Nomad is top of the line. They are just the best. Kindest humans ever. Absolute professionals, and make you feel so welcome. My 6.5 yr old daughter got her ears pierced by Sean and he is so good with the kiddos. So calm and gentle. It was the coolest experience for my girl. She wasn't nervous at all. To have been there twice ever and 4 months apart, it was very special to walk in the second time and have him remember us and remember the details of our first visit shows how much care and attention they put into their craft. Thank you Nomad. We'll be back for more! read more

We had a really good experience getting our piercings done here. I got both a cartilage and an earlobe piercing, and my husband got his earlobe pierced as well. I really appreciated that they used a needle instead of a piercing gun--it felt much more precise, and the process was quick and smoother than I expected. It wasn't nearly as painful as I had anticipated. The staff was professional and welcoming, and you can tell they know what they're doing. There was a steady line of people waiting, which honestly made us feel even more confident that we chose a reputable place. The only downside for me was the pricing. Since you choose your jewelry at the time of the piercing, the overall cost can add up quickly, and many of the options leaned toward the higher end. Overall though, great service and a clean, professional experience. I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking to get a piercing done right. read more

I needed a new nose ring, and my cousin Josh used to work here so he recommended this spot! This is definitely THE BEST piercing shop I've been to. The gals working the front desk with the jewelry were very kind and informative Nomad allows you to try on jewelry before purchasing as well because they do not accept returns, this is such an amazing policy and it helps so much with choosing your jewelry (: Muffy is the piercer who helped my cousin and I, she is beautiful, sweet, knowledgeable, and extremely professional, I highly recommend her. 10/10! Thank you so much Muffy!!! read more

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I had a nose ring emergency wherein my L stud flew out and could not be coaxed back in. So the next day I went to Nomad on the recommendation of a friend and could not be happier with my results. Eddie was my piercing pro and he gently walked me through the refitting of a new piece of hardware. Speaking of which, shop owner Sarah helped me select a high quality piece at a great price point that fit my face and aesthetic perfectly. Definitely will be back to check out more of their extensive selection of bespoke jewelry and would love to have work done by their top notch artists and practitioners. read more

Nomad Body Piercing - Piercing Near Me - San Rafael, California

This place is pretentious. The front staff is a weird vibe. I came In today to get my bars changed to my healed piercing but i was told it's been past the six months and I would be charged. I explained to the woman at the front that I was never told about that policy and I would not be paying that. She then got upset which I didn't understand why. All I know is that I will not be returning. read more

I came in here the other day with my friends and had the most wonderful experience. All of the staff were so helpful and nice. The piercings went wonderfully and it is well worth the visit! 10/10 would recommend and I will be coming back for all future piercings needs! read more

What are great time! Greeted with friendliness and enthusiastic energy. Lots of choices for jewelry. In fact they offer lots of beautiful jewelry to return for. I got a double tragus piecing. Sooo cute. The process thoroughly explained by Eddie. Cleaning solution purchased. I can't wat to return to change out my initial earrings. read more

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Edie and the entire staff are so damn awesome. We came in for mother daughter ear piercing and everyone was so kind, explained the process and made us all feel so comfortable. Thank you all for your amazingness. read more

Nomad Body Piercing - Piercing Near Me - San Rafael, California

I went to Nomad while visiting the area. I had lost one of my plugs and wanted to get a replacement pair. I asked to be sized by a piercer just to make sure I purchased the correct plugs. They told me I was a zero, even though they held up a matching plug to my current one and said "the flare looks a little bigger." I confirmed with them I was at size zero. I went into the shop and bought two new pairs of plugs. I tried to put them in once I left and they would not fit. I went back to the studio and had them look at my ears. The same piercer decided to put in a size zero plug that "matched" the current one I was wearing. They pushed the plug through and it turns out I was at a size 2! They stretched my ear from a 2 to a 0 when I did not want to go up, nor consented. I had them stretch my right side to match(they just pushed the plug in, no taper). My ears have been bleeding for over a week now. My clothes and bedsheets have been stained. I went to see a piercer where I live and they told me that the tears are so big from the stretch that they are not healing. Their suggestion (and their fellow piercer's) is to take out the plugs, let the tears heal, and then try again. My ears will most likely go back two sizes. That means I would have to go through the cost and pain of stretching multiple sizes once I heal to get back to where I am. So in all, I spent over $100 to purchase products that were too big for me (even though they supposedly sized me correctly) and was forced to get my ears stretched to fit the plugs they already sold me to just have to start over at about a size four in a couple weeks. read more

