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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

Delicate leaf design ear tattoo on woman's ear with fan-shaped earring.

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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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

    Snake ear tattoo design with blue hair.

    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

    Ear tattoo featuring geometric design on a woman's ear and surrounding area.

    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

    Ear tattoo featuring a delicate purple flower design behind the ear.

    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

    Side profile showing a woman with braided hair featuring a rose ear tattoo with hoop earrings.

    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

    Ear tattoo featuring a delicate green branch design.

    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

    Ear tattoo idea featuring a rose design on inner ear with piercings, showcasing unique ink style.

    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

    Minimal ear tattoo featuring a crescent moon, planet, and star design.

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    #12

    Bright Blue Ear Tattoo

    Vibrant ear tattoo design with blue floral motifs on a person with colorful hair.

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    nothanks
    Community Member
    5 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.

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    #17

    Dotwork Ear Tattoo

    A minimalistic leaf ear tattoo design on a person with red hair.

    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

    Minimalist leaf ear tattoo design behind the ear, with earrings and gloved hand.

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    #19

    Healed Ear Tattoo

    Fern-inspired ear tattoo with intricate details on a man's skin.

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    #20

    Pretty Ear Tattoos

    Ear tattoo with a delicate branch design and heart outline.

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    #21

    Heartwarming Ear Tattoo Message

    Minimalist ear tattoo with the text "love you" in black ink behind the ear.

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    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.

    #22

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

    Unique ear tattoo featuring a detailed demon design inked on the inner cartilage.

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    #24

    Beautiful Ear Tattoo Design

    Leaf-patterned design ear tattoo with stud piercing.

    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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    #26

    Hand Poked Line Art Ear Tattoo

    Minimalist geometric ear tattoo on the side of a man's head.

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    Lewis Jones
    Community Member
    5 years ago

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

    #28

    Fine Line Work Ear Tattoo

    Black ink ear tattoo with geometric lines and dots on the outer ear curve.

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    mild anxiety! at the disco
    Community Member
    5 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

    #30

    Always Ready For Summer With This Tiny Ear Tattoo

    Ear tattoo featuring a small palm tree design behind the earlobe.

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    #31

    A Tiny Piece Of Tattoo Art In An Ear

    Stylish ear tattoo featuring swirling lines inside the ear of a young woman.

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    #32

    Tiny Eclipse Ear Tattoo

    Ear tattoo idea with a minimalist crescent design behind the ear.

    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 with intricate black leaf design along the outer ear.

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    #37

    Combination Of Ear And Head Tattoos

    Profile of a buzz-cut individual with a wave ear tattoo design.

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    Lewis Jones
    Community Member
    5 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    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

    Minimalist ear tattoo with lines and dots on the outer ear.

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    #40

    Tiny Lines Tattoo Design

    Small black line ear tattoo on helix, minimalistic ink design.

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    Lewis Jones
    Community Member
    5 years ago

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

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    #43

    Freehand Ear Tattoo

    Ear tattoo with geometric black line design and ear piercing with large black plug.

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    Sabrina
    Community Member
    5 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

    Ear tattoo with black gradient lines on the outer ear cartilage.

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