Jerry was absolutely incredible! I had my nose pierced a little over 10 years ago & it ended up getting infected & I had to take it out not long after I got it done. Jerry & I talked about what had happened & what can be done to prevent it with this piercing. He even noticed my tragus earring coming out & offered to change it! Everything was seemless & im SO happy with my new tragus ring & my new nose piercing! I recommend this place to ANYONE. read more

Hot Rod Piercing - Piercing Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My favorite piercing shop! They have an amazing jewelry selection and the quality is the best of any other piercing shop I have seen in the area. Got my septum done here and had no problems with it :) read more

I got my 13-17th piercing done here. It was my first fricken time at hot rod- how could I have been such a fool to not have come here sooner?!?!? These guys are great. Like AhMazing great. First they've been around for a long time in Pittsburgh- that says a lot. They have a really great selection of jewelry- much larger than the other places in Pittsburgh that I've gotten pierced klyklops and six16) Nice range of price points but all quality stuff. During pandemic you have to book an appointment- which is awesome and I kinda hope they continue with. It was so nice to have the space and the help in selecting pieces. I mean I dropped 500 bones- probably would. It have happened without the level of service I got (and I plan to switch out some old stuff when I go back for checkup). My piercer was outstanding. I mean everyone there was helpful and nice but he was super professional, cheery (like he really liked his job) and put me at ease. I got my daith, tragus and stacked lob piercing. He took a good bit of time to mark me up properly and made sure I liked it. Then he took me through what to expect for each piercing. My piercings turned out so awesome! Perfect placement and as quick and painless as possible when putting holes in your head. I could not be more pleased with my whole experience start to finish. I really think the staff made the biggest difference in my satisfaction compared to other experiences. I am absolutely coming back here!! read more

Professional and clean work. I have gotten multiple piercings here. Every piercer I've had was knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable. They are worth the price. Remember people: you get what you pay for! read more

My girlfriend and I were visiting her sister in PA and my gf wanted to get an ear piercing to even out her ears. This place was recommended and so glad it was. Jerry was very professional and explained everything about piercing and what APP was, and why it was important. Jerry took care in piercing my gf and gave her care instructions for her piercing. Would definitely recommend Hot Rod to anyone needing a safe professional piercing. Ask for Jerry. read more

Hot Rod Piercing - Piercing Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I walked in a few months ago to get my tragus stud changed to a stud and get my second earlobe piercings done and it was a seamless process from start to finish. Someone walked me through the different jewelry options and Jerry was so competent, friendly, and just a super cool dude. Will definitely be back for more piercings. read more

Front of house gets 5 stars but back of house gets 1 because Sam mansplained a 15 year old piercing to me. I've never felt compelled to write a review based on a single person's shitty attitude, yet here we are. read more

Awesome Experience Everyone was professional, and approachable! Derek greeted me as soon as I came in, and started prepping me for aftercare. He made me feel very comfortable right away. My uber ride to the shop was more stressful than getting my nipples pierced. Tanner spent more time talking to me about the procedure than my obgyn spends with me discussing the health of my female anatomy, and spent more time marking me for the piercings than my plastic surgeon did on my breast reduction surgery. Tanner was extremely professional and did not sexualize the procedure or me being half undressed one time, i might as well have been getting my ear pierced. I had very little pain and i really dont seem to have any swelling as of yet either. They really stress the importance of downsizing as a part of aftercare. How long have u been waiting for? Just pay the f-ing money and go get something pierced there. read more

By far the best place you could pick for your piercings. The entire staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable - you'll feel comfortable from the moment you walk in. Sam did my second helix piercing and I couldn't be happier. I will definitely be back for another piercing soon. I would absolutely recommend this place to everyone. If it isn't close to you, it's worth the drive. read more

Came here tonight with my friend to get a second piercing in her nose. I know literally nothing about piercings, but I can still tell you this place is top notch. Jerry was super awesome, and extremely thorough and kind in his explaining to my friend. You can tell he really knows what he is doing, and is passionate about what he does and providing the best service. He really wanted to make sure she was comfortable and and happy with the placement of his piercing. The shop itself and the room we were in were also incredibly clean, of course an important detail for somewhere specializing in needles. The piercing turned out great, exactly what she wanted. If I ever decided I wanted a piercing, I would go here; until then, I'll just be recommending it to all my friends! read more

This place is amazing!!!! The staff is so friendly and so helpful I felt so welcomed. Highly recommended for anyone getting a new piercing.