I've had 9 of my 11 piercings done here and never had any issues with any of them. Their jewelry is very high quality but they've also been willing to mix in some of my own pieces to save me on the cost. Shin carefully curated my ears last time I went in and I love the end look! This photo is minutes after 5 piercings and I'm not even red! read more

Nomad Body Piercing - Left ear with helix, rook, conch. - Piercing Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Honestly just go to Claire's! They were fine when I was a kid and I'm sure they are fine now. My daughters ear piercing fell out the very next day, they were gold (expensive) and we later found out they can double crimp them inside the tube setting to make them more secure - why wouldn't they just do that in the first place? For an active seven year old- would make sense. Then we had to wait for 6 weeks and have the ear traumatically re-pierced, and pay again (for their mistake). Traumatic because the owner kept trying to do weird breathing exercises with her which honestly was creepy and after five minutes of it still not working, a bit sadistic. We should have walked out. Awful experience for the whole family. Came highly recommended, did not live up to expectations whatsoever. read more

what a lovely experience. I took my 6 year old to get her ears pierced for the first time and we felt so safe so clean, everyone was so friendly. Plus there was a friendly dog outside who was the goodest girl. read more

First time ear piercing? Head to Nomad for the professionals. Alejandro greeted us and walked us through the many earring options before our appointment and what to expect, followed by a really positive piercing experience with Shon. He was so helpful & knowledgeable walking us through proper care for a new piercing and the process, calming my daughter's nerves. The actual piercing was quick and less painful than she expected. While I remember at least a full day of throbbing ear pain back in the 80s from my first piercing, my daughter has barely had any discomfort post piercing. She rates Nomad higher than 5 stars. read more

Nomad Body Piercing - First ear piercing - Piercing Near Me - San Rafael, California

I made an appointment at Nomad to have my daughter do her second piercing. Excellent service by the staff and very knowledgeable. They are very thorough starting with the information and after care instructions. As well as gentle. I was very happy with their excellent customer service and how they make sure everything is clean and sterile. Hours are Sunday - Thursday 12:00 - 7:00 pm. Friday - Saturday 12:00 - 8:00 pm. Definitely this is the place to come if you need piercings. Until next time. Chao! read more

I am a big baby when it comes to needles. I haven't had a piercing since I was 10 at Claire's. I got my second piercing on both sides. I would recommend an appt they told me that it would be a wait so not their fault on that end. Eddie was my piercer. It was so fantastic. He took his time and basically gave me an affirmation session. I felt amazing and it was so wonderful to get over my fear. I got pure gold earrings and will be back to get them resized. Call for estimates-their jewelry ranges in prices but I'm so happy I went there! read more

Nomad Body Piercing - My second piercing! - Piercing Near Me - San Rafael, California

This place is now my go-to place for all things piercing! I had a helix piercing that didn't heal in a great position and the place I got it offered no solutions besides redoing it (not willing to go through another year of healing!). I found this place on yelp and checked it out. Night and day experience, they were SO helpful!! First, they have a fantastic variety of jewelry for sale for all types of piercings. Second, Sean helped me try out some options and with his adjustment to the depth of the piercing and size, I found a beautiful piece that lays flat and looks fantastic! I was so relieved leaving them and I will certainly be back. Thank you SO much, Nomad friends!! read more

I found Nomad through IG. I'm thankful I did because I'm always looking to try new places especially queer friendly. Alejandro was very honest with me about jewelry pieces not fitting my nose & i appreciated that so much! The entire staff was so welcoming & lovely. It was my first time & they had an opening luckily on a Saturday as I was coming from an hour away. Thomas is absolutely incredible! Thank you autumn & I don't remember one more member there but they were so helpful since the beginning! I finally got rook jewelry after YEARS. Nomad thank you for such an incredible first experience:) I'm excited to come back! read more

Nomad Body Piercing - New left nostril piercing & new jewelry for my right nostril piercing (fully healed) - Piercing Near Me - San Rafael, California

We had a great experience! My minor kiddo had ears pierced by Eddie and he made my kiddo feel comfortable and supported. He walked us through the whole process, was calm and did not rush a single step, and he was so kind and encouraging. Thanks Eddie!! read more

