- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
148 reviews for Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing
Me & my gyrls took a random spontaeneous trip to Berkeley...said to each other "Ok we should just go get tatted today!!"
So with that said, we got up got dressed & headed out to Telegraph Ave. To our surprise there was no long wait for a Saturday night. Walked in and we were greeted by every employee there, walked straight to the back to talk about our tat's. Bob helped us with our designs which we already had in mind. He told us that James only had one other person ahead of us & that he was sure that we would be able to get it done that day.
Shortly after that James walked in & come to find out he had done the exact tat, LoL!! So of course it was no problem for him to do it.
We only had to wait about an hour which wasn't really that long. So we decided to take a walk & kill time....came back & I was the first to get my tat, was really scared but James said it would only hurt a little bit!! I laid down and sure enough he started and finished it within 5 mins!! I almost took a nap!!
http://tweetphoto.com/...
James was so nice, & well he did a great job with all our tats.....pics to come soon!! If you are in the area and gettin a tat or piercing i suggest seeing James for your tat.....it will be well worth the wait!!
I know me & my gyrls will be back there again!!
Stupidly expensive. Like really, $88 for an ear piercing? Granted, I picked the jewelry, but really??? OVERPRICED. Simple ear piercing. I should have just gone to Claire's Accessories.
The employees were nice, but not really concerned with my satisfaction. NO refunds so when the clerk assured my bf that these extraordinarily thick earrings could fit into his ears, we bought into it. When he realized it DIDN'T fit, the employee just said to lubricate the ears and try it after a shower.....aka "too bad, figure it out yourself"
After 24 hours, our conclusion: they still don't fit. Waste of about $30.
No room to sit. They called your number when they were ready, pierced you, then sent you on your way. Very impersonal. Seriously, we aren't cows in a line waiting to get branded.
Didn't get any tattoos there, but I have a sufficient portion of my body inked from another place. I looked through one of their books and it was filled with plain drawings. I like to look at actual pictures of actual work done in that shop, and I was surprised to see they didn't have any. I didn't see the process of anyone getting a tattoo when I was there, but I wouldn't doubt it being something similar to their piercing process. Impersonal. Rushed.
Definitely won' t be coming back.
I only went there because my sister got her tongue pierced here years ago. Back then, the reviews on yelp were apparently really good. Things must have changed.
Comment from Moe D. of
Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing
10/11/2009
Hi Veronica, I would like to point out a few things to you…
More »
This review is for jewellery purchase only.
I wanted to replace some of my piercing jewellery but was bored by the selection at shops back home, and with the surplus of tattoo/piercing shops on Telegraph Avenue I decided to waltz (quite literally, yes, I was waltzing) into one of them and have a look at the selection.
I was blown away by the options at Zebra - when I told the clerk that I wanted a circular barbell, he pulled SIX different display trays from behind the glass and onto the counter for me to peruse. Gold, hematite, white gold, and about half a dozen other materials, different gauges and different sized balls on each of them. I was overwhelmed.
Buying jewellery here was a no nonsense operation and no smiling or joking was permitted - I paid and left. To be fair, the store was absolutely slammed with UC Berkeley frosh students wandering in and out in varying states of intoxication - surely the staff's patience was wearing thin with all sorts of underagers requesting finger mustache tattoos and the like. I think I would have lost my mind dealing with so many students at once! Oh, and I also got to see boobs.
This place is alright. Not exceptional. Just acceptable. Pretty pricey. The manager is friendly, helpful and welcoming. He offers customers sodas while they wait to get pierced or tatted. However the younger sales girls are rude and cold! I had my industrial done here and the guy who did it made me feel comfortable. He was chill and took care of me. It was however a little overpriced though. However, I'm sure I can find another cheaper spot that is just about the same.
I went to Zebra for both piercing and tattoo work, not only did they not keep appointments, their piercing guy had grime under his nails. They were so much more interested in perpetuating a cool person image that when they screwed up with keeping my appointment, they wanted to keep my deposit. When I said thanks please refund my money they tried to persuade me to just change around my busy schedule to go physically down to the shop to pick up my refund which they still don't want to give me. Perhaps my business was not important to keep.