Super clean and professional shop. Was attended to promptly by a very friendly and knowledgeable employee who helped us pick out jewelry (wide selection) and went over aftercare. Once we picked out our jewelry, we were taken into a private room where our piercer went over the process and pretty painlessly inserted the jewelry. read more

I've been going to Hot Rod for 3 years now, and I can't believe I haven't done a review yet! Every staff member is AMAZING at what they do. Will, Nick, and Jerry have done my piercings, and they always turn out just the way I envision them to be. The cleanliness of each location is comparable to a doctor's office, which makes me feel 10x more comfortable about being pierced. The jewelry selection is one of my favorite parts about this place. The options are endless and very unique in comparison to other places I've been to. In general, the atmosphere is so positive that it makes you want to go back immediately. Great people, clean work, beautiful jewelry, you can't ask for too much more. Highly recommend! read more

Hot Rod Piercing - Tragus & 2 helix piercings done by Will! - Piercing Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

It's been over 20 years since I had piercings done here and I have only positive words to say about my experience. However, two weeks ago I brought my daughter in to have her navel pierced, and even though they have nothing posted, I'm her mom, had ID and her birth certificate the man at the counter wouldn't do it. She's almost 16 but he said she had to be 16? That might be something you have on your website. read more

I wanted to get my second holes pierced as well as my left conch. I'm from the Philly area but was visiting my brother for the weekend and heard great reviews about this place. I walked in without calling ahead and was greeted right away by someone at the counter asking questions about what I wanted. He was very helpful with choosing the earrings I wanted with my piercings. I didn't wait too long and was taken back pretty fast. Jerry was the man!!! Super cool and relaxed guy -- made the process so easy. He takes the time to make sure the placements are right for your face shape and asks if you want anything changed before he starts piercing! I bought new high quality jewelry in addition to the piercings (2nd hole and left conch) and it was ~$300. Based on the jewelry you choose this price can get significantly lower (or higher). All around great place! They even suggested good piercing places to go to back in Philly. Will go back for more when in town! read more

Hot Rod Piercing - Hoop purchased at Mejuri (small gold hoops), second piercing and conch stud purchased at Hot Rod Piercing. - Piercing Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

I came in with a spur of the moment, burning desire for a spontaneous septum piercing. Jerry was abso-fruitily wonderful. He went above and beyond- welcomed us in immediately, consulted with us on jewelry, and made great conversation throughout the whole process. I felt safe and comfortable, it didn't hurt a bit, and he answered every question we had. Wonderful service, beautiful product! read more

Hot Rod Piercing - Piercing Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Staff is knowledgeable and incredibly passionate. Highly recommended! I picked this establishment based on not only its existing reputation but also their Covid-19 procedures. In this difficult time it means a lot that despite the fact that they're not strictly essential they are still operating best they can and keeping their staff and customers safe. read more

I had a great time at Hot Rod in Southside, Pittsburgh! This was the first time I ever got my ears pierced and it was truely a blast! I went with my sister who got a tragus piercing. We were treated very nicely and felt comfortable. The piercing is done to ensure sterility and correct placement on the body. I recieved well balanced, symmetrical ear piercings. We received great tips and guidance on how to clean our piercing areas and prevent infection. I strongly recommend this place for body piercings! It was fun and you can feel at ease knowing the staff is highly experienced and dedicated to serving you well! read more

