Frequently Asked Questions

Tattoo pricing at Whaling City Tattoo Co. starts with an $80 shop minimum. Beyond that, we charge by the hour, with rates varying by artist based on experience and demand.

During your consultation, we'll provide an estimate based on the size, complexity, and placement of your design. We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises. Final cost is determined at the end of your session based on the actual time spent.

For larger pieces requiring multiple sessions, payment is collected at the end of each session, which helps spread out the cost over time.

Yes! We welcome walk-ins during our business hours (Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-7pm).

Availability depends on our artists' schedules for the day, so we recommend calling ahead at 508-444-0247 if you have a specific artist in mind or want to confirm availability.

Walk-ins are perfect for smaller pieces, flash designs, or when you're ready to finally get that tattoo you've been thinking about. Larger or more complex work may require a scheduled appointment to ensure we have enough time to do the work justice.

Before your appointment:

• Get a good night's sleep
• Eat a full meal before arriving (don't come hungry)
• Stay hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your appointment (it thins your blood)
• Don't come in sunburned
• Moisturize the area in the days before (but not the day of)

What to bring:

• Valid photo ID (required for everyone)
• Reference images or inspiration
• Comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the tattoo area
• Snacks and water for longer sessions
• Headphones and entertainment if you'd like

If you're nervous, that's completely normal! Our artists are experienced at working with first-timers and will make sure you're comfortable throughout the process.

Session length varies widely based on the size and complexity of the design:

• Small, simple tattoos: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Medium-sized pieces: 2-4 hours
• Large or detailed work: Multiple sessions of 4-6 hours each

Your artist will give you a time estimate during your consultation. Keep in mind that rushing a tattoo is never a good idea; we take the time needed to ensure quality work.

For longer sessions, we'll take breaks as needed. Bring snacks, water, and entertainment to keep yourself comfortable.

Our artists specialize in a variety of styles:

• Traditional / American Traditional
• Neo-Traditional
• Black and Grey / Realism
• Fine Line / Minimalist
• Custom Design
• Cover-Ups
• Color Work
• Lettering / Script

Julia Harley specializes in neo-traditional, traditional, medieval themes, and anime/Studio Ghibli inspired work.

Check out our Styles Gallery to see examples of each style.

Yes, cover-ups are one of our specialties. We can transform old or unwanted tattoos into new artwork you'll actually love.

Cover-ups require careful planning. The new design must account for the existing tattoo's size, placement, and color density. Sometimes we can cover it completely; sometimes we incorporate elements of the old piece into the new design.

Book a consultation so we can assess your existing tattoo in person. We'll give you honest advice about what's achievable and create a custom solution for your situation.

You must be 18 years or older to get a tattoo in Massachusetts.

We require a valid government-issued photo ID from everyone, regardless of how old you look. Acceptable IDs include driver's licenses, state IDs, passports, and military IDs.

No exceptions. No parental consent forms. This is Massachusetts state law, and we follow it strictly. If you can't provide valid ID proving you're 18+, we cannot tattoo you.

You can book an appointment several ways:

• Online: Use our online booking system
• Phone: Call us at 508-444-0247
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: DM us @whalingcitytattoo
• In Person: Stop by the shop during business hours

A deposit is required to secure your appointment slot. The deposit is applied to the final cost of your tattoo. See our booking page for full deposit and cancellation policies.

Required:

• Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID)

Recommended:

• Reference images or inspiration (on your phone is fine)
• Comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the tattoo area
• Snacks and water, especially for longer sessions
• Headphones and your phone/music for entertainment
• A book, tablet, or something to keep you occupied
• A light jacket or hoodie (shops can be cold)

Make sure you've eaten a full meal before arriving and are well-hydrated. Don't come on an empty stomach!

For larger pieces that require multiple sessions, payment is collected at the end of each session rather than all at once. This naturally spreads out the cost over time, which many clients find helpful for budgeting.

We accept cash, all major credit cards, and debit cards.

We do not currently offer formal financing or payment plans, but we're happy to discuss session scheduling that works with your budget. Just let us know your situation during your consultation, and we'll work with you.

Proper aftercare is essential for a well-healed tattoo. We'll send you home with detailed written instructions, but the basics are:

• Keep the bandage on for 2-4 hours after your session
• Wash gently with unscented soap and lukewarm water
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel (not fabric towels)
• Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer or recommended aftercare product
• Don't pick, scratch, or peel any scabbing
• Avoid soaking (no baths, pools, or ocean) for 2-3 weeks
• Keep out of direct sunlight during healing

For complete aftercare instructions, see our Aftercare Guide.

Yes! If we did your original tattoo, touch-ups within the first year are complimentary. This is our way of making sure you're completely satisfied with your piece.

Most properly healed tattoos don't need touch-ups, but sometimes healing can be unpredictable. If you notice any areas that didn't heal as expected, just contact us and we'll schedule a touch-up session.

For older tattoos or work done elsewhere, we offer touch-up services at our standard hourly rate.

We understand that life happens. If you need to reschedule, please give us at least 48 hours notice.

• 48+ hours notice: Your deposit can be applied to your rescheduled appointment
• Less than 48 hours / No-show: Deposit is forfeited

If you're running late or need to cancel, please call us as soon as possible at 508-444-0247. We'll do our best to accommodate you, but our artists' time is valuable and last-minute cancellations affect their livelihood.