I have never had a bad experience at Energy! The atmosphere is extremely welcoming and everyone working there is so sweet! My friends and I love to book all together to get tattoos done by Tina and they always exceed expectations! Kashi, the piercer and owner, is also such an amazing person who really takes the time to make sure you're comfortable and the piercing is done well. I had two crooked flats(pierced at a different shop) when I came to Energy and Kashi did an amazing ear curation and changed out the posts of the two crooked flats so that they laid flat on my ear. I have gotten a few tattoos and piercings around Santa Barbara but Energy is by far my favorite because of the welcoming and friendly vibe! My friends and I will absolutely be back again! read more

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"This is fine meme" inspired and fuming heart tattoos. Super helpful and nice. Mostly painless. This is a few years after I got them and they still look fresh. It's a little pricy but I recommend this place to anyone! read more

Energy Tattoo - Fuming heart tattoo! - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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I looked up Energy tattoo online. Looked at some of the artists work. Tina was right up my alley. She specializes in small tattoos. Loved her, and my tattoo. She fixed it. Told me touch ups are free!! I'm coming back to get another soon!! read more

Energy Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

20+ piercings later and Kashi is the only piercer I now trust to poke me! Kashi creates such a warm and welcoming energy and explains every part of the process to ensure that you know exactly what's going on and that there's no surprises. Many of my piercings/tattoos have been done with the intention of honoring my late mom's memory and Kashi and Tina have created such healing environments for these moments. I've never been to a shop as clean and comfortable as energy tattoo. read more

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I'm obsessed with my new tattoos! I got a tattoo on the side of my wrist, plus a touch up on an existing tattoo that I asked for last minute. Pros: -Energy Tattoo is super accommodating, friendly, hospitable, communicative and the vibe is overall so great. -Tina is an amazing artist. If I could give 6 stars I would. She specializes in fine line tattoo and is great at what she does. -I wanted to see if Tina could accommodate a last minute request additional tattoo. My existing tattoo is my late grandma's name with a firework spark because she passed on 4th of July. I was scheduled for 4th of July eve and I figured if Tina could add a couple more spark tattoos then it was meant to be. She was totally down even at the end of the night and I'm super appreciative. She touched up my existing tattoo as well. Cons: None! read more

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Got my tragus pierced by Erin and it healed perfectly! The jewelry selection is amazing & more affordable than golden eagle! And on top of it all, they take walk-ins! The piercing itself was only like a 1/10! read more

Energy Tattoo - tragus by erin - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I have reviewed Energy before but I have been here several times for my piercing project or just for just checking in between and always came excited (never nervous after the first time) and left happy Whether in person or remotely, I truly feel they have my best interest and well being in mind. Kashi always takes the time to discuss, envision, and really work with me to find the right next step. I would 100% trust them with any service. And huge bonus is this locally owned small business is women owned and humanly aligned. Thank you so much!! read more

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I have a number of tattoos. All that I'm super happy with and that I feel I was fairly charged from other studios. This last tattoo that I got at energy tattoo was WAY overpriced......in fact I was quoted $200. To $500. For both my tattoo and my daughters tattoo. When we were finished she charged us $800. For two tattoos that were super simple and only took 20 minutes to complete. Even after letting her know that she was charging us way over what she told us it would be and telling her how much I've paid in the past she wouldn't let me go without paying a ridiculous amount!!!! Make sure you have the price before hand in Writing!!!!!! Hope you really needed that extra money Elizabeth Avila. read more

Highly recommended to all. Tina Yi (IG tizzina.ink) just completed some fine line custom tattoo work for me, and I could not be happier with the results. Excellent business and exceptional artists. read more

Love, love, love this tattoo parlor. My husband and I have been to at least 20 tattoo shops between us. This is by far the most comfortable we've ever been. Look no further, this is the place to get your tattoo or piercing in SB. I've gotten 3 tats by Tina, and my hubby has had 2 plus he's in the middle of a giant back piece. Tina and Kashi are the best - they want you to be happy with what you get, and will work with you until it's right. Energy is the most welcoming shop; it's calm, kind, and super clean. I love their attitude, the music doesn't blast, and hey - it's Woman-owned! What's not to like?! read more