Racist, not at all. So I apologize that my review came out like that. However, Im just upset that the two experiences I had there did not satisfy my needs. I gave Zebras another chance and it was even worst from the first experience. Not only was there NO privacy getting my piercing since there was another guy getting something done as well, but when I came in after having a bruise for 3 weeks in the area they gave me my piercing at, they asked if I had health insurance and to go to the doctor cause they had no idea what it could have been.I assumed a place like this that has been in business for awhile would have some sort of clue. I went to the doctor and I was told I was alright, but it was very inconvenient and I was upset that they themselves did not even know. This place is whack and too expensive. By the the way, the customer is always right.
Comment from Moe D. of
Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing
11/13/2009
I feel that your review is based on racism and advertising…
More »
It was my mistake for coming here to get a tattoo on a Saturday afternoon on Telegraph where it was extremely crowded, no room to sit, long wait even though we scheduled an appointment.
The artist that worked on me was a guest artist that was 19 years old from a tattoo shop in San Jose. Bad idea. I was getting tatted at the same time with my friend and I can't believe they were doing it in the same room. No privacy and it felt uncomfortable with too many people in the room. The artist seemed like he was rushing and not very intricate on the details, he just wanted to get it done and be on to the next person. No conversation at all. I have other tattoos, but for some reason this one felt like it hurt more than it should have. I know artists aren't exactly supposed to be gentle, but this guy was rough.
I did everything I was supposed to do as far as caring for it afterwards. But still, my tattoo became slightly infected and kept peeling. It looks 15 years old right now, but I've had it for about 4. Planning to get a cover-up soon. It's a crown on the inside of my wrist that looks like the Crown Royal logo, but trust me the picture I brought in looked nothing like it.
----------------------
Adding another star because the owner seems nice. I've had the tattoo for about 3 years, my bad. But I am 100% positive I got my tattoo here by a 19 year old guest artist from San Jose.. I don't remember his name but I know he had a U.S. Bombs Tattoo on his arm or hand.
Comment from Moe D. of
Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing
9/1/2009
Dear customer, With all do respect, why are you doing a…
More »
Tons of body jewelry to look from and prices are ok. Customer service isnt on point but it isnt that bad either. Sometimes you need to get someones attention since they can get really busy during the weekends. The store is a little small so it can get crowded when your trying to look at jewelry on the bottom of the glass display case.
Came back to get my conch pierced on August 31. I was pierced by Chris, who is one of the nicest piercers there. Him and little Tim are my favorite piercers because they make you feel more comfortable with the entire process. I expected it to hurt a lot but it wasn't as bad as I thought. If you go, make sure to go either when Chris or Little Tim are working; they're the sweetest! They're basically the only reason why I kept coming back to Zebra's; otherwise I probably would have gone somewhere else for the latest additions to my ear.
The only thing is they pierce with a 12g for the conch, which is thicker than my bellybutton (14-16g) and they told me that was the standard size, but based on my personal research and answers from friends who've had their conch pierced, it's actually 14-16g. I'm going to wait just until my conch isn't sore and switch it to a thinner bar so it can kind of close a little and hopefully make the hole smaller. I was definitely not pleased with the misinformation; I thought that was the only size I could get pierced with so I did it, but I could be in less pain and have a thinner bar if I had gone somewhere else.
I also think they need to work on their customer service a bit (with the exception of little Tim + Chris). Being warmer and friendlier never hurts (especially if you're about to put a hole in someone's ear) and that's what most people, including myself, wish was better about Zebra's. I also wish the piercers explained the process better; it puts the piercee much more at ease. As far as actual piercings go, though, my conch looks awesome from the front and the rook little Tim pierced for me looks amazing too. My bellybutton's swelling has gone down, but not enough to put in a standard-length barbell. Hm. Tim did offer to repierce it free of charge if it wasn't okay in a month though, even though he wasn't my original piercer.
I have two more piercings that I want to get and will probably not be returning here. It's been a good run with you, Zebra's. If I hear service improves, I might be back :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/6/2009
My go-to spot for piercings. THOUGH, the experience DOES depend on which piercer you get.
For my… Read more »
Comment from Moe D. of
Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing
8/9/2009
Chrystal, Thank you so much for your great review. We…
More »
Upgrade to five stars, most def!
