Pangea

Great experience-​lobe and cartilage piercing were done in an expert fashion by JC. Exemplary sterile conditions, symmetrical placement. A month later, piercing sites are trouble-​free. Jewelry purchased was very nice-​nicer than pieces I ordered online. I would recommend highly.

Update: Went back last week to get help with a several-​year-​old cartilage piercing that suddenly freaked out. They were great– put my piercing jewel from my nose in since it was piercing-​grade metal and my ears were suddenly unhappy with my sterling silver studs. They didn’t even do the original piercing, but they were ridiculously helpful and all I had to pay for was the backing. I tipped extra because, well, they went above and beyond. They’re some helpful folks, y’all.

I got my rook pierced by Josh. I am incredibly pleased with the friendliness of all the employees! The piercing equipment and space was all very clean and safe. It wasn’t too expensive, and I really enjoyed my experience here. I would recommend Pangea Piercing to anyone looking to get a new piercing. :)

So I’m going to go over my experience step-​by-​step so anyone who hasn’t been here can know what to anticipate.
I called the shop after finally working up the nerve to get my nipples pierced. I had stumbled upon a YouTube video posted by the shop about tandem nipple piercings and was elated to find this option was available in my local area (find these videos if you can — they’re educational and fun). I spoke with Kenny about having 2 people pierce my nipples at the same time and he informed me that that certain approach to getting this procedure done would require a little bit of time to have two piercers schedules match up. I wasn’t in any kind of rush, so we made the appointment for a little less than two weeks out (not bad, right?).
Day of I showed up to my appointment and there was a few people already waiting. I was greeted by a really kind woman who was aware of my procedure just by me saying «I have an appointment at 2». She pulled out a selection of jewelry and went over the options with me.
I had done my research online to find out what quality of jewelry I should be looking for so I knew what direction to look in. I picked Pangea specifically because I know that the carry high standard and quality jewelry, so I was super excited for the large variety of jewelry they had for me. The woman helping me answered about 20 of my redundant questions (I was so nervous) with ease and was sweet about my back-​and-​forth. Finally I decided on 2 industrial strength black opal bullet barbels (hope this terminology is correct) and we moved to the next step.
Filled out some paperwork (did I eat, have I consumed alcohol, history of fainting, etc), gave them my ID and after all of that, the wait was a few minutes. Kenny (1 of 2 piercers) took me back before the piercing to size up my nipples and decide what length of barbel to use with each nipple. After that I went and waited a few more moments in the common area for JC (2 of 2 piercers) to finish up with another client.
Kenny took me back to the piercing room again to draw some lines to make sure the piercings would be symmetrical, went over the instruments he was using (and showed me how to know they were sterile), and had me lie on the table. After he was all set, he had JC come in and they went over with me what would be happening during the procedure. Once they discussed the importance of how I’d need to breath (inhaling deep once I’m ready, then they’d pierce on my exhale which needed to be exaggerated), they aligned themselves to do the piercing.
I sat on my hands and I highly recommend doing this if you can. I think a natural reaction is to reach towards pain so I did this to hinder that.
I took my breath and they quickly pierced simultaneously. The pain was definitely intense, but over quickly. Both piercers moved expertly through it, and did a great job talking to me through every step. I’d say the whole thing (from piercing to cleaning me up) took a max of 1 minute. Kenny then showed me the piercing needles going into the sharps container to be properly disposed of.
I was informed that due to swelling that the piercings would twist and turn a little bit looking uneven until they heal. I’m having a complication with one of the piercings that might end up needing to be repierced which is a bummer, but I’m not scared for the possibility. If I do need to get this repierced, I know I’ll be treated with professionalism and have a quick, smooth and easy time with it.
Treat yourself kindly, guys. When you pay more for a piercing, you’re paying for: high quality jewelry, to have piercers that stay up-​to-​date with health regulations and continue their education to give you the best experience. There’s always someone who can do it cheaper, or won’t care that you refer to your plugs as «gauges» while poking at them with grubby hands, but those people obviously don’t take you serious. This shop has piercers that take their profession seriously and that knowledge and confidence will be exuded when you visit them. Try not to take it personally if their eyes twitch while you do something they’re there to warn you not to do — they’re just looking out for the health of your piercing and you!

