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!
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Flower Tattoo
Leaves Tattoo
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...
Weed Tattoo
Rainbow Tattoo
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.
Leaves Tattoo
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
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
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
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
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
Diamond Tattoo
Letter Tattoo
Earwig Tattoo
Angel Number Tattoo
Spider Web Tattoo
Spider Tattoo
Tinkerbell Tattoo
Leaves And Bat Tattoo
Cross Tattoo
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.
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.