This tattoo parlor is getting 5/5 stars because of the quality of the tattoo and the quality of the service I received. This was my first tattoo and I did a lot of research before choosing where I wanted to get it and who I wanted my artist to be. Right off the bat, energy tattoo had a wonderful atmosphere and the people were just great. I felt relaxed and was not off put by any way or felt out of place and that was really important to me. My experience and communication was with Nic (the co-owner) the majority of the time but everyone I spoke to at the shop was just as easy going and accommodating as she was. I turned in a sketch of the art piece I wanted and not only did Nic do a great interpretation she also gave me many options to choose from. When I asked for changes she did them promptly and beautifully! The day of the tattoo I was so much more excited than nervous. I got my tattoo on the inner right leg, above the ankle and below the calf. Honestly, for my first tattoo, I thought it would hurt A LOT more. I'm not going to say it didn't hurt that much, because I would definitely be lying and my pain tolerance is NOT that high at all, but I didn't cry (which my boyfriend though I would). Nic's outgoing personality and persona easily calms you even though you're being poked at with a needle. All in all I loved the way the tattoo came out and even more that it was done here. Tl:dr: My tattoo came out wonderfully and I loved the energy and atmosphere of this shop and would recommend everyone who wants a tattoo (esp if it's your first one) to come here to find Nic and any one of the artists that they have! Cheers! Jess read more

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Walked in to buy jewelry, but was told i had to make an appointment. Weird experience because the website said they accept walk ins and i figured since i was only buying jewelry that i know the exact size and what not for it wouldn't be a problem. Also appointments were only through instagram DM's which is off putting. Overall just weird vibes and would prefer if their website was straight up. read more

Ive come here on multiple occasions, to get a tattoo done on my upper arm and getting my nipples pierced. And each experience was amazing each time. Tattoo artist and piercers alike are very kind and know what they are doing. My tattoo was done precisely with Tina (whom relocated) but my entire experience at Energy was the best, going to this fat friendly and LGBTQ friendly space was comforting to be in. I would also likely never get a piercing elsewhere, the piercer Kashi is amazingly trained and knows exactly what she is doing, I would trust no other piercer. She was very concise about placement, along with telling me the cost on multiple occasions. I definitely recommend Energy Tattoo and Body piercing if you are seeking out to get a tattoo done or a piercing, I already recommend it to everyone I know. I would definitely come here again!!! read more

Energy Tattoo - Tattoo I got done by Tina. She did an amazing job and she was very precise and cared about my needs. 10/10 experience - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I got my nose and upper helix pierced here for my 18th birthday by Erin! She was SO kind, friendly, and comforting. I went with two of my friends and the space was clean, bright, and open. I won't go anywhere else in Santa Barbara :) Note to Erin: look out! Coming back for my belly button piercing in the fall ;) read more

Had an awesome experience working with AK. He worked quickly and efficiently for me and my homie to get Fleur de Lys tattoos. He was fun to and had positive energy and good vibes! Will definitely stop by again next time we are in SB. The entire staff was friendly and the place was very clean. read more

Energy Tattoo - Homie tattoos! - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I went into Energy Tattoo for an ankle tattoo and it came out better than I imagined. The artist was very communicative and helpful in designing it together as well as making it work around another tattoo I already had there. I left very happy with the amazing artwork. She was also very considerate of my comfort and pain levels. Thank you so much! - Ananda read more

My friends and I all wanted to get piercings and decided to DM Energy Tattoo. They were very timely and kind with their response, and we got booked within the same week. When we got there, Kashi was so helpful and informative with our piercings! She explained everything we needed to know and also gave us some cool suggestions on what we should pierce. This business is super cool and professional, definitely recommend! Also female owned which is awesome!!! read more

Alberto showed what a great artist and person he is. He made sure everything was as we planned, he won't let you have a bad tattoo or bad experience. This guy is very kind and talented. I definitely would get another tattoo from Alberto. Couldn't be happier!! Este brother Peruano es genial. Calidad de persona y de artista. No lo pienses dos veces, 100% seguro de que hará un excelente trabajo. read more

