There are few better uses of free will than going to get a piercing. Whether it be your first or your 101st, there’s a thrill in adding a glitzy extra to your ear, nose, or practically anywhere you want, and whatever your taste, there’s a style for you. Manchester is one of the most style-forward cities in the world, and therefore is littered with some incredible options – so here’s our guide to the best piercing shops to get your next addition in Manchester.
1. Holier Than Thou
One of the most well-known tattoo and piercing shops in Manchester, Holier Than Thou is still going strong. With a team of expert piercers and tattoo artists, you can guarantee you’re in the safest, highest quality space imaginable, whether you’re after a simple lobe or nose piercing, or something a tad more complicated.
Holier Than Thou is one of those piercing shops you can count on, and you instantly feel at home once you’re greeted, which is always a plus, especially if you’re feeling a bit nervy. Have a browse of what they do on Instagram, or simply head down and see for yourself – the staff are always eager to help.
š Holier Than Thou, 97 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LW.
2. Astrid & Miyu
The gorgeous new Astrid & Miyu store opened earlier this year in Manchester, and so you can try out all the dreamy dainty jewellery your heart desires, they also offer piercing. The store houses all of Astrid & Miyu’s coveted jewellery ranges, as well as two studios for their hugely popular jewellery services, including piercing, welding and tattoos.
The Manchester Astrid & Miyu store offers ear and nose piercing, so all you need to do is choose from their range of titanium and 14k gold piercing hoops and studs in-store – piercing jewellery is sold separately per single piercing, not as pairs. If you have a specific piece in mind for your piercing, Astrid & Miyu recommends calling the store ahead of time to check availability.
š Astrid & Miyu, 18 Market Street, Manchester M1 1WR.
3. Thomas Street Tattoo
Although the name would have you believe that this place is tattoos only, you’d be mistaken, as Thomas Street Tattoo is also one of the best piercing shops around – of course, on Thomas Street in Manchester. Walk-ins are the name of the game here, making spontaneous piercing decisions pretty easy, and you can bet the fully qualified team can steer you in the right direction.
š Thomas Street Tattoo, 40 Thomas St, Manchester M4 1ER.
4. The Studio, Afflecks
Instagram post via @thestudioafflecks
Located in the iconic Afflecks, The Studio is one of the most legendary spots for a piercing in Manchester. Experts in tattoos and piercings, the team is happy to discuss your absolute dream vision and make it become a reality, and The Studio posts walk-in availability on their Instagram most days – so keep an eye out if you’re after a spot.
š The Studio, 1st Floor Afflecks, 35-39 Oldham St, Manchester M1 1JG.
5. Monica Vinader
Having opened its first Manchester boutique in May, Monica Vinader is a classy, sustainable option when it comes to jewellery and piercings. Loved and worn by celebrities such as Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Lawrence and Sydney Sweeney, Monica Vinader is best known for their gorgeously-crafted and sustainable demi-fine jewellery.
Monica Vinader crafts jewellery such as rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets using 100% recycled gold and sterling silver, conflict-free and lab-grown diamonds, and natural gemstones, and this is the quality you’ll get along with a piercing at the Manchester store. You can get up to three piercings per appointment, and just pay the price of your earring(s), plus you can book a free follow-up to have your piercing changed or checked!
š Monica Vinader, 58 King Street, Manchester M2 4LY.
6. Pure Piercing
Instagram post via @pure.piercing
As the name would suggest, Pure Piercing is what you’ll get at this Manchester *gem*. Located conveniently in the Royal Exchange, Pure Piercing offers a fuss-free piercing experience in a warm, friendly environment, whether you want to book ahead or just walk in on a whim. From dainty, sparkly jewels, to larger, bolder pieces, Pure Piercing offers not only ear and nose piercings, but belly button, lip, and cheek piercings just to name a few.
š Pure Piercing, 9 Royal Exchange, Manchester, Manchester M2 7PE.
7. Blue Banana
Instagram post via @bluebananamanchester
As you’d expect, the UK’s largest body piercing chain Blue Banana of course has a spot in Manchester, alongside its alternative fashion retail offering. In case you aren’t familiar, Blue Banana is located in the Arndale shopping centre, making it an easy spot for dropping in whilst shopping. Plus, the team is super careful about health and wellbeing, so you can be sure you’re under the best guidance and care.
š Blue Banana, Unit 48, 100 Barbirolli Square, Arndale Shopping Centre, Manchester M4 3AQ.
8. Wongs Jewellers
From Liverpool with love, Wongs Jewellers has made its mark on Manchesterābringing sparkle, celebration, and heartfelt service to the city centre. Although it’s “where Liverpool and Manchester get engaged”, part of their service is also piercing which, thanks to a honed appointment booking system, couldn’t be easier. Simply turn up at your scheduled time, meet your expert piercer, see your chosen earrings, and before you know it – your new piercing will be done.
š Wongs is opening soon in Manchester.