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So you’re getting a tattoo/piercing. You’ve reached the point where you found your design, and now you need to decide where to get tattooed. How do you know if one of the South Florida Tattoo Shops you want to use is safe? 

With the proliferation of tattoo/piercing shops in big cities throughout the US, you could miss Empire Ink among the list of tattoo parlors in Miami. However, the best tattoo/piercing studios stand-out via their accomplishments. We have been featured in magazines, received awards, and has excellent reviews for over a decade. Empire Ink most recently, obtained the prestigious Miami New Times Best of 2018 award. This is mainly because all employees have trained adequately, and our tattoo shops have had happy results with over 50 000 clients. 

To describe Empire Ink in 2 words, think “clean and welcoming.” It must be said, Empire Ink doesn’t regularly use any anesthetic, but tattooing can be somewhat discomforting, so we do offer the option. However, such opiates make allergic reactions to the ink; you could get a skin infection like Staph or Hep from soft-tissue viruses by grappy South Florida Tattoo Shops using contaminated ink. Therefore, we apply the highest standards to our products. Empire Ink avoids inks that might contain metals and solvents that aren’t regulated. It is very important to note that everything at Empire Ink is individually sterilized and our equipment is routinely tested. Keep in mind, Empire Ink studios now are all disposable; thus, an autoclave isn’t necessary. During cleanup, Empire Ink staff safely disposes of waste in marked bins, spray and wipe surfaces with medical grade spray. Empire Ink uses both a bleach-based and hospital-grade disinfectant. Again, Empire Ink artists wear new disposable gloves, always throwing them in the trash between sessions. Empire Ink needles come from sealed, one time use containers; we cannot stress this enough.

Empire Ink has complete sterility and cleanliness; our tools are treated like those of a surgeon. Whether you are looking for classic or minimalist designs, Empire Ink full-body custom work is sure to please. In 2009, CEO Steve Santacruz formed Empire Ink with multiple locations throughout Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Their experienced tattooists and piercers have specialized in a variety of styles since day one. Steve’s love for his country is reflected in the business opportunities he’s provided to its citizens. Steve travels extensively- networking to open up a school and diversify his portfolio. From entertainment industry sports, he gets involved. He considers Empire not as a string of South Florida Tattoo Shops but rather a movement than an enterprise. Steve is open to guest-slots on radio, TV, and film. Exposed to gritty streets of NYC, Steve Santacruz adapted his raspy “up North work ethic” to our down South market; partnering with many local brands and charities for live art and events.

Empire Ink sterilizes all countertops, tables, and chairs, and this is reflected everywhere. Also, Empire Ink pigment trays are always new. Even though State and local governments are responsible for regulating South Florida Tattoo Shops, we apply the highest standards to every one of our shops. Empire Ink is considered one of the best-known tattoo/piercing shops in South Florida; serving its clients for over a decade. There is a uniformity and same quality standards among all the Empire Ink shops; operating under a similar structure that can quickly be passed on to each location as we continue to expand. 

We only hire reputable artists with a license, vetted by our local or state health departments. We’ve narrowed down the best South Florida Tattoo Shops and applied their best characteristics to Empire Ink. Steve Santacruz has a vision for Empire that goes deeper than his Miami Beach and Downtown Miami Tattoo Shops. His vision is one that includes every major city in the world, “Tony Starks of the tattoo game” — involved with critical figures to collaborate on various projects. To Steve, Tattoo/piercing is an art, and Empire Ink artists are leading this medium. Empire styles range from American Traditional to Japanese; we even have artists who specialize in vivid watercolor depictions. Our staff go through a rigorous onboarding process, training them (in detail) to the many facets of working inside a high-caliber tattoo studio. 

Many clients who started looking for “tattoo shops near me” or “tattoo shops in miami beach” end up coming to Empire Ink, because the quality of the images and the review of the clients speak for themselves. Safety comes before anything, that is why we are the trustworthy and quality-proven tattoo parlor in Miami.  

If you are wondering what’s good aftercare for a new tattoo, we made a list of steps to treat your new ink, based on the experience of our two shops in Miami and the latest medical suggestions in USA. There are so many questions people ask us, like is vitamin e good for a new tattoo, do I use shea butter, neosporin, vaseline, petroleum jelly, or dove soap? The truth is, everyone wonders what are the best lotions and products to put on our new tattoo, especially with the hot and humid weather in Miami. Here you have a list we compiled for you:

• Wait – First of, you should stay with your protective cover for at least a few hours. 

