You’re walking down St. Nicholas Avenue in Washington Heights, and honestly, if you aren't looking for the sign, you might miss it. Kapital Piercings Tattoos & Family Inc sits tucked away at 1506 St. Nicholas Ave, right downstairs from a barber shop. It’s one of those "if you know, you know" places. Most people expect tattoo shops to be these cold, intimidating galleries filled with guys who look like they’d rather be anywhere else. Kapital isn't that.
It feels like someone’s living room. A very, very sterile and professional living room.
The Kelvin Factor
The heart of the operation is Kelvin Senfluer. He’s been in the piercing game for over 25 years. That’s not a typo. While some artists are just learning how to hold a needle in 2026, Kelvin has seen every trend from the early 2000s navel rings to the current obsession with curated "ear stacks."
What’s wild is how people talk about him. Usually, reviews for piercing shops are all about "it didn't hurt" or "it looks cool." With Kapital Piercings Tattoos & Family Inc, the reviews read like thank-you notes to a long-lost uncle. Clients talk about how he sterilizes the skin—not just with a quick alcohol wipe, but with a full surgical-grade prep—which is weirdly rare in a lot of street shops.
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He’s known for being "gentle." If you’re getting a rook or a conch piercing, "gentle" is basically the only word you want to hear.
Why "Family Inc" Isn't Just a Name
The "Family" part of the name isn't just corporate branding. Kelvin’s wife works right alongside him. There’s a dynamic there that takes the edge off the "scary tattoo shop" vibe. It’s a transgender safe space and explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly. In a city like New York, you’d think that’s a given, but finding a spot where you truly feel comfortable while someone is putting a needle through your face? That’s a different story.
They established the NYC shop back in 2016, though Kelvin’s roots in the business go way deeper. They even do tooth gems and teeth whitening now through "Gemmed By G," which shows how much they’ve branched out from just standard ink.
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What Most People Get Wrong About This Location
Since the shop is downstairs, people sometimes get sketched out. Don't be. Honestly, some of the best art in Manhattan happens in basements.
- The Wait: Because it’s a small, family-run operation, you might hit a wait during peak hours. Saturday afternoons are usually packed.
- The Service: They do everything. We’re talking ear piercings, facial piercings, oral piercings, and even "intimate" piercings.
- The Aftercare: This is where most shops fail. They hand you a photocopied sheet and wave goodbye. Kelvin actually gives out his contact info. If your ear starts throbbing at 10 PM, he’s the guy who actually answers questions.
The Real Cost of a Piercing in 2026
Let’s talk money. Kapital isn't the cheapest place in the Heights, but it's far from the most expensive. They use high-quality jewelry—implant-grade stuff—because, as Kelvin tells people, putting cheap mystery metal in your body is a fast track to a keloid.
A standard piercing usually includes the jewelry and the consultation. If you need a "Natural Sea Salt Cleanse" or a jewelry change later, they have specific aftercare treatments starting around $25. It's a "pay for what you get" situation. You’re paying for the 25 years of experience so you don't end up with a crooked nose ring.
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What to Do Before You Show Up
If you’re planning to head over, here’s the move. Don't just walk in on a Friday night and expect to be seen in five minutes.
- Book on Square or Fresha: They use digital booking for a reason. It keeps the tiny shop from getting overcrowded.
- Eat something: Seriously. People faint because they’re nervous and have low blood sugar. Kelvin will probably ask you if you've eaten anyway.
- Bring ID: It's New York. No ID, no ink. No exceptions.
- Check the hours: They’re closed on Mondays. Tuesdays and Wednesdays they don't open until 2:00 PM.
Kapital Piercings Tattoos & Family Inc has managed to survive the 2020s by basically being the opposite of a franchise. It’s small, it’s personal, and it’s clean. Whether you're getting your first lobe piercing or a full sleeve, the vibe remains the same: you're walking into their space, and they’re going to treat you like you belong there.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check their current portfolio on Instagram or their booking site to see Kelvin’s recent work, especially if you're looking for complex ear curation. If you're nervous, stop by on a weekday afternoon (Tuesday or Wednesday) when it's quieter to talk through your ideas before committing to the needle.