Went in for a variety of questions--even after my last "just ok" experience, I wanted to give Zebra another chance, especially since I thought that it was possible it was just an individual human error that gave me a meh impression last time. So, a friend and I hopped over to Zebra on a whim, with several questions regarding piercings, as well as seeking an estimate/information on a tattoo.
We were greeted immediately as we walked in, and the gorgeous girl (with fabulous eyeshadow--I didn't think anyone could pull off those kind of dramatics without being in a photoshoot or something, and this girl rocked it) who helped us was friendly, informative, and super sweet.
While contemplating the information she gave us, we went over to the Tattoo Counter and asked a few questions. James not only answered all of my questions, but he also gave me an estimate, told me who I should ask for when I plan to get the tatttoo done, and alsoprinted something out on the computer to show me a few options as to text, etc. He was incredibly amiable, and I will definitely be making an appointment with him in the future.
We stepped outside for a moment, then came back in and discussed industrial piercings with Chris, who then set me up to get one done. We waited very shortly, got through the process extremely quickly, and then back we went to get my industrial.
Now, a little backstory: despite having several piercings, I am still terribly phobic of needles. I usually tell every piercer this to warn them, and because of that it hasn't been an issue. Even so, while getting a piercing can be fun, it also is usually a really stressful experience, since I spend a good chunk of the time battling my phobia.
We walk into the back when our number was called (my friend went with me to hold my hand....AWWWWW!), and we were greeted by Timothy (hellooooo handsome!). I blathered on nervously, but he was all business. He walked me through what he was doing, step by step, and got it done in record time. I cannot even express HOW impressed I am--his calm, professional demeanor, combined with the abundantly evident knowledge & skill he had enabled me to be equally calm & collected, as well as allowing the process to be done expediently. ASK FOR TIMOTHY. He did an incredible job.
(Also, to Timothy: sorry I had to return with cash! I had to stop by the bank before I tipped, which makes me a jerk. :( BUT I DID COME BACK!)
I will definitely be returning to James for a future tattoo, and any piercings will be done at this place, no question, not to mention all of the recommendations I'm going to be giving. Zebra is a go! DO IT! They're informative, gregarious, good looking, and on top of their game. Could you even ask for more?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
6/25/2009
The sexual tension in this place was off the charts, and I was NOT the only person who thought so.… Read more »
Comment from Moe D. of
Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing
7/27/2009
Lizze, Thank you so much for coming back. We appreciate…
More »
I am surprised that Zebra is rolling only 3 stars. My husband, my girls 5 & 10 have all been pierced here. We have received EXCELLENT service every time. Yes some of the staff can be a little pretentious but they deal with hundreds of people everyday and it can be hard. The place is small, and yes you have to wait, but with technology now, there is no reason you can't call to make an appointment. Sometimes you have to wait for good service, if you don't like it go to the places in the mall that over-charge you and leave you infected!
I took my 5 yr. old here and she had her ears done by Tim and Little Tim, they were so good with her I took my 10 yr. old in yesterday. Same great service and professionalism. Mo is great! He is always checking on customers and very considerate.
I will always recommend Zebra!
Comment from Moe D. of
Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing
10/18/2009
Hi Beebs, Thank you so much for your business & trust. We…
More »
I am writing this review partly on behalf of my sister, who does not have a Yelp account. I have personally never gotten anything done at Zebra, and I refuse to give them one penny. I have been in the store quite a few times and have always received a pretentious vibe from the employees there. My sister has quite a few piercings, almost all of them done at Zebra except for her earlobes, which were done at Claire's (not a good idea to go to a place in the mall that uses a piercing gun. Go read up on the cons of piercing guns if you need more info). Although some of her piercings have turned out just fine, her nape piercing recently got infected and she had it taken out at Body Manipulation in San Francisco (who were nice enough not to charge her) and although the swelling has gone down, it turns out that it has not healed correctly.
Today I went in to get my tattoo touched up at Industrial Tattoo and while we were waiting the owner at Industrial came over to talk to my sister and I and she asked him about her nape piercing and told him what had happened. We learned a few different things. One was that the piercing was not pierced correctly and the type of bar used was inappropriate. Another thing was that Zebra had told my sister to use emu oil on her piercing and the owner at Industrial told us you are never supposed to put any type of oil on piercings because it attracts germs. We also learned that my sister has scar tissue that needs to be massaged at least 10 minutes a day in order to fully break down and heal. Once healed, she is going to get it re-pierced at Industrial.