• Wash – after 5 hrs, it is safe to remove the cover and wash the new tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and water using your fingers. Pat it with a clean cloth, let it air dry and apply moisturizer after an hour.
• First Week – avoid wetting the tattoo except for when you shower, using the same procedure as in the first wash. Reddish looks are normal. Keep the area clean, and if you exercise often, wash it with careful. You can start using some moisturizer. The redness will start to go away by the end of the week.
• Second Week – Moisturizing this week is very important, since it will prevent itching and scratching. If necessary, you could use Benadryl to relieve the itching.  
• Third week – the larger scabs will fall, leaving the tattoo clean, but also looking dry. Apply moisturizer and protect it from the sun. 

General measures:

• While your tattoo heals, you should wear sun- protective clothes. 
• Keep an eye of your new tattoo to prevent infections/ allergies and catch them fast.
• After the first day you can use ointments or creams, consulting your tattoo artist or your doctor, but leave the tattoo to breath and dry.  

Remember: Keeping a good hygiene and being gentle with the skin are key!

Here you have other sources for tattoo aftercare ideas and steps: 

https://www.healthline.com/health/tattoo-aftercare

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319980#step-by-step-aftercare-instructions

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/a7369/tattoos-aftercare-95207/

A tattoo healing process could be slightly different for every skin. But having a general reference might help you evaluate how your new tattoo is healing, especially if you live in a hot and humid environment like Miami. If you are wondering how long does it take for a tattoo to heal, we would say roughly that 2 to 3 weeks. 

Here you have a list of what to expect with your new tattoo. 

Day 1: brighther in appearance and fresh wounds. You still have a lot to heal, so treat it with careful. 

Day 2 to the end of the week: After your skin pushed plasma out.. It might feel hot. By the end of this stage your tattoo starts scabbing.

Second week: Scabbing and flaking are normal by that time. Don’t scratch, don’t peel. It is tempting (we know) but seriously, DON’T. 

Third week: We know the art might look dull, but it will shine through the end of the week or maybe to the end of the month. 

Many people ask us if hair grows over a tattoo, or if the tattoo can become invisible after hair grows… The answer is simple: Poking the skin with ink doesn’t inhibit hair growth. So if you were expecting your hair to grow back, you will see it back to where it was supposed to be in a few days. While your fresh tattoo heals, the hair will go back to grow on its natural cycle. 

This is important to keep into account since you will want to think about how your new tattoo will look once the hair grows back. Especially if you are a hairy person, you might want to consider starting a new shaving routine.

Since the Empire Ink tattoo shops are located in Miami Beach and Downtown Miami, most of the ink enthusiasts we work with, ask us how to go to the beach with their new tattoo, or how to protect their new ink to go swimming. Most of our clients come to Miami on vacations and they end up getting a new tattoo as part of the vacation experience. But, they also want to continue enjoying the free time at the beach. 

Here is our advice for people concerned about how to swim with a new tattoo in Miami:

• FIrst of all, we recommend to wait a little. There are plenty of things to do in Miami for fun: chill and dine in nice restaurants, walk in the sunset hour, go happy-hour touring, you name it… We would tell you to wait at least three weeks if you ask us how long to wait until you can dive in the ocean again. However, our ideal time would be to wait one month before going back to the pool. 

Again, we highly advise you to wait until your tattoo is fully healed. But, if you have to get in the water before that, here is the suggestion that the tattoo artists at Empire Ink provide:

• Seal plastic around the area. 
• Use an antibacterial wash after swimming. 

Wrapping your tattoo up is a good idea if, after a month, your tattoo is still healing. You can make a waterproof bandage and you might also consider using an ointment to repel water from your new ink.

According to Science Focus Magazine, when the tattoo needles deposit ink beneath the epidermis, they do it deep enough that the ink won’t be immediately shed with the skin cells of the upper layers, but macrophage cells from your immune system will gradually absorb the ink and disperse it. They also state that the Ultraviolet frequencies in sunlight are energetic enough to break down the ink molecules over time, so tattoos that are always exposed – such as on the fingers or face – fade quicker than those covered by clothing.

If that is the case of your tattoo, the 10+ years of experience we have at Empire Ink tells us that a tattoo touch up makes sense after the first 6 months. However, like we said before it all depends of the place where you ink it, and the sun exposition you have had. 

We get that your ideal goal is not having to retouch it, and the best way to do that is to take good care of it! Some things you should always consider to protect your tattoo are:

• Stay hydrated and keep your skin moisturized
• Avoid drastic changes in weight
• Watch what you wear, and try avoiding long sun exposures.

Our years of experience in the business have given us a strong knowledge of how the industry works in South Florida. 

If you are considering Empire Ink to get your new tattoo, and you wonder how to know about our safety and cleaning standards, check our reviews! We rely on the experience of our past clients as our main selling point. Don’t listen to us. Read about their happy experience! 

