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Reactive Ink

3.0 (65 reviews)
InexpensiveTattoo, Piercing
Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

Services - Reactive Ink

Piercing

Tattooing

Reactive Ink Photos

Recommended Reviews - Reactive Ink

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Reviews With Photos

Nose stud after the gem came out.
Ashley M.

This place will pierce you quickly and easily, but the piercing wasn't the best. The gem for my nose stud came out hours after the piercing, which was a bummer, and it's a little crooked. My tragus was well done and I am happy with the results. You get what you pay for.

Laura C.

I haven't gotten additional piercings since i got the basic lobe ones when i was in grade 8. Pretty spontaneously and inspired by a makeup artist on instagram, I really wanted second lobe, tragus, and inner conch piercings. I went to get my second lobe ones on NYE morning for $17 each. I was the only one there and I got to ask about pain levels of each and whether they used needles (they did). The guy was really straightforward and friendly. A girl brought me into another room, put on gloves and everything seemed to be in packaging and was opened in front of me. She used a marker to dot where the piercings would be first and the whole procedure was over within a few minutes. When I left she gave me a simple aftercare handout. Pain rating would be 4/10 but i only felt it for a few seconds and noticed it at all for the next fifteen minutes. Super fast and uneventful healing! I went again a weekend after for my tragus - my first cartilage one. BTW, price increase to $20 on Saturdays :( This time I got there at 2 pm and the place was packed! I was told the wait would be 45 min so I went to Blue Bananas right across the street to walk around. Timing was on point. For tragus, I heard and felt the needle go through flesh and then the cartilage. Tbh, I find the pain level to be the same as lobes. Minus one star because the location is in Kensington Market and I wouldnt go when the sun isnt out. Cash only. Photo ID. Walk ins. :)

Tracy T.

Came here today for a cartilage piercing and was in and out within 15 minutes. The service is absolutely hassle-free, quick and easy, and the staff all seemed to be friendly. The process was clean and proper (changing new gloves, new aseptic needles, alcohol rub) and the Saturday special price was absolutely awesome (only $17, no tax, say whaaaat)! My only concern was that they never really went through any "teaching" with me unless I specifically asked, and since this is my first cartilage piercing, I had a lot of questions I didn't get answered because I couldn't think of them on the spot. I was recommended to come here by a friend and she said they would give me an after-care guide after the piercing but I never received one. If all goes well with this piercing, I'd definitely go back for another one (if I chose to get another one, that is)! And I would recommend this place to other people too :)

cartilage piercings
Katie C.

I came here twice for my cartilage piercings (helix and tragus), during their Saturday specials. I went at 10:45AM, fifteen mins before opening, and was second in line. By 11AM, there were maybe 10 of us waiting to go in. Saturday's price: $17 (tax included) for almost all piercings **CASH ONLY & MUST SHOW ID** Procedure: 1. Present ID to front desk. 2, Fill out form, e.g. what do you want done, contact info. There are only two clipboards and pens to circulate. 3. Pay. 4. Wait for your name to be called and you'll go in with a piercer. 5. Get pierced in a blink of an eye. 6. Pick up aftercare sheet from front desk. The staff aren't there to make conversation because there is such a high volume of customers but they are friendly enough. There are two main piercers now: Tayor and Ann. Because of Saturday specials, they are very good at piercing and switching the needle out for the barbell efficiently. You can indeed request which piercer you want to see, even during the busy Saturdays. Just tell front desk when you give back your form. I often go with Taylor because she is very open to changing the position of the piercing until you like it and she doesn't rush anything. Ann likes to choose the position for you unless you speak up, but for lobe piercings, she does put the dots for positioning. I would recommend this place for ear and nose piercings, not sure about other areas of the body. NOTE: They do not use clamps. Update: I have come here for more piercings and brought friends here, and no problems with healing. In fact, I think these piercings have healed the nicest vs. more expensive places I have been to. In terms of safety, they disinfect, use gloves, use sterilized stainless steel jewelry...so if something does happen, it mostly is due to your aftercare.

Ian M.

