I took my daughter there today for a septum piercing. We had an appointment and although it was a busy time of day, we were greeted very quickly. We were given the paperwork and a thorough rundown (about the piercing and jewelry options) right away and taken back on time. We were in and out quickly. The owner and staff were pleasant and friendly and very professional and clean. Thank you for the great service. read more

Horrible service. You can find a much better piercing shop that will respect you and your money. The manager is rude!!! She actually raised her voice because I had the audacity to ask her a question. I would never recommend anyone come here. They tell you a wait time that is not long, so you will pay. After you have waited, they come with another wait time that is even longer. If you do decide to come here, you need to ask for the correct wait time. Even the people with appointments are waiting 45 minutes to an hour. Then they come back and say it will be another hour. They have some strange policy of no refunds, even though the jewelry was in their possession the entire time. You are being held hostage by the piercing police in this place. read more

Visited Avant Garde today with my sister. I had 4 piercings done. Robin helped us pick out the perfect pieces of jewelry to accentuate the places we wanted pierced. She was very patient with our indecisiveness and answered all our questions. Brent took the time to find the best placement for my piercings to give the best effect. He was very gentle with his piercing technique which was much appreciated. Afterwards he was very thorough in explaining the healing process to us. The shop was clean and there was ample parking right in front on the street. All in all a great shop...gets 5 stars! read more

I'm not trying to be a Karen; I've worked in the service industry for decades and I've recommended AG to many folks after my eldest had a great experience there. But in spite of confirming they accept walk-in appointments, we directly encountered a staff member who was rude, confused that there were 3 different parents there for 3 different minor children and instead of clarifying the situation, stated they needed birth certificates and not IDs from myself and the 2 other mothers. Mama in front of us didn't need that. Then the male manager called me 'Miss' and said we could leave. Let's stop with the condescending, sexist, gendered language directed at women. And also, huge thanks to AG for the birthday present for my kiddo ruined after a year and a half of pandemic life for a child. Y'all need to do so much better. read more

Very clean with nice and supportive staff. I got my nipples pierced here and was really nervous! They answered all of my questions and made me feel comfortable and my piercer has great hygiene and did a great job! Best a Piercing has ever healed read more

Piercer was extremely rude I believe his name was brent, was not understanding or professional at all. I went in to get a dermal chest piercing and decided to have the inappropriate opinion to talk me out of it. I understood the risks and knew what I was getting. Very judgmental and cold. I have been coming here for years when there was a very nice girl and now it's only him working so I no longer feel comfortable and choose to go somewhere else just because of him. I got the piercing at a different location I love and had no issues. read more

Horrible! I'll start with that. I have been a long time customer of this place and have had several piercings there. A lot of my friends and family members too. They say they take walk ins but they really don't. I waited an hour and a half to have piercings removed for a medical procedure and it didn't happen. I had to try and take them out myself in the middle of the store because the owner and piercer were just standing around at times only taking appointments. So I left to my procedure and came back later that day to have them put my piercings back in. I was told an hour and that I could leave and come back when they called. So I went grocery shopping, came back again, waited three hours. They lost part of my jewelry and charged me to replace it and guess what? I still didn't even get seen. I kept getting told I was next I was next. It didn't happen. They jerked me around for almost 5 hours and I didn't get services. And on top of that they make you pay first! They held my captive for all that time. I finally got fed up, got a refund, told them what I thought of them and left. I will not be going back ever!!!! I found a place that is cheaper and they supply the jewelry included in the cost of piercings. They put my jewelry back in, pierced me and my sister and we were in and out in half an hour on a weekend! So if you want to waste your time go to this place. If you want rude comments and misinformation go to this place. If you want to be treated like crap go to this place. But really, don't go here!!! read more