Empire Ink has complete sterility and cleanliness; our tools are treated like those of a surgeon. We apply the highest standards to our products. Empire Ink avoids inks that might contain metals and solvents that aren’t regulated. It is very important to note that everything at Empire Ink is individually sterilized and our equipment is routinely tested. Keep in mind, Empire Ink studios now are all disposable; thus, an autoclave isn’t necessary. During cleanup, Empire Ink staff safely disposes of waste in marked bins, spray and wipe surfaces with medical grade spray. Empire Ink uses both a bleach-based and hospital-grade disinfectant. Again, Empire Ink artists wear new disposable gloves, always throwing them in the trash between sessions. Empire Ink needles come from sealed, one time use containers; we cannot stress this enough.

If you want to know how clean and safe is your tattoo parlor, those are the most important things you should focus on. 

Many people who are thinking about getting a first tattoo stop by our shops and ask us about first tattoo tips for beginners. Here you have a summary of the ones we say the most:

• Research about a tattoo that feels right for you: we know this is easier said than done, but your first research is very important since you will define the size and place where you want to do it, as well as the significance that first tattoo will have for you. Whether you want to ink something that is a memorial tattoo, serves as a daily reminder, or marks your 18th birthday, the tattoo you choose will be telling the story of your life. 
• Find the right place: Nothing speaks louder than reviews. That is why, at Empire Ink we rely on the testimonials of our clients to help people decide about the quality and safety of our tattoo shops in Miami Beach and Downtown. 

• Read about a tattoo recovery, and plan the right time to ink it, so you guarantee a proper tattoo aftercare. 

Find more information and HOW TOs about getting a new tattoo in Empire Ink Youtube Channel, or #AskEmpire, and we will get back to you. 

For more information about tattoo aftercare, and Do’s & Don’ts when getting a first or new tattoo, check our FAQ page. 

At Empire Ink we are very careful regarding our clients needs and safety. However, we highly recommend clients to be as informed as possible regarding tattoos and interactions with medications, allergies, etc. If you are getting a tattoo for the first time, we highly recommend you to read at least the link we share from the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) especially the safety and regulatory background section, the risks involved in tattooing (including infections, allergies, granulomas, and adverse reactions). 

https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/tattoos-permanent-makeup-fact-sheet

Having more information helps you to have a great first tattoo experience, and it helps us to add you as one of our 50 000 + happy clients. Here is a summary of what the FDA says:

The following are the primary complications that can result from tattooing:

• Infection. Unsterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis, and skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (“staph”) and other bacteria*. Infections also have resulted from contaminated tattoo inks, even when the tattoo artist has followed hygienic procedures. These infections can require prolonged treatment with antibiotics. 

• Removal problems. Despite advances in laser technology, removing a tattoo is a painstaking process, usually involving several treatments and considerable expense. Complete removal without scarring may be impossible.

• Allergic reactions. Although FDA has received reports of numerous adverse reactions associated with certain shades of ink in permanent makeup, marketed by a particular manufacturer, reports of allergic reactions to tattoo pigments have been rare.

• Granulomas. These are nodules that may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.

• Keloid formation. If you are prone to developing keloids — scars that grow beyond normal boundaries — you are at risk of keloid formation from a tattoo. Keloids may form any time you injure or traumatize your skin. 

• MRI complications. There have been reports of people with tattoos or permanent makeup who experienced swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This seems to occur only rarely and apparently without lasting effects.

If you are also thinking how to avoid risks when getting tattooed, here is what Steve SantaCruz, our CEO and founder, says about Empire Ink safety protocols: “Tattoo/piercings are more popular than ever. Today, nearly 30 percent of North Americans have at least one tattoo/piercing. Almost 70 percent of them have 2 or more. The rules for regulating South Florida Tattoo Shops can vary from town to town. We are fusing multiple concepts into one themed shop. Empire Ink helpful and interested staff are polite and kind. When you get to Empire Ink, you’ll immediately enter a welcoming environment. Empire Ink sterilizes all countertops, tables, and chairs, and this is reflected everywhere. Also, Empire Ink pigment trays are always new. Even though State and local governments are responsible for regulating South Florida Tattoo Shops, we apply the highest standards to every one of our shops. Empire Ink is considered one of the best-known tattoo/piercing shops in South Florida; serving its clients for almost a decade. There is a uniformity amongst all Empire Ink; operating under a similar infrastructure that can quickly be passed on to each location as we continue to expand. Again, all Empire Ink needles and tubes should be medical-grade and disposable. We are grooming Empire to eventually undergo public-blossoming into a franchise with “over a billion served.” Spend time getting to know Empire Ink staff by checking out their artist profiles to learn about their personality. Their contact info is featured on our website. Empire Ink shows how seriously we take their profession by taking the time to get to know each client, one at a time. We answer questions and listen to their ideas. We only hire reputable artists with a license, vetted by our local or state health departments. We’ve narrowed down the best South Florida Tattoo Shops and applied their best characteristics to Empire Ink. Steve Santacruz has a vision for Empire that goes deeper than his South Florida Tattoo Shops. His vision is one that includes every major city in the world, “Tony Starks of the tattoo game” — involved with critical figures to collaborate on various projects”. To Steve, Tattoo/piercing is an art, and Empire Ink artists leading this medium. Empire styles range from American Traditional to Japanese; we even have artists who specialize in vivid watercolor depictions. Our staff go through a rigorous onboarding process, training them (in detail) to the many facets of working inside a high-caliber tattoo studio. 

