1. Body Manipulations

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San Francisco, CA

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Body Manipulations

4.7 (1.3k reviews)
Closed • 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

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Response time

20 minutes

Response rate

100%

Services - Body Manipulations

Gauging or stretching

Tattooing

Body Manipulations Photos

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Reviews With Photos

Me emailing Eldo with after care questions!
Dijia W.

Everything went well! Eldo was the best! I know this is a super late review, but my experience here completely changed my fear of piercing I came in without an appointment but every piercer was able to fit me in 30 minutes after I walked-in. I explained my previous piercing situation to Eldo about how my first ever lobe piercing was misaligned and never healed properly. It kept getting inflamed and pus coming out - super gross stuff haha What I appreciated the most was Eldo empathizing with my previous experience and not only assuring me of what was done wrong but how they will do it differently. He was patient, kind, understanding and I can go on and on about how wonderful he is as a person. We also talked about college life and some advice or adventures he's been on in the past that made me feel even more relaxed because I related to photography with his piercing journey! What's interesting is Eldo studied I think sciences goes to add to his expertise haha Besides that, Eldo thoroughly explained the cleaning process and made sure it was clear to me while my first piercer at a different business didn't as much. Eldo even gave me his work email to reach out if I had any worries or questions about cleaning and more. I for many many months have a fully healed lobe piercing YAY! Thank you for making me feel safe in an area I know nothing about! P.s. all the staff here are so supportive! We are lucky to have them. Body Manipulations has my whole heart and even more if you have heard the long history here!

Ella A.

02.25.2024 - An unforgettable experience. Oh. My. Friggin. Goodness!!!!!! How do I start my review? Where do I even begin?? Long story short - I got a "spur of the moment" piercings in Morro Bay on 2/21/24. Since then, my ears started to swell, feel hot, turn red and it began affecting my other already healed piercings. Even with salt soaks, saline wash, warm compress, ice packs and dabbing a tiny amount of antibiotic ointment, my ear was getting more inflamed, angry and large. When I woke up this morning, 1 of the 2 new piercings was completely eaten by my skin. I couldn't find the jewelry...omg, my heart dropped and I was in shock. Let me just say, I've had 12+ piercings throughout my life and never have I had this kind of problem. My hubby found Body Manipulations on Yelp and drove me to arrive there right when they opened. As soon as I walked in, one of the front staff greeted me right away and listened to my concerns. She was so sweet and reassured me that they'll take good care of me and my angry piercing. I didn't wait too long until one of the piercers, Jess, came out to get me. She's super friendly, knowledgeable and kind. After letting her know my concerns, she took one look at my ear and she knew what needed to be done. She started preparing her table with all the tools and supplies while informing me with the steps. Every time she touched something new, she would change out her gloves. This tells me the level of cleanliness and how sterile everything this establishment is. The process of removing the earring that was embedded into my skin was so painful. Worst than getting a tattoo. But Jess was so gentle and compassionate, talking me through each step of the way, and within 35-45 seconds, both of my new piercings were out! What a relief. I felt instant relief. It appeared the embedded piercing was pierced at an angle causing tissue damage and since both jewelry were made of poor quality, it added to all the mess. We couldn't salvage the embedded one, but Jess was so awesome in helping me salvage the second one. She helped me choose a new, quality made jewelry (titanium) and made sure she inserted the right sized post to allow it to properly heal. Jess also provided me with helpful tips to help with the healing process at home. After all the dreadful/painful parts were finished, Jess showed me a QR code that I can scan, which all of her information was provided. She encouraged me to reach out to her with updates on how my piercing is healing and if I had any other questions, she'll be available to give me consultation via email. From beginning to end, my experience was never short of exceptional customer service. Very accommodating to my emergency situation. All and all, I'm so grateful to my husband who found Body Manipulations and so happy to have found my new favorite piercing shop. Thank you Jess for help alleviating my pain and saving my life! Cleanliness = A+ Professionalism = A+ Friendliness = A+ Customer Service = A+ Price = A+ Overall Experience = A+ Can't wait for my ear to fully heal so that I can get it properly pierced by Jess. I love Body Manipulations!!

