Sacred Tattoo

Felt great to get my 1^st visible tattoo from the owner of the place Oey. When you pay the kind of money that was asked, you want to make certain the person knows exactly what they are doing. My heart was outside of my body throughout the entire time b/​c it had to be right especially when you are representing your business. (This is the photo I took while at the porn awards in LA last week.) As I’m sure all of his photos do, it made the blogs.

Went to Sacred Tattoo yesterday for a couple piercings (daith piercings, as I have been reading these types of piercings might be beneficial for migraine sufferers). I had the pleasure of being pierced by Josh V. Josh was incredibly professional, knowledgable, gave me thoughtful suggestions, was gentle and incredibly fast while piercing, took time to explain, at length, the aftercare process, and was ultra sweet. Also, he didn’t try to upsell me … quite the contrary. He actually suggested less expensive rings, as he thought they’d be more attractive and would promote better healing. He asked me to please stop back into the shop in a couple of weeks so he can be sure I am healing properly.
If you are in the market for any piercings, I HIGHLY recommend Josh. I could tell not only is he really serious about his profession, but he seems to thoroughly enjoy it as well. I really couldn’t imagine having a better experience.

Yo, I love this place. I’d been wanting a nose ring for years, so impulsive as I am, my friend and I jump in my car and head over to Industrial. It was around 630p, but they couldn’t see me. So, we head over to Sacred on a late night, last minute mission to get a nostril piercing.
One of the gentleman working in the shop took down my information and explained to me what the process would be like, how much it’d cost, et cetera. Todd, the owner of the piercing shop (both at Sacred and Industrial — they’re sister shops), thoroughly explained what kind of jewelry my initial piercing should take, how long the healing process would be, etc. I didn’t have to ask Todd any questions, he is an expert.
Before he pierced my nose, he dropped more knowledge on me – not only about the piercing — but skincare. Needless to say, Todd enlightened me that evening about piercings, skincare, makeup, and how my piercing would take to makeup (amongst other things). I also appreciated how clean and obviously sanitary the shop was. He basically gave me a walkthrough of everything he’d done. He placed a small dot on my nose (after cleaning it thoroughly) and gave me his expert opinion on placement. After having doubts about its placement, Todd reassured me that he’s been in the business and he knows what’ll look good.
The process was relatively quick. He pierced my nose with ease — making the process as painless as possible. He also told me that should my nose swell and my piercing sink too far into my nostril, that he’d switch it out for free. Further, he gave me lavender soak and a sea salt mixture to facilitate the healing process.
The piercing had begun to sink into my nose a few days later, not to Todd’s fault. I had gone back in after work one evening after having a small panic attack (unbeknownst to myself that it is common for this to happen) and I saw Marina. She switched it out before I could exhale. She was amazing.
So, thank you Todd, Marina, and Sacred! Your service and knowledge is unprecedented and recognized.

Piercing Review:
Todd was fantastic. Very real, knowledgeable, and fun. He pierced my septum free-​hand and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Todd talked to me a bit about himself, his piercing career (he owns Industrial Tattoo & Piercing in Berkeley), and about every day shit. You don’t realize this, but someone talking and chatting really helps with the any nerves that you may have. I went with a 14K tiny septum hoop (priced at $ 90). The yoga breathing that Todd did with me helped with the puncture of the needle (this is where you take a breath in), and when the needle went through the flesh (this is where you breathe out). This was my least painful piercing and definitely most enjoyable one as well.
Important:
Call in advance. Their piercing professionals are not always in every day and they need to be in for you to even purchase jewelry. They usually come into the shop later in the week (Thursdays and on).

My 7 year old daughter woke up ready to have her ears pierced today. I’ve had years of dithering to think what I’ll do when this day artives, and ultimately decided to go the tattoo parlor route– all empirical evidence suggests that healing time is faster, it’s less painful than a gun, and the hygiene is strongly regulated.
I called up the highly recommended Industrial piercing parlor in Berkeley and they were willing, told me to come with my ID and my daughter’s birth certificate, to prove I was authorized to allow a body altering event. I was bummed, because we were already in Berkeley when I called, and I live near the lake in Oakland, wasn’t keen on making a return trip. Then I found out they had a shop in Oakland in the Sacred Tattoo parlor.
We retrieved said documentation, and my daughter was ready and very excited, but when the time came she was shaking and her teeth were chattering in spite of herself. (This is a girl who howls with fear when her teeth are cleaned).
The piercing guy, Josh, a handsome young man full of tattoos and piercings, is calm and kind. He helped her settle down and get ready. He poked the first hole before my little lady knew to flinch.
After the first pierce, which was sort of painful, little lady said, «I don’t want to do the second. I promise I will come back tomorrow and do the other. «
She shed a few tears, but Josh calmed her down, assuring her that her reaction was no less severe than some grown men. She agreed to the next piercing.
Next, in my fussing, I tried to convince the piercer that his dots were uneven. He rechecked, and confidently told me they were even. I backed off. The second ear was painless compliments of adrenaline.
Little lady was euphoric when it was all over.
He was right. They were perfectly even.
Do not force your kids to get their ears pierced, but if you let them choose, grab your documents and go here. This was a great experience, and we’ll never forget it.