As we nervously walked into Pangea to ask about correcting a closed ear piercing, we were immediately greeted and put at ease by Jess. Jess has a friendly and calming personality. She is professional and quite knowledgeable about the business. She carefully listened to our questions and then thoroughly described the process/​techniques and explained pricing clearly and accurately. The Piercer who performed the correction did a fantastic job — he was kind, friendly, and a bit quirky but clearly knew his profession. This urban-​style, unique jewelry-​piercing shop on Liberty street is super clean and I would highly recommend it. Expect to pay for quality service and the jewelry you choose here — it’s not cheap, but the work is done correctly.

Three stars for the wealth of knowledge and information these folks have. Minus two stars for the delivery of said information.
The rest of the reviews are spot in reference to the condescending, holier-​than-​thou attitudes these folks have. It took some prodding to get different options for what could work for me out of the dude with long ass fingernails. I didn’t like the options given to me. So, I bought some sweet saba wood earrings in my size and went on my merry way.
If the atmosphere was more relaxed and welcoming (read: don’t be so quick to jump down someone’s throat for using the wrong lingo, ya’ll catch my drift anyway) I could see myself returning for other options further along the road. If you are a sucker for defensive attitudes and want to feel belittled this is the place.

Pangea is awesome as always! Came in to get my conch pierced. Josh (who did my tragus a few months back) did a beyond wonderful job again with my conch. A really nice girl with blue/​blonde hair (blanking on name) helped me pick out great jewelry as well. This is my third piercing from Pangea and each time has been great. Thanks again Pangea! :)

Came here tonight, on a whim, after toying around with getting another piercing. I am SO glad I came to Pangea (I really don’t think there is anywhere better I could have gone).
I walked in and was promptly greeted by Jess, who was awesome getting me set up with paperwork and helping me make my jewelry selections (most of which is made in-​house, which is REALLY awesome). I was then shown an after-​care video while my piercer, Kenny, got everything set up.
Once I was called back, Kenny described everything in detail, showed me all his tools, and then he reiterated what he was doing as he was doing it. When someone is going to poke you with sharp needles, let me say it goes a long way to know they are completely competent and professional; this definitely made my experience 100% worth every penny.
I got three piercings done and Kenny was fabulous. I couldn’t be happier with the placement and how they turned out, not to mention how he walked me through the entire experience.
I also have to specifically mention the cleanliness… this is the cleanest tattoo/​piercing shop I have ever been to (and I’ve been to my fair share). Kenny made sure he showed me each and every thing he touched, showed me that it was sealed and sterile, cleaned my ears multiple times, both before and after piercing me, changed gloves a few times (simply as an extra measure, definitely not required each time), and pointed out that he was disposing of the used needles properly.
Afterwards I was given a paper copy of the after-​care instructions and Kenny made sure to give me his card, as well, letting me know they will help me change out my piercings the first time, just to make sure everything is good and done right. He was imperative that I could always come in for anything I needed, even just to ask questions or go over concerns.
When I walked out to check out I was told again, by Jess, to get ahold of them if I had any questions or concerns. She also made sure to let me know that I can always have custom jewelry made, which is awesome for someone like me with really sensitive skin.
The owner was in the lobby talking to my family as I left, and he was awesome to talk to, as well. You can tell he, and everyone who works here, takes pride in what they do and goes above and beyond to make this business what it is.
I couldn’t recommend Pangea more highly. I will definitely be back to buy more jewelry in the future, as well as if I ever decide to get anything else pierced. 100% hands down recommended!

I’ve been pierced at Pangea four or five times. I’ve had Pierre, Kenny, and JC pierce me. I had someone else pierce me at one point, but don’t remember her name. All my experiences at Pangea have been positive and memorable. The piercers are very professional and strive to make you as comfortable as possible. Yes, they are a bit pricier than most other places, but as someone who has had multiple piercings from different locations, I can honestly say that I have never had a problem with a piercing I got at Pangea, yet have had issues with other piercings done elsewhere. When it comes to piercings and tattoos, you get what you pay for. If you want great quality jewelry and piercings, go to Pangea.

Editing my review. If you make a return visit make sure to ask for your previous piercer. I had Pierre and he was great. Had a good experience overall the first time. But the second time was with someone else and a mess. I left with nothing because of their «high standards» and «professionalism.» Seemed more like commission to me. Even bringing their own jewelry back to get the same piercing wasn’t good enough! This place is a rip off! I will not be returning.