Great friendly service, pro work, however the place could use some work visually. I went here a couple of months ago to get my collar done. Like most tattoo places, ink gets done by appointment. Consultations depend on the type of tattoo you're getting, whether they do the consultation on the spot or if they have to book it separately. When I went in the first time, the place was booked, and busy. But since I was just getting words done, the lady was kind enough to give me a ballpark figure on how much it would cost and booked me in for an appointment. I came in on appointment day, and the guy was so busy and over booked that they had overlooked mine. He was really apologetic and nice about it though and I could tell he was having a hell of a day too. So it was rescheduled for the next day. Next day came, and I was first to get done. Now the place is located at Kensington Market, and not to give the place a stereotypical rep... well it had a Kensington Market feel to it, let's just say that. It was a nice enough day that the guy was able to stencil my piece out at the coffee patio next door. After a quick lunch for me it was ready to get inked. And yah.. the studio had a Kensington Market feel to it. Forget all the glam you see on TV. This place looked old, and probably was. The autoclave and the tools were clean and sterilized though, which is the standard you're looking for anyways. The place had an old shady look to it. It looked like a tattoo parlour dive. No AC, old floors and seats, peeling wall plaster... Despite that though, the experience was pleasant. I've gotten inked at a few places already by different artists. The guy, I think his name was Mike, had a good steady hand, and didn't go too strong on the gun. He was quiet too, which I liked. I don't like when the artists make conversation with you, just for the sake of conversation or because it was too quiet. He cracked a few jokes once in a while, but stayed focus on his work. Complimented me on my skin and how easy it was to ink, as most tattoo artists say to me. At the end, got bandaged up, and price was negotiated. The ballpark was given in the beginning, but he actually knocked $20 off it. Overall great guy, pleasant experience. Good price. However, the place could use a bit of a reno.

Anna V.

I got a stupid tattoo on my hand there. It's not that the tattoo is particularly stupid, I'll upload a photo. It's more that I was three sheets to the wind and making stupid decisions at the time. Yeah, my buddy tattoo's there so I can do that kind of stuff and get away with it. Not that I am recommending it to anyone, but there's nothing better than waking up and realizing you marked yourself for life in a tattoo frenzy the morning before. Ahhh, my 20s were a strange and beautiful place people, and even though I had it fixed 3 times, it was still 100% worth it.

This image is the result of contracting a bacterial infection after being pierced at Reactive.

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Page 1 of 2

Review Highlights - Reactive Ink

Taylor told me that the previous Saturday they did 400 piercings, so their goal is to get you in and out within 5 minutes.

Mentioned in 6 reviews

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New Tribe Tattoo + Piercing - Agnostic Front!!!

New Tribe Tattoo + Piercing

(236 reviews)

$$

Queen Street West, Entertainment District, Downtown Core

first things first, i want to clarify that i'm quite nervous around needles. anytime i have a blood…read moretest or get a vaccine, i always make it a point to tell the nurse that i am very nervous and a bit scared (despite nothing bad ever happening, like, ever)... so naturally i was very nervous about getting my ears pierced. i walked into the store one day after yelping for a tattoo + piercing spot because i have been thinking about getting my ears (re)pierced for years now (i got them pierced maybe 15 years ago at Claire's and didn't wear earrings back then for many reasons so the holes closed up). i asked a couple questions to Kyle who was at the front of the house and i really appreciated how straightforwardly they answered my questions. Kyle spoke matter-of-factly without making me feel silly for asking simple questions as a grown adult. i also really appreciate speaking to someone instead of just panicking while reading the FAQ page over and over!! fast forward to a month later, i made an appointment to get my lobes pierced! taylor was my piercer and they were absolutely wonderful to be in the care of. i told them exactly how nervous i was and they didn't sugarcoat that i'd definitely feel it -- it would hurt like a pinch hurts and i'd feel some heat, this is natural -- and they jokingly reassured me that if i hated the first piercing, i could stop at one (lol). it's been 8 weeks with my studs in and they've healed amazingly. taylor not only did an amazing job with the piercing, but they gave me really concise care tips and a business card with their info in case i needed to reach out about my piercings. i don't think i can sing high enough praises of the folks at new tribe! TL;DR: - spoke with kyle at the front of house and was pierced by taylor. both were absolute gems of human beings - overall very pleasant and calm experience as a nervous person - very knowledgeable and non-judgmental - thorough website w/ FAQs - would definitely come back if i ever wanted more piercings!! - studs are flat back - variety of studs to pick from for the piercing (some with price upgrades)

Took my daughter to see Stacey for her ear lobe piercings. The whole team is so lovely and were…read morefantastic talking her through the whole process with patience and care. The best experience for her first piercings. Days later and she's still talking about the great experience she had there. Thanks again Stacey!