I'm an ICU nurse and it was clear that this place was clean, cleaner than most doctor's offices. Sam was very detailed with what he was about to do and provided in depth after care instructions. His technique for a pair of simple ear lobe piercing was very methodical. This place is well worth the money. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE this place! Did I mention that I LOVE it?? I was having an issue with a piercing that I had gotten months before at a different piercing place. We were having dinner on Carson so I asked my husband if we could stop in. I thought I needed to buy a real gold hoop and that would solve my piercing issue. I walked in with no appointment and started talking to William. He asked to look at my piercing. He explained that I didn't need a gold hoop. He explained that my piercing was done incorrectly and with the wrong size hoop. He explained that the piercing needed to be removed. William explained that their shop was the only shop that had licensed piercers. They have to pass a test every year. Their shop has to pass inspection every year. They have every piercer's license framed and hanging in the wall in the showroom. In PA anyone can be a piercer but they choose to all be licensed. I was very impressed. Licensed AND knowledgeable!!! I chose to have them take out the piercing I currently had and to have a new piercing done on the opposite side. Jerry was the piercer who was going to do these things for me. He looked at my old piercing and agreed that it needed to be removed. He also went over my options and I stayed with my original choice. He took me back into the piercing room and began the process of taking out the old piercing and then completing the new piercing. He, too, is extremely knowledgeable. I will never go to any other place to be pierced. They have great customer service, beautiful options of jewelry, and the BEST piercers. I will never let my family or friends go anywhere else. Hot Rod Piercing is the ONLY place to go!!!! Get it? Got it?? GOOD!!!!! read more

Hot Rod Piercing - Daith piercing. Of course I had to pick the piece with bling on it. *sparklesparkle* - Piercing Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

This is a sad little story about a young spirited 21 year old me. I had finally lost that horrid freshman 15 (or 30, but who's counting) and felt like I needed some pizazz in my life....or shall we say on my body. So naturally I decided the right thing to do was get a belly button ring. Hey, everyone was doing it. I was 21, not 16, mind you. Maybe I should have realized my window of prancing around with a belly button laden with jewels was quickly growing smaller. I actually LOVED piercings! I had 9 in my ears and had always wanted an eyebrow ring when that was the fad. So this just seemed like the next logical step. No taking in and out, it was there to stay....or so I thought! The piercing was a total breeze and I ran out to look at my beautiful little belly button ring and realized...dun dun dun...it was pierced crooked! And not just tiny bit off, but it literally hung to one side. At the time I was too nice to say anything ,as I was raging on the inside. I just skipped out of there with my friends, silently cursing the dude who pierced me. Over the next couple months I kept telling myself that it wasn't crooked. I would always try to move the ring over to the other side. So then only a couple months later (avert your eyes if you're squeamish folks) the hole tore and got infected. I went back and they took out the ring and my youth was, in an instant, taken away from me. Ok, I lied in that last part, I still think I'm 21. But I was pissed my days of showing off by bedazzled belly button had to end that way! I guess it's for the best (sigh) since my belly button doesn't see much light these days. So there ends my tale of woe, beware my friends of the crooked piercer! read more

Today I wandered aimlessly through the Southside, determined to choose from one of the many studios on East Carson and to finally nut up and get my septum done. I was referred here by someone at a tattoo parlor and, upon walking in the door, immediately felt it was the one. The guy who was out front was very friendly and personable, we talked about what I wanted (septum and, oh I'll get crazy, industrial too. And if it's not too much a bother to change out my nostril ring...), he was attentive and informative without the intimidation you feel as a modification noob at some shops. It was very laid back and comfortable. The selection if jewelry was huge. He took me to the back and introduced me to Jerry, who I will DEFINITELY return to. He was clean, professional, friendly, clearly experienced. He took time with me to talk it over, he was meticulous about my placement and explained how he reasoned it and why he wanted to put it where he did (but asked for my input as well), and explained what he was doing as he worked. This was not my experience at other shops with previous piercings. You will not go wrong here! This place is great! read more

Just had a fantastic first experience here last night. I got my jewelry changed, and a friend got her navel pierced. The piercer Jerry was incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, very clearly prioritized taking his time and making us comfortable over the money. We were greeted and put at ease from the moment we walked in the door. I will definitely be returning for future piercings. read more