I have wanted to have my tragus in both ears pierced for a long time. I went to Avent Garde, knowing they had a good reputation. The shop was clean and the staff was friendly. Wait time was only about 20 minutes. There were 4 little girls getting their ears pierced. So different from my day when we went to some teenagers at the mall. I picked my jewelry and had a seat. Cool fish tank in the waiting room, btw. I was advised not to do both piercings at the same time, but I opted to go ahead. Piercer was super nice. It was a combo job. The girl prepped me, the guy actually pierced me, then she finished up. Very clean, comfortable, and friendly. After these heal I'm going back for some more. For both piercings, soap, stud gem jewelry... it was about $175. This was my first time to a professional piecer so not sure where they sit price wise, but I'm happy! Most of the cost was the jewelry, $43 each. Super cuter flower gem. read more

See all

I had an apt for myself and my young daughter today- they were busy and the staff all seemed annoyed and not the most warm or welcoming. Which I could look past, but one thing keeps popping into my mind and bothering me. While I was paying for our piercings the woman ringing us up asked me "is there a reason you and your daughter have different last names?". It was so incredibly awkward and she then said "my boss makes me ask" but it was weird and pointless. I already signed the paperwork saying I am her mother. Not sure what explanation they were looking for but invasive and personal questions that are none of their business don't need to be asked. read more

If you are looking at getting pierced here... don't let the negative reviews discourage you!! I just got my nose pierced here and it was such a great experience. The girls working up front were so kind and helpful, they treated every customer with respect and kindness, it eased my nerves for sure. The guy who pierced me was also incredibly kind and did a really great job distracting me and asking me questions while he was doing the procedure, it was so quick! After it he walked me through the aftercare and gave me a little booklet. Very professional and clean. I would absolutely go back for other piercings! read more

I went back over the weekend. It was very busy and the front room was manned by young women. I just wanted to purchase a stud that I would place myself. But it was hard to obtain help, I was made to feel like a nuisance and asked several times, "how can I help you." It was like too much for them to handle the customers, the telephone, and to be polite to strangers at the same time. I've never been treated like an irritant when Brent was working. I think I'll stay clear of this location. It definitely has changed is the last time I came. read more

They are OK in my book. My wife went here for a piercing - and they did a good job. The nice thing was any time she had an issue, they would always help out. The issue usually had to do with trying to change out the piercing (nose), and not being able to get it back in. She would stop in there, and they would get her in and out in no time - at no charge. They seemed very professional, and the work environment was sterile. read more

Good place to go for piercings. They definitely know what they are doing. Large selection of body jewelry. The prices are comparable to other shops you can get pierced at. The best part, you can buy higher quality jewelry to be pierced with. I can't tolerate starter jewelry due to allergies. Now I come here so I can be pierced with titanium or gold. The place is always spotless. They post monthly reports on their sterilization. They don't pierce with guns. I've always enjoyed my experience there. It's the only place I go for piercings now. You can call ahead and make an appointment (must do two days in advance) or walk in read more

Avant Garde - Piercing Near Me - Allis, Wisconsin

I've been to Avant-Garde for my own piercings, and brought my 5 year old in today to get her ears pierced. Despite being busy with walk-ins and appointments, and shortages with jewelry due to Covid, everyone remained friendly and upbeat. If you can, definitely make an appointment, otherwise be prepared to wait. Brent was so amazing with explaining everything to her as he was doing it, and she was very comfortable in his chair. read more

They did ID me when I came to get my belly button pierced, which is good to know. Overall it was an okay experience. It is not a friendly atmosphere, the front desk woman was very rude and icey to me both times I have been in there. BUT it seemed clean and they offer nice jewelry, prices and information on the piercings. Also, the guy who did my piercing was very nice and friendly which made me a bit more satisfied. Working the front counter of any store makes you the face and the representative of that business. How you treat customers makes an impact on them as well as how they feel about the store. With this being said, I give Avant Garde two stars because of that lady and I don't believe I will be referring anyone or returning in the future. read more

I was a walk in. I was told their was a 2 hour wait for walk in. After the 2 hours I asked how much longer . They said 45 more min. I asked if I can get a refund because I could not wait any longer . They said no that they did not do refunds. They should of told me this before I paid because now I am forced to wait. I waited a total of 5 hours before I was seen. The place is clean and the owner did the piercing . It was quick after I was called . I would never go there again due to the wait and no communication from the staff. read more