Aside from the piercers being apparently ignorant about their practice, they have never seemed to be particularly personable with my sister when I have seen her get pierced.
After today, it looks like my sister won't be back ever again.
I've been coming to Zebra for a while to get various piercing and when I decided it was time for my first tattoo I had to get it here. I know this place isn't the very best for piercing or tattoos but I love the warm, welcoming vibe.
I scheduled my appointment about 24 hours in advance and went in for my 1:00 appointment on time. When I got there I was told that the artist did not know I was coming and wasn't ready. They asked me to come back in an hour and since I had time to kill and was stoked on my tattoo I didn't really have a problem with this.
When I came back, I was greeted by James who was going to be my artist. He was incredibly apologetic and took $20 off of the $80 price of my tattoo.
As this was my first tattoo and I got it on a sensitive spot (inner wrist) I was freaking out but he was patient and understanding, advising me in a calm and reassuring but forceful way to take a deep breath and to relax. He also put up with my friends who were giddy and taking millions of pictures.
The design I got was a simple paper crane with no shading or color. I'm so pleased with it and still love it but also recognize that his work wasn't flawless. The line darkness is inconsistent and some of the lines do not connect. None the less, I love this tattoo and the errors are not so noticeable that it creates a problem. Also, he was so nice and told me to come back any time for a touch up, which I may have to take him up on.
All in all, I had a fantastic experience with few mishaps. I do know what everyone is talking about when they complain about all the teenagers who come to the shop for their piercing, etc. so if you're looking for a hard core shop this isn't the place for you. It was just perfect for my first ink job but I don't think I would come here for a much more elaborate piece.
I got my nose pierced here, and a lot of friends have had various body piercings here. I've never had a bad experience, but it's definitely hit or miss in terms of expertise and personality.
Bottom line: A little expensive and mall-y for a piercing/tattoo "studio."
I've been pierced here a few times and have nothing bad to say about this place. I've gotten two cartilage rings done and my industrial [the second time I had it pierced]. The industrial I remember being a very painful procedure the first time, but they did a quick and almost painless job.
They get you in and out, but they are friendly and will answer any questions you ask. And they provide everything you could ever need for a piercing, which is nice. :) It's tiny and often crowded, but the good service makes up for it.
Comment from Moe D. of
Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing
8/14/2009
Hi Stephani, We appreciate your feedback. We hope to see…
More »
I won't go back again. My friend recommended the place and her piercing was fine. However, I kept my piercing for over a year and it never healed. I did exactly what they told me. When I went to get another piercing at another place, they told me that the jewelry I bought from Zebra was not appropriate and was too heavy.
I'm sure this place does good work for some, but overall, I think you need to know who to talk to.
I don't know much about plumbing so I rely mostly on the plumbers opinion as do I on the expertise of my piercer.
I GOT AN YELP ACCOUNT JUST TO WRiTE A REViEW ABOUT THiS PLACE.
i GOT MY VERY FiRST ATTTOO DONE HER BY LES.
iT WAS A GOOD EXPERiENCE.
THEN i CAME BACK THE VERY NEXT YEAR TO GET AN iNDUSTRiAL EAR PiERCiNG.
W0RST EXPERiENCE EVER.
THE PiERCER DiDNT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE ME, SHE JUST CAME AND DiD HER THiNG.
WHATEVER.
i TH0UGHT iT L00KED PRETTY GOOD.
i PAiD $60 WHiCH i SH0ULDN'T HAVE D0NE.
THE EARiNG WAS SPARKLiNG G0LD iN THE CASE.
BUT AB0UT 3 WEEKS LATER iT C0MPLETLY TARNiSHED!
TO MAKE THiNGS WORSE i GOT MY EAR PiERCED iN NOVEMBER.
BY JANUARY iT FELL OUT.
i W)NT GO HERE AGAiN.
I stand by my review!
In response to owners Message:
Hi Moe,
My apologies if you feel that way. I am actually a fairly new resident in California and don't have any ties to ANY tattoo or piercing parlors on the west coast. While your staff was mostly nice, the woman who "fixed" my nose ring literally ripped it out of my nose TWICE - even after I told her that it was a fairly new piercing. It was because of my experience at Zebra that I had to go search for more and more piercing parlors in the bay area to undo the damage (damage that i am STILL in the process of nursing months later). Trust me when I say it would be nice to go to a business that is closer to my residence rather than travel through SF trying to find a new place.
