Stingray Body Art
1 Harvard Ave
(between Cambridge St & Farrington Ave)
Allston, MA 02134 (617) 254-0666
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- By Appointment Only: No
21 Reviews for Stingray Body Art
Awesome, they have a 10% discount for BU students! I can't wait to get some shitty tribal piece on my lower back!
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I went to Stingray to get my belly button pierced. I didn't have an appointment and when I went there on a Saturday early afternoon they were able to get me in in under 10 minutes. The place was very clean and it wasn't intimidating. I am pleased with my piercing, which ended up being a curved barbell with a dark purple gemstone in the bottom ball.
I have a few issues, though. The biggest being that my piercer (sorry, I can't remember her name) "double-poked" me so I have this little red puncture a half an inch above my piercing. It doesn't hurt and it'll heal quickly but, still, it was a little off-putting. Also, and this is more my fault than theirs but still annoying, by the time I got there and my mind was a little preoccupied with the thought of a needle being shoved through my tummy, I had forgotten they charged more for barbells than hoops. I had been planning on getting a hoop but wanted something a bit more exciting and decided on the barbell, but she didn't remind me then that it costs $10 more, so when I went up to pay I was confused and a little upset when I realized I was paying $15 more than expecting (I shouldn't have given her as big a tip though due to the double poke, yarg!). And there was something that was a little off-putting about the staff. They seem to know what they're doing and they're nice enough, I guess, but they weren't very friendly and had a bit of a hipper-than-thou attitude that's just annoying.
However, if I ever decide to get another piercing (which is unlikely, I'm pretty sure I'm done!) I'll probably come back to Stingray, they seem to be the best place to go around here for that.
After all the good reviews about this place, I went in to get another piercing (I've been pierced 7 times, not counting lobes). I couldn't remember the name of the piercer everyone loved (Abby), but I was pretty sure the girl that was available (Kristina K.) wasn't her. I admit that I was rather put off by how very young she looked, thinking she couldn't possibly have a lot of experience, and that this was bad.
However, it was a perfect piercing experience.
Kristina was very calming and patient, was happy to explain what she was doing and why, and had a great bedside manner...no matter how many times I've had needle put through me, I get nervous, and she was good at going at my pace, making sure everything was where I wanted, and all of that.
And happily, she had a light touch--I barely felt it. My last cartilage piercing was really painful and difficult, and I was expecting that. It's a couple days later, and I've still had no pain or issues. Also very hygienic--she changed gloves after touching something else, which inspires confidence about the place. The prices were reasonable, and they had a good selection of jewelry.
I will be going back for further business, definitely.
This place is the best piercing place in Boston. I bring friends from out of town here to get work done.
I give 4 stars because some of the people are not very personable, but hey, you can't win 'em all, right?
I got my 4th tattoo here a week before I turned 21.
I had gotten my other 3 done by the same person up in NH (see my review for Dragons Lair) and was excited/nervous to be going to someone new! I showed up without an appointment and was seen right away. There were a couple of artists there. I had an idea of what and where wanted but nothing solid. After listening to me one of them said he would do it. He ( I can't remember his name at the moment... nice , huh?) took my idea and came up with a drawing that I loved. Less than an hour later I had my very own TRAMP STAMP!
It is very nicely done and so far has held up well.
My favorite part though was when he let me call Ami *swoon* whom he apprenticed for while I was getting tattooed.
I returned a year later on my 22nd birthday to get my nose pierced.
My piercer was Nikki and she was awesome.
I wanted 2 studs she told me that with 2 piercing right next to each other she would have to do hoops so that they would not get caught in each other. Although I was less than thrilled about having 2 GIANT hoops in my nose for a couple months I went through with it. Nikki was quick and the piercing was painless. And the hoops weren't as bad as I thought they would be.
The best part about Nikki was I had a little trouble with them about a month later and emailed her. She responded quickly and gave me the best advice ever.
I would definitely go back to Sting Ray to get pierced but probably not for a tattoo. I've found another artist that I prefer (see my review for Redemption Tattoo).
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I got my lip pierced (left side, lower with a ring) in July and totally love it. I barely even felt the piercing and the position is exactly where I wanted it. I didn't make an appointment though I assume you'd need one for a tattoo. I'd definitely go here for my next work.
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Got a tattoo here last year. When I walked in, I was immediately sized up, and asked "first one, huh?".. and it wasn't. I didn't love that.. but afterwards, they were very nice and accomodating, esp since I was a walk-in with no appointment. The guy who did my tattoo seemed cool and normal... but also said he had ADD, and was going to watch a movie while he tattooed me. Now, not wanting to piss off the guy with the perma-ink needle... I agreed, but honestly, how scary is that??
I would go back there, and did to get my nose pierced, but ... I would definitely go to a different artist for ink.