Janice J.

Celebrated my baby's sister 35th birthday by getting our 3rd lobes pierced! Thank you to our piercer Jess and Jasmine at the counter for helping us out with our selection! We got there 10 minutes before they opened by Uber since parking is tricky. Once we got in, Jess and a green hair girl that we did not like based on her customer service helped us out. My sister didn't like her unfriendly behavior and ended up engaging more with Jasmine who was super friendly and helpful! My appointment was at 11:00 and my sisters was at 11:30 so they just combined our appointments. Clean and sterile environment and process. Jess was helpful with our aftercare instructions and with the QR code. Everybody (Jess, Jasmine, Alex and Eldo) get a 5 star but knocking a star down for the green haired girl at the counter.

freshly pierced vertical labret
Marissa M.

Booked an appointment a few hours before heading to the city. Very quick process, incredibly professional, and of course -- super cool + kind employees! I got my vertical labret pierced by Steve; it was my first lip piercing, but I wasn't stressed at all since the environment was so calm. The placement is perfect and exactly what I wanted!

nose pierce

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29 days ago

clean, professional, knowledgeable- wouldnt have it any other way- eldo is theeee best!

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Very nice workers here. The explanations of services were helpful. They are really busy, which means they are really good.

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Body Manipulations Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Body Manipulations

Do you do VCH piercings?

Yes we do! Please book an appointment at www.bodym.com for all piercing services.

Do any of your artists do black ink, geometric tattoos as well as simple type tattoos?

Do you need my I.D. to get a nose piercing?

Yes

Hi! If I'm looking to change my nose stud to a nose hoop (pierced here), will I need to book an appointment? I saw on your website that under masks services are temporarily suspended, so I wanted to confirm. Thank you!

Just did this today. It's $10 to replace the jewelry and you can bring your own if it's already pierced. It's better to book an appointment but they do take walkins. Masks are not required but appreciated for the business and you take it off right… 

Do you still do nose piercings?

Yes

Do you accept payment in cash?

Yes, we absolutely accept cash. in fact, did you know that SF has an ordinance requiring ALL brick and mortar businesses to accept cash for payment? This ensures availability to those who do not have access to any credit/debt cards. We are happy to… 

Are you doing nose piercings again? On your website it says you aren't but I saw on TikTok that you did someone's recently. Thank you!!

Hi Chetana. Yes, we are doing nose piercing! But, only if you are fully vaccinated for Covid-19.… 

Hi I'm wondering are you guys still doing nipple piercing?

I got my nipples pierced by Alex back in October, so yes, they are doing nipple piercings.

Do you do ear piercings for 6 month olds and what would be the price? No phone number to call :/

$30 Each - In Person Check Up $30 Each - Insertion, Stretch, or Adjustment $30 Each - Traditional… 

Are you guys currently doing nose piercings?

Hi Denise, thanks for asking. As of 5/6/21, San Francisco Health Department still prohibits any services under the mask for all body art services and massage. So, unfortunately, no nostril piercings just yet. We work closely with our health officer… 

At what "level" of re-opening are nose piercings allowed again?

Do you guys change piercing if they weren't done at your shop ? i was looking to change my piercing but a little scared to do it myself .

Yes, no problem. However, there are certain steps to be taken during our the Covid health order. First, you will need to book an appointment. That can be done easily directly from our website. www.bodym.com. During that appointment you will be able… 

How much does it cost to get an earlobe piercing?

standard earlobes $30

So i got my nose pierced here about 1 year ago & I was wondering.. if i buy a new stud w a design & wanted to change the plain one I have on my nose currently, would you guys be able to change it for me as I'm scared I won't be able to get it in?

Hi Mier, thanks for asking. The answer is yes, and no. No because right now we are restricted from performing any services that require the removal of a properly fitted facemask, including nostril piercing insertions. The yes comes after masks are… 

Hello! Are you guys able to do nostril piercings at this time?

Yes

If I want to switch jewelry out of an existing piercing with jewelry I own and have already worn before do I need to send it in to be sterilized first or is that only with new piercings?

