Rachel SmithDeciding to alter your body requires placing an immense amount of trust in the person holding the needle.
Getting a new placement should feel exciting rather than terrifying, yet navigating the local scene often means sifting through intimidating shops and questionable hygiene practices.
That’s why I investigated the best piercing studios in Indianapolis. I only picked local establishments providing top-tier jewelry and exceptional aftercare to ensure your new modification heals perfectly.
How much does a piercing cost in Indianapolis?
Piercing services in Indianapolis generally range from $30 for a basic earlobe modification to well over $100 for complex placements and premium jewelry upgrades.
| Piercing Type | Price Range |
| Ear Lobe (Single) | $30 – $45 |
| Cartilage (Helix/Tragus) | $40 – $50 |
| Nostril/Septum | $50 – $70 |
| Navel | $55 – $60 |
| Nipples (Pair) | $75 – $105 |
| Industrial | $60 – $100 |
1. Cleopatra Ink Tattoo & Piercing Indianapolis Studio
Website: https://cleopatraink.com/
Address: 429 Massachusetts Ave
Contact: (463) 314-4502
Hours: Wednesday – Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Cleopatra Ink Tattoo & Piercing Indianapolis Studio is a global franchise network with over 140 studios worldwide. This Massachusetts Avenue location provides state-of-the-art equipment and complimentary custom design consultations.
I checked them out for a new cartilage placement. Their accommodating staff immediately offered me a warm cup of Turkish coffee, which melted away my initial nerves.
One thing to note, though: you’ll likely encounter premium pricing structures reflective of their global branding, and some guests occasionally report slight pressure to purchase larger jewelry upgrades during the initial consultation.
Customer Reviews
My daughter is so happy with her piercing
My daughter received a nose piercing from Shelle and we had an outstanding experience. The shop had a great vibe and Shelle was welcoming, knowledgeable and skilled. She answered all of our questions and made it a memorable experience. My daughter is so happy with her piercing and now my other daughter and I want to go back. We’re so happy to have found Shelle and Cleopatra Ink & Piercing.
- Allison Webb | Google Review
I got my nose pierced by shelle and she did amazing
I got my nose pierced by shelle and she did amazing quick painless & super clean she was so helpful even when I called her at 8am cuz I knocked my new 2 day old piercing out and she happily cleaned and sanitized my jewelry and had me ready to go in minutes
- Nishabbw | Google Review
2. Big Time Tattoos and Piercings
Website: http://www.bigtimetattoos.com/
Address: 5353 Madison Ave
Contact: (317) 791-8111
Hours:
- Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Big Time Tattoos and Piercings maintains a pristine and comfortable space designed specifically to put your mind at ease.
They offer a transparent tiered menu, which allows clients to prepare their budget before sitting in the chair. On top of that, this award-winning artist collective handles everything from simple flash pieces to highly complex custom work.
That said, navigating their schedule requires some advanced planning, as they remain closed on Sundays and Mondays, and high demand means walk-in availability is often quite limited.
Customer Reviews
Kate who did the piercing was so kind and sweet
I got my Helix (ear) pierced on New Year’s Eve. Kate who did the piercing was so kind and sweet. She was very gentle and I barely felt the needle going in. She told me how to take care of it and all that and after I left she emailed me instructions on how to take care of it and when to come back in to change the jewelry just so I didn’t forget. I have other piercings on my face and ears that I got from different shops. I can honestly say that she’s been the best one that I’ve ever gone to and when I decide my next piercing I’m definitely going back ❤️
- Hilary Holmes | Google Review
Big Time Tattoos and Piercings is an amazing
Big Time Tattoos and Piercings is an amazing and clean place for tattoos or piercings. I’ve gotten my helix and nose piercing as well as an amazing coverup piece done there. Creative and friendly artists in a cool environment.
- Baylee Johnson | Google Review
3. Artistic Skin Design and Body Piercing
Website: http://www.artisticskins.com/
Address: 3429 S East St
Contact: (317) 780-8282
Hours: Wednesday – Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Artistic Skin Design and Body Piercing has established its presence in the city for over thirty years. They’re known for offering professional body art and following strict hospital-grade sterilization protocols.
