College is a great time to try out new ways of self-expression like tattoos and piercings, but it can be difficult for those new to body modifications to figure out shops that are safe, clean, and welcoming. This predicament is further compounded when looking for spaces that are designed to include all people, regardless of gender, sexuality, or race. Thankfully, living in Boston provides BC students with an abundance of amazing tattoo and piercing shops that hold values of accessibility and inclusivity. This list certainly isn’t exhaustive, but it was compiled based on personal experiences, recommendations, and online ratings and reviews. These shops are definitely solid recommendations and will hopefully be helpful in wading through the dozens of shops that come up with a simple Google search.
Lucky’s Tattoo & Piercing – Cambridge, MA
Lucky’s is a go-to for many body modification enthusiasts in the metropolitan area, for a great reason! The shop has staff tattoo artists and piercers that are available for appointments that can be booked directly through the Lucky’s website. The shop explicitly states that it is “owned and operated with the goal of being welcoming, safe, and accessible to everyone; whether you’re coming in for your first piercing or hundredth tattoo.” Personally, I have gone to Lucky’s for two ear piercings and one tattoo and had an amazing experience both times. The shop is extremely clean and it is obvious that all of the tattooists and piercers take proper sanitation seriously.
Studs – Multiple Locations
Studs is a chain piercing shop that has locations all around the country, with locations in the Boston area conveniently located in Chestnut Hill and on Newbury Street. This shop is best if you’re looking for a simple addition to your ear landscape and want something decently priced that will still be reliably sanitary and trustworthy! All of their piercings are done with either gold or implant-grade titanium, which is the gold standard for responsible piercing. It is important to note that Studs only does ear piercing, so no nose or face piercings! Studs is basically the adult, upgraded version of the Claire’s at the mall you got your ears pierced with as a kid.
Redemption Tattoo Inc. – Somerville, MA
Redemption Tattoo is located a little bit of a ways away in Somerville, but it is well worth the trip. Most artists in the shop specialize in American traditional and neo-traditional work, so if that’s what you’re looking for this is definitely the place. The shop has six in-house artists that all work on an appointment-only basis, so the shop is relatively quiet and secure. The space is wide open with big windows at the front, so you’ll enjoy a bright and sunny experience while sitting for your tattoo. The shop has overwhelmingly positive reviews, many of which praise the shop for its welcoming and positive environment.
Pearl Street Tattoo Club – Somerville, MA
Pearl Street Tattoo is a Pakistani woman-owned business that also calls Somerville home. The shop boasts a fully vaccinated staff of four amazing tattoo artists with varying styles that all result in beautiful work. Their website explicitly outlines their mission statement as always being “Anti-racist, pro-LGBTQIA+, anti-transphobic, anti-misogynistic, body-positive, pro-science & disability, and neurodivergent-friendly.” The shop also offers free color tests for people of color to ensure that ink colors will mesh well with their specific skin tone.
Holistic Ink – Dorchester, MA
Last but certainly not least, Holistic Ink in Dorchester not only offers tattoos and piercings, but also microblading and permanent makeup services. The shop’s FAQs detail their rigorous sanitation practices, which include autoclaving all metal equipment, single-use materials, and strict personal sanitation of all the artists. Holistic Ink currently has over 1,100 Google reviews and an average rating of 4.9 stars, which is as close to perfect as could be expected for this type of business.
Picking the right place to go for any tattoos or piercings that may be in one’s future is an absolutely crucial part of the process and can make or break your overall satisfaction with the finished result. While you’ll definitely be able to find shops that offer cheaper services, tattoos and piercings are truly one area where you get what you pay for. The best sanitation, the best jewelry, and the best training truly do result in a better outcome for what may very well be permanent decisions about your appearance.