Went in on a whim this afternoon to get a septum piercing. Something I’ve been wanting and just decided to do it. Walked by here after going to the nearby farmers market, knowing they had good reviews. I walked a little after they opened. Was greet by Nathan, the piercer. He was very friendly. The process was really easy and he made me feel super comfortable the whole time, walking through all steps. Pricing was great — $ 60 for piercing and jewelry. I would totally come back and see Nathan for future piercings (and for some Ink from other artists). Two thumbs up.

Karl did a tattoo on me and all i had to say was that he did a good made me feel comfortable had a good experience in the shop he was friendly and an amazing job at the end. I have a new place am going to go and have him tattoo the next ones. He has a easy hand didn’t have to worry if it was going to hurt. I recommend him

Karl did an awesome job tattooing my green cheeked conure on my back. He is one hell of a tattoo artist and a great guy. Everyone in the shop was friendly, yet professional. I would definitely go back again. As a matter of fact, I’m going back for another tattoo in 2 weeks! I highly recommend Karl and Sacred Tattoo in Oakland.

Refused to pierce my nose and kicked me out of the shop… Cause I was a wee bit intoxicated…

I was at the establishment yesterday to get a my nose pierced. Todd was a damn delight.
I tend to have super sensitive skin and severe allergies to metals so I was apprehensive at first. Todd totally quelled all of my fears. He takes it upon himself to make sure the materials he carries are top quality to minimize any issues/​problems/​negative reactions.
I was debating between a hoop and a stud and Todd actually slid a hoop onto my nostril to show me what it would look like. I loved it but ended up going with a stud first since he recommended that it will minimize any issues/​unnecessary scarring since studs take up less space and are less likely to get caught on things when compared to hoops.
He was super thorough in explaining what he was putting into my nose and how. He went through his entire process with me before actually executing. He was gentle and made me feel super comfortable throughout the experience and it was over before I knew it. All I felt was a slight pinch and that’s it! He was super knowledgeable about aftercare and provided great information on how to ensure the recovery process is as positive and problem free as possible.
The piercing process cost $ 25. The stud I got was implant grade titanium which cost $ 32 ($ 20 for the stud and $ 12 for the back). I also purchased soap that he recommended for aftercare (Dr. Bronner’s) for $ 3.
I am definitely coming back in a few months to change out my piercing for a hoop and to just go bug Todd for a bit. He is an absolute pleasure. If it isn’t clear already, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE AND TODD.

Came here for a piercing a few days ago (helix, on my ear) and was greeted by Todd. I’ve had 9 piercings (10 now) and none of the piercers I’ve been to were half as informed of their job as Todd. He cares a great deal about what he does and does a great job making sure you understand the gravitas of properly healing your own piercing as well.
Couldn’t be happier with the job he did, couldn’t be happier with the level of customer service provided. Will be coming back here for all future piercings.
Thanks Todd!
ps. it’s worth it to note that Todd hasn’t raised the price of a piercing in the 16 years he’s been a piercer. At $ 20 a pop, I haven’t found a better deal so far. Be warned though that the jewelry can be a bit pricey but it’s worth it not to have some piece of junk in your face/​wherever that your body will eventually end up rejecting. Shell out the extra cash and you won’t have to worry about having a nasty piercing later on.

Amazing experience at this shop. I got pierced by Todd, and he was amazingly friendly and helpful. He took the time to explain to me the aftercare and why you do the aftercare and seemed to genuinely care about the health of my piercings. Apart from being incredibly informative, he was also really skilled and my piercings look great and the whole experience was really easy.
The shop itself is a satellite of Industrial in Berkeley, so you know it’s quality. I’ve gotten all my other piercings at industrial, and I’m used to their quality, so this store was awesome. It has a similar vibe and the same skill level as Industrial, it’s just in downtown Oakland.
All in all, great experience and would recommend anyone to go there for a piercing.

I used to frequent Sacred Tattoo last year to get piercings done by Dee. I’ve gotten my inner conch, tongue, and belly (which I took out and let close up) pierced by this lovely lady and all three times were pleasant experiences. Dee was very courteous and reassuring, as well as thorough and straightforward with answering questions about aftercare and such!
Today, out of spontaneity, I decided to come back (at their new location, if I might add) and repierce my navel. Dee is no longer with Sacred Tattoo; rather, the piercing room, as I heard, is now rented to a piercer from Berkeley’s Industrial Tattoo. His name was Josh, and he was very friendly, and explained all the piercing care information so well that I didn’t even have any questions for him! In addition to piercing my navel swiftly, he gave me tons and tons of tips to take care of my nostril, tragus, and industrial piercings as well.
Def would recommend, and come back in case I’m in the mood for any other piercings!
P. S. Cash only, but there’s an ATM in the store (with that expensive surcharge, of course).

