# I'm getting a tattoo in three weeks - please give me some ideas!

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-a-tattoo-in-three-weeks-please-give-me-some-ideas/48172>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [January 3, 2001, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-a-tattoo-in-three-weeks-please-give-me-some-ideas/48172 "2001-01-03T01:41:09Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 3

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**Author:** ![Crunchy\_Frog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ebca7d/32.png) [@Crunchy\_Frog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crunchy_Frog)\
**Post date:** [January 4, 2001, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-a-tattoo-in-three-weeks-please-give-me-some-ideas/48172/41 "2001-01-04T15:05:07Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Bosda Di’Chi of Tricor \*  
> \*\*that you make DAMN CERTAIN THAT THE TATTOO SHOP HAS A AUTOCLAVE STERLIZER! Tattooing can transmit hepatitis or even AIDS.
> 
> DO NOT LET ANYBODY BULLSH\*T YOU INTO THINKING THIS IS NOT NECESSARY! Your first mistake could be your worst mistake. \*\*

Excellent point, **Bosda**. I can’t believe I didn’t mention this before, as it is usually the first thing I say to somebody getting a tattoo. Watch them do one on someone else. Make sure they shave and rub down the area with alcohol. Watch what they do with used needles, do they use freash sterilized needles on each person. Are they wearing gloves while they work. How clean is the area where they’re doing the work, is food and smoking allowed back there. You want as close to hospital-like conditions as you can get **Sara** - the cleanliness and sterilzation techniques are the most important things you can look for.

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