The best piercing experience I've ever had!!! Me and my friend decided to impulsively get piercings. I got my nipples pierced and she got her septum. We were originally super nervous but everyone there made us feel extremely comfortable. They were very informative and eager to fulfill our needs and concerns. Jerry was our piercer and he was the nicest person ever!! He was very laid back, professional and made me and my friend feel extremely comfortable with the piercing process. He laid out every step of the process for us before he pierced us so we knew what was going on. The place was very clean and professional. They also gave good instructions on the aftercare process. I will definitely be coming back for all other piercings in the future!! I could not have asked for a better experience. read more

This shop is so clean. They have a great selection of jewelry without all the junk. Everyone who worked there was professional, kind, patient, organized, knowledgeable. I was so impressed by this shop. They were busy and my friend and I were walk-ins on a Saturday but we were treated so well. read more

I've had two superb experiences at Hot Rod and one not so good. This place is very professional and clean. They're not the cheapest piercing place in the city but for me it's worth paying slightly more for a place you trust. The last time I was there, I inquired about a particular piercing and the counter dude had an attitude like he just didn't want to be bothered with me. He said the piercer hadn't arrived yet (it was just after they opened), so that gave me an excuse to leave and not come back. I'm writing this off as an isolated incident since I've not heard a lot of bad stories about Hot Rod. read more

Everyone in the shop was so nice and super chill. They took their time to help pick out jewelry and explain after care. Jerry did my nose piercing and he was incredible! He was quick and efficient without being rushed. Definitely the best piercing shop in the PGH area. read more

Went to this shop to get some piercing retainers for an upcoming MRI. Smaller shop, but they had good quality jewelry, so I also bought a new end for my nose stud. Great staff, very friendly and I would definitely shop there again if I'm in the Pittsburgh area. read more

I was going through a mid life crisis and decided I wanted to get a piercing. Did some research around the pgh area and decided that Hot Rod was the best place for what piercings I wanted. Went in on a Saturday and the staff was AMAZING!! Joe was very helpful and full of information and noticed that I was nervous and he assured me it was going to be fine. Which really worked out well and his partner Sam was just as awesome and amazing. They both made me feel relaxed and kept me calm and went over the information and before they proceeded with my piercing. I can't thank them enough.. I am thankful that I am here and I highly recommend coming here read more

Let me start off by saying, i've never felt compelled to write a yelp review until today. I had the most amazing piercing experience that i have ever had (and i have quite a few). William was my piercer & he was absolutely incredible! He was so genuine & sincere! Couldn't have had a better experience! I highly recommend Hot Rod ! All of the staff are amazing! read more

I went to Hot Rod a couple months back to get my tragus pierced. I had been warned by many of my friends that piercings gotten at Hot Rod tend to grow bumps or scars; in fact, all most all of my friends who had gone there had grown bumps. Still, I just really wanted to get my tragus done. The people who work there seemed very professional, but I was appalled at how expensive their piercings were costing me. Either way, I got it done. A couple weeks later, bumps began to grow on both sides of my tragus. I didn't want to take it out considering how expensive it had been, so I went back to ask them what to do. They took half a look at the bumps and told me not to worry, that it was just scar tissue and to just put some crushed up aspirin on the bumps and they would go away. However, the bumps continued to grow. I ended up going to Body Manipulations in San Francisco when I went home for break, and they told me that these bumps were NOT in fact scars; they were completely filled with fluids that needed to be drained in order to heal. SO. Not ONLY did Hot Rod give me disgusting bumps, but they didn't even give my ear a good LOOK before telling me an INCORRECT diagnoses that, in turn, cost me a lot of time and pain and annoyance. Just don't go to Hot Rod. read more

I will never go anywhere else for another piercing. Will pierced my nose, and it was the easiest process I've ever been through. The shop is clean, and everyone is absolutely professional. The staff is so knowledgeable about piercing, cleanliness, and makes you feel comfortable about getting pierced. The jewelry selection is great, and very high quality. Highly recommend coming here for any piercing! read more