With that said, no offense to you, but I wrote a review that was strictly based on MY experience at YOUR business. I wont write a 5-star review just to appease you when my experience at your business was awful - and I have two witnesses that were with me on that day. If your business is the BEST as you claim, then my one negative review wouldn't damage Zebra's credibility. In fact, your accusation of my "unethical" behavior goes to show what kind of business owner you are, instead of asking for more information about my experience you'd rather project the negative experience on the customer - an unethical approach for certain.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
7/25/2009
AWFUL! And can I add: BRUTALIZING!
I went to get my nose ring tightened. I had gotten it pierced in… Read more »
Comment from Moe D. of
Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing
8/17/2009
Dear YF, We've been piercing over 20 years and have been…
More »
I think NOT is right!
This place can totally be a hit or miss depending on what you want. But no matter what you want, First you will have to fight your way through the 13 year old girls gawking at the tattooed boys and and asking "does it hurt????".
well "yes it does! now get out of my way!"
let me tell you, DO NOT EVER, EVER come here during the summer, spring break, or on the weekends. because this little hall way of a place get packed and the quality of service suffers GREATLY from it. To get a replacement stud for my tragus piercing practically took an hour!!! for that little thing! UGH!
Come here on a Monday, when the doors first open. At least then you know it wont be packed with tweens and you will receive some what ok service at the least.
My roommate in college got her clit pierced at zebra and she said it didn't hurt at all. If she could trust Zebra with piercing her most treasured body part this place has to be great.
I haven't gotten anything pierced there but I did buy my first butterfly knife at Zebra. It was christmas break from my freshman year at UCSB. Most of the girls in my dorms had a plethora of "self defense" weapons, pepper spray, rape whistles and various types of knives. I remember one girl had a pair of brass knuckles, seriously, she was no joke. So, I have to thank Zebra for keeping me protected in college.
Go Zebra!
I have always had wonderful experiences at Zebra. My mom and older sister both went there for piercings and tattoos and have nothing, but good things to say.
Today I went there to get my belly button pierced and was greeted my numerous employees. Immediately after entering someone was there to help me. An extremely handsome and polite man named Stephen helped me choose, gave me step by step instructions, and numbed me. After only ten minutes of waiting, a guy introduced himself [I think his name was Jim] and explained what he was going to do. My navel piercing took less than a minute and was painless. People who went to other piercing places told me that it was the worst pain they ever felt even after getting numbed, but my piercing was nothing like that. I plan on coming back and getting more piercings and/or tattoos from them in the future. Hopefully when I come back I'll get to see Stephen, who is truly mesmerizing ;) p.s. I only paid like $54 and it was completely worth it because my belly button looks awesome and was done by very professional people. Thanks Zebra for the wonderful service :D
Comment from Moe D. of
Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing
9/7/2009
Hi Ashley, We appreciate your business & trust. Thanks for…
More »
First time I came here I got my lip done by Chris. He was super nice and took the time to listen to my needs. I wanted the piercing to be as close to the lip as possible and in the future I wanted snake bites so I needed the piercing to be right at the corner of my bottom lip. He was very gentle and everything was fine after that.
The second time I came here I got an industrial by Tim. He was unwelcoming and pierced me without warning. Well at least it was over... not. I developed a keloid due to the jewelry being too small for my swelled ear. You should always get a bigger industrial because when you get pierced your ear swells and you need jewelry to allow some room for your ear. I tried to get rid of it and tried everything, but to no avail I had to take it out. I still have a tiny bump on my ear but at least it's not a pea-size bump.
The third time I came here I got my septum pierced by Kerry. She did my friends piercings all the time and she was friendly so I gave her a chance. She pierced the needle through the septum. Discomfort rating- 7/10 as expected. Now she needed to push the jewelry through the hole and at the same time slide the needle out. Discomfort rating- 8/10. She was fiddling inside my nose so much I was wondering what the heck she was doing- picking for gold as well? She removed the needle and sighed, "I can't find the hole." My option was either to get a refund or try for round two. And of course stupid me, I let her pierce my septum for a second time. Discomfort rating- 10/10. Don't get pierced twice.
