It seems like those big, eye-catching earrings are the accessory trend for 2023. Totally understandable, considering we spent the last 3 years with masks on our faces, and big earrings were not exactly a comfortable combo. But we’re convinced there’s an equally cool trend on the rise when it comes to our ears — and that’s tattoos. It might sound weird, but ear tattoos often sport delicate designs that are perfect for those looking to add a personal touch without going overboard.
We won’t lie — for how ridiculously versatile they may be, getting an ear tattoo is not a piece of cake due to the area’s sensitivity. But as the saying goes, no pain, no gain. And with ear tattoos, the gain is oh-so-worth it.
That said, if you’re willing to stand the pain, ear tattoos are a great way to add fun and flare to your look — they’re perfect for those who don’t feel like committing to a large piece. Plus, depending on your hairstyle, they can be subtle enough to go unnoticed, which is especially useful if your job industry is not one to accept even dainty tattoos that easily.
And the best part? There are so many options when it comes to ear tattoo ideas. You can go for small tattoos, like a tiny flower or a heart, or something bolder and more daring, like a dragon or a snake that curls around your ear. And let’s not forget about the coolest spot — the evergreen behind-the-ear tattoos!
Guess what? We’re here with some tattoo inspo for you! From cute tattoos to bold designs, you will undoubtedly be tempted to schedule an appointment with your artist after perusing them all!
For a more intricate sleeve-style design, take a look at our elbow tattoo ideas that blend well with armband tattoos
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Flower Tattoo
Leaves Tattoo
It will age as it will age The idea of a tattoo is to enjoy the ink/art
Load More Replies...Flower Tattoo
Sun Pattern Tattoo
Sea Horse Tattoo
Rose Tattoo
Is it my imagination or does it look like the open blossoms are positioned over existing piercing holes? Like she could put a small gem stud in each one for a touch of added glitz...
I wonder why they took the photo without the studs?
Load More Replies...I'd love to get this done n add some beautiful being to it, they would have to be very tiny studs so they wouldn't cover the flowers
Weed Tattoo
Rainbow Tattoo
You know how people do the hand thing to check if someone’s chill or homophobic? This is a way to skip that
Load More Replies...My biggest problem is that I could never get any tattoos on or near my ears. I rely heavily on the nerves in that area for personal safety (my area has a lot of spiders, and the sensitivity of those nerves is just high enough to give me warning if one tries to get into my ears or onto my face from my hair). I have other inks and I've noticed that the nerve sensitivity went down in those areas. I simply can't risk it.
Red And White Tattoo
Fish Tattoo
Very Fine Ear Piece Done By Kevin At Black Bear Ink, Eindhoven (The Netherlands)
Wave Tattoo
This is SO cool. At first glance it looks like her ear is deformed then you see the wave
Smiley Face Tattoo
Saturn Tattoo
Something odd I find is most planet drawings/ tattoos have Saturn… why not Jupiter or J1407? I honestly think Neptune / Uranus are pretty cool.
Saturn has a recognizable ring. Everything else is just an orb. Jupiter might be somewhat recognizable but I doubt people would get it straight away
Load More Replies...Leaves Tattoo
I like the look of this. But I know a 60+ Lady with blue paw prints on her collarbone. Presumably they used to be as sharp edged as this, but now they look more washed out, like watercolour. And I can't help thinking that washed out red lines and blobs don't look that nice on the ears.
Leaves Tattoo
Stairs And Doorway Tattoo
Owl Tattoo
Pattern Tattoo
Dot And Line Tattoo
Dragons Tattoo
Leaves Tattoo
Finally Got My Ears (And My Face) Tattooed. Done By Denyse Labarca At New Edge Ink In New West, BC
Butterfly Tattoo
Moon And Sea Tattoo
First Ear Tattoo! Done By Hazel At The Company In Hong Kong
Line And Dot Tattoo
Flower Pattern Tattoo
Line And Dot Tattoo
Rose Tattoo
Lightning Tattoo
Lightning Tattoo
New Ear Tattoo. By Lia At Rivers Of Ink, Ottery St Mary UK
Lady Tattoo
Red Butterfly Tattoo
Bird Tattoo
Nintendo Tattoo
Books And Music Notes Tattoo
Yoga Poses Tattoo
Flower Dot Tattoo
Musical Heart Tattoo
...I might not play an instrument that has that symbol- but I've never seen it in anything. Looks like it's meant to be an eighth note but the swirl is on the same side as the dot.
Flower Tattoo
Leaves Tattoo
It's looks great but how the skin is puff, irritated, and red makes my skin crawl. That just looks painful.