I wish I had noticed the dozens of hidden 1 star reviews before wasting my time driving all the way out to Ann Arbor.
This place is not good. The prices are insanely high and the employees arrogant, flippant, and rude. Seems like they don’t want to deal with you if aren’t covered with tattoos and piercings.
These guys can pretend that they’re upholding some sort of impossibly high standard for grimy piercing shops. But what they’re really doing is failing to provide the service that they advertise: punching jewelry through skin. Instead, they just come across as self-​righteous d-​bags.
Go somewhere else.

This place is awful, horrid customer service and they are not upfront about pricing.
I went in there to buy some new jewelry for my triple forward helix I already have pierced they just put in the new gems, one neometal star and 2 anatometal princess cut threaded ends. The price I paid was over 100 $, way more then what I was expecting! I left somewhat happy since I had some shiny new jewelry but I also waited for at least an hour for him to sterilize everything and no one else was in the shop… frustrating.
To top it all off not even a week went by and I noticed that one of my anatometal princess cut ends had disappeared in my sleep, I looked all over my room for it but it’s not that big of a gem. I was heartbroken especially after spending that much of my hard worked money. I replaced the missing gem with my old jewelry then woke up the next morning to find my other anatometal princess cut end had fallen off also… if the jewelry was installed properly both of my threaded princess cut ends should not have unscrewed and fallen off within one week!
I tried emailing the shop with my problem and the only response I got back was «when you loose jewelry you paid $ 1,000 for then you’ll know the feeling» that was from J.C.
Spend your money elsewhere like ironclad tattoo in Troy Michigan! Or

I decided to go here because of the other reviews, and I’m glad I did! I was looking to get my earlobes pierced, which is fairly pedestrian — i know. The total was a little higher then I wanted it to be, just shy of $ 165. That including a full price piercing (Right ear $ 35), half price of another piercing (Left ear $ 17.50) and a pair of surgical steel earrings (About $ 55 per earring, or $ 110 total).
It’s located very close (Less then a block) to a large parking structure at Fourth Street & William Street. The sign is not very visible from the street, but I had GPS in my phone and had looked up the location on google maps before hand. I am not familiar with Ann Arbor, and I found it fairly easy.
Josh greeted me and was friendly and very knowledgeable. He told me two things that stuck out in my head.
1. The cheapest you can get a double earlobe piercing+earrings is $ 70.
2. They consider themselves a jewelry store that «installs the hardware» as Josh put it.
That said, it was a good experience. I had about a 30 minute wait, despite being the only customer when I entered. I had to fill out some liability paperwork and they had to run their autoclave before they could get started on my piercings. While waiting for that, they became flooded with several other customers who came in with questions about previous piercings. Josh told me that as soon as the autoclave was finished, we would pierce my ears.
Josh ran me through the aftercare and we got to piercing my ears. He explained every product he was using and why. I was happy that the piercing table you see in pictures here and on their youtube videos tilts up. I have difficulties laying on my back and I was worried I wouldn’t be able to lay down for them to pierce my ears. In the end it wasn’t a concern because the table can be set into a comfortable reclined sitting position.
There was no topical anesthetic or numbing cream. I had read that some places use it. I didn’t ask if it is something they do but you must request. It hurt more then I expected it to, but nothing to cry over. The right ear didn’t hurt at all after the earring was in. The left ear still hurt mildly, and Josh said sometimes that’s just the body reacting to the first piercing. 6 hours later, it still hurts a small amount.
Overall I was impressed at the level of sanitation and genuine concern that Josh showed. The only reason I didn’t give Pangea Piercing a full set of stars is because Josh talked so damn fast. I had a hard time keeping up with everything he was saying. I am sure he has to repeat that information every day, so I can’t say I really blame him. Their website also needs to be updated. While I was there, they mentioned that the Ypsi location is closed, but the website lists it as a newly opened location.

