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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!
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#1
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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#2
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.
#3
Small Floral Ear Tattoo
#4
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.
#5
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.
#7
Rainbow Ear Tattoo Design
Danish Dynomummy 6 years ago
So pretty, yet so discrete. I would mistake them for being earrings. Love it!
#8
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.
#9
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.
#10
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.
mild anxiety! at the disco 6 years ago (edited)
??the tiny metal sword in his ear?? is it an earring?
#11
Tiny Universe Ear Tattoo
#12
Bright Blue Ear Tattoo
#13
Clever Ear Tattoo Design
#15
Tiny Wanderlust Ear Tattoo
#16
My New Ear Tattoo - Cherry Blossoms
#17
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.
#21
Heartwarming Ear Tattoo Message
#22
Remember The Devil Is Always In Your Ear, Don't Listen
Lewis Jones 6 years ago
less tongue, looks like it's kissing you....maybe that's what this kid wanted?
#23
This Dot-Work Ear Tattoo Looks Really Good
#24
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.
#25
Subtle Lines And Dots Ear Tattoo
#26
Hand Poked Line Art Ear Tattoo
#27
Hand Poked Ear Tattoo
#28
Fine Line Work Ear Tattoo
mild anxiety! at the disco 6 years ago
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
Spider Tattoo On The Ear Lobe
spanbeam 6 years ago
And they spread - got mine done in the 90s - looks like a blue blob now
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#32
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.
#34
Minimalist Ear Tattoo
Jess De La Souza 6 years ago
Ultimately it means whatever you want it to mean.
Load More Replies... Lewis Jones 6 years ago
huh? didn't spend a lot of time on thinking about this design, did ya?
#35
Dot-Work Ear Snake Tattoo
#37
Combination Of Ear And Head Tattoos
#38
Cute Ear Tattoo Design
ć瀟äŒç UNDER COVER 6 years ago
This is really cute, but I don't think I would get it permanently.
#39
An Ear Tattoo - How Cool Is That. The Abstract Design And Neat Line Work
#40
Tiny Lines Tattoo Design
#41
Ear Barb Wire Tattoo
Avery Belisle 6 years ago
a piercing on the bottom one with a small, sparkly stud would look nice!
#43
Freehand Ear Tattoo
Sabrina 6 years ago
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...
Kristy P 6 years ago
I was checking out this old post for ideas because I'm getting an ear tat soon & saw your comment. YES, I agree with all of it. Plus, it smells. XP
Load More Replies... #44
Thunder Ear Tattoo
#45
Itâs Really Hard To Take A Picture Of An Ear Without Glare! Anyway, Hereâs A Cute Little Ear Tattoo
ratthew petsmart 6 years ago
hi stop criticizing people's tattoos please, that is someone's art.
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What do you think ?
comboplush 6 years ago
I am a total fan of tattoos and don't want to rain on anyones parade, but the trend to tattoo TINY yet intricate designs anywhere, especially on ears and wrists needs to end. The dotwork and geometric patterns will likely hold up well if the lines have enough space in between, but intricate designs are not able to last. Ink fades and broadens over time, so at best you just lose some details, at worst, you will end with a big blotch of black (or rather, dark grey, as it only looks this fresh in filtered and immediately taken pictures) in a very visible spot. Ears can not really be covered that well by hair either - no matter what you think, it is basically a facial tattoo, so please consult a well known, high-quality artist before deciding to ink and consider all the potential life decisions that might be hindered by ink right next to your face. *steps off the soapbox
Meop 6 years ago
All very unique and interesting! I can only imagine how much they must have hurt though :(
Marina Rios 6 years ago
They really don’t hurt much, especially not on ears which don’t have bones to hit.
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Bluebell Rizzi 6 years ago
My favourite was definitely the rainbow one! I loved lots of them though ^ ^
Mary Rose Kent 6 years ago
Most of these are really appealing, but when designing your tat it’s important to remember that our ears grow throughout our entire lives, so many designs will look a bit funky after 30 or 40 years.
comboplush 6 years ago
I am a total fan of tattoos and don't want to rain on anyones parade, but the trend to tattoo TINY yet intricate designs anywhere, especially on ears and wrists needs to end. The dotwork and geometric patterns will likely hold up well if the lines have enough space in between, but intricate designs are not able to last. Ink fades and broadens over time, so at best you just lose some details, at worst, you will end with a big blotch of black (or rather, dark grey, as it only looks this fresh in filtered and immediately taken pictures) in a very visible spot. Ears can not really be covered that well by hair either - no matter what you think, it is basically a facial tattoo, so please consult a well known, high-quality artist before deciding to ink and consider all the potential life decisions that might be hindered by ink right next to your face. *steps off the soapbox
Meop 6 years ago
All very unique and interesting! I can only imagine how much they must have hurt though :(
Marina Rios 6 years ago
They really don’t hurt much, especially not on ears which don’t have bones to hit.
Load More Replies... Bluebell Rizzi 6 years ago
My favourite was definitely the rainbow one! I loved lots of them though ^ ^
Mary Rose Kent 6 years ago
Most of these are really appealing, but when designing your tat it’s important to remember that our ears grow throughout our entire lives, so many designs will look a bit funky after 30 or 40 years.
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