IMPORTANT!

Per Wisconsin law, you MUST be 18+ years old to be tattooed.

Make sure you bring a state-issued photo ID as proof of age.

FAQ

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GENERAL

Canceling / Rescheduling

We kindly request 72 hours advance notice if you can’t make your scheduled appointment. Failure to provide sufficient notice for a tattoo appointment will forfeit your deposit. Repeat instances of lateness or no-shows may prompt a service provider to charge late fees or require payment upfront for future appointments.

Need to cancel an appointment? Call us!

(You can also email, DM on socials, or swing by the shop.)

What should I do if I'm running late?

Please call us if you are running late for your appointment. Our receptionist will check with your service provider to determine whether we can still accommodate you.

Do you take walk-ins?

Our shop is appointment-only – but cancellations do happen, and we accept walk-ins when we can. Keep an eye on our social media or give us a call to inquire about availability.

Do you offer piercing / cosmetic tattoo?

Sorry, we don't offer piercing or cosmetic tattoo services at this time.

Can I bring friends / kids / dogs?

The nature of our multidisciplinary space means we have an assortment of sterile equipment and biohazard material that shouldn’t be tampered with, or services in progress that could be disrupted.

Unless they are a registered service animal, please leave your pets at home.

Children are welcome as long as they are well-behaved.

You are welcome to bring 1-2 friends / family members with you to your appointment. Please note folks may need to wait in the lobby if physical space is limited in your service area. Please call to clear it with us first if you'd like to bring 3+ people.

Thank you for your cooperation.

TATTOO

Preparing for your appointment

Be sure to eat, hydrate, and sleep well in the days leading up to your appointment. We also recommend keeping the tattoo area moisturized (especially if you have mature skin) – but please leave hair removal to your artist on tattoo day!

DON'T FORGET your state-issued photo ID! We can't tattoo you without proof of age (18+).

Here are some other helpful things to have with you:

Comfy clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area

Your favorite drinks and snacks (we typically have water/soda/hot tea/coffee)

Pillow and/or blanket

Your favorite activity to pass the time (music, movie, book, crochet, etc...)

A tip for your artist ☺

Does it hurt? Can I use numbing cream?

Yep, getting tattooed hurts. There are some areas of the body generally regarded to be more painful than others, but every body is different – so don’t talk yourself out of that sick back piece just yet!

Our artist team does allow numbing cream. Be aware that it has a tendency to wear off during longer sessions, which can leave you feeling more sensitive than if you hadn't used any. Your artist can make project-specific recommendations, so be sure to discuss with them first, and ALWAYS disclose whether you've used it on tattoo day. Numbed skin takes ink differently, so your artist will need to be prepared for that.

IMPORTANT: Follow numbing product package directions closely. Most need to be applied in a generous layer and left for 30 minutes to an hour before tattooing begins, but always adhere to your product's specific instructions. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team.

Aftercare

Remove saran wrap when you get home; do not re-wrap. Second skin bandages can stay on for 3-5 days, but if the seal is compromised before then, remove immediately and begin aftercare as detailed below.
Always wash your hands prior to touching your tattoo.
Wash your tattoo with fragrance-free soap 2-3 times a day.
Apply fragrance-free moisturizer to prevent dryness.
Do not apply vaseline-based products or rubbing alcohol.
During the healing period, DON'T pick/scratch your tattoo.
Avoid hot tubs, swimming pools, ocean/lakes, direct sunlight, and tanning until healed (average 4-6 weeks).

Your artist will go over aftercare details with you when your tattoo is complete, and after the suggested 4-6 weeks healing period, a free touch up can be scheduled if needed.

Please contact your artist or the shop with questions or concerns! We're here to help.

My tattoo looks irritated / infected. Now what?

Please keep us posted! Sometimes irritation is just that, and will subside with continued proper care.

However – it's never a bad idea to consult a medical professional. If your tattoo is infected, the sooner you catch & treat it, the better your skin (and tattoo) will fare.

Tattoos that have been infected typically heal with some amount of scar tissue. This scar tissue needs plenty of time (months, sometimes a year+) to heal completely before an artist can determine whether a touch up is possible. Be patient, and take good care of your skin in the meantime. Consistent use of a scar-care product like Bio-Oil can be beneficial.

Touch ups

Touch ups are FREE for tattoos done recently at WeMeraki! We also honor touch ups for artists who no longer tattoo here for a discounted rate.

All tattoos age over time, however. If you would like a touch up, reach out sooner than later. Diving back into a 2-, 5-, or 20-year old tattoo is no longer a touch up – it’s a refresh, and will be priced according to your artist's regular rates.

Why do I need to make a deposit?

Deposits are standard in the tattoo industry. At WeMeraki, our artists typically reserve deposits for longer / full-day sessions, to ensure they are at least partially compensated for their drawing time and any prepared materials if you cancel.

Your deposit goes toward the final cost of your first session, and if you need to reschedule, it will transfer as long as you provide sufficient notice (72+ hours). Deposits are non-refundable, so if you do not show up or provide sufficient notice, your deposit will be forfeited.

You may submit your deposit here on our website (card, PayPal), over the phone (card), or in person at the shop (cash, card, check).

You may also reach out to your artist directly for their preferred deposit methods, which may include payment apps like Venmo and Cashapp.

How much is my tattoo going to cost?

Tattoo pricing is based on a variety of elements: size, placement, complexity, color application, and more. If you have a budget to work within, let us know!

Our team typically gives estimates based on hourly rates, which vary by artist but generally range from $125-200 per hour. Some artists occasionally price by project. Larger tattoos can be split into multiple sessions, and you can pay as you go.