Herb Tattoo
Water Colour Tattoo
Flames Tattoo
Grim Reaper Coloured Tattoo
Dot And Line Coloured Tattoo
I have tattoos with that blue and it hasnt faded at all (yet?) in about 6-7 years. It's the yellows you need to be worried about.
Load More Replies...Leaves Tattoo
Cheeky Behind The Ear Tattoo. Tim Rix, Tradition Tattoo, Fortitude Valley, Australia
Phrase Tattoo
Butterflies Tattoo
Dot Leaves Tattoo
Leaves Tattoo
Ear Dots Tattoo
Crown Tattoo
Little Rose Tattoo
Rabbit Tattoo
Artisan Rotary Tattoo
Mandala Dot Tattoo
Ear Tattoos, Anyone? Made By Moruse From Blackrabbit (Prague, CZ)
Ear Done By Nick Bridwell At Golden State Tattoo In Garden Grove, CA
Sun Tattoo
Mandala Tattoo
Flower And Dot Tattoo
Heart Tattoo
Spider And Web Tattoo
Flowery Tattoo
Line And Snake Tattoo
Spider And Web Tattoo
Lavender Tattoo
Seashell Tattoo
Black Moon Tattoo
Leaf Tattoo
David Bowie Tattoo
Rose Tattoo
I know I'm literally begging for downvotes, but if I see one more mediocre rose tattoo, I swear... Lord, pick another flower.
there's so many good flowers with good symbolism out there! sunflower: loyalty, adoration... lily: affection for those you love... ox-eye daisy: patience... these are all flowers I incorporated into a tattoo design for my mom that spreads awareness about my rare genetic disorder, ehlers-danlos syndrome because those flowers all mean the feelings my mom has given me through my entire life
Load More Replies...Mandala Tattoo
Mandala Tattoo
Octopus Tattoo
Arc Tattoo
Tinkerbell Tattoo
Branch Of Leaves Tattoo
Tiny Axe And Log Tattoo
"Familia" Tattoo
Flower Tattoo
Diamond Tattoo
Moon And Sun Tattoo
Line And Dust Tattoo
Heart And Crown Tattoo
Swirl And Saturn Tattoo
Tiger Pattern Tattoo
Flowers Tattoo
Black Heart Tattoo
Batwing And Kanji Tattoo
the kanji seems to mean "myself" although don't take my word for it, I don't know the intricacies of Japanese (popping that same kanji into google translate from Chinese simply translates to "has" so I assume they picked Japanese) it just seems like a weird thing to tattoo on yourself
I am pretty sure it is a reference to the tv series 'teen wolf" where the kanji is indeed refered to as "myself" from the japanese language!
Load More Replies...Rose Tattoo
Word Tattoo
Geometric Capricorn
Weeds Tattoo
Ear Tattoo
I don’t know… it’s cool if this is the look your going for, but this made me feel a bit nauseous
I want to lke it, but it ends up reminding me of frostbite and blackheads.
Load More Replies...You do you. I'm heavily tattooed and I wouldn't give c**p to anyone on their choices. Having said that, this reminds me of gangrene
Diamond Tattoo
Letter Tattoo
Earwig Tattoo
Angel Number Tattoo
Spider Web Tattoo
Spider Tattoo
Tinkerbell Tattoo
Leaves And Bat Tattoo
Cross Tattoo
okay so I don't know much about christianity but isn't it incredibly hypocritical to ink a cross on oneself?
Seeing as how that's how they indetified each other back when it was still in it's beginnings as a religion it's quite the opposite, but the people who scream out that "you'll go to hell for destroying your body like that" on the other hand are very much so hypocrites
Load More Replies...Numbers Tattoo
I think it's the ink residue, some of these are taken in the studio. It startles me every single time (I feel so stupid).
Load More Replies...I wonder how painful it is to have a tattoo on your ear or just behind it?
It's mostly the sound. Didn't hurt so much. Pain 1-2 of ten
Load More Replies...I like the little colored floral ones right on the ear rim. They're cute.
This is mine. Color still good 15ish years later. https://imgur.com/a/BDs89Nd
Agreed, BLONDYROBL. I had to stop looking because of the blemishes, dirt and the large holes from ear plugs. I can't believe these people don't think to wash their ears.
I think it's the ink residue, some of these are taken in the studio. It startles me every single time (I feel so stupid).
Load More Replies...I wonder how painful it is to have a tattoo on your ear or just behind it?
It's mostly the sound. Didn't hurt so much. Pain 1-2 of ten
Load More Replies...I like the little colored floral ones right on the ear rim. They're cute.
This is mine. Color still good 15ish years later. https://imgur.com/a/BDs89Nd
Agreed, BLONDYROBL. I had to stop looking because of the blemishes, dirt and the large holes from ear plugs. I can't believe these people don't think to wash their ears.