Love this place! Reasonable, clean and the artists are talented and friendly.

I came in to get a daith piercing, which penetrates the innermost fold of ear cartilage.
Not only did Todd stay late to make sure I got what I wanted, but he did his job with the upmost patience and ease. This was my fifth piercing and it was probably the most comprehensive I have had in terms of the amount of care, attention, and advice that Todd provided. He is clearly an expert in his field, and made the process so calm that I hardly noticed any pain at all when the needle went through — with my normal piercing anxieties assuaged, that part turned out to be a breeze :) it was also relatively affordable for a piercing, and at the end, Todd gave me a free bag of sea salt pre-​measured for saline soaks.
I will definitely be returning to get pierced by Todd again. I also recommend that you check out his other shop, Industrial Piercing in Berkeley!

I visited Todd’s piercing room @ Sacred Tattoo to get my ears repierced. He did a great job explaining the process (which has changed a lot since I had it done many years ago) — no gun (they can’t be sterilized properly, he said), no swabbing w/​alcohol afterward, no using traditional stud earrings for the first couple months, and lots of new follow-​up advice. It was fascinating!
Todd only had one of the shaft earrings I chose, so he called his other location in Berkeley and had somebody drive over a second earring — mighty impressive customer service.
Two weeks later, my ears look good — they never got red or sore.
I should add that I am an older, conservative-​looking woman and Todd is a younger, well-​pierced and inked guy operating out of a tattoo parlor. I’m used to being patronized and mildly insulted in such situations, but not this time. Todd was welcoming and professional. I’m actually looking forward to the 30-​day check-​up he recommended.
Thanks, Todd.

Nino did an amazing job on my Swan. Im in love with it. He took his time, it hurt like hell but well worth it at the end. She’s beautiful. Highly recommend the place. The place is clean and the workers are really nice.

Buzzing needles, heavy rock, and amazing customer service.
I’ve been to Sacred on multiple occasions and I have yet to be disappointed about any service I have received here
Last year in July I came in on a fluke, and ended up leaving with two very well done and completely healed tattoos.
5 stars for Karl, quick, friendly, and definitely willing to work with you to make sure you get exactly what you want.
Dee is the BEST piercer, hands down!
Second visit is what really sold me. I was in love with the smiley piercing and when I finally grew some and decided to go, I chose to go somewhere I knew I was comfortable at. Back in March, I met Dee. She is hands down the most bad ass piercer I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I came in, talked to her, and she was very knowledgeable and I instantly felt at ease. I got my smiley, quick, painless, and 3 weeks later I was back to change the jewelry.
Today, I came back to see Dee again. You can really feel how genuine she is about YOU as a customer. She’s always so caring and willing to answer any questions you may have, even if you think they’re stupid. She made me feel really confident about what I got pierced and I am very ecstatic about the outcome of it. Thanks honey, just know you’re super appreciated!
5 stars for these 2 artist.
5 stars for the shops cleanliness
5 stars for the customer service
I really appreciate you both and I’m glad I was able to be your clients!

Decided to get a random tattoo cover up on a sunday, sacred tattoo happened to be right around the corner from where I was eating so I decided to stop by. Their new location is right around the corner from
Their old shop so don’t go to the old one. Wanted to cover up 2 small old tattoos I had and they had someone come down in about 20 – 30 mins. Guy named Karl knocked out both my cover up in like 30 mins or less and I was happy with the way it came out ! Reasonable prices, great staffs, chill place to be

For as long as I’m living in the Bay area, I don’t think I’ll be going anywhere else for piercings. Dee is awesome and really good at what she does!
I came here for the first time a few months ago at my friend’s recommendation. She got her conch and I got my tragus pierced. We didn’t have to wait long and the whole process went smoothly. Dee was very clear and talked us through every step before doing anything. It really eased my nerves knowing what was going on. She was also very patient and great at answering all of our questions. I didn’t feel rushed at all and felt super comfortable the whole time. What I loved was that when I asked her about getting my cartilage re-​pierced, she advised against it because she said the scar tissue that had built up could get worse. I really appreciated her honesty since she could have just pierced it to make more money if she wanted to.
I came back today with another friend so that we could both get our navels pierced. There were a lot of people today so we had to wait a little longer, but it was worth it. The experience was top notch once again and I really don’t think I could have possibly asked for more. It also made me really happy when Dee recognized me even though I had only been there once before. Now THAT is some really good customer service! The prices for piercings here are really reasonable too. It’s definitely cheaper than any of the other places I know.
I don’t know what my next piercing will be or if I even want any more, but if or when I do, I’ll be back!