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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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.
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.
Small Floral 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.
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.
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.
Rainbow Ear Tattoo Design
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.
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.
??the tiny metal sword in his ear?? is it an earring?
Tiny Universe Ear Tattoo
Bright Blue Ear Tattoo
Tiny Wanderlust Ear Tattoo
My New Ear Tattoo - Cherry Blossoms
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.
Heartwarming Ear Tattoo Message
This Dot-Work Ear Tattoo Looks Really Good
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.
Fine Line Work Ear Tattoo
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
Subtle Lines And Dots 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.
Hand Poked Line Art Ear Tattoo
Combination Of Ear And Head Tattoos
Cute Ear Tattoo Design
This is really cute, but I don't think I would get it permanently.
An Ear Tattoo - How Cool Is That. The Abstract Design And Neat Line Work
Tiny Lines Tattoo Design
Ear Barb Wire Tattoo
a piercing on the bottom one with a small, sparkly stud would look nice!
It’s Really Hard To Take A Picture Of An Ear Without Glare! Anyway, Here’s A Cute Little Ear Tattoo
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
*high five*
All very unique and interesting! I can only imagine how much they must have hurt though :(
They really don’t hurt much, especially not on ears which don’t have bones to hit.
These are cute and if your work wants you to cover tattoos you can use your hair! (if she/he/they have hair past their ears)
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
*high five*
All very unique and interesting! I can only imagine how much they must have hurt though :(
They really don’t hurt much, especially not on ears which don’t have bones to hit.
These are cute and if your work wants you to cover tattoos you can use your hair! (if she/he/they have hair past their ears)