Tattoos are a really great way to express personal style and there are so many creative and fun tattoo ideas out there. Once one has decided on what they want to get, it's time to decide on where to place it. People choose all kinds of locations for their tattoos, from their faces to their kneecaps to their feet. But one really great location for a small tattoo is the ear. Behind the ear is a pretty popular location, but do not be afraid to take it a step further and get something inside the ear. Because the cartilage has the most space, that is the most common place for an ear tattoo to be placed — but people have definitely found some other cool ways to do it as well.
From flowers to symbols to words and dates, people have thought of so many cool designs that fit inside the ear. Many of them also look great with ear piercings. Ear tattoos can be fun to show off for people with shorter hair or those who love to rock a ponytail on the daily. Since most ear tattoos are so tiny, they are often minimal and without ton of detail. Things like hearts, stars, music notes, paw prints, and even just a simple line design all work well. However, some skilled artists are able to get more detailed with things like a butterfly, a realistic tree branch, or even a skull. The ears are surprisingly a really awesome place to add some ink. And since it is such a small surface, it can be finished quickly and without a ton of pain. Here are 20 really cool ear tattoo ideas that make some pretty great body art. We definitely are considering getting one!
Branch Ