I love and appreciate this place so much, I got my first piercing at around 16 years old but from Claire's and up until my next piercing which I got done at Barbella I didn't realize what went into getting a piercing and still learning as I get a new one each time. This place has made me feel so comfortable and they're always so helpful and well informed and love to keep their clients well informed also. I live in Santa Ana and don't drive but whether it's through uber or finding whatever ride I can I'll always make the trip here when I'm interested in getting a new piercing or even just getting retainers as needed. I feel confident and comfortable and as long as I'm in Orange County, this place will always be my go to! 100/10 recommend!! read more

Had a great experienced getting my navel pierced here in March. It was quick and painless. The staff were very friendly but professional and transparent with everything regarding pricing, the actual piercing process, and aftercare. Place was clean and everyone seemed like they knew what they were doing. It was pricey but a piercing is a one-time investment so I was fine paying about $150 for it. This was my first real piercing since getting my lobes done (with the gun at Claire's in middle school lol), and they made sure I was calm and informed throughout the entire process. Would definitely recommend this place! read more

Welp, after a short few weeks of not wearing my septum jewelry, the hole started to shrink. My teen was not ok with us no longer having matching septum piercings so I promptly made an appt with Derek to get my nose back at its best. Thankfully as long as there's still a hole, they can quickly stretch it out and get your jewelry back in place. While that process is uncomfortable, Derek is so personable and easy to talk to/distracting from the pain, it was overall a great experience. While I was there, I decided to also get my nostril pierced. Cuz hey, why not?! The girls at the front were super kind and helpful with providing me jewelry options and my quote for the services. There is reason they are the best studio around and today's service locked that in for me. I always recommend this shop when friends are interested in new piercings too! read more

Barbella Studios - Piercing Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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It's been over a year since my piercing, but I am still TRAUMATIZED by this experience. I came on a whim with my family because we all decided to get piercings. We got 2 tragus piercings and 2 daith piercings. The front desk employees weren't really warm as well, so I was feeling a bit nervous, but just decided to brush it off. My mom's daith turned out fine, so when I was next, I expected the same. I was wrong. The man who pierced me couldn't loop it through, so it got stuck mid way and the tool was sticking out from my ear. I think he had to get a new piercing because it got messed up, and it took a little longer to finally pierce it. I was getting lightheaded from the stress and feeling the blood dripping down my ear. I just went with it though because it wasn't an easy piercing, so I expected it to hurt. 8.5/10 on the pain scale LOL. This piercing cost $90+ which was a lot, but I honestly didn't know how much they ran for until I compared it with other locations AFTER the piercing. Fast forward to 1+ years later, I got my second lobe done at another studio, and they tell me the faith was pierced WRONG. This explains why it gets irritated still (after a year). Apparently, it's supposed to hook around the area, but I'm pretty sure he got stuck and just went THROUGH it (and why it'll never heal properly). A couple days ago, I had a puddle of blood in my ear because of this piercing and just decided to take it out. It definitely wasn't worth the pain, trauma, and money spent! Definitely not recommending because I'm so disappointed and sad. read more

Barbella Studios - Smiling through the PAIN - Piercing Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I've gone here several times over the years and have gotten different piercings (ears, nose, belly button). They are pretty good at doing piercings, which is the main focus. The only thing I personally don't like is how woke this place has become. It's extremely off putting for me. And the most recent times I went in the last couple of months, the woman making sure I completed the form seemed all over the place & it really stressed me out. read more

I came with my friend during their Friday the 13th promotion. The studio has a nice environment. The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful in our selections! Our piercer Cat was really informative and reassuring and truly walked us through the whole process and thoroughly answered our questions. Their personality also helped our anxiety and they encouraged us to come back if we needed any check ups! Would definitely recommend! read more

I took my daughter to get her belly button pierced and we had the best piercing experience with Derek i would definitely recommend requesting him, he was so kind and patient, great guy! read more

My wife and daughter had a positive experience here. She said the place was super clean and they received good service. Try it out!

Great studio! Clean and friendly. I came here to get my helix done and Francheska and Zoe helped me out. They also provided cute stickers and aftercare instructions. I had my second lobes done by Cat back in 2021, and they were super welcoming too. read more

I go to this place every time I want a new piercing!! Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, Derek the piercer is an absolute gem, all of my piercings done by him are phenomenal and heal beautifully. I recommend this place to all of my friends!! read more

I had the privilege of meeting with Derek for a navel piercing and they were lovely to work with. They made me feel comfortable and relaxed throughout the entire process! We came on a Friday around 1:30 and the wait time for a walk in was a bit over an hour. We first were greeted by Lauren who was very sweet, and told us a bit about the process. We signed some forms, picked out the jewelry and then waited. I highly appreciate Derek's honesty as did my friend. She wanted to get a navel piercing as well but Derek told her that unfortunately she did not have the anatomy for a regular navel piercing but offered an alternative for a floating navel piercing. My friend ultimately chose to think on it but we were very thankful to hear an honest professional opinion. I was able to get my navel piercing and the process was very smooth, and Derek helped me clear my nerves and made sure I was happy with my results! The piercing looks great and I'd highly recommend the place for their friendliness and professionalism. The cost was very fair in my opinion, the piercing itself ran me $40 and the jewelry is a separate charge. If I ever think of getting another piercing I'd definitely come back to this place. read more

I thought long and hard before leaving this review because mistakes happen but to this degree I feel obligated to leave this and save someone else. My septum had to be pierced twice because the first one was so crooked it was diagonal and when it was pierced they also stabbed my nostril (which you can see in the photo) they then pierced it again and removed the service fee but I ultimately paid $33 to be stabbed twice and cut. I'm not even sure this one is that straight but after all that I don't really feel like taking it out. I also still had blood on my face that I had to clean in the car. I've had many piercings over my 33 years and never had this bad of an experience which bums me out since I picked this place for the reviews and the fact that they are LGBTQ+ friendly. Please go somewhere else because I wanted to be happy with my new septum but I'm now healing a piercing and 3 additional holes on my nose.i should also add that before they pierced it again they had to put a different piece of jewelry in they had to remove my expensive up charged ring with a chain because it kept getting twisted. So ultimately I had to go through the piercing process twice and then the removal of 2 different rings before the second piercing which was more painful than the piercing. I had to be the one to point out how crooked it was and then the artist agreed but they were going to send me out the door like that which is upsetting. Again I hate to leave a bad review about a queer friendly place but I feel obligated so that nobody else gets injured. read more

Barbella Studios - Piercing Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

LOVE LOVE LOVE BARBELLA! If u have to wait WAIT! Totally worth it! Kat and Derek have been my piercers for years everybody is kind and cool and they know what they are talking about! Book an apt! Walk in and you'll never go to another studio again read more

Derek was super informative and helpful! Also the lady at the front desk was lovely. I was told the cartilage/skin near my brow would probably reject the piercing so I got a lip piercing instead and he did an amazing job! Thank you guys so much read more

Based on my previous review, they helped me and exchanged the earring for me to fully match. I came back a month later to get my check up and they were attentive and helpful with any questions I had. I really appreciate their efforts and everyone was really nice! Service: 5/5 read more

Second time here at Barbella Studios and once again it was incredible! Last time I went I got my nostril pierced and this time my septum! Cat was so nice and did an incredible job! 100% recommend this place!! read more

Good facility people were nice but expect to pay 200$+ for both earlobe piercings. I don't have a problem with the price in particular but I do have a problem with the lack of transparency with prices, nowhere on the website shows prices, as well as in the building including on the display jewelry. When first asked about preferred jewelry metal I stated that I prefer silver, mostly because I don't like gold tones as well as the price doesn't seem worth it in my eyes, they then showed me either gold or white gold options only bringing out the titanium when I specifically pointed it out. I want state once again I don't have a problem with the overall cost, I have a problem with transparency I don't want to take the time to ask the price of every single piece of jewelry they have on the stand or wait for them to check. Although if you don't care about the price this is definitely a good place to go, the people, the facility, and the sanitation is very nice. :) read more

After years of fighting with bad piercings that kept closing up I had given up. My daughter had the same experience - from using the guns in mall shops. So we decided to go down and get them done correctly. The place is wonderful..great vibe. Everyone was so nice and patient and friendly. And they explained everything and I couldn't believe how smooth it went. Hardly any pain and great aftercare information. PLUS they want us to come back in a month for a follow up on it. SOOO worth the price difference. Von Frankenstein took care of both of is..and we had my granddaughter there and they were great with her. She can't wait to come back and get her ears done when she turns 6. read more

Went on a super busy weekend to get a jewelry replacement for my navel piercing (so plan accordingly if you just wanna walk in and out lol) luckily I wasn't in a rush so I think my wait time was about 40 mins but overall it's worth the wait, service is helpful and excellent! :D Happy with my new jewelry it was about time for a new one ! read more

All the people are so helpful and kind here. Cat has been my piercer and they are incredible, I 100% recommend Barbella

Came across Barbella Studios on Yelp. On a whim wanted to get a second lobe piercing. Lauren and Cat were so informative and down to earth. I felt so comfortable and overall had a great experience. Thank you. I will be back with my girlfriends. We are already talking about it. read more

Barbella Studios - Piercing Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I got my ears pierced here before but messed up and long story short one of my earrings got stuck in the piercing. I came back to get it fixed and Francheska got it right out! The service was wonderful and everyone was so nice! Big thanks to Cat and Francheska for their help read more

Friendly nice and on time!! First time my piercings didn't explode too! We talked about bloodborne which is always a plus

I had been debating on getting a nostril piercing for the longest time and just could never decide when until a friend recommended Barbella. I finally decided to stop by and scheduled an appointment on their website, which was super easy. They have you fill out any necessary paperwork before which I appreciate so you have the whole 20 minute appointment for the piercing process. I arrived a bit early and was attended to almost immediately. I don't remember the two who helped in the fronts names, but they were super helpful in making sure I picked the right jewelry. Derek was the piercer who actually performed the service and I honestly he is a master at his craft. I was extremely nervous about getting a piercing since it was my first, but he walked me through each step of the piercing process which was not only informative, but also helped with any nervousness I had. Also just a super personable guy. He did a great job and honestly am super happy with the way it came out. I was recommended some products to use for aftercare and it's almost been a month and can honestly say this place is awesome and will be going back if I ever decide to get anything else done read more

Barbella Studios - Nostril piercing - Piercing Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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It's been about a year since I visited the studio to get my earlobe re-pierced. I had plugs in my late teens which sadly blew out, causing the hole to close. I thought this would be a straight forward trip, however, the piercer let me know the original placement of my piercing didn't match the other one. Not a big shocker since I got my ears pierced when I was 5 at a mall, so I agreed to have him match the other ear. That was a big mistake, my earlobe now looks worse than it did with the plug scar plus the additional piercing. I can no longer blindly put on my earrings because there are two holes next to each other. Overall, I preferred the way my ear looked before. My second gripe was the cost of the jewelry. My original piercer passed away and this was my reason for going elsewhere. He would always sell me surgical grade steel because it was cost effective and did the job. The woman at the front was very kind and convinced me to treat myself with a gold star earring. I naively thought I was paying for a set, but $300 later I have a poorly placed gold star earring . read more

Barbella Studios - This second piercing gives the appearance of my ear being really scarred. - Piercing Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I have scar tissue from an old piercing on my left ear lobe. Derek was very knowledgeable and did a great job piercing my ears. He had me look in a mirror to make sure I liked where he was placing the new hole. Lauren in the front was very helpful and personable! It was clean in the shop and I would send my family and friends there!! read more

I just had an amazing experience at Barbella. I wish I could remember the name of the wonderful person at the front desk but they were soooo patient and kind and took a ton of time helping me pick out jewelry. She didn't push me on getting something super expensive either - just helped guide me perfectly. Then I got to meet my piercer Parker. I was super super nervous because I was getting a more intimate part on my chest pierced (don't know what I can say on Yelp). He was completely reassuring and kind and was very good about telling me everything he was going to do step by step before I did it. He made me very comfortable, yet also didn't make me feel silly for being the anxious mess that I am. The piercing went very quickly and was much easier than I thought. They sent me away with aftercare instructions. It was overall a great experience and I will recommend my friends to come here if they are considering a piercing!! read more

They are great! My daughter and I have gotten 7 piercings there. Very happy with the experience.