Everyone wore masks and gloves during COVID. The place was appointment only, and they only let the people in who were immediately getting something done. Everyone was extremely nice and pleasant too. The whole environment was really calming for my first not-earlobe piercing ever. Jerry did my piercing and he did an amazing job. He has over a decade of experience and he really knows what he is doing, not to mention he made me feel comfortable immediately. Anytime that I'm getting a piercing in Pittsburgh, this is where I'm going to go. read more

I recently came in for a nose piercing and was very impressed with how helpful, knowledgeable, and professional all of the staff members were! Sam did a great job! read more

Even though Hot Rod was highly recommended to me, It was my first piercing so I went to a few different shops before getting my tragus's pierced. Judging by the cleanliness and helpful guys working there it was an easy choice to make. Maybe some people think their prices are a little bit more, but that's only because i found that they are using nicer jewelry. I was pierced with a longer bar because ears swell. They told me to come back after a few months of healing and they would shorten the posts for me. I stopped back in after a few weeks because one ear hurt more than the other & they advised me how to care for it. After that problem was healed, i shortened the length and have been super happy with the results. read more

Went in today for a nostril piercing, and my experience was nothing less than ideal. The staff was extremely friendly and clearly answered all my questions about the process as well as after care. The environment was very clean and they had a wide variety of studs to choose from. I'll definitely be getting all of my future piercings in Pittsburgh from Hot Rod. read more

Amazing experience!! Went for my first cartilage piercing about 1.5 years ago (healed amazingly!!) and it's been my best perching experience ever. They took the time to really specialize my piercing and it looks amazing. Could not recommend these guys enough!! read more

Jerry helped me a number of weeks ago with a piercing that has tried to grow in. After following owner Tim's advice, I went to his location on the SS after work. Friendly, clean, and fantastic product selection. I am conservative for the most part. I have pierced ears and nostril and I love both to look elegant. I won't go anywhere else now. Not even for jewelry. They carry high end, hypoallergenic stock. I felt like I was in a medical exam room when I went back for the fix on my nostril; sterile and clean. Jerry put a different type of post that prevents piercings coming out. Can't remember the name, but ask him. Jerry and the other fella there both helped me get exactly what I needed and explained everything to me. Great details on aftercare. Kindness was lovely. I highly recommend this Hotrod Piercing. I'm so impressed. I didn't even feel uncomfortable - I'm not a young, hip, 22 year old. Lol read more

Hot Rod is the only place I will get my piercings done. The staff are super friendly and attentive, and it's a really welcoming judgement-free environment. They are APP certified which is essential for me personally (and really stands out in their field), and you can guarantee all your piercings are done with the highest standards of safety, hygiene, quality metals, and technique. They are a bit pricey; however, it is completely fair for the standard they offer - just something to prepare for if you're used to going to cheaper places. They are truly the best though. Special shout-out to Tanner for being the sweetest, most helpful piercer I've worked with. He was so kind and patient working with me to get my piercing in the perfect location and was really fun to spend time with in the meantime. I never felt like a burden despite me being a little indecisive, which I truly appreciated. I can't wait to go back for more! read more

I won't go to any other piercing place in Pittsburgh. Every person I have encountered at Hot Rod has been friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. The shop is extremely clean and they keep everything sanitized. I came in to get a nostril piercing two years ago, and Jerry was the one to pierce my nose. I had wanted this piercing for years, but I have a low tolerance for pain and the fear of that pain was what held me back. Then I realized it didn't matter if it was painful to get - the pain would be temporary, and I wanted it. I felt no pain at all when Jerry pierced my nostril. I truly believe that this is partly because he is incredibly talented at his craft. I have come back multiple times to change or purchase jewelry, and every time I come in I'm appreciative of how patient and informative everyone is. Today, Tanner helped me out, and he was absolutely wonderful. If you're looking for a place to get a piercing, don't look any further than Hot Rod Piercing. read more