Got a tattoo here in July. I had gotten 2 other tattoos at place in NY and I was a little scared to go somewhere that wasn't my "usual" place. I went in with an idea- I wanted to get a Claddagh in memory of my Nana who had passed away 4 days earlier. I didn't have an appointment or anything- just walked in early in the afternoon. I explained what I was thinking to the artist, we looked around on the Internet and we came up with a design. He got the area ready and we started. I had worked an overnight shift the night before and went there without eating anything (stupid on my part), and when I asked him for a glass of water because I was feeling a little light headed- he told me to sit there and he ran over and got me a soda to boost my blood sugar. He let me take as long as I wanted before we started again. Very pleasant experience and I'm very happy with the result.
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I don't think I'll be going back here again. I went there on a whim because I wanted to get permanent, seamless rings in my lips in March. I really liked Abbie, but when one of the pliers knocked my tooth as it flew out of her hand, we both got a little freaked out.
I happened to be at Hot Topic the day before out in Braintree and was sold 0g glass tapers instead of 00g, and instead of making the trip aaaallllll the way out there again, I decided to bike my ass from Mission Hill to Stingray, for sure they'd have something for me - even simple acrylic talons/horseshoe/spiral/spike tapers of any kind or color.
Nothing.
Not only did they not have tapers, but they had a minimal selection of really low-grade looking acrylic plugs, and they were sitting out in the tray in the glass display case. Granted, you should clean your jewelry once you bring it home before putting them in, but this just seemed kind of unsanitary.
When I asked, "So do you know where I can get tapers in the city?" the salesgirl (though really nice) didn't know. Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and I basically walk out of there realizing that I have to drive to Braintree if I want to find selection (and not wait for online ordering), regardless of whether or not it's a chain store. Sucks.
Sorry guys, no third chances. Will have to try someone else.
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I got my nose pierced here about a year ago. I didn't make an appointment, just walked in. I was a little nervous because my previous piercing sessions had not gone so well, but Abby was very nice and made the process painless...which by the way I am total pussy and hate pain.
This past weekend my friend got some part of her ear pierced (sorry I don't know the names for anything except the lobe) and she's a bigger pussy than I am and she didn't even wince when Abby pierced her. So bottom line...if you want to get needles jabbed through you go to Abby Z. cause she's pretty much the coolest chick ever! (and she loooove's doing hoods...j/k)
As far as the tattooing goes...Stingray is also the place to go! I got my first tattoo about a month ago from here. The lady I showed my idea to was really nice and friendly and I feel like an ass cause I can't remember her name. She set me up with an appointment with Nate. I was super nervous before getting my tattoo (cause I'm a wimp) but Nate was super nice and he did a great job, so much so that I went back this past weekend and got another tattoo from him. I came in with a couple of ideas and he worked with what I gave him and came up with a great piece. It was a little bit bigger than I was thinking (and he did tell me I could go smaller but I would lose detail) but I am very happy with it.
Everyone here is wicked cool, laid back and friendly which makes getting needles jabbed in you a pleasant experience. The store part of the shop is pretty sweet too, they have some fun clothes and accessories. So ummm yeah basically I HEART STINGRAY!
I decided to get the conch piercing a little while ago and I came on yelp to look at the local piercing places around Boston. After reading the reviews for Stingray I felt pretty confident in choosing this place. They had good prices and it was very close to where I would be staying that week end.
I must say that Stingray it looks exactly how it does on the website. Its very clean and the set up has a welcoming feel once you walk in. I was greeted by Abbie and she was the one that did my piercing. I filled out some papers and went into the piercing room which was a lot smaller than any other I have been to. She had me read the care instructions and then quickly got to work.
The entire process from walking in to walking out took around 15 or 20 minutes and they were really thorough. The piercer, Abbie, was very friendly and I could easily have a conversation with her. If anyone asks me, I would definitely recommend getting pierced at Stingray and I plan to go back for my next piercing.
I chose stingray because of their great prices on their piercings. The price of their industrial did go up from $55 to $65 recently, but they still have the 10% student discount. I was received very well by the staff and got my paperwork in; the seating area was very casual there were cushioned seats, computer lab, clothing shop, jewelry shop if you wanted to do some browsing to take whatever anxiety you might have off your mind.
The worst fear that I had was that the shop would be very impatient and hard to work with. I was pierced by Abby Z. and we both talked through the possibilities of how the piercing would lay, and with a very pleasant constructive dialogue of shaping my ideal piercing against her piercing expertise, I came out with the most unique industrial that was completely different from what I expected. Abby was willing to work with any idea I had and I didn't feel like I was rushed into one idea or another. I highly recommend her and the shop.
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I got my first tattoo here with Mike Hels. He's not a friendly guy, and wasn't really into my design--and it wasn't a generic, obnoxious tattoo, either. But despite being kind of a tool the guy has a very steady, quick hand and did a beautiful job with the linework. I tipped him very well.
But what I appreciate about this place the most is I brought my nine year old brother with me, and he was able to hang out with some other kids and play games. They even gave him a two dollar bill which totally made his day. :)
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I haven't gotten any tattoos here but Abbie is hands down my favorite piercer on the face of the Earth. She's very competent, friendly, and thorough. She can easily make you relax while putting a hole in your face (or elsewhere). All the staff members are great.