Energy Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I had been both pierced and tattooed at Energy and I do not recommend them at all. TATTOO: The artist who did my work was Alex , & she honestly could've paid more attention to detail and done better than she did for what I paid. As I have a fox tail on me that looks like a 3rd grader drew it and most people can't even tell it's supposed to be a tail! Doesn't help that I can't even get it touched up/fixed cause she moved shops shortly after to Ventura but is never available since she's traveling out of state everyday. In the three hours I was getting tattooed she barely spoke or tried to make me comfortable or even have conversation. She looked like she just wanted to be done hence my fox tail. She no longer works at Energy but did when I wrote this review. PIERCING(s): So I felt daring and I decided to allow the piercer Erin to do her own creative choice on ear piercings and was excited for her idea of a triple flat . BUT she basically gave me the three deepest helix piercings know to man. The first two locations / piercings were ohkay but the last is where I questioned her judgment as a piercer. She pierced through the thickest part of cartilage SUPER SLOWLY. Literally turned my ear inside out with the pressure she was putting to pierce that terrible location. I have room all over my ear and don't know why she chose to do that. The jewelry itself was another issue as they didn't have anything that matched and the quality looked like it was from a bodega in the mall.. a couple jewels fell out some weeks later.. I had issues with the piercings since day one since the placement was so awkward and my jewelry inappropriately sized. Bumps started to develop almost immediately from her traumatizing my ear and the crap jewelry. She did apologize about how long it was taking her to put the needle in but as a piercer she should've realized she put it on the outer most edge of my ear that comes in contact with everything, and that the back would rest in the crease of my ear. Making that an unideal to pierce. I do not recommend anyone going to energy. They're pricey and not worth it imho. read more

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Best experience ever! My friend and I came in from out of town and was lucky enough to get an appointment with Miya. She is an amazing artist and she was very helpful and understanding with the tattoos that we each wanted. I especially appreciated her suggestions and expertise on the design of our tattoos and placement. She was very detailed oriented in making sure everything was clean and comfortable for us. It was a fun time chatting with her as well during our time. Highly recommend Miya and this shop. It's a low key and welcoming place. I would totally come back again to get another tattoo with Miya. read more

Energy Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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No words can describe how comfortable I felt at Energy Tattoo since day 1. My friend had been wanting a tattoo from Tina for a very long time, we truly admired her work and finally, we got the chance to meet her. I came along with my friend to get her tattoo because I wanted to get a piercing, and I can truthfully say that I will never go to anyone else for a piercing. Kashi made me the most comfortable I've ever been. And Tina's work is impeccable. Kashi is now someone I consider to be one of my good friends. I have now gotten 3 tattoos from Tina and Kashi is now my go-to piercer for anything I need. I genuinely enjoy every second I spend at Energy Tattoo and am so excited to continue getting tattoos from Tina and piercings from Kashi. read more

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I have gotten tattoos by both Tina and Eli and they are my favorite tattoos. Shop was clean and a very welcoming environment. Everyone who works there is extremely professional and friendly. I recommend this shop to everyone I know. Best tattoo experience I have had. read more

Energy Tattoo - fine line done by Tina - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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A total waste of time!!!! I came to get new jewelry for two of my piercings, but didn't even get the chance to look. I knocked and waited for a bit, but no one opened the door. I'll happily take my business to a different/better piercing shop. read more

Came in to get a tattoo. Was not greeted or treated well at all. All employees just seemed more preoccupied with other things. Eventually I was told Severine was going to do my tattoo. She had a very heavy hand and went over the same lines multiple times, claiming this was the best way for the color to stick since I have darker skin. After being told my tattoo would cost the shop minimum, it came out to $120. This was way more than I intended to spend on such a simple tattoo. Within a week I got these terrible huge scabs that excreted pus. That was my sign that my tattoo was infected, despite proper care. After the scabs fell off and it healed, I had bruising from such a heavy hand and my tattoo has gaps in color. Though they told me I have a free retouch, I'm scared to go back there. Of my 5 tattoos, this had to be the simpliest tattoo but it was messed up the most. read more

Came here on a whim for a tattoo while in Santa Barbara. They were able to fit us in 1.5 hours later. When we came back, we waited quite a while before it was our turn, but was too excited to get the tattoo to make a fuss about it. The artist was pretty friendly, once we got started. He was patient with my tattoo placement, it took a minute to really get it right, it had to be perfect. But that patience was important. My cousin also got a tattoo and it looked fantastic. Decent experience. Affordable. read more