I'm sad and disappointed I have to write this review. I had a double helix done back in April, which went well, and they advised me to come back in three months to check up on the piercings and possibly downsize. I was able to come back around 4 months later, as I live in LA, and stop in for the resize. The piecer assures me we can downsize and they do the exchange. It's now November and just took them out this evening myself, for the first time, to give everything a thorough cleaning. I noticed the posts look unusually long, so I compared them to the previous ones. One looks the same size as the previous ones, and the other looks slightly longer to me. So they sold me the same posts I had before. I will not be returning to Nomad. read more

Nomad Body Piercing - Piercing Near Me - San Rafael, California

Highly recommend Nomad in San Rafael for kids ear piercing! I have no affiliation, just had an extraordinary experience. They are incredibly kind, knowledgeable, professional and sanitary. There is no better piercing than a hollow, sterilized needle with a professional body piercer. The staff was SO GOOD with my child they were better than the pediatric dentist in their bedside manner. Everyone was top notch. Muffy did the piercing and she just nailed it. So thankful for this experience. read more

I have had 3 amazing experiences at this piercing shop! All the staff have been super friendly and knowledgeable. Muffy has been my piercer all 3 times. She is super skilled and knowledgeable not to mention she knows how to walk you through the process and make you feel at ease. I have some pretty vulnerable areas with piercings and she made me feel completely comfortable and not even remotely awkward. I will return to her for any piercing needs as long as she's still in the industry! Thanks Muffy, I'll see you soon! read more

I emailed the shop before a trip down to the Bay Area over the holidays and Shon responded the same day. I needed a new seamless nose ring plus insertion and he was able to accommodate on a day when the shop wasn't supposed to be open. I was super grateful! Nomad has a great jewelry selection and their customer service is fantastic. I highly recommend them for your piercing and body jewelry needs. read more

If you are like me, you may be impressed when you see people who care about doing their jobs with professionalism, respect, and a friendly attitude. I found this ambience as I stepped into Nomad Body Piercing on the Miracle Mile in San Rafael. My goal was to revise a simple earlobe piercing which was not aging well. With the help of Shon, Nicole and Samantha, I was given kind guidance and suggestions, along with so much important health and piercing-care information that I might have been at the Mayo Clinic! I also received great advice about selecting the right jewelry (pricey, as it's medical grade). Shon is a super kind man who knows how to put anyone at ease. The actual piercing process was both meticulous and painless. This business has a responsible team of people who love what they do and are making sure that every piercing is done carefully. I highly recommend Nomad Body Piercing if you are considering an addition to your jewelry collection. read more

I mean... there is no place else to go in all of the Bay Area for piercing. As soon as you enter, you are treated like family. The jewlery selection is vast, but also beautifully curated. Every piece is a unique work of art. The staff is knowledge and patient, willing to show you as many pieces as you want to see, without ever making you feel rushed. There was no pressure, just warm and inviting collaboration as I decided what I wanted. The piercers are serious and focused pros, and also warm, welcoming, patient and lovely. If you're thinking about piercing, you owe yourself a trip to Nomad. read more

The staff was friendly and professional reviewing a number of options with me. They have a great selection of jewelry to choose from. I had an easy and enjoyable experience; I would go back! read more

The best shop in Marin by far! I would even go as far as to saying in the entire Bay Area! Beautiful jewelry selection! Anywhere from simple reasonably priced jewelry to real gold and even that Is very reasonably priced, Piercers make you comfortable, no pressure to purchase anything out of your budget. Clean and sanitary environment. I recommend seeing Alejandro or Shon for any of your jewelry or piercing needs! read more

My puppy ripped my nose ring out and I booked it to the nearest piercer for help putting it back in. Unfortunately that piercer was not Nomad, and they botched my replacement pretty bad by shoving in jewelry that was a gauge too big. I came to Nomad to get it fixed and Thomas had me right as rain in a hurry. He was knowledgeable, skilled, and super nice! Would not hesitate to return for any and all piercing needs. read more

Friendly Professional and Clean!!! Solid business highly recommended! I went in for a piercing and had years ago old site piercing.. they saved me money and healing time by popping in and earring into my prior spot! read more

Awesome customer service across the board, super friendly people. Thomas, my piercer did an amazing job, he has a chill but professional vibe and made me feel really comfortable. I LOVE my nose piercing!! They have a great selection and aren't pushy about selling the most expensive items, it's whatever YOU want. Love it here, thank you guys so much!!! read more