You can get a 10% discount if you have a student ID card.
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I have been poked by a needle 11 times before I came to Stingray (not counting vaccines). I got my nipples done here. Poke number 12 and 13, jewelry number 8 and 9.
Why this is a good shop, they have multiple sizes and gauges right in the room where you are getting pierced so Abbie Z can hold up the jewelry (still in the bag) to your body to make sure it fits properly.
The fact that Abbie is nice, supportive, talkative, and knowledgeable are all bonuses. But no matter how nice the piercer is, if they don't have tools, you will walk out looking like shit (see my review of Chameleon). Abbie is great and she has the right jewelry to back her up!! Search for her on bmezine.com for pictures.
This place is awesome. I got my eyebrow done here last weekend, my first piercing since my tongue years and years ago. My brother went at the same time and got a helix piercing (upper ear cartilage) and two female friends got their noses pierced. One of the girls was just along for moral support for the other nervous girl, but she decided to go for it after observing the process.
The place was clean and professional. The piercings were done by Abbie Z, who was knowledgeable and friendly, and the rest of the staff was helpful and social. So yeah, the piercing process itself went off without a hitch and I have absolutely no complaints.
I really like this place for 2 reasons.
First, they're not Chameleon, which while I'm sure is very capable has little in the way of personality. (I've never gotten anything done in Chameleon, but I've been there with friends who have) Chameleon makes me think of an assembly line or of a doctor's office. In place of Chameleon's weird waiting room and 'take a number' feel Stingray has a lounge-like area with cushions and seats. They have CD players with headphones and sample CDs from local bands. I love that they promote and sell local music, and I think the placement here is genius. You're already waiting, maybe nervously, and they make you comfortable and give you something to do. They have computers with internet access you can use while you wait, either for last-minute inspiration or just to kill time. So they're relaxed and I feel like they have a lot of character.
Second, you're getting good prices (at least for the piercing, I can't comment on the tattoos) and not losing quality or cleanliness or anything like that. They also have a 10% student discount which I forgot to get at the time (but don't feel to bad about because the extra money goes to a good business).
So Stingray gets my unhesitating support, and I'd go back again in a heartbeat.
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Very helpful when I needed my navel ring replaced. Wish the choice of jewelry focused less on bellybutton bling rings and more on sleek metals. Decent prices for jewelry.
Seemed clean for what I was there for, they used appropriate sterilization options before putting it in.
UPDATE:
Navel ring recently purchased here came apart. I opted to get a replacement somewhere that carries higher quality jewelry.
I got my second tattoo here last night ( I got my first one elsewhere) and had a great experience. At first I was pretty disappointed because we got started almost an 1.5 late because the tattoo before mine took much longer than expected. But, the receptionist was really friendly and funny and helped me to relax while I waited. The waiting room was a little crowded with merchandise, but it felt pretty welcoming.
Once Brenda finally started the tattoo, she was really down-to-earth, kind, and engaging. She empathized with the pain I was in which was nice and really took her time, which I appreciated. She also had given me a price quote the day before and ended up charging me $30 less, which was awesome.
The only drawback about the place, I'd say, was the location. There's a bar right next door that often hosts local hardcore music at night. I could feel it vibrating through the floor as I was getting my tattoo done, which was a little disconcerting. But, if you like that kind of music or you get your work done earlier in the day, it won't even bother you. Overall, I am really satisfied so far.
Maybe it's not fair for me to review Stingray since I've never gotten any work there myself. I'm glad that Eli had a good experience though b/c I know way too many who have not been so lucky--botched tattoos, lost deposits, lots of cancelled appointments, artists keeping people's skecthes after the person cancelled their tattoo, etc... I also feel like when I talk to people who do know their stuff, Stingray usually elicits a roll of the eyes. Me personally, I'll avoid them like the plague--and based on my friends' experiences, I'm probably right to do so...
UPDATE: to clarify, I did come in with a friend who wanted a big tattoo done on her thigh. She pretty much got the run around--we left, she tried to make appointments but they were always cancelled last minute. In the end, she never got her artwork back, and luckily, didn't put down a deposit.
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I went to Stingray for my first tattoo and a new piercing. I thought the staff was extremely helpful and they worked with me for over two hours trying to get the perfect script for my piece. My tattoo came out great (Mike was my artist), and while it was a relatively simply design he put a lot of work and care into it.
My piercing experience was also great, and while my other piercing of the same type was completely botched at Body Extremes in Quincy, Stingray did a perfect job. Their facility is clean and well managed.
I recommend Stingray, though as my tattoo is quite simple I cannot offer an opinion for more complicated pieces.
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This is where I got my first tattoo! I highly recommend both artists Andy and Mike. Andy is an old friend of mine and specializes in sailor style and traditional Japanese and his detail is AMAZING. Stingray is especially cool because they carry a wide selection of fashion by local DIY designers and they have books on body art. Overall it's a really unique place that adds alot to Allston.
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