I selected energy tattoo as the place to get my first tattoo and was very excited but ultimately had not the best experience and decided not to get the tattoo here. The shop did some things really well which I will mention here too but when it comes to getting a tattoo I feel no compromises should be made. Cons: * My biggest complaint is I told the shop I wanted something small and sent a reference design that was too detailed to be small but I didn't fully understand that because this was my first tattoo. Instead of telling me that ahead of time so I had the chance to modify my design, the shop had me go ahead and make the $150 deposit then when I came in they told me the tattoo had to be over 2x the size, length, and price I wanted. When I showed up, the artist had already drawn something that was not really what I wanted and they made me feel like the amount of edits I wanted to make was abnormal. So I was left with deciding wether to fully scrap the design and come up with something new on the spot or get something much bigger than I was comfortable with. Thankfully the tattoo artist sensed my discomfort and offered to let me think about it for a week. I was also uncomfortable because I really wanted to bring one friend with me who has experience with tattoos and could help me with the pain, etc. but the shop told me I was not allowed to bring anyone because of covid. However, a few days later California got rid of all building occupancy restrictions and formally reopened. When I was considering going back to the shop I asked if they had changed their policy and told them me and my friend were both fully vaccinated and could provide evidence and they told me actually the "not allowed to bring a friend" rule was a shop policy all the time. Getting a tattoo or piercing can be a stressful experience and having someone there to watch out for you can be really helpful. It sussed me out that this shop didn't allow that. Before I went the first time, they told me I could FaceTime a friend which "'most people do" and that brings me to another important point: the shop has very poor WiFi. So poor the business manager was reluctant to give it to me. The internet cannot even support their music streaming and can barely load an email. My question is what kind of business which relies on clients spending hours there ensuring pain doesn't offer the curtosy of at least letting you distract yourself with your phone?? There is no way I could have FaceTimed something without blowing through all of my data I don't believe the shop owner was being honest when she told me "everyone does that". More minor points: when I came in the shop owner who is not a tattoo artist showed me the proposed design the artist drew and was trying to make changes to it based on my suggestion. It wasn't until I kept telling her it looked off that they finally let me meet the person who would actually do my tattoo and let me work with them directly. In my opinion, the moment I entered that shop and signed the paperwork the actual artist should have sat down with me and offered to work on the design together. The fact that they had me get as far as I could with the shop owner made me feel like the tattoo artist didn't have time for me. I could maybe understand this for a very small, simple tattoo, but the design was complicated and they wanted to charge me $800 for it. In my opinion, that should have warranted more of an opportunity to iterate with the artist beforehand. Lastly and a more minor point. When I came into the shop the owner may have been trying to put me at ease but she kept telling me how good the artist I was seeing was and showed me work he has done on her and it felt like she was kinda trying to sell me on something I had already bought in to which was weird. I had already extensively checked out the portfolio and her gushing felt not genuine and made me worried. Pros: Some of the things the shop did right: * I'm very grateful they did not apply pressure on me to get the tattoo which was very different than I planned on. They told me I could keep the deposit for a week and told me they were really doing me a favor because typically they would just absorb it. Seems nice except like I said they were a bit misleading about what they could do in how small of a size beforehand. The discrepancy could have been sorted out beforehand. * the owner of the shop was responsive to my inquiries on Instagram, sent me the Instagram of the proposed artist, and called me and explained the process beforehand all of which I really appreciated. Although she did make a point of mentioning how many clients "flake" when we were discussing the deposit. Complaining about other clients decisions to ultimate not get tattooed there was worrisome and unprofessional and made me feel even worse when I decided not to get mine. read more

You guys do an amazing job!!! You're woman owned and a poc which I find a big plus!! Very professional, very respectful, and gentle!! I've gotten all my piercings and tattoos here and have no complaints. Ppl who are giving you negative reviews are just being Karens and give me hater vibes! read more

Update: I am not sure about the tattoo.service. I made compromises for the tattoo . But no reply to my message about a possible addition has made me think piercings here are the best. A little bummed out about the lack of response. read more

Sofie pierced my earlobes, and I could not be happier! She took her time, explained the process, prepped me for the pain (there wasn't much), and was friendly throughout! She was very responsive over Instagram messaging--I'd reach out for an appointment that way. And definitely plan ahead. But if you want thoughtful, caring work, I don't think you can do better! read more

got my septum pierced by kashi and it looks absolutely amazing. barely hurt at all and was overall such an easy experience. i couldn't recommend more highly!! read more

Way overcharged for a tattoo! My mom handled the arrangements for both our tattoo appointments, but we couldn't go in together because of Covid. The quote given to my mom for our tattoos together was $200-$500, and she'd already payed a $100 deposit that would be taken off the price. My tattoo was no more than 3 inches, had simple straight lines, and no shading, and I was charged $200, while this was high for me I was happy with the work and left a generous tip. After my mom was done I found out the artist took the $100 deposit off of mine meaning she charged $300 for an extremely simple tattoo. Not only that but she charged my mom $500 for a another simple tattoo. They each took about 20-30 minute meaning we were charged $800 for less than an hour of work, and $300 over our quoted price. She may have done a good job but she was dishonest and ripped us off. I hate leaving bad reviews and I've had good experiences in the past with this shop, but I hope that they encourage all of their staff to be fair to their customers. I won't be getting another tattoo from Elizabeth Avila. read more