My piercer, Kenny, was amazing. He was very professional, allowed me to check the location dots prior to actually piercing, walked me to through the post-​operative information and procedure in detail. His technique was outstanding – I got my tragus pierced on my right and left sides and it was pleasantly pain free. I get so many complements already!
In regards to the facilities, this is one of the cleanest piercing places I have ever encountered. I am a dentist so I am constantly washing my hands and changing my gloves and thus I am very observant of the hygienic techniques. Kenny voluntarily made sure to show me the autoclave strips and demonstrate that he put the used needles in a disposable sharps container, explaining that would never be reused on anyone. He washed his hands for a full minute prior to beginning. In addition, everything was wrapped, sterilized, and he changed his gloves multiple times (although totally unnecessary but I appreciated it) throughout the procedure. This to me is very important to prevent infections for anyone who cares about their body.
Yes this place is more expensive than most, but you get what you pay for: great service, excellent talent, a sterile environment, and most importantly a good experience. If you want to save a few dollars and risk an infection, be my guest. But when in comes to my body, I care about a clean facility and piercer. Pangea has lots of jewelry to chose from and offer free length changes after the 4 month healing process free of charge. I would recommend this place to anyone, and would definitely recommend Kenny as I had an exceptional experience with him!

Awhile ago when visiting Ann Arbor for the day, I walked into Pangea to see if they sold backs for traditional earrings. The back to one of my favorite pairs of traditional earrings had fallen out earlier that day, never to be found. Pangea was right there along my walk. There wasn’t a traditional earring store in sight.
The young woman whom I talked to was very professional and helpful.
She said they did have backs to earrings which would fit all my old-​fashioned, traditional stud earrings, called no-​thread plugs. They were made of surgical steel, which is great for people with skin sensitivities, which my sisters and I have when it comes to our ears. We all knew about hypo-​allergenic metals before most people did decades ago.
So with the young woman’s help, I was warming up to the idea of wearing no-​thread plugs.
Of course to wear these no-​thread plugs, they would require increasing the size of the original piercings in my ears. That would be … I don’t recall … about 70 bucks, that included the plugs with jewelry and the actual piercing, or widening of my existing piercings.
This young woman had convinced me that the beauty was that I could swap out all of my current earrings going back decades. I showed her my current stud earrings to make sure she was talking about this particular type of earring. And she said yes, absolutely.
She won me over with the spiel that there were tubes, or backs, made of surgical steel, and that I wouldn’t have to take them out at all, and they weren’t uncomfortable to sleep in.
What a great idea: Tube earrings, which fit all of my old stud earrings. I would never have to take them out again if I didn’t want to, which means they wouldn’t get lost. Plus they were made of surgical-​grade steel.
O.K., I was in! Let’s go for it.
Though I hadn’t planned to spend a ton of money when I first walked in the door, I was OK with spending it to purchase these special tube backings and to increase the gauge of my existing piercings. I was looking at the long-​term investment, and the fact that these tubes would make it more comfortable and convenient to wear earrings all the time. After years of infections, I had become a very infrequent earring wearer.
The first issue was that at Pangea the tubes weren’t sold separately from the decorative studs, so I picked out set I liked. However I thought it made more sense to just buy the tubes and putting my current pair of earring studs in right then.
The whole process of piercing was well done, and the woman clearly knew what she was doing. I give her kudos for that.
Several days later, and hundreds of miles away from Pangea I was back home and ready to swap out the existing studs in my ears with any pair I already had.
That’s when I discovered this woman wasn’t exactly telling me the truth. None of my stud earrings fit into the tubes. Their stems were too wide. It was clear I would have to increase the size of the gauges in my ear a couple of sizes for that to happen.
This was quite a disappointment. Though I am happy with these new tube earrings, because they are comfortable, won’t fall out easily and I wear them all the time. When I want to wear my older earrings, I can do that, too, though have to take out the gauge tubes to wear them. And, of course, I shouldn’t go too long without wearing these larger tubes, because the holes may start to close a bit.
So this woman got a decent amount of money from me. Though I’m not entirely disappointed with the end result, she was dishonest about getting that sale.

Had an amazing experience. I got my tragus pierced and it was so fast and painless I almost didn’t believe him when he told me it was done. I will definitely be back. The only thing is that the jewelry is very pricey so it cost $ 80 to get it done with the jewelry. Wouldn’t go anywhere else!