Yes, send it in. I know its more stuff to do, but we must not be taking in any personal items at the shop. If you've worn it before and its going in something healed, we will certainly work with it for you for sure.

Are you guys still doing piercings?

Hi Rebekah! Yes we do still offer piercings; however, due to a global pandemic virus Covid-19, we are temporarily closed. We will open once our health department finds it safe to lift the temporary 'cease operation' order for all body art facilities… 

Will you be having any specials on Friday the 13th?

Yes! Actually we are celebrating our 30th Anniversary with $30 Piercing service, and 30% off all jewelry in stock. This will be only one day, Friday December 13th.

Do they do ear piercings for baby and toddler?

I think their age min is 5 or 6. It might be lower but it's definitely not below 3 so if you're looking to pierce a 0-2 y.o.'s ears, they won't do it.

I got my septum removed here, do I have to pay to get it back in?

Yes, is a $10 fee.

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Review Highlights - Body Manipulations

“I did my ear piercing with Alex, he is wonderful, he explained all risks, and how to keep my piercing clean.”

Mentioned in 85 reviews

Read more highlights

Let It Bleed Tattoo - Piece done by Kat (@katbarrieau)

Let It Bleed Tattoo

4.7(135 reviews)
2.6 mi•Lower Nob Hill
•$$

Today I had an appt wit Karl. I had come into their store about five days be4. Karl was very nice…read moreand agreed to do this piece 4 me. I did a drawing of the two hearts wit my 4 kitties names. I was blessed to have them 4 12-14 years. I miss them dearly. I came to my appt today and completed their paperwork. Then Karl said to come in to their workstations. The staff are all very chill and very kool wit their customers. I have about a dozen small pieces on my wrists, shoulder, lower back of my neck and stomach. I hadn't had a tattoo in about ten years. I am very grateful to Karl your work today I think looks gr8. Thank you 4 wat you did 4 me I'm very happy with how it looks. I highly recommend Let it Bleed if you want some new art on you. Thank you again Karl 4 today. Sara Jane Firth

I was referred to Kevin at Let It Bleed by a friend, and unfortunately my experience was terrible…read moreand traumatic. Every time I worked with Kevin, he was late. At one appointment, I showed up early and still waited over an hour and a half while he got set up, and I was charged for that time. I also had issues with his drawing. I ended up having to redraw some of the details myself to get the design closer to what I wanted/ the inspo photo. After he completed the outline, Kevin texted me multiple times asking me to come back to finish the tattoo. I was already hesitant, but I eventually agreed. Before the appointment, I sent him multiple inspiration photos showing exactly what I wanted for the shading: primarily an outlined tattoo with light shading, contrast, variation, and plenty of negative space. I was lying down while he worked, so I couldn't see what he was doing. About an hour in, I finally looked at the tattoo and was honestly horrified. Instead of the light shading we had discussed, large portions of the outlines had been filled in with heavy black ink. It looked like giant blocks of black to me. There was almost no negative space or variation, and it was completely different from the references and direction I had given him. When I told Kevin this was not what I wanted, his attitude immediately changed. To make the experience worse, I was ultimately charged hundreds of dollars more than I expected. The shop itself didn't make the experience any better. In my experience, it was dusty and grimy, and people regularly came in directly off the street while I was there. I also personally witnessed another tattooer at the shop, Max, shove a homeless man to the ground outside after the man had already left the shop. It was incredibly uncomfortable to witness. Overall, I deeply regret trusting Kevin with my tattoo. Between the lateness, being charged while waiting for him to set up, having to correct parts of the drawing myself, the finished work being drastically different from what I requested, his reaction when I spoke up, and the amount I was charged, I would absolutely not return. For me, Let It Bleed was the definition of a struggling tattoo shop.