Just wanted to share our experience with Nomad Piercing in San Rafael. I heard a lot of good things about this place for infant piercing. I definitely didn't want to take my daughter to the mall for her piercing but rather an actual tattoo/piercing place. The whole experience was great, our piercer was super patient and explained everything beforehand. Plus, they put all their tools and earrings through a sterilization machine which gave me a peace of mind. If you're planing on piercing your baby's ears, I definitely recommend this place if you're willing to take the drive! read more

Nomad Body Piercing - Piercing Near Me - San Rafael, California

As a nurse, I was extremely impressed with their attention to cleanliness and teaching after care. As a woman, I appreciated Nicole's guidance in what jewelry to select, what kind of piercing I wanted. I plan to go back for more piercings. read more

I got both eyebrows peirced a couple weeks ago. Andy did an amazing job. I had researched a few places before deciding on Nomad. I'm so glad i decided to come here. I booked my appointment a few weeks in advance and also came on a day I had off so I would not be in a rush. Their set up is really cool 1st shop is their check out area and their 2nd shop (which is on the right side of the nail salon) is their waiting room/piercing area. Very cozy, couches and art drawn on the wall to view. Both the front desk (i don't think I caught her name) and Andy were super easy going, professional and nice. It's been close to 10 years since I got my last peircing so I was a little nervous & excited. Mostly wasn't sure if the piercings or placement would look good on me. Andy walked me through to process and what to expect through the entirety of the piercing process. He answered all my questions about home care and over super nice and calm. He listened to my suggestions which I appreciate about placement and moved things over a bit when I asked. The piercings themselves DID NOT HURT like at all. To me that a huge sign of skill. I've had my septum pierced twice both by different people and the calmer of the 2 piercers hurt less. Dunno if that's a common thing but for me seems to be true. Went to check out my face after Andy poked me and was so freaking ecstatic! They look so dope!!! Andy did an great job with the angle and everything. If I ever decided to get punctured again Nomad is my spot! Thanks again you guys so very very happy and they are a big hit which I wasn't expecting lol read more

Nomad Body Piercing - Eyebrow piercings - Piercing Near Me - San Rafael, California

Today was so special! I went with my sister and niece to get their ears pierced for the first time!!!!! I re-pierced my cartilage. The second I walked in.. Sara greeted my puppy Frenchie and I so kindly. Her and my family had already picked out my little gold Frenchie earring haha so cute. So I had to have it. She was so patient and kind while my 5 year old niece picked out her earrings. They have all price points. Really nice jewelry. The shop was very artistic and I love the vibe. Then we walked into the piercing studio and met our guy Shon! He was super experienced and knowledgeable. Everything was very clean and sterile, my puppy waited outside patiently. We had the best time and we will be back when my other niece wants her piercings. Thank you so much it was an experience we will never forget. read more

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After much pleading and bargaining, I took my teenage daughter in for a nose piercing. I had made an appointment but we showed up a bit early. Even with a showroom full of customers, we were helped right away so there was no waiting...which benefitted my daughter's nerves. She originally picked a particular stud, but they took the time to recommend a different piece that would fit her face much better. I appreciated this attention to detail from their perspective. What I took away from this whole experience was how helpful and knowledgeable everyone was. Shon took the time to go over the procedure and the aftercare in detail-Which again I appreciated. The actual piercing wasn't bad at all per my daughter either, super quick-The anticipation was the worst part. Everyone was great, and as a parent, I can recommend them to anyone whose teenager has persuaded them into getting pierced. In the end, she loves her piercing, and it looks beautiful on her :) read more

Nomad Body Piercing - Piercing Near Me - San Rafael, California

I really enjoyed Nomad! The staff is absolutely phenomenal! I do wish their jewelry was slightly less expensive, but I know it is high quality and I don't have to worry about it at all. read more