Exotix Studios - Microdermals by Six.

Exotix Studios

(39 reviews)

$$

Queen Street West, Entertainment District, Downtown Core

I had a great first experience. Lindsay responded to my email inquiries promptly and thoroughly,…read moreand the studio was super clean (very surprised by how spotless the bathroom is). Gordon was my piercer, and he made the process very easy - this was my first cartilage piercing so I was nervous, but I felt very reassured here. I got two helix piercings and the pain was no worse than your usual flu shot. He went over the aftercare with me, stressed the importance of being on top of that, and also happily answered any questions I had. A week or so afterward, my ear became extremely swollen and painful and almost engulfed the piercing (at no fault of the piercer by the way, irritation happens). So I went to my doctor and she prescribed antibiotics to treat a potential infection. I also contacted Exotix to see if they had any recommendations and Lindsay recommended that I come in to get my piercing looked at and my jewelry lengthened to accommodate the swelling. So I went in and Gordon was there again, he could tell from his many years of experience that it was not an infection and he swapped one of my bars for a longer one. He was so slick with it that I didn't even notice the bar being changed, especially with how tender my ear was at the time. The only downside to this studio is that it is quite expensive. I paid about $290 total for the service and the two earrings ($50 service per piercing, $80 for each piece of jewelry, +tax) but personally I'd rather pay more for a good piercing than get a crooked one that I hate and end up taking it out after less than a year, which is what happened with my lobe piercing at a different place. I am now due to get my jewelry downsized in 2 days and my ear has healed incredibly well. The jewelry is beautiful and I will definitely be coming back for more piercings!

I was looking for a simple third piercing in my lobes. Nothing fancy or overly adventurous. My…read morefirst two were done when I was 13 or 14, likely in a mall. It was so long ago, I don't even remember. I'm now in my 50's and I know better than to get piercings done at a mall by someone less than half my age getting paid minimum wage. No judgement. Just saying. I hopped onto Yelp to check the voice of the people and the people have spoken! Exotix it is! I reached out to to the studio and enquired about an appointment with Jessie. Lindsay, the studio manager, responded with prices and Jessie's availability. I sent my deposit and confirmed my appointment! At the moment, certain protocols are in place and I felt completely safe being at the studio and interacting with the people there. Jessie is such a nice person and took the time to explain everything she was doing. She meticulously measured and marked the placement of the piercings until they were perfect (or as perfect as they could be given the existing piercings). Her attention to detail was very much appreciated. Once the placement was sorted, the actual piercing took mere seconds. Aftercare instructions were clearly explained which is likely a good thing because I'm of the generation where it was perfectly acceptable to douse your piercing in rubbing alcohol and continually twist it so it doesn't 'stick'! It's been six weeks since my piercings were done and things are healing nicely. My experience with Exotix was nothing less than outstanding. With everyone in masks, it's hard to say for sure who I encountered there but everyone was extremely professional, pleasant and welcoming. I definitely agree with all the reviews posted and if you're looking to get a piercing done, I absolutely would recommend coming to Exotix. This industry has been extremely hard hit during the pandemic... so go on, get something pierced and show some love!

Chronic Ink - Tattoo Shop Downtown Toronto

Chronic Ink - Tattoo Shop Downtown Toronto

(14 reviews)

Downtown Core

My experience with Chronic on Gerrard St. was nothing short of amazing from start to finish. I…read morefinally made up my mind on getting my very first piece. I sent an email to follow up on a promotional email I received and got a response the next day. We went over my idea from February 14-22nd. I received a confirmation call and email once the deposit was received. Day of: I was greeted right away at the front desk by an associate. Filled out necessary forms and waited for my artist Maggie. The setup is absolutely spotless. I waited at a client table and enjoyed the WiFi and ditties by Beyoncé's Husband. The work: Maggie was friendly and thorough. We went over the font and size for my design. We did a quadruple check before the stencil was applied. Maggie's station has adorable cartoon designs and is neatly organized. She worked confidently and carefully to ensure my piece was created to perfection. As a first-timer I chose placement on the inside of the wrist. I thought it was going to be more painful than it turned out to be. It felt like being lightly sliced by an X-acto knife. I know that sounds horrible but trust me - it felt more like light scratching on the skin. Not too deep and wasn't excruciating. If you've been scratched by a cat you've experienced more pain. But again - placement is everything. The inside of the wrist has more tissue than the ankle, for example. I was sent home with great aftercare instructions. I also purchased a small tube of aftercare lotion. I can't say I'll continue the process to a full sleeve (I can't do that pain, y'all) but I can see myself adding to my current artwork to complete it. I am so happy with my piece. Maggie is an amazing artist and I'm so glad I selected her.

