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Ears are probably the most decorated parts of the human body, and with the surge of the ear tattoo trend, we might just know the answer why is it so popular to get your head appendages inked.

Chinese medicine practitioners believe that our bodies are divided into twelve main meridians or twelve paths of energy flow, known as 'qi,' and as it turns out, half of the meridians flow into or connect to our ears. That, of course, makes our ears a Pandora's box of acupuncture points. Now, what does that have to do with ear tattoos? One theory about tattoo placements says that we choose where to get inked instinctively as our bodies tell us which meridian should be worked on for us to get rid of one or another ailment. So, it is no wonder that ears, having as many acupuncture points as they do, are a popular, yet subconscious, choice for unique tattoo lovers. Now, this, of course, is just a theory and no matter if you'd like to believe it or not, ear tattoos are here to stay.

Minimal tattoos seem to be a firm favorite when inking your ears, often created using geometrical placements of dots and lines. Another popular theme to adorn your ears with - floral designs. And the bravest and the boldest might even combine head and ear tattoos into one design or fill in all the nooks and crevices with color. If you're still having a hard time in choosing a drawing for your next small tattoo, we've compiled a truly colorful list full of tattoo ideas. All you have to do is scroll down below, check the pictures and pick one out. Also, don't forget to vote and comment!

#1

Simple, Yet Very Beautiful Ear Tattoo

Simple, Yet Very Beautiful Ear Tattoo

Floral ornaments and decorations are probably the most popular designs ever, used since the times of ancient Egypt. No wonder it translates beautifully into ear tattoos.

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james_fox1984 avatar
Foxxy
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They are beautiful, all I can imagine is the pain though. That’s gotta hurt getting it on the ear.

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#2

Tricky Little Danger Noodle Ear Tattoo

Tricky Little Danger Noodle Ear Tattoo

In the words of a famous German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche - "The snake which cannot cast its skin has to die. As well the minds which are prevented from changing their opinions; they cease to be minds." And we firmly believe that snake tattoos represent just that - change and evolution of the mind. 

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#4

Dotwork Ear Tattoo

Dotwork Ear Tattoo

Dotwork tattoos are a style of their own, and the shading produced by hundreds of tiny dots give the design an almost 3D look. 

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#5

Violetta And Her Violet Ear Tattoo

Violetta And Her Violet Ear Tattoo

Native Americans called the Haudenosaunee believed that violets were children born both from the Earth and the Sky. Following the legend, it gives violets the meaning of balance and harmony. 

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#8

New Ear Tattoo

New Ear Tattoo

Back to Chinese medicine - notice the three dots near tragus? Affecting them might help a person in being a better listener, while also healing some ailments.

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#9

Olive Branch Tattoo On The Ear

Olive Branch Tattoo On The Ear

The olive branch is not only beautiful, but it also symbolizes peace and victory. This meaning was given to it since the times of ancient Greece, and now the expression 'Olive branch' is used as a common idiom. 

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#10

Rose Ear Tattoo

Rose Ear Tattoo

The rose is often considered a symbol of balance. The beauty of this flower expresses promise, hope, and new beginnings which is contrasted by thorns symbolizing defense and loss. And while a white rose means purity and mysticism, a black one represents death. 

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#11

Tiny Universe Ear Tattoo

Tiny Universe Ear Tattoo

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Kai
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this one. i would had a small spaceman to it

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#12

Bright Blue Ear Tattoo

Bright Blue Ear Tattoo

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nothanks
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Woah her hair is super cool and it compliments the tattoo perfectly.

#17

Dotwork Ear Tattoo

Dotwork Ear Tattoo

Sometimes an ear tattoo might be a great solution if you like adorning your ears but don't have the time for earrings.

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#18

Subtle Ear Tattoo Design

Subtle Ear Tattoo Design

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#19

Healed Ear Tattoo

Healed Ear Tattoo

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#20

Pretty Ear Tattoos

Pretty Ear Tattoos

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#21

Heartwarming Ear Tattoo Message

Heartwarming Ear Tattoo Message

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ranmitatakahashi avatar
Kai
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This ccould be the first thing your love one would see when wakes up.

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#22

Remember The Devil Is Always In Your Ear, Don't Listen

Remember The Devil Is Always In Your Ear, Don't Listen

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#24

Beautiful Ear Tattoo Design

Beautiful Ear Tattoo Design

If you're not a fan of minimal tattoos, a design combining both dotwork and linework might be the best choice.

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#25

Hand Poked Line Art Ear Tattoo

Hand Poked Line Art Ear Tattoo

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Lewis Jones
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5 years ago

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really? if this is you, just get a sharpie.....

#27

Fine Line Work Ear Tattoo

Fine Line Work Ear Tattoo

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loucat197 avatar
mild anxiety! at the disco
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like a lot of these are only really cool if you look closely, no one would be able to appreciate them from a distance

#29

Always Ready For Summer With This Tiny Ear Tattoo

Always Ready For Summer With This Tiny Ear Tattoo

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#30

A Tiny Piece Of Tattoo Art In An Ear

A Tiny Piece Of Tattoo Art In An Ear

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#32

Tiny Eclipse Ear Tattoo

Tiny Eclipse Ear Tattoo

In many cultures and religions, the Sun symbolizes life, strength, energy, and rebirth. And with such a clever placement this design might just really empower the wearer.

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#33

Ear Tattoo Design

Ear Tattoo Design

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#37

Combination Of Ear And Head Tattoos

Combination Of Ear And Head Tattoos

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Lewis Jones
Community Member
5 years ago

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scars, real ones can be cool, but fake ones? gotta earn them.

#39

An Ear Tattoo - How Cool Is That. The Abstract Design And Neat Line Work

An Ear Tattoo - How Cool Is That. The Abstract Design And Neat Line Work

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#40

Tiny Lines Tattoo Design

Tiny Lines Tattoo Design

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Lewis Jones
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5 years ago

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again, huh? does this even count as a tattoo?

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#43

Freehand Ear Tattoo

Freehand Ear Tattoo

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Sabrina
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

oooh, the ear made me shudder, as a pop-punk stannie i go to concerts and see people with stretched ears and it B O T H E R S me and when they take it out?? The flappy skin? It looks like I can flick it and it'll jiggle like Jell-O(I'm sorry) just...

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#45

It’s Really Hard To Take A Picture Of An Ear Without Glare! Anyway, Here’s A Cute Little Ear Tattoo

It’s Really Hard To Take A Picture Of An Ear Without Glare! Anyway, Here’s A Cute Little Ear Tattoo

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