For anyone looking to get their kids ears pierced here, make sure to call and make an appt first. We walked in on Saturday morning where Lauren greeted us. Told them we wanted to get my daughters ears pierced, she is 6 y/o. We were told that they only do 10 and older on the weekends and that we would have to come back on Monday or Wednesday to get a consultation since my kid is younger. So we come back Monday (today) and it seems like there are no other customers, as it was really quiet. Bad on us cause we didnt call to make sure, but it seemed like we would be good to go for a consult after what Lauren said on Saturday. We were greeted by Parker and I said we were there for a consultation. He asks how old she is, after I tell him she is 6, he says he will check the age, but usually does them for 8 and up. Lauren peeks in from the back and tells him he needs to take a lunch break soon. We didnt want to wait since we didn't know how long the consultation would be plus the 30 mins he would be out for lunch.... he says lauren cant do the consultation. It just seemed like they didnt want to service us. Having driven there twice, we were pretty excited to get this done by professionals. My 6 year old was getting pretty sad after feeling shut down twice so we ended up going to Claire's. read more

Outstanding !!! Don't go anywhere else for your piercing needs. This Salon is the VERY BEST ! From the minute you walk in you are greeted with a caring smile and everyone is so knowledgeable, professional and caring. Cat and Ariel really took their time with me and helped me pick out exactly what I wanted. Cat is an AMAZING artist. She is so caring , gentle and explains every step. Plus she really has an eye for where to place your jewelry. Thank you so very much for making my Birthday so very special. I love my piercings ! Carol W. read more

A+++++. Brought my 16 year-old daughter in for a nose piercing, and the entire experience was amazing. Arielle at the front reception was SO kind and welcoming, and great at answering questions. Parker, who did the piercing, was kind & communicative, and did a great job of explaining every step. Really can't say enough about their professionalism, cleanliness, and kindness. Would highly recommend! read more

Pierced my daughter's ears. She was nervous and they were very sweet with her. Clean shop with nice selection of jewelry.

{Payment suggestions at the end of review.} I wish I could leave a higher rating... this is the only place I have been to in the last couple of years. I really don't know what other people are saying about the staff-- they are usually really cool. Maybe they are slightly off, encountering your "perfect" energy/vibe. ‍ Anyway, staff is cool. If I could give Cat herself a 5 I would. She did my first piercing there. She is calming, professional, and considerate. My issue stems from a matter of payment. I went one rainy--or if sprinkling is raining to you, it was stormy-- evening to buy the perfect nose ring. Service is great. They are helping me decide without pressuring me any which way. It's finally time to pay so we run my card. It says it's not going through in their end. Swiped again. Nope. Swiped again. Nope. Try another card. Nope. Tried that again for no good reason-- all the others all failed... I finally decided to check my bank account. Well every time the card was ran, it was charged to my bank account. Oh! In middle of this process I was given a discount that was supposed to have been given to me (there was a sale on jewelry but they originally said it wasn't on the brand I was buying [that's a fart, to the left of the opening bracket]). On their end, my card never fully processed and yet each one went through on my end. Here's the best part. I'm unemployed and that's a good chunk of money being taken from my account. Okay so I had tipped Cat via both my card transaction and separately on Venmo so she wouldn't have to share it all. Well because the payment didn't go through on their end, I still "had to pay" so, as encouraged, I paid Cat directly and she was to pay that money to the company. They were very confident that every transaction would be reversed. I didn't know any better but I was confident in their confidence. I'm going to cut this short now. I fought my bank for 6 months, opening claim after claim, and never got my money back for one of the charges of $240. Well I had paid Cat $211--the final price so obviously the proper price-- as well. $451 dollars for a piece of jewelry... oh and insertion/replacement. Even still, I went back, namely because it's where I've been going and it's comfortable. Before this happened, I really loved this place. Anyway, went back and saw Cat. Didn't have the to say to her, "hey it's me the girl with the bank-double-transaction issue." So, anyway, I wanted a horseshoe in my septum instead of this little ring I had in so I can turn it up for work. $91 for the jewelry and insertion I believe. Plus tip. Cat said before I left to be careful with the balls coming off. I was thinking, "no way, not for $100- this should 100% stay in." In the words of Charlie Murphy.. "WRONG! WRONG." I went to San Diego immediately following my septum replacement. Before the end of day two one of the balls had fallen off. Well I was at Momma's and Momma's house is carpeted so I didn't hear anything fall... By some miracle, I found it the next day-- fortunate for me I have had this piercing for 10 years so it doesn't close. Now it was a was getting that screwball into the ring without it even being in my nose... imagine the difficulty of screwing it in while it's in your nose. I get she said be mindful but that should not have fallen off within two days. My first ring/shoe that was inserted was performed by someone who thought the balls weren't necessary. Again, I didn't know. ‍ Well of course that fell out that same evening so I went to another place mostly because it was late and one of few places open. This lady had me lay down so she could insert it. Things are going well and she drops one of the balls in my nose and I ultimately swallowed it! I digress, that piece of jewelry may not have been this particular implant-grade but it didn't cause me any harm AND it stayed in my nose for 9 years. Never once did a ball come off. Until one day it did, but after 9 years... $91... $81 for jewelry that doesn't screw well and $10 when I ended up having to screw the ball on myself x3. After the third time I just went and bought some $15 thing from some random place and I've not had any issues since. It's just really very frustrating when you spend SO MUCH money here... If anyone manages to get to the end of this spew of a review, here's my suggestion: 1. Only pay with your CC if possible. 2. Never switch to a second form of payment, such as Venmo for example, because your bank will not accept a Venmo transaction as proof of payment. I wouldn't even use a second card from the same bank but that's a lot less risky than using something like Venmo. 3. Be mindful of "stormy" weather and swiping your card! read more