Photos
Let It Bleed Tattoo - The four names in the hearts are of my four kitties I was blessed to have. Thank you Karl again 4 your gr8 work today. Sara Jane Firth

The four names in the hearts are of my four kitties I was blessed to have. Thank you Karl again 4 your gr8 work today. Sara Jane Firth

Let It Bleed Tattoo - Big thank you to Let it Bleed today. Thank you Karl 4 your gr8 work today. Sara Jane Firth

Big thank you to Let it Bleed today. Thank you Karl 4 your gr8 work today. Sara Jane Firth

Let It Bleed Tattoo

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Tattoo Boogaloo - Universal monsters by Mez Love

Tattoo Boogaloo

4.8(194 reviews)
3.1 mi•North Beach/Telegraph Hill
•$$

I went to Chris Peralta with an idea for a cardinal tattoo with a bunch of concepts of what it…read morecould look like but what he came up with exceeded expectations in a massive way. This was my second tattoo and I can say confidently I'll never go anywhere else for my future art - wow! Chris' design captured the exact vibe and art style I was looking for and the experience itself was absolutely phenomenal. I'm so incredibly pleased with the final result and we had some great conversations that made the couple hours I was there fly by. The shop itself was clean and welcoming, vibes were off the chart great and the playlist was fire too. If you're looking for an incredible tattoo shop in SF look no further - Chris is a beyond top notch artist and Tattoo Boogaloo is as good as it gets. I'm already planning the next one!

I have 3 different pieces by Deanna Wardin. A turtle on my shoulder, a mangrove shoot on my forearm…read moreand a back piece. Deanna is crazy good at Watercolor style tattoos. They age well (my turtle is over 6 years old and still looking awesome) and the colors pop. Price wise what she charges makes sense for the quality of work. With tattoos you get what you pay for. If you want a cheap piece of flash, go somewhere else. This isn't a shop you just walk into to off the street and get a tramp stamp at. Shop itself has a great vibe. Deanna, Mez and Chris are all super awesome folks. They make you feel as comfy as possible. A definite North Beach fixture.

Photos
Tattoo Boogaloo - Black and gray moth tattoo done by Chris Henry

Black and gray moth tattoo done by Chris Henry

Tattoo Boogaloo - Dog portraits by Mez Love

Dog portraits by Mez Love

Tattoo Boogaloo - Fox tattoo by Lahel Fowler

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Fox tattoo by Lahel Fowler

Dream Masters Tattoos - Almost 2 years since getting my tattoo.

Dream Masters Tattoos

4.7(89 reviews)
2.9 mi•Chinatown
•$$

I found Dream Masters because I was looking for a high quality, clean, and technically skilled…read moretattoo shop. They exceeded my every expectation! I already had part of a sleeve done, and was looking for an artist to continue the piece since my former artist retired during the pandemic. Svetylo (who I worked with) is an incredibly friendly, communicative, and collaborative artist. After emailing them describing my idea, he quickly reached out to set up my appointment. I brought along sketches of my idea, and he not only made sure he understood what I wanted, he also asked great questions to understand my job and daily routine to make sure the tattoo would fit my lifestyle. His technique is very precise, and i can say out of all my 6 previous tattoos, this one hurt the least! Especially for a piece on the back of the hand, this tattoo has beautiful line work and is healing very well. I can't wait to go back and finish my sleeve. I would recommend Dream Masters, and Svetylo, to anyone looking for high quality and unique tattoos.

Hello! Just dropping in to update my review and go over how…read moremy tattoo has held up. It will be 2 years in March since I got this tattoo and I still love looking at it everyday! The detail still looks great and I have regularly been complimented on it by strangers on the street. (See updated pictures). It may need a couple small touch ups but, overall I don't really notice that and neither does anyone else that sees it. Im hoping to come back for another one someday in the future!

Photos
Dream Masters Tattoos - Tattoo session with shop owner, super easy going!

Tattoo session with shop owner, super easy going!

Dream Masters Tattoos - Tattoo in process.

Tattoo in process.

Dream Masters Tattoos - Tattoo finished and healing.

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Tattoo finished and healing.

Dragonfly Ink

Dragonfly Ink

5.0(5 reviews)
2.4 mi•Union Square

Sasha is amazing. Not only is she kind and caring but is a true artist. After having a double…read moremastectomy she was able to create 3D nipples that look surprisingly close to the originals. She has helped me regain some of my confidence in the beauty of my broken body and helped me realize what a gift life really is. I am immensely grateful for her talent and ability to read the situation and talk me through the process. I would highly recommend her!