The last and final time I came here I wanted my nose pierced. Stupid me, right? Didn't I learn my lesson? There were what it seemed like thousands of people inside the store that I had to push and shove my way to the nose piercing counter where the clerk was standing around looking bored to death. I told her I wanted my nose pierced and she told me to go the opposite counter to get service (where it was crowded and probably couldn't get help even if I screamed). Uh, I'm at the nose counter, shouldn't you help me?
Frustrated, I walked a blocked down to Industrial Tattoo where they were friendly, knowledgeable, and NOT FUCK UPS.
Don't have much to say about the shop per se, but their piercer is exceptionally good.
I hate pain. I mean, I loathe it, fear it, and avoid it like the plague. I was a little nervous about getting my ears re-pierced since it hurt like a bitch the first time, but it was ridiculously easy at Zebra. The lady who did the piercing answered my stupid series of "will it hurt" questions, was very gentle, and in less than five minutes (for the actual piercing, not including waiting in line, which was negligible as well) I walked out the door bejeweled.
Don't know anything about the tattoo artist, but I heard a lot of buzzing of the needle and no gnashing of teeth. Good sign.
I have only been here once.
It was 7 years ago.
I had the most awesome tattoo on my foot, and it still looks great today!
I wish I remembered the name of the gu ywho did it, cuz I know one of these days i'm gonna be due for a touch up....
anyway, I hold a special spot in my heart for getting my first tattoo here...it's a good place to get started!
I have to give the tattoo artists at Zebra two thumbs up.
Reed is a talented artist with a flair for humor that will put you at ease. Years after I got my first piece by him it still looks crisp and clean and the colors still look great!
James calm demeanor accomplishes what Reeds humor does. He put's you at ease with a calm calculating zen like approach to the job at hand. He's like the Buddha of tattooists.
The only reason I wouldn't give this great shop all 5 stars is the fact that it is a bit crowded in there with all the young students etc. But hey... it's good for business right?
I used to get pierced here all the time! and i mean ALL THE TIME back in 2003 and 2004 but man have times changed! on our way in one of the employees almost knocked us over walking out because she was on a phone call and then no one was helping us! i had few questions about finding new guages for my ears and nothing seemed to look like what i wanted with a group of people talking to the other counter girl about her piercings...really if they arent paying they need to at least move or something! and dont try to say i dont understand because i used to work in a tattoo shop so i know the drill... move them away from the case to give the info to answers so other people can view the sellable items! duh!
And finally on our way out someone out of nowhere asks if we needed help... uh NO too late!
I got my industrial done in 2005 and decided I will NEVER give them my bussiness again.
The people working there were insanely rude and not pleased that I was asking questions. The jewelry in the cases was generic but seemed safe, haha definately not.
The piercer was completely rude and unwelcoming and did not even warn me when he was going to do the piercing. This is apparently something I have heard from alot of people, I guess Zebra thinks this is a good method, "the surprise stab", but I really did not appreciate it. He was very irritated that I flinched, but of course I wasnt expecting it so ya I flinched.
Afterwards I was given my care materials and sent on my way. The piercing was immediatly red hot and throbbing and after walking a couple blocks I had to sit down because I was suddenly woozy and felt like I was going to throw up.
Considering the cheap jewelry they use its lucky the piercing did not become infected however the experience was so unpleasant I will not return. I was unable to even touch my ear for almost 2 weeks and funny enough after about 3 weeks the jewelry had gone from a clean steel color to an ugly tarnished possibly rusted color from the sea salt soaks.
Since then I have done all my piercings just a few minutes away at Industrial. I have had my conch, nose and surface sideburn done there and none of those have been so painful and unpleasant as the simple industrial that Zebra slaughtered.
If you respect your body and want art, not just hole punching, go to Industrial and never set foot in Zebra. I really wish I could leave zero
stars.
Note: apparently the owner is incredibly hostile and childish and has since sent me harrassing emails because of my review.
I will not walk back into Zebra for two reasons:
1) The stud jewelry they gave me to replace my current hoop infected my tragus which resulted in a month of super detailed care and attention of the infection until it subsided and healed. If you're wondering, I had the piercing for over year before switching out the jewelry.