We wanted to go to a piercing-specialized studio, and are glad we did! My sister and I came in to get ear piercings (2nd lobes and a helix). Derek, our piercer, was super friendly and chill, and, at the same time, very methodical and careful. He ran us through each process and sterilized/changed out equipment between our piercings. Kelsey, at the front desk, was so helpful and informative -- she did her best to set us up with our jewelry choice and after care. Overall, Barbella is a very clean and professional studio, with a comfortable atmosphere that helps ease the nerves/pain. Some tips: - Although they accept walk-ins, the holidays are extra busy. Be sure to make an appointment if you're trying to get pierced over winter break. - Don't be late! There can be a bit of traffic since it's by a busy intersection. There is usually parking in the lot behind the building and on the side street. (We ran late and they were very kind and accommodating... but still, don't be like us.) - No outside jewelry is allowed. You get to pick something shiny and new from the case. They've got a good selection. Note that piercing jewelry will be different than your typical jewelry (longer posts, flat or ball backs) and are meant to be worn short term (during the healing period). I'd factor that in when you're picking something out. - You get nice instructional cards when you leave, and you can come in for follow-up appointments. It's nice to feel supported. :) read more

I brought my friend here because I had told her how amazing it was. She was looking for some new jewelry, and I was in the mood for a new piercing. Unfortunately, the person at the front was quite unfriendly, and it felt like they were annoyed by our questions, which was really off-putting. I had previously been pierced by Derek, who was so kind, which is why I returned. However, after feeling unwelcome, I decided to leave because the staff member with short curly hair was particularly rude. There used to be a lovely girl at the front who was always happy to answer our questions about jewelry and provide guidance. Instead, we ended up going to another piercing place down the street, where the girl was so warm and took the time to help us choose the right jewelry for my friend's ear. I really hope things improve here; the attitude was disheartening and has changed my overall perception of this place. read more

Very friendly and attentive staff! They also hide a wide variety of jewelry. I had an earring from a different shop that I had lost and they were able to match the jewelry perfectly. I would recommend this place to first timers. read more

I'm 9, and Cat pierced my ears. She was so so, patient with me. And my mom and I both don't know how to thank her for everything! She was not only patient but she was also very kind and gentle with me, and also all of the staff were very supportive and helpful and nice.thank you!! read more

Such an awkward experience walking into this shop. The counter woman was emotionless and rude. Her answers were short and it was clear we weren't welcome. We were about to spend $200 on jewelry but ended up leaving within 5 minutes of being there. The pretentious hostility of this place is bizarre. read more

So, this is by far the best piercing studio I've ever been to. I struggle with major social anxiety and everyone there made me feel at ease. They all answered any questions I had and are all just down to earth. Which is major for someone like me. Shout out to Cat! They're awesome at what they do! read more

Amazing piercers and fabulous service. Can't say enough good things about this business.