Great, clean, professional and friendly piercing shop in West Allis! I took my daughter to get her ears pierced in a mall store (bad idea) and it wasn't healing well. Brought her in for them to look at it. They were calm, patient and reassuring with her. Helped us out a ton. I just wish I would have brought her there in the first place! read more

I walked in with a group of friends to all get cartilage piercings. The ladies were very helpful, kind, and calming. Everything was professional, especially the sterilization of everything involved. I would definitely recommend Avant Garde over a tattoo parlor since piercing is all they do. read more

Clean environment and sterile with privacy. Staff friendly, professional and knowledgeable. Plenty of jewelry to choose from. No issues will return for future piercings. read more

I had my daughter's ears pierced in the mall and it was horrible. I had to have her ears re-pierced and the process was awesome. The pain level was non existent. In fact she didn't even realize it happened. The words from an 8 year old...when can I go back? read more

I took my two-year-old granddaughter to get her ears pierced for her third birthday. Due to her young age and Covid, I wanted to make an appointment so we wouldn't have to wait and be around other people. When we got there and got checked in, the young man that checked us in failed to put us in as "having an appointment" and put us behind all of the other walkins. We waited almost an hour in a very crowded waiting room. When we asked when it would be our turn, they realized their mistake, however, we were the next one Anyway, after all the walk-ins. There was an additional $10 charge to have two piercers pierce her ears at the same time. I asked the customer service manager if that $10 additional charge could be waived due to the mistake and the long wait that we had. She said "no" and didn't even apologize for the mistake. She had absolutely no customer service skills. I work in customer service and I'm totally aware that mistakes happen, but, then you try to make it right by the customer. When I asked her to make it right and she said "no" I told her I would write a negative review and her comment was " You won't be the first one". What a way to treat customers. If it wasn't for the piercers doing such a wonderful job with my granddaughter I would've given this a zero rating. The second person piercing her ear spent less than one minute with my granddaughter because the first person did the cleaning and the marking which would have had to be done whether we had the additional second person or not. I don't think asking to have that $10 charge for the one minute the second person spent with her with an unreasonable request due to the situation. Great piercers, terrible front office staff. read more

Went to get an industrial bar. They seems like a decent place, clean, friendly, everything. The initial piercing hurt, then it felt like a normal fresh piercing. Until then third or 4th day. I started feeling like something was squeezing my ear cartilage together. I did research online, and found out the balls on the bar shouldn't be touching your ear. I went to another local piercing shop (Starship) and they confirmed my bar was to small. By this time my ear was red and swollen. I went back to Avant Garde with a new bar purchased at Starship and said I wanted them changed. He looked at my ear and said that's how its supposed to be and that I was over cleaning it, and not to listen to starship or the internet, Or OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME PIERCING. Long story short I had him just take it out. Never will I ever set foot in there again. Stay away. Save yourself a lot of pain and headache. read more

I had my eye brows and tounge done here they were very clean very helpful when I got the 1st one they talked me down from freaking out and being scared they distracted me making me laugh. Every piercer I dealt with was respectful kind and knowledgeable. The place is very clean and the prices are reasonable. I was very happy and left a generous tip each time because they were that great. Treated me like family like someone they knew for years. Won't go anywhere else because I trust them and respect them and love how they made me feel. read more

I called the shop 3/8 and made an appointment I spoke with Marlena(I hope I spelled it right) and made an appointment for the following week(appointments are recommended). Jenniffer was my piercer and did a wonderful job. I am 54 so this wasn't my first piercing (multiple ear piercings) but it was my first nose piercing. I was their first customer and it went pretty quick(so quick another customer remarked "wow, that was fast". also the young lady at the counter was very helpful in making recommendations for jewelry due to the fact I have a nickel allergy. Great experience overall, the only problem I had was their aftercare pamphlet does not cover sneezing/blowing your nose(I called them at around 8pm to ask since I felt like sneezing. Great Job otherwise Avant Garde team! I can't wait to come back. read more