I just got home from seeing/working with Sasha so this review is hot like fresh baked bread…read more Where to start? Okay so 15 years ago I had surgery on my chest (keyword: transman, ftm, transguy, transgender male, you get the idea) and my nipples did not stay in tact. They actually feel off in front of me in the shower with the scabs. What a nightmare. Reconstructing new nipples was not possible or ideal with my surgeon so I've been living with flat nipples and discolored areolas for the last 15 years. I really thought I had NO hope until I found Sasha. Angels sing please, wait for it and rejoice. I've been wanting to do 3D nipple tattooing and areola re-pigmenting for awhile but was 1. not in the best state of health and 2. very very very nervous. Well today, we finally made this happen. I got an appointment schedule over a month in advance. I put down a $100 deposit via Pay Pal. I waited and panicked and then the big day came. I got a ride down to SF. Sasha's shop is on the 17th floor of a building in Union Square. There's a parking garage a block away. It cost $35 and gets you up to 12 hours in the lot. You are not going to find street parking so if you're driving you will want to fork out $35 and be happy your car is safe with only a block to walk! Sasha gave me complete instructions and directions ahead of time. She is VERY professional and organized with her scheduling and timing. The office she works out of is awesome! The entire office and outdoor patio (with wild beautiful birds and parrots might I add) has a total zen approach. The front desk folks were also REALLY NICE and totally trans/queer friendly. Sasha's room was very clean with a sitting area for guests. She was extremely polite, patient, compassionate and thorough to walk me through the ENTIRE process and 1. give me voice throughout it all and 2. check in frequently to see how I was doing. Nipple and areola shopping is quite fun! I got to pick the size, shape and color variation to design on my chest. Boom! I feel so Hollywood now ;) She is extremely sterile and showed me ALL the needles she was using before and as she was using them. Everything from the office, her station, the tattoo bed, frequent changing of gloves, packaged needles, organized ink palettes, fresh paper towels, rubbing alcohol, ETC were CLEAN. I really appreciated how intuitive she was like when I held my breath during bits of pain and she could feel me tense up and gently remind me to breathe. I was excited and anxious and nervous and emotional all at once but she eased me through EVERYTHING. May I also include she has a gentle hand so the needles don't feel like they are digging deeper than deep like some tattoo artists who put all their weight on their artistry hands. Pain level ... well this boy whimpered some but she did use some topical anesthetic after the skin had been broken into to help ease pain. It DID help some. My results, pre bandaging, were beautiful. The bandaging she used is really neat. It's waterproof and clear like a clear tape. I honestly can't stop staring at my new nips even if things are still bloody and bandaged up! I was given very detailed after care instructions which I will be meticulous about following. I can't wait to see the overall results. I'll be scheduling a touch up/follow up in a 1 1/2 months or so. I look forward to seeing her again! Cost breakdown for ME and what I got done: $700 total... that's $100 deposit then $450 the day of the tattoo and then I will pay $150 during our touch up + tip today and I'll tip again on the touch up. Don't forget to tip. Some artists will say you don't have to, don't listen! Tips for those new nips my friends! TIPS! 100% happy with my experience, actually happy is an understatement. I am enthralled like a unicorn catching rainbows and sprinkling glitter from the sky. Yes, indeed. I will recommend her in a HEARTBEAT to any other trans folks who need this procedure, cancer and mastectomy patients or just anyone in need of this kind of help. I was SO ASHAMED of my chest, a chest I fought so hard to learn to love post surgery but still deeply upset about what happened and the trauma from loosing my nipples to my feet in the shower (yikes, just imagine). Now I can live again. This is part 1 of my chest tattooing process (I'll be doing scar coverage with another artist since Sasha is not taking new decorative tattoo clients at this time) and then I will be free. You deserve to be free too. I hope you will consider Sasha and let her help you change your life, confidence and get your groove back!!!

Body Manipulations - piercing - Updated October 2026

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