point surface anchor | 1-3 months | 3-6 months | 3-4/10 |
| Christina | Surface of pubic mound | 3-6 months | 6-12 months | 4-5/10 |
| VCH | Vertical clitoral hood | 4-6 weeks | 2-4 months | 4-5/10 |
| Prince Albert | Underside of glans | 4-6 weeks | 3-6 months | 5-6/10 |
| Frenum | Underside of shaft | 6-8 weeks | 3-4 months | 4-5/10 |
5000+ clientsYour safety is non-negotiable at our Santa Monica piercing shop
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 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 Upgrades: Premium jewelry upgrades available. BVLA, Industrial Strength, 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 facial piercings, navel work, and creating balanced piercing arrangements that reflect each client's unique style.
FounderMaster Piercer
Blue Mason, our Master Piercer and studio founder since 2004, brings over two decades of body piercing expertise. From simple nose piercings to advanced genital work, Blue's technical mastery ensures perfect placement every time.
From consultation to aftercare, we deliver a safe, comfortable piercing experience at our Santa Monica studio.
Proper aftercare is essential for a successful piercing. After your session, you will receive detailed aftercare instructions specific to your piercing type. Our team is always available for questions throughout the healing process.
Book AppointmentClean 2x daily with saline solution. Avoid touching with dirty hands. Some swelling is normal. Don't rotate or twist jewelry.
Continue cleaning routine. Avoid swimming and submerging in water. Don't change jewelry yet. Swelling should subside.
Healing varies by piercing: Lobe 6-8 weeks. Cartilage 6-12 months. Navel 6-12 months. Visit us for jewelry changes.
Getting pierced at our Santa Monica shop is easy -- you can choose what works best for you.
See What Our Satisfied Clients Have to Say
"Best piercing studio in Santa Monica! Blue did my septum and it was completely painless. The jewelry selection is incredible and the studio is spotless."
"Finally found a professional piercing shop in Santa Monica! Bunny did my navel piercing perfectly. Healed beautifully with zero issues. Will definitely be back!"
"Got my nose pierced at Apollo in Santa Monica and couldn't be happier. Professional, clean, and the jewelry quality is unmatched. So glad I found this place!"
"The best piercing experience I've had in Santa Monica. Private room, super professional service, and amazing jewelry options. Worth every penny!"
5000+ clients
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 →
Common questions about piercings in Santa Monica
Apollo is consistently rated the best piercing shop in Santa Monica, with over 5,000 happy clients and a 4.9 Google rating. Our professional piercers specialize in all types of piercings, from ear and nose to navel and dermal work. We use only premium jewelry from BVLA, Industrial Strength, and Kiwi Diamond—never cheap mall-quality metals. Our Santa Monica piercing studio is located on Main Street, easily accessible from anywhere in the area.
For professional piercing in Santa Monica, Apollo Studio is the top choice. Unlike mall kiosks that use piercing guns, our Santa Monica piercing shop uses only needle piercings performed by experienced professionals. We offer a full consultation to discuss placement, jewelry options, and aftercare. Our piercing studio serves clients from Venice, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, and throughout the Westside.
When searching for a safe piercing studio in Santa Monica, look for these indicators: needle-only piercings (never guns), single-use sterile equipment, implant-grade jewelry (titanium or 14k gold), experienced piercers, and a clean studio environment. Apollo checks every box—we're Santa Monica's most trusted piercing place with hospital-grade safety standards. Visit our piercing shop to see why thousands choose us.
Yes! Apollo welcomes walk-ins 7 days a week at our Santa Monica piercing studio. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-in clients. While we can't guarantee immediate availability, our piercing team works hard to accommodate everyone. For specific piercer requests or complex piercings, we recommend booking an appointment at our Santa Monica studio in advance.
Our Santa Monica piercing studio offers all types of piercings: ear (lobe, helix, tragus, conch, daith, rook), nose (nostril and septum), lip (labret, Monroe, medusa), tongue, eyebrow, navel (belly button), nipple, dermal anchors, and surface piercings. Each piercing at our Santa Monica shop is performed with sterile, single-use needles and premium jewelry. Age restrictions apply to certain piercings—see our full FAQ for details.
To schedule an appointment at our Santa Monica piercing studio, you can call us during business hours at (310) 331-0603, or you can schedule an appointment in advance anytime here:
Schedule Your Piercing Appointment
Have questions or seeking a quote for your new piercing? Call us or fill out the piercing inquiry form below:
Yes, with restrictions. At Apollo Tattoo & Piercing Studio, we offer piercing services to minors under strict guidelines to ensure safety and compliance with legal requirements.
MINOR PIERCING POLICY
To pierce minors, a parent or guardian must present a valid state or federal photo ID along with the original birth certificate and a photo ID for the minor.
5+ years: Earlobes only
13+ years: Simple Cartilage (Helix only)
14+ years: Complex Cartilage, Nostril
16+ years: Septum, Eyebrow, Navel
18+ years: Bridge, Surface/Dermals, Lip, Tongue, Nipple, Genital
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.
Walk-ins are welcome 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.
Walk-ins are first-come, first-served. Clients with scheduled appointments are prioritized, ensuring your experience is seamless from start to finish. We'll minimize wait time and get you in the chair as quickly as possible.
Piercing prices at our Santa Monica studio start at $75 for the piercing service. Jewelry is sold separately — choose from implant-grade titanium, 14k gold, and premium brands. At Apollo Studio, pricing is always transparent—no hidden fees, no compromises on safety or quality.
We take cash, all major credit cards, Venmo, and PayPal.
We exclusively stock surgical-grade titanium and 14k gold from BVLA, Industrial Strength, Kiwi Diamond, Junipurr, Stiletto, and Anatometal. You'll find an array of internally threaded and push-in styles. Custom orders are available. You may bring your own jewelry, but we recommend using our consultation services for best results.
Yes! You'll receive thorough aftercare instructions during your appointment plus a comprehensive guide via email immediately following your visit. Our expert piercing team is available for questions throughout your healing journey.
Pain varies by person, but generally:
Our piercers use proper technique to minimize discomfort. Most clients describe it as a quick pinch that's over in seconds.
We generally recommend 2-3 piercings per session to allow proper healing. This depends on placement and your individual anatomy. During your consultation, we'll discuss your goals and create a plan that prioritizes both your aesthetic vision and your body's healing capacity.
Apollo sits at 2625 Main St in Santa Monica, a block from the beach and easy to reach from anywhere on the Westside. Here's roughly how long it takes to get to us for tattoos and piercings:
There's metered street parking on Main Street and Ocean Park Blvd, plus a public lot on 2nd Street a short walk away. We recommend giving yourself an extra 10 minutes to park on weekends — Main Street gets busy with the farmers market and beach traffic. If you're running late, text us at the studio and we'll hold your appointment.
Walk-ins welcome or book your appointment today.
Recognized in Santa Monica's Most Loved 2025
We'll respond within 24 hours
Or reach us directly:
We use cookies to run this site, remember your preferences, and understand how it's used. Read our Privacy Policy for full details.