Whether you are thinking how young is too young to get your first tattoo, or when do you actually have permission to get a tattoo, you want to know first hand what the law says about it. 

The Florida legislature regarding tattoo states that you can get a tattoo if you are 16 or older. Please, review this link for more information which provide legal guidance for getting a tattoo: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0381/Sections/0381.00787.html

You may also want to know what the Florida Health department says about how to have a healthy tattoo experience, and things to know before getting inked: http://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/tattooing/index.html

For someone who is 16 to 17 years old, there is a consent form that needs to be filled by their legal guardian: https://cdn.websites.hibu.com/0d5284e6460046e9b492a2e05e7c7af1/files/uploaded/studio-54-tattoo-and-piercings-minor-consent-form-florida-tattoo.pdf

We make no exceptions for these requirements. Empire Ink prides itself of having great respect for the law and high security standards. If you decide to wait until you are 18 years old, we look forward to be a part of the story behind your 18th birthday tattoo!

Things to do in miami, getting a tattoo in miami while on vacation, cheap things to do in miami, wild things to do in miami, plan tattoo on miami while on vacation. 

Getting a tattoo on vacation is not a bad idea as long as you understand and make a good plan especially for the days to follow, since you will need to take care of your new ink. New tattoos during vacation might seem like a wild thing to do, but you’d be amazed seeing how many people choose this time to do it. Depending on where you get the tattoo, it might be a cheap thing to do in Miami. Our recommendation with price is that you are only putting a price to the quality of your skin. Don’t settle for cheap quality that might put you at risk. How much would you pay for the treatment you deserve?

While doing an impulse tattoo while having fun in Miami beach is tempting there are things involving the aftercare that you need to consider for the following days, like long exposures to the sun, sweating, or swimming. Those are not recommended for the days or weeks after you get inked. 

Here are some tips if you are considering to make a tattoo while on vacations in MIami:

• If possible, choose a one session design. 
• Protect your tattoo from the sun, with proper clothing, and organizing your schedule with activities in the shade. 
• Get your tattoo towards the end of the vacation.
• Choose wisely the tattoo shop in Miami. Tattoo tourism is a real thing. At Empire Ink we have a deep understanding of it, since we receive many clients that were tempted to get a cheaper tattoo that was offering poor quality. Our philosophy is to deliver high quality ink with top safety and cleaning standards. While you are on vacations, treat yourself with the ink artwork you deserve, and don’t settle for underwhelming quality. 

If this is your first time and you are planning to get a tattoo in Miami, here are a couple of advices: 

• If you are planning to find a tattoo parlor, don’t search for “Tattoo shops in miami”, “best tattoo near me” or “tattoo parlor in miami beach”. Yes, those first searches could give you an idea of the tattoo shops you have nearby, but they won’t necessarily give you the reference of a good quality ink place in Florida. Notice the reviews of each tattoo shop, the experience and time those stores have been open, the quality of the work, and maybe ask a friend who has gotten tattooed in miami before. If you don’t want to do much research, trust a high rated tattoo shop like ours, which has over 50 000 happy clients (something that proves quality and safety in the tattoo industry). 
• Take the decision of your first tattoo seriously, and let the tattoo artist help you organize your ideas towards what you want. If you are wondering what to put on a new tattoo, make sure you start with something you can handle, and then you can grow your tattoo idea as much as you want. 
• Don’t settle for cheap options. If you try to find tattoo places by price, you won’t be looking into quality places that offer personalized quotes like us. If you want a reference for tattoo prices in Miami, give us a call, but never settle for the cheapest work. Your skin deserves quality. 
• We can work with you on a custom tattoo, but make sure you are strong in what drives you to get your first ink, whether it is an 18th birthday tattoo, or a reminder tattoo, especially if it is a face of someone.
• Talk your idea with the ink artist. If you want to finish putting together your tattoo project, stop by one of the Empire Ink shops in Miami Beach or Downtown Miami. We will be more than happy to put things together with you, and help you shape the final touches of your tattoo project. 

If you are planning to get pierced, you also need to check the reviews of the place you will chose for that. Remember, not all the body piercing places near you are the best or safest option. Research until you find a professional experienced tattoo shop where they do body piercings.