Stopped in just to get a shorter labret for my nose stud. Had to practically sign my life away to buy a tiny piece of metal that cost me $15. Got it home and compared with the labret I had and the girl measured completely wrong - sold me an even LONGER labret thank the one I had in. I didn't use it, but they won't exchange it. I understand about jewelry and infections, but I didn't even take it out of the package. Not like they couldn't just autoclave it and resell it - especially when the girl who measured my nose obviously didn't know what she was doing. read more

I went in simply to look at some jewelry and was extremely dissatisfied with my experience. Although I have heard great things about the artists at this shop, their representation was tremendously skewed by their receptionist. A plethora of rude comments and shrugs were spewed from the orifice of the unpleasant girl within ten minutes I spent looking through the display cases. Yes, it was bad enough to take time out of my day to write this, however I believe a minor change in staffing will do the company justice. I do not believe I am the only one with this opinion based off of the other reviews. Best Regards, Irritated Customer read more

We decided to come here after reading they were a 2015 Sponsor for Pridefest. As gay community members, we're all for supporting those who support us! That makes what happened more disappointing. We went for some jewelry for an eye and lip piercing. While browsing jewelry, the young woman behind the counter is talking to another employer about an earlier experience where someone's blood had gotten on her. She proceeds to say she was glad she knew the person, otherwise she would have been like "eww, your aids are on me, get it off!" I get she may have been joking around and being dramatic, maybe this wasn't her true feelings on the subject, but the time and place could not have been worse or more off-putting. We bought something out of pure need at the moment, but I can say that we will never be returning to this location. I'm whole heartedly disappointed in this particular "sponsorship" of our community. read more

So I went back for the piercing on a Saturday. I did not have an appointment, since though they take appointments, they're unnecessary. It was busy, but I was helped pretty quickly. When I asked about the type of piercing I wanted, the owner came out to look. I have small, child-sized ears so I wasn't surprised when he said it's not a good idea to get a snug since I have a tiny ridge. I asked for a recommendation for something similar and was met with a look of frustration. Brent said he doesn't make recommendations. I was caught off guard because I was asking for help choosing a service that they provide but was met with this kind of a reaction. So I asked about a conch piercing and didn't know what to call it - I'm not great at remembering terminology. I can't even remember what to call mac n cheese half the time. I felt his frustration as he told me what it was called and said that would probably work. So I chose the conch and got the piercing done. The gal who pierced me was good. She measured and got it done quickly. Any pain was minimal. Thinking back now, I kind of wish I'd have waited and gone back to Appleton. I have no doubt they would have had a conversation with me about the piercing and explored some options more willingly. Overall, though, I still say this is a good place to go. I was hoping for extraordinary service and ended up just getting good service. That's really not a bad day, after all. I want to give 3.5 stars because I think they're above average but they weren't what I was hoping for. But I'll go with 4 because it's important to note that they are above average. read more

The short version: if you want a good piercing in Milwaukee and are willing to sacrifice customer service, this is your place. Make an apt or else, be prepared to wait anyway, and bring cash for tips! The long version: have come here on two occasions. During the first, I stopped in on a week night to try and buy some replacement ends for a septum ring. I didn't have very much info on my current ring and the guy behind the counter wasn't super friendly but did as much as he could for the lack of information I had about my gauge and style. The second visit, I made an apt a few weeks in advance for my friend and I to get both our nipples pierced on a late Saturday morning. We got there early and still ended up waiting an hour after our apt time to get pierced because it was so packed. The girl behind the counter was helpful to us but abrupt and not friendly. There were many customers who had come in with the full entourage in tow, so it was quite crowded. There were also quite a few people who came in expecting a walk-in apt to be available on a Saturday midday, and walked away disappointed. The piercing itself? They had the option to pay 10$ more to get both nipples pierced at the same time which I wasn't expecting. Both the piercers Jennifer and (Brent maybe?) were awesome and fun to talk with, and definitely turned our view of the service around. Easy, quick and sterile, with clear directions for aftercare. We walked away v happy! read more