Nomad Body Piercing - Piercing Near Me - San Rafael, California

I got my eyebrow pierced many years ago, and periodically, I try to do it again and hope for better results, which, until now, never happened. This was due to two factors: none of the shops that I went to carried the 14K jewelry that I needed, and I was always trying to put a ring through my eyebrow, against the advice of the piercers. (Never go against the advice of the piercers, you'll regret it.) Last time, I did get a 14K ring, but it still didn't work due to the ring shape. So I followed my usual pattern and took the jewelry out, and waited for it to heal. But it always leaves a scar. After a couple of years, I got tired of the scar not going away and decided to re-pierce it again. This time I decided to call around and look for a shop with the 14K jewelry. I had no luck, one shop carried 14K, but had to order it. I decided to call my tattooist's shop to see if they had a recommendation for me, and they recommended Nomad. I called the shop and the lady told me that they had several 14K gold options available. I wanted to get it done right away and was able to grab one of the last appointments of the day with Matt. I liked the look of the shop, it had nice gothic-looking furniture that was comfy and some great artwork on the walls. The shop is very clean, everyone wore masks, they verified ID, and there was a consent form to sign for the piercings. They also took the time to verbally inform me of any possible problems that might occur from getting pierced. I like that, because let's face it - most people don't read the form. I spoke with Matt for a few minutes before my piercing and told him my history of not taking the piercers' advice and not getting good results. So I just said, "Here is the scar and the eyebrow that I want to pierce again. I'm going to ask you to pick whatever 14K jewelry that you think will work the best on me." What they say about Matt is true. His piercings are far less painful than the other ones that I've experienced. He tells you how and when to breathe to minimize the impact. He did a deeper pierce on me than the past ones, and was able to exit through the eternal scar, and it looks great. More importantly, it's been a month and a week, and it's not hurting, irritating or bothering me like all of the other times, which is a blessing. The jewelry he picked is something that I never would have considered, and it looks awesome, too; it compliments my eyebrow shape and my face. When I first met Matt, I asked if he was wearing contact lenses. His eyes were all color, no white. It turns out that he has these beautiful grey eyes and the whites of his eyes are tattooed. I didn't know that you could even do that! Anyway, his eyes looks amazing, and I asked if I could take his picture. He agreed to take one with me, and I've included it here. Next up, I'm thinking of a nose piercing, as long as there isn't too much maintenance involved. By the way, they are closed on Mondays. (Today is Monday, LOL). read more

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Had a good experience here with my nervous 16 year old . Piercer was kind and knowledgeable and everyone was super helpful . And I have no doubt that my daughter is likely in good hands and will likely not get an infection Here is the issue I have and hence the 3 stars vs 5. You come in and you are encouraged to buy gold jewelry since is the best for new piercings . I doubt that you can bring in your own gold earring's .These tiny gold earrings are astronomical and together with the cost of the piercing and the tip , this little piercing just became a major splurge . We left there with middle of range earrings and a bill of $350 including tip. Be for warned to bring a full wallet , pay in cash so you don't have to pay sales tax . ( wish I had know that prior) read more

I want to update my initial review for Nomad and how they responded and managed my own expectations. Shon responded directly to me and acknowledged his team could be a bit more mindful and transparent with their pricing, and said he spoke with the team about this too directly. I also appreciate that he was direct with me about the fine quality jewelry they have and why it's priced the way that it is. I came in with my daughter to re-size our posts and he went out of his way to accommodate us and make sure we felt supported. Thanks Nomad for the safe and clean piercings . read more

Highly recommend Nomad! We took our 4mo old daughter to get her ears pierced and the team at Nomad was so professional. We called on Tuesday and were scheduled for an appointment on Wednesday. When we got there, two ladies helped get us checked in and helped us pick out jewelry. They were very kind and helpful. Once checked in and jewelry chosen, we went to the piercing studio and met with our piercer. He extensively went over care instructions with us and answered all of our questions. He was so patient with our baby and took his time placing the dots of where to pierce. I forgot to mention when we checked in, I initialed a special tab. The tab was placed in the sterilizer machine and changed color to show that all of the equipment for our girl was 100% clean. This really helped me feel comfortable with the needle and tools used. Once pierced we were offered the room to take as long as we needed. Baby was a little upset but it was nice to know we had a private space to calm her down and do a diaper change etc. I can't recommend this place enough. The professionalism and cleanliness alone made me feel so comfortable. Oh also, HUGE jewelry selection!! read more

If I could give this place more stars I would. They people who work there are very friendly and patient. The owner Shon has consistently been patient with my many, many questions and always has good information to share. He is so nice. I was in the waiting room today and overheard him talking with a little girl who was about to get her ears pierced. He was very kind and personable with her as well. I have also been struck by Alex's warmth in customer service. The gals in the front who I've met are also very nice. Andy was also accommodating in his service. Nomad is top notch in their selection of fine jewelry. I love that their jewelry is made from the highest quality metals that are not toxic to the body not to mention the designs and selection are stunning! To top it off the vibe and decor are very cool with the murals and cases of miniature figures in the piercing room. read more