Frequently Asked Questions

How old do I have to be to get a tattoo?

You must be at least 18 years of age. You might be asked to show your ID that you are old enough to get a tattoo. It is against California state law (Cal. Penal Code 653) to tattoo a minor, even with parental consent.

Do you take walk-ins?​

Yes, walk-ins are welcome and will be addressed on a first come, first served basis with availability permitting. But not all artists are available for walk-in tattoos, and some parts of the year are busier than others. So, your best option is to call and see if we have openings before you come in.

What do I do if I want to get tattooed by a specific artist?

First, you must check the availability of the artist in the artist page. If the artist is available, fill out the request form and submit it. We will try to give you feedback ASAP with detailed information.

Can I get a quote for a tattoo?

We do not give price quotes over the phone. If you choose the artist and send a request, we will do our best to give you a ballpark estimate prior to starting your tattoo.

How much does a tattoo cost?

There is no set tattoo cost. The cost of your tattoo depends on several factors including size, placement, skin type, color vs. black and gray, and finally which artist you’ve chosen. The best way to get an accurate price range is by booking a consultation with the artist.

What are the shop minimum and hourly rates?

Our shop minimum is $150, meaning no matter what size all our tattoos will start at $150, and each artist has a different hourly rate.

Do I need a consultation to make a tattoo appointment?

As a custom studio, we require a consultation before we can book a tattoo appointment. All consultations are free and non-committal. If you are a walk-in, you may not need to have a consultation.

It will make the consultation smoother and faster if you can prepare a referential photo or images from portfolios to provide better understanding.

How do I book an appointment?

Reservation is only available via the “Request” page. We do not make appointments over the phone or by email. Availability varies by artist. Check the artists’ availability on our artist page.

If the artist is accepting appointment requests, there will be a “Request Appointment” button. If the artist’s books are closed, there will be an estimated date of when the artist will resume booking requests.

Do I have to leave a deposit to schedule a tattoo?

It is required to leave a deposit to make an appointment to get tattooed. Deposit amounts are based on the tattoo artist’s hourly rate and the size of the project. Before the consultation, we will notify you of the deposit amount in advance.

Deposits will be deducted from the total cost of the tattoo at the last session. For multiple sessions, the deposit is required to stay on file until the tattoo is complete, no exceptions. Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable to another person or another design. We hold deposits no longer than a year and they can only be paid in cash.

Do you have a refund policy for deposit?

We understand that sometimes your inevitable situation makes a tattoo work not progress for more than a year. We are always available if you want to continue the work. If the hourly rate has changed since your last appointment, a new hourly rate and a new deposit amount will be applied and if the former deposit is insufficient you must make up the deficiency before continuing the work.

Do you have a cancellation, no-show or late policy?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise that could force you to postpone/reschedule your procedure. Please understand that such changes affect not only your artist, but other clients as well. This policy is designed to allow for appointments to be rescheduled, but with a fair agreement in place to protect Oyabun Tattoo and the artists.Please don't miss your tattoo appointment.
  • (Reschedule) A 48-hour cancellation notice is required to cancel an appointment.
  • (No-Show) Any client that doesn’t show up for a scheduled appointment will forfeit their deposit and will be required to pay for any future appointments in full, prior to their scheduled appointment.
  • (Late) To avoid unfair delays to clients, if you are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment it may be necessary to reschedule.

What kind of payment methods are available?

We accept cash, credit cards (w/ 3% of transaction fee), Venmo, and Paypal.

Can I check the design before the day we start?​

No, you will see your design on the day of the tattoo appointment, no exceptions.​

Can I bring family/a friend with me?

For your peace of mind, you can bring only one adult guest. Tattooing is not a group activity so more than one person is not necessary. It could be very dangerous to bring a child or baby to the tattoo shop, so please make other arrangements for your children. Thank you for your understanding.

How should I prepare for my tattoo?

Getting a tattoo is like having a minor surgery. It is important to make your body condition at its best. We do not offer any tattoo procedures to pregnant women. If you have a disease or allergy that could be hazardous by getting a tattoo, we recommend having a consultation with a doctor. Please do not drink the night before your appointment, it causes you to bleed more and makes it harder for your artist to work. If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the artist can refuse to give you the tattoo and your deposit will be forfeited. Make sure your clothing is comfortable and not too tight. It is recommended to avoid too light colors or too expensive clothes, because the ink on your skin can affect the fabrics. Please make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before and eat a hearty meal immediately before the appointment.