2) While searching for my tragus jewelry, I saw that the girl helping me had this cool orbital piercing. On a whim, I convinced myself to get another cartilage piercing so I could connect both cartilage piercings with an hoop. She convinced me that it would work with ear.
The piercing was more painful than I remembered and the hoop I was given was so small that it squeezed the cartilage skin in between the two piercings. It wasn't until I had the piercing fixed at Industrial a month later that I realized the mistakes the piercer had made.
Got my first piercing and tattoo here...
The piercing went fine, my piercer was calming and easy-going. He waited until I was ready and got it over with!
Now the tattoo... the artist was grumpy and impatient. He was mad at me that I was scheduled during his lunch... be mad at your coordinator! Not me! Ultimately the tattoo turned out nice but the experience was definitely lacking. Zebra's is also over priced and with those to reasons in mind, I will not go back there for anything.
Me - infected nose piercing.
Best friend - infected naval piercing that grew into what looked like a little man.
Enough said.
a friend and I just had tattoos done here and every step of the experience was fantastic- we were quickly greeted and set up an appointment, we showed up for the appointment and everyone seemed happy we were there (and kept offering us something to drink in this way that made me feel like i was a guest at someone's house), our tattoo artist had 14+ years of experience and was so calm and friendly, and the tattoos turned out better than we expected! I was especially pleased that he seemed very conscious of the pain level, so we took a few breaks to let me "recover"- all in all, we felt very taken care of and confident that this very permanent decision was in good hands.
the $75 minimum for every tattoo seemed a bit steep, but if it guarantees a friendly, safe, quality tattoo experience, i will gladly pay whatever i need to pay.
I've been pierced here twice, and both times everything worked out perfectly. Everything was super clean, and my piercer both times were super nice and gentle to the touch.
I love coming in here and always seeing familiar faces. Even if I'm not getting a piercing or a tattoo, I know that my shopping experience will always be a good one. Moe, John, and Magic, and everyone at Zebra has always been super nice to me as well.
EDIT:
I have to up my stars for Zebra.
Shortly after my review, I was messaged by Moe himself to extend his gratitude. This is exactly what I was talking about when I was speaking of the super friendly staff at Zebra. I will continue to recommend all my friends to shop, get pierced and tattooed at Zebra.
No no no and NO!
People keep saying 'Zebra is a hit or miss place' and that is not good! A PIERCING/TATTOO PARLOR SHOULD NOT BE HIT OR MISS! And Zebra is 100% like that! This is your body, and if piercings or tattoos aren't done correctly this can be dangerous.
My first piercing there, a hit. I got my nose pierced as a birthday present, went with my mom (I was underaged at the time), and it was fine. The guy was really nice, it was quick (Well, quick after that long wait in that line), and then it was done. My piercing healed up PERFECTLY. I don't think it couldn't have healed up any more perfect. Its still a bit sensitive though (And its been bout a year now), but I just need to keep it more clean.
Second visit there, my nose piercing was a little loose, so I just had it tightened. For a mere extra five dollars, it was tightened, no problem, all good in the neighborhood.
Third visit, I want to get my ears pierced for a second time. Just one piercing on each ear near my lobe piercings. This is when things go HORRIBLY WRONG. Not only are they done (And one is crooked) but they are unusually ITCHY and UNCOMFORTABLE....but its been about a year and a half LATER, and they are still UNHEALED! I remember about a week after I got them, they swelled up SO MUCH that I had to take them out. But I had trouble taking them out. Why? The backs were on too tightly! So I ended up ripping some of my ear yanking it out, and it was bleeding bad.
To keep a long story short, my ear piercings are stil infected, even though I clean them everyday and have steel in them, and its all thanks to Zebra. At the end of the day, its not about whether the piercer smiled at you or not or was "curteous" to you, its the quality of your services and them getting it done. Sure, everyone in Zebra manages to force smiles at you inbetween their nonchalant couldn't be bothered attitudes, and they even manage to pretend to care about helping you! (How nice) But by the end of it all..their quality is just not okay.
Its shocking to see someone mess up such SIMPLE piercings such as ear piercings, but Zebra managed to do that. I thought they were chill until the last visit. I will be going there no more.
PEOPLE....JUST GO TO INDUSTRIAL! Again, piercing parlors should never be hit or miss, and that is Zebra.