I did my cover up tattoo there, and right after I informed the person (Michelle) who did my tattoo,…read moreit looks crooked and she was in denial and tried to keep me away till the skin heals completely. During the healing time I tried to ask her for solutions but she was reading all texts messages without a single reply. So I contacted their customer care which was even worse - without acknowledgement what my issue was their only concern was not to recover the damage with has been done (Not financially nor professionally-) They did not accept to have an in person session with me to come to a result. Couple of emails and the case has been dismissed by a manager named Brittany! My recommendation is to not be tricked by their name and also the pictures artists post on their IG. With the experience I had - this person was a disappointment . Crooked lines and also my old tattoo is showing under the cover up. Chronic ink is just a Name with 0 customer care.

Adrenaline - My tattoo

Adrenaline

(100 reviews)

$$$

Queen Street West, Entertainment District, Downtown Core

went today to Adrenaline Toronto Tattoos and Body Piercings with my best friend, to get his 8-year…read moreold twins' ears pierced. adrenaline was my recommendation, and i'm so glad i suggested it: they were as hygienic, professional and talented as i remember -- but today was next-level. nick, the piercer was incredibly patient, skilful and all-around AMAZING with the girls. i would recommend adrenaline to anyone - and any parent - looking for a good piercer in toronto.

Amazing service! I've honestly gone back 3x now and there's a reason I come back to these guys!…read moreThey are very knowledgeable about both piercings and tattoos, everyone that works there you can easily talk to. My nipple piercings have been a rough ride. I didn't get them pierced at Adrenaline (first mistake lol, I got them pierced in Halifax on a whim during a trip). But here's where the good people at Adrenaline started to take care of me... One got infected and I needed a larger barbel. They changed that out and it instantly felt better! More room to breathe *never had issues with this nipple again*. Other nipple ring fell out and I didn't notice (due to some activities lol); tried to put it back in myself and that didn't work - I almost contemplated leaving it out but nah. Went to Adrenaline and they put it back in, beauty. NOW it started to act all brand new and decided that it too needed some breathing room, so I came back and had it changed to a new barbell (shoutout to Luke). I think it should behave now A part from my nipple piercing story, I've gotten a tattoo here as well as bought and changed a nose ring. End of the story, VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Yes Electric Tattoo

Yes Electric Tattoo

(7 reviews)

Queen Street West

New location at 499 Queen St W is dope. Big open air space, great tunes, lots of room. Great…read moreroster of artists available for walk ins and appointments. Good prices too! I've got seven or eight tats from YES over the years, very diverse and talented team.

I went in for a walk-in tattoo last weekend - simple block letters, black outline filled with dark…read moregreen like the letters on a hockey jersey the artist (blackmarsink) was shown a picture of. First the artist took out a spring green - almost neon - that looked nothing like the picture. I pointed this out and he got annoyed by went all over the shop finding a correct looking green - it seems the first one was only being used because it was the only green ink he had at his station. Shading was added that I never asked for and overall when the tattoo was 'done' I was incredibly unhappy with it - the lines were wonky, parts looked unfinished and the shading was too heavy. This was particularly upsetting as this was a memorial tattoo for my brother who passed away in October and the tattoo is on a highly visible part of my body. I tried to describe to the artist how I would want it fixed and he didn't seem to be willing to listen - keeping insisting he could fix it with more shading and white ink. He also pulled up his instagram to show me his other work when I said I didn't like it insisting 'he does great tattoos' and 'as fourteen years in the business' which came across incredible unprofessional and very not understanding g of me hating the current tattoo he was working on. I asked if there was another artist available to finish the tattoo as I was uncomfortable continuing with him and was told no. The tattoo is healing horribly, at only a week old it a faded scabby mess, as shown in the pictures below. I have reached out to the shop twice about this being fixed and have heard nothing back.

Reactive Ink - tattoo - Updated May 2026

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