Energy Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This review is for piercing only. I want to first state that I have gotten piercings in the San Jose / San Francisco area and decided to try out this little shop in Santa Barbara, so in comparison I do feel that the location in Santa Barbara is more of a 3 star experience (as in, it was ok, it wasn't fantastic but it wasn't bad) due price, selection and piercers. I got my tragus pierced here yesterday and although it was fine and I do like it, I thought they had a poor selection of jewelry and the piercing they placed in my ear was quite larger than I had expected. Kory helped me stay relatively calm, but I felt like it was a very harsh piercing. It could be because my previous 3 were from various women piercers and I'm not sure if a gentler touch makes a difference. For the most part it was an ok experience for $45 ($2 extra for CC charges) and I did wish that they had more choices not just surgical steel or whatever they have in those sterile packages. Also for some reason most dedicated piercing shops give you cleaning equipment (i.e. soaps, etc.) with your piercing and this place didn't have anything. If you're in SB, this is probably a pretty good place to get your piercings because it's probably one of the only places. But by far in comparison with the Bay Area and even LA area, it's not the best I've had. read more

Best way to see their work and connect is on Instagram. I had great communication via Instagram DM. The studio is very clean, professional and comfortable. Eli was my assigned artist and she was incredibly patient and talented. Incredible experience that I will remember forever. Highly recommend this business for their skill, inclusivity, and overall quality. read more

Just got my first tattoo by Nic Ferrante today. She was amazing, very nice, very helpful, and very informative. She also asked me a LOT of questions pre-inking to make sure we were on the same page with the design. In total it took about three hours but it was a great experience and worth every penny. I will DEFINITELY be going back for the next. read more

Energy Tattoo - Tattooed and designed by Nic Ferrante - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This place is absolutely amazing! Super clean and very friendly and welcoming staff. Came in for my double cartilage piercing and was completely satisfied with the amazing job Erin did. This place is perfect. Definitely making this place the place I come to for all my piercing and tattoo needs. Best place I've ever been to! read more

Energy Tattoo - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I've been coming to Energy since I was old enough to get piercings and tats, and I love all the wonderful ladies that make up this place. I recently got a beautiful peony tattoo from Alex, which I am so happy with. I've been wanting this style for a long time and finally found an artist who fit my desires, thank you!! Erin is a such a talented sweetheart, who has pierced my sister, my friends and myself. We all adore her and what she does. And Nic has been so welcoming and lovely since the start. I got my first tattoo from her and she's done some of my piercings as well. I always feel so loved and embraced when I come in here. Love these women!! read more

Energy Tattoo - Sanskrit done by Nic - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I have been going to Energy Tattoo since 2002 when I got my nose pierced. It has been amazing to see this shop grow and change. The one thing that is a constant is their personal connection. Getting a piercing is a great experience at Energy. They have great jewelery and are very clean. They are also great at suggesting new things and working with your ideas. I have gotten two tattoos. One from PJ and the other from Cam. These guys are true artists. They listen to your ideas and at the end make sure you have an original work of art you can be proud of. Cam finished up a tattoo of mine and we ask if he could do a tattoo for my husband. I was amazed at how quickly he created something unique on the spot. He also uses this spray to numb the tattoo so you can barely feel the shading or coloring. We are both extremely happy with his work and look forward to going back to him. We have found our tattoo artist whom we want to go to for all of our work. If you are looking to get a piercing or tattoo, I would definitely recommend Energy! read more

Energy Tattoo - Take Heart by PJ Ferrante - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Very positive experience here for piercing for myself and two teenagers. Friendly and helpful staff. Clean and professional piercer. Answered all of our questions genuinely and took her time with us. read more

I have two pieces by PJ. For sure one of the coolest artist I have met and has a great eye to go with a very easy to work with attitude. If you ever get a tattoo, this is a must as you are putting a mark on you that you want to value the rest of your life. read more

If you want both great artwork and friendly artists, look no further than Energy Tattoo! I came in yesterday to get my first tattoo, and I was immediately impressed with the cleanliness of the shop and attentive staff. Allie was super incredible and kind in dealing with my nerves, and she was willing to print out several fonts until I found the one I thought was perfect! After we were sterilized and it was time to start, Allie started off slowly to get me used to the feeling. She made the tattoo virtually painless, and I couldn't be more happy with the results. I'll definitely be back! P.S. I wouldn't recommend walking in! Try to make an appointment, as they were super busy while I was there. read more

Energy Tattoo - Perfect placement and size by Allie! :-) - Tattoo Near Me - Santa Barbara, California