Comment from Moe D. of
Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing
8/10/2009
Michaela, With all do respect I would like to point out…
More »
Wow, Zebra is one of the only spots I used to go to to get my piercings and I am shocked of some of the reviews. I had both my eye brows, septum, and both ears done at Zebra. Overall its a nice little shop that charges a fair amount for both piercings and jewelry.
Never once did one of my piercings get infected. They seem to run a fairly decent business with clean tools and cool employees. Overall I'd say its an average shop that very well known and respected.
I have been going to Zebra for the last 18 years. I always know I will be greeted with a smile and treated like family. I always refer everyone who asks where to get tattooed or pierced to go to Zebra. They have been around the longest and all their piercers have been there longer then any of the competition. There is a reason why other shops in Berkeley come and go and have such a high turnover in staff and its not because they are good. Zebra gives you exactly what you want by people who you recognise everytime. Its a no brainer!
Because this place was featured on MTV everyone is all up on their balls, but seriously its one of those places thats just over rated and just hyped up waaaaaaay too much. I felt as if I was in a butcher shop where you pick a number and tell the person what you want. Kinda ghetto. Not the cleanest place either.
Comment from Moe D. of
Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing
8/17/2009
Dear Issac, Zebra has been known as a roll model for other…
More »
Cool Please,
We wanted our 7 month old daughters ears pierced but did not want to
go to the mall and have some part time, text 40,000 messages a month teenagers do it. So we called Zebra, and the person who answered the phone was very helpful and gave good advice. To say the least, My wife and I took our little princess to Zebra's on telegraph. When we arrived we spoke to the same person, that I spoke to earlier in the day. My wife had lots of questions and concerns and everyone one was very knowledgeable about the process and again gave very sounds advise and suggestions.
The price I think was okay, not sure what the market rate for having ears pierced is, but I spent $72.. It included the jewelery , the piercing cost and the solution.
They had a wide selection of jewelery, the staff was positive and helpful and most of all the place was clean.
The piercing person, what very cool and patients. His work area was clean, after the first ear was completed, we wanted a few minutes and then we proceeded to the second ear. Although my little one did cry, we expected it. The piercer was professional and gave me his information just encase my wife or I had additional questions.
Also, they did not use the gun to pierces her ears, they used the traditional sterilized hallow pin and cork method.
S.
Okay, so this piercing and tatto place is GREAT, but i feel that if they worked on their customer service a bit more, they would get better ratings . Overall, my experience was great . I got my lip, industrial, and navel pierced here .
My first ever piercing was my industrial and no joke, it felt as if a nail was hammered into your cartilage not once, but twice, but it was well worth it .
My next piercing was my belly button . Okay so this is where i wish they did a better job. I asked for the numbing cream (which was $5 dollars extra) . And as i waited for 15 minutes, it was finally my turn ! So thinking the cream worked, I dont feel it worked at all because as the piercer who also thought my naval was numb, pierced me, she simply just jammed the needle (again, thinking i wouldn't feel a thing) through and of course ... i goddamn felt that .
The last piercing i had was my lip, and of course, this piercing was done in a very short and simple amount of time with no pain .
My friend also had her first tattoo here and ill admit, it was BEAUTIFUL ! i feel that their prices for both their tatts and piercings are a bit pricey but I feel that in a way, it was well worth it (: .
Remember that first time your parents to you and your siblings out to a grown up restaurant? And you thought it was the best food you'd ever had.
Well the tattoo equivalent is Zebra. I really do like this place. This was where I got my first few tattoos. Reed and Olmy are great. Go there and challenge their creativity so they can shock and awe you with what they come up with.
This place does get crowded with the lines of people getting stuff pierced. Overall this the staff is great and the artist do know what they're talking about. It's always a good sign when they refuse to do something if it might turn out ugly or bad. I respect them for picking their rep over money.
I definitely gotta start a list of awesome tattoo shops.
Oh Zebra, why have they given you such a low rating? Could it be your workers' nonchalant demeanor, or the semi creepy wooden zebra standing at the front of your door? It surely cannot be the actual piercers. Having been pierced here three times, I refuse to have anyone besides you touch my face (or bellybutton, for that matter). All three times it was as painless as a body piercing can be, you were quick, easy and clean. Your piercing room is comfy and calming, and quite frankly, I like you (and your good quality jewelry) a lot!