But it's super small, why does it cost so much?

WeMeraki has a shop minimum of $80-100 (also artist dependent), which includes the cost of single-use sterile equipment.

Can I see the design ahead of time?

Our artists do not share finished designs until the day of the tattoo. You will have the opportunity to request adjustments day-of if needed, but we’re sure you’ll love what your artist creates for you!

Do you ever turn tattoos away?

We want you to love your tattoo – and sometimes that means referring you to other providers who have more experience with what you're looking for.

Our artists reserve the right to turn down any tattoo they’re not comfortable doing. Often it comes down to a particular style or technique that our team doesn't specialize in (e.g. hyper-realism, or mastectomy tattoos). In other cases it can involve a certain area of the body, or specific content (e.g. a first tattoo on the hands or face, or a significant other's name.)

Subject matter that promotes hate of any kind is not welcome here.

Can I have my own original art tattooed?

You sure can! Just keep in mind – not all art translates well to tattoo. Your artist will do their best to retain the integrity of your original artwork, but more often than not, some adjustments will be necessary. Skin is a living canvas, and tattoo artists undergo specialized training to ensure their designs will look beautiful as they age.

Does your shop tattoo black / brown skin?

We do! The artist we'll pair you with depends on what you’re looking to get tattooed, but all shades of melanated skin are welcome here!

Can I get tattooed if I'm sick / pregnant?

If you’re sick – it’s best to reschedule. Your immune system will be compromised, so you’ll be more sensitive to pain, and it may complicate healing. Just as we expect our artists to prioritize their health, we want you to take care of yourself too!

If you’re pregnant – it’s best to wait until after your child is born.

For more specific medical concerns, like chemotherapy or an upcoming surgery, please follow the direction of your doctor.

What if I have a skin condition / allergies?

This is definitely a case-by-case subject, but typically we can’t tattoo skin with an active condition (e.g. lesions or infections in or near the area to be tattooed).

If you are allergic to adhesives, nut oils, or certain color pigments, let your artist know! We will do our best to accommodate you. Adverse reactions do sometimes occur in clients who otherwise have no allergy history. You are welcome to reach out to the shop, but we encourage you to contact your doctor with serious concerns.

Always prioritize the direction of your dermatologist / medical professional.

Can I book a surprise appointment for someone else?

Thoughtful, but no. Tattoos are extremely personal, and there's no way we can confidently quote, book, or design their tattoo without their input.

In some cases, we may be able to narrow down which artist is best to pair them with, and set up a surprise consultation for them to get the ball rolling! Alternatively, we can recommend a WeMeraki gift card amount they can put toward their tattoo.

Can I commission a tattoo design to give as a gift?

Sorry, no. See "surprise appointment" above – tattoos should be designed between the client and artist only. Design time is baked into the final cost of any tattoo, so it's best to work with one artist from the get-go anyway.

Art not meant for tattooing is another story! Most tattoo artists, including the majority of the WeMeraki team, create self-driven art in a variety of mediums – like the creations for sale in our waiting area! Feel free to stop by or reach out to inquire.

SALON

I'm a first-time hair client. Do I need a consultation?

We typically only require hair consultations for drastic transformations / fashion colors, but if you'd prefer to start with a consultation, just let us know!

Do you offer men's cuts?

Yes! You can book a men’s cut with select stylists. Give us a call to schedule, otherwise you can use our online booking option.

How much will my hair service cost?

Pricing varies by stylist, and also by: length and thickness of your hair, whether you have previous color / box dye, and complexity of the end result you'd like to achieve.

Send us a couple photos of how your hair looks now, and a few inspiration photos showing what you have in mind and we can provide a quote!

ESTHETICS

How long does my hair need to be for waxing?

3-4 weeks outgrowth – about the length of a grain of rice – is best to ensure every hair can be pulled by the wax, otherwise you'll likely experience outgrowth in between appointments.

I use tretinoin / retinol / accutane. Can I still get waxed?

It's not recommended to resume waxing until 6-12 months after discontinuing use of these products / medications. Tweezing is available as an alternative (brows only).

Can my child get their brows waxed?

Lisha treats youth waxing on a case-by-case basis. If you have questions / concerns, schedule a consultation with Lisha to chat with her in person.

American / European / Brazilian – what's the difference?

These are the three most popular bikini wax variants! All waxing is customizable, so if you want to shake up the classics, just let Lisha know.

American – Bikini line
European – Landing strip about 2" in width
Brazilian – Completely bare (female genitalia)

Do you wax men's genitals?

Yep! You're welcome to call us to book, or reach out to Lisha on Facebook or Instagram with more specific questions & requests.

Manzilian – Completely bare (male genitalia)

What is included in a facial service?

Lisha's 60-minute facial is the most popular:

Skin cleanse, clay mask, massage on face, neck, shoulders, hands, and feet

What products are used in a facial service?

Lisha uses Mad Hippie brand skincare products, and Morr brand masks.

If you have skin sensitivities / allergies – let Lisha know before your service, and she will customize her product lineup to accommodate you.

She occasionally uses coconut and jojoba oil. She does NOT use almond oil.

What is reiki?

Reiki (pronounced "ray-key") is a healing technique focused on chakras – the major energy centers of the body – to help promote the flow of energy, the release of negative emotions and stress, and the presence of calm.

"Rei" – universal (spirit, soul, breath, light)

"Ki" – life force that flows through all living things

Do you offer massage services?

We used to, but currently we do not. Our esthetician Lisha is not a certified massage therapist, but she does use various massage techniques during her facial services.

Facial services include: Massage on face, head, neck, shoulders, hands, and feet.

Back massage is also included in Back Facial and Facial Plus services.