This large-scale network operates four distinct branches across the city, providing specialized staff and state-of-the-art medical equipment that far exceed standard state safety requirements.
I recently tagged along with a coworker to their South East Street location, and we were both incredibly impressed by how fast and precise the technician was during a rather intimidating industrial placement.
On the flip side, visiting such a popular establishment often means dealing with a busy atmosphere, and their in-stock selection of decorative gold jewelry can sometimes vary significantly between the different branches.
Customer Reviews
Never a disappointment!
Never a disappointment! Clean, professional. Making an appointment is so easy. They work around your schedule. I’ve been going since 1997. My daughter’s have gotten tattoos with Hank, my grandson got his ears pierced. I’m sure the family tradition will continue!
- Holly Robinson | Google Review
We had Danielle our first time and she was amazing
My friend and I have come here 2 times to get piercings done. She got her nipples pierced and I did cartilage and daith. We had Danielle our first time and she was amazing, but didn’t give us any options on which jewelry. That said, her piercings were flawless and neither felt any pain. Mandy was better with telling us about the piercings and let us pick our jewelry. Both girls were amazing! I’ll recommend them to anyone who wants to get a piercing done 🥰
- Kelsi Genday | Google Review
4. Metamorphosis
Website: https://www.metamorphosis.ink/
Address: 828 Broad Ripple Ave
Contact: (317) 466-1666
Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Metamorphosis offers a sophisticated aesthetic with high-quality materials, such as fourteen-karat gold and implant-grade titanium.
Since 1998, the team has followed an artistic-first collaborative philosophy. They provide ear styling consultations so that your piercing perfectly complements your specific anatomy.
As for the downsides, you should expect premium prices because they strictly follow the rigorous safety requirements set by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP). They also have a strict appointment-only policy that leaves very little room for spontaneous walk-ins.
Customer Reviews
The store is very clean
I came here a week ago to get 3 ear piercings. The store is very clean and the jewelry selection is amazing. The jewelry is a little expensive but is completely worth it. My piercer Heather did such a great job, and seems to really care about the people she is piercing. I will definitely be back.
- Sheena C | Google Review
Exceptional service every time
Metamorphosis is the only place I trust to do any of my piercings. Heather is INCREDIBLE and remembers me every time. I’ve gotten multiple cartilage piercings, my daith, a few nose piercings, and my industrial done here. Exceptional service every time. I currently live out of state and if I want a new piercing I wait until I’m in town. The prices are a bit steep for the jewelry, so I usually just get the most basic pieces but other than that, I would definitely recommend!
- Zoe M | Google Review
5. Revved Up Tattoos
Website: https://www.revveduptattoos.com/
Address: 9546 Allisonville Rd, Ste 105
Contact: (317) 516-1926
Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The family-owned Revved Up Tattoos explicitly cultivates a culture where every client feels immediately accepted.
They prioritize immense creative freedom for their artists, operating a massive roster with both tattoo artists and piercers.
Their patient approach also makes them a premier destination for nervous beginners who want to secure a high-precision placement without feeling rushed out the door.
However, getting an appointment with their most popular resident artists can take months due to overwhelming demand, and some residents have noted controversial social media management practices regarding how the shop handles public criticism.
Customer Reviews
Overall great experience
We just got our 7 month old daughter’s ears pierced today and I can’t thank them enough!! It was a great experience for our daughter and us. Michaela let her (and me!) have time to adjust between ears. She was knowledgeable, patient, and very kind. Maddie at the front desk was very nice as well. They let us sit in the lobby area and feed her a bottle before we left. Overall great experience and if we have a piercing need in the future we will definitely be back!!
- Lindsey Buchanan | Google Review
5 stars is not enough
Had a nostril piercing with Hannah! 5 stars is not enough. Very clean and everything pulled out in front of you so you can see that it’s all sterile. Couldn’t ask for better placement and gave clear instructions for care! Revv was there too and provided witty jokes and bantar!
- Jon Green | Google Review