This place will cost you at least triple more than any mall piercing. However– it is well worth it. My piercer was Pierre– nicest guy ever. This place is clean and they take your time with you. Yes, it is family friendly. Don’t be scared of the guys in tattoos. They are nicer than teddy bears.
I just got my ear lobes done and was about 150.00 (includes the earrings). The piercing alone is about 60.00 (no gun piercing here). Unfor, you do have to buy their jewelry unless you have something they can use (which is probably unlikely to their qualifications)
Don’t forget to tip too! Yes– I know this place is pricey– but I’m not trying to get my piercing infected!

Well, if you must get pierced this is where you go. That is what I told my daughter. She had to get her cartilage and belly button pierced so I made her go to the best piercers in town.
Although all of the staffers are knowledgeable and experienced, Andrea is my recommendation. She is patient and thorough and talked through the whole process before the piercing. She talked about the what ifs and what not to dos. The process was very hygienic.
Now, I only have my ears pierced and intend on keeping it that way, but I did learn a lot about the other types of piercing available. You have many options and they have quite a selection of jewelry I must add.

I came here for a helix piercing after watching some of the Modified World videos on YouTube. Initially I was really nervous about the procedure, but after seeing how they do it here, I felt a lot more at ease about my decision to poke another hole in my body. ;) j.c. seems like a really cool, friendly guy, but unfortunately I didn’t get to meet him on this trip!
Yes, Pangea is obviously going to be more expensive than places like Claire’s, but this place is worth every penny. (I remember getting my lobes pierced many years ago at a Claire’s, and the healing process was a nightmare. They just kept getting infected over the next two years!)
L2 (Laura) was so incredibly helpful in answering my deluge of questions and was so patient with my indecisiveness. It took me forever to decide on which earring I wanted to get and then where I wanted the piercing to be! When it came time for the piercing, she took care to make sure all the conditions were sterile and that I was comfortable. She let me take my time, and after all was said and done, I was incredibly happy with the results. The actual piercing didn’t hurt much at all – just some pressure, maybe like a pinch. And it barely hurt afterwards, just a little tender. Things are still looking good a few days later, and they told me to feel free to stop by just to see how things are healing.
I would highly recommend Pangea to anyone looking to get a new piercing (or four) and will be sure to direct my friends here.

You know what’s particularly lovely about Pangea? Everyone from people with metal-​laden flesh to your mother with virgin earlobes can be comfortable inside. I’ve seen a very wide spectrum of customers here.
If you’re more conservative, you may not expect staff with tattoos and earlobe stretches to be the friendliest darn staff this side of the Mississippi. But let me reassure you that they are welcoming and without pretense. I’m particularly fond of L2 (Laura) who is cute as a button and very skilled. Pierre is also a total pro.
While you’re lying on the table you might just be lucky enough to hear some of the great stories the staff has to offer. These piercers have pierced for a mighty long time (some upward of 10 years — apprenticing under talented folks) and have travelled the nation. Most have pierced from head to toe, so they can recollect some pretty hilarious situations.
These cats are extremely careful about sterilization and cleanliness. They run everything through an autoclave before piercing, wear gloves, and won’t let you put any of your own jewelry on the counter unless it’s in a sealed baggie. But the laid-​back atmosphere keeps you from feeling you’re at the doctor’s.
Pricey? Ehhh. I mean, it can seem like a lot. But it’s not much more than other body mod places. Piercing two lobes, for example, runs you $ 30. They cut you a deal if you get more than one piercing.
Their jewelry is not cheap but it’s really high quality and beautiful. Plus they’re completely sweat-​shop free and implant-​grade. These people do not mess around. You can find anything from glass to silver to wood to stone — from shiny rhinestones to hearts to pentagrams to simple and elegant plugs. Many are hand-​crafted and completely unique.
They don’t pierce anyone under 12 years of age, and between the ages of 12 and 17, you need a parental unit with you.
I’ve never had to wait more than 15 minutes to get on the table and have something shoved through me (oof, that sounded naughty — talking about metal, of course). Normally there’s just one person ahead of me. Can’t seem to find a reason to set up an appointment unless it’s something more intensive or other people are coming with you.
They’re awesome with aftercare and follow the «don’t touch it until it’s healed» policy — it’s served me well. Their webpage is also helpful.
Get thee there if you’re ready to do it to it. Breathe out and you’ll barely feel a thing by the time you exhale.