If you're looking for a great piercing - go here. The prices may be a bit more than other places, but that's because you are truly getting the best quality jewelry and piercer. Everything is incredibly sanitary here - which, of course, is a major factor when getting a piercing. I had one piercing done here that was speedy quick and done very well. I just went back today because I had problems with one of my hip piercings (done at a different shop). The piercer, Brent, took one look and knew immediately what the problem was. He was very thorough in explaining the problem, incorrect jewelry, and what he could do to fix it, along with the pros and cons. I opted to buy new jewelry and try my luck in hopes that my piercings could be salvaged and go back to looking nice! Again, the piercer was incredibly thorough in explaining why he chose the jewelry he did, what had happened to the piercing, and how to take care of them. Even better, now that I went there and they changed it to their jewelry - they will continue to take care of them in case of future problems (which is only a probability because of the issues from the former piercer). Side note: this shop only does piercings and all of their ceriticates and licenses are posted right on the wall for everyone to see. Much better experiencing than going to a shop that does both piercing and tattoos. read more

The staff here is fantastic. I took my 6 year old here to get her ears pierced for her birthday and she had such a great experience. They were quick and engaging and I would definitely recommend them for all your piercing needs. read more

I didn't get a piercing, just came in to buy a new nose ring and couldn't even stay to buy anything. Front desk girl was rude from the moment I walked in and not only to me, but to everyone else. It got a little busy so I understand the frustration, but if you have things a little bit more organized, then you wouldn't go through all that trouble. I won't be returning, although I hear that they are a nice sanitized place, the front desk girl kind of ruined it for me. read more

Stopped in today because I was curious about getting my nose pierced. The girl at the front desk was incredibly helpful with answering all my questions. Brent was the guy who did the piercing. The guy was super legit very professional and made the whole thing easy and relaxed. Really solid place thanks guys. read more

I went there just now and had THE WORST service I have ever had!! I called to make an appointment for today and they told me no need just come on in as a walk in. So my boyfriend and I did that and we waited TWO HOURS to be seen! I went in and asked how many people are in front of us and she said "oh actually we see all our scheduled appointments before we see walk ins" I am so upset with you Avant Garde!! When I came in and made a walk in appointment for my boyfriends ear piercing you told me "stay close because we should call you within a hour" then a hour later she said "about 30 more minutes" like what?! Your communication was horrid I have never been told so many different things, then this fat bald white lady said that "we don't do refunds" oh so you made me pay for my piercing over two hours ago and now I don't get a refund!! This is absolute bullshit and you guys need to figure your stuff out. When someone calls explain to them they might be waiting 2+ hours to be seen just as we did. We left after 2.5 hours of waiting to be called and still didn't get seen!! I don't understand how your store can run on such poor communication? Someone needs to investigate this more because this NOT how you treat your customers. Nice job Avant Garde you had both my boyfriend and I and two other ladies walk out on you guys after waiting 3+ hours! Great service amateurs! read more

I have had ten piercings done here, starting ten years ago, and refuse to go anywhere else, ever. The shop is impeccably clean, absolute transparency when it comes to sterilization, and I have never experienced rude counter people or piercers. The prices and jewelry selection are great and reasonably priced. read more

I got my nose pierced here back in June. I set up an appointment over the phone the night before and when I got there, I was helped immediately. The girl behind the counter was very friendly and helped me pick out the best jewelry for my piercing. The piercer himself was just as friendly, and between sterilizing my nose and actually piercing it, I was in and out of the clean shop in less than 10 minutes. I recommend this place to anyone and will come back. read more

Piercer is very experienced and nice. He makes you feel very comfortable. I would let him stab me again.

I went to avant garde for my first piercing (a lip piercing) and two more after that. They were extremely professional and helpful. The establishment was clean and well kept every time I came there, and the certifications of every piercer are hung on the walls, which is very reassuring. They were so kind to me when I was nervous, and they took so much stress off my shoulders. They gave me all the information I needed. The needles are always clean. They let you check to make sure the positioning is right before they pierce. They do everything possible to relax you and make the pain as minor as possible. They give fully comprehensive aftercare information, and are very frank with what you can and cannot do. They have an extremely wide assortment of high quality jewelry to choose from, and they always remember to tell you what gauge the piercing you're about to get will be. The prices aren't bad either. I will never go anywhere else for a piercing. They are amazing there. read more

See all

I've been to Avant-Garde several times over the past few years - I'd guess a total of 10-12 times. I've been to other piercing places but this is my preferred store. I'm over 50 and have 14 or 15 (?) ear piercings - most since I was young but have had Brent do 4-5 piercings including rooks, tragus and conch. Every time was quick and seriously pretty painless - you know you're getting a needle poked through your skin (or cartilage) so obviously be prepared for some "slight" pain - but truly quick so no need for drama! I also go in occasionally to have help taking them all out (when I get an MRI or such) and then again to put them all back in, so I've been often enough to base a review on several visits. It is typically fairly busy when I go after work (they're open late - think till 9pm weeknights which is really convenient) but things move quickly and they have seating for those waiting although they could use a little more - so just in case of a wait be sure to bring something to keep yourself amused. Sometimes it appears busier than it really is as the younger folks always seem to bring their whole group along to help them decide or maybe just shore them up! Always an eclectic group of regulars and lots of newbies which are fun to watch and listen to. The front desk gals/guys have always been knowledgeable, patient (even when busy) and really helpful. They take the time to show me as many pieces as I want, make suggestions if asked and have actually searched for something they thought was in stock but not on display. They're making sales but not spending time trying to "upsell" me, so it's comfortable. The space itself is very clean which gives me a sense of well-being. I've actually always had Brent as a piercer and he is great to work with - personable, reassuring, non-judgmental and relaxed and has always been polite, funny and efficient. The piercing area also super clean (and he always wears fresh gloves). He's really good and offers his opinion if you ask for it. I wanted to comment on some of the previous reviews and assure anyone thinking of going here that I have ALWAYS seen EVERYONE being ID' d (even me though I'm obviously well over age of consent) and have also seen people turned away if they aren't old enough, don't have ID with them or don't have a guardian to sign consent. They fully document everything, have you fill out a consent/release and copy your ID. Avant-Garde has a really wide range of choices in metals/materials, colors, etc. and some seriously nice pieces for all kinds of body piercings. I can't really comment on the specific pricing because it all depends on what you're getting - they carry lots of choices including solid gold as well as less expensive g-plated options, stainless steel, silver or s-plated, wood, etc. I typically go with stainless steel as I have so many piercings I could go broke blinging out my ears. I would say the pricing is moderate but then again it depends on what you want - some pieces are slightly pricey but you get what you pay for! I'm gonna be there again next week to get help taking piercings out and then will be back a day or so later to have them all put back (or maybe buy something new and change it up). I'll update you if my experience is anything other than what it's been in the past, but based on those visits I'm sure it will all go well. Overall a great place for piercing and don't forget - tipping your piercer for a job well done IS kosher and has always been met with sincere "thanks" or a quick nod of approval - jees.. I've never thought to tip the Counter folks ... which may be seriously rude, after all they do spend time and effort helping me choose pieces and I can be picky.. (oh that's embarrassing!). I'll ask Brent about that next week and make it right if I screwed up (sorry counter people!) read more

I got my septum pierced here back in 2000 because they were pretty much the cheapest place. I had my own jewelry and I've never had any trouble. It doesn't have the most inviting atmosphere but it seems like it's still pretty clean. I used to always lie and say I had it done somewhere else because I didn't think Avant Garde was cool enough but I'm certain you could do worse. I liked the in and out of it. I like that they didn't seem interested in all the cooler than thou posturing that you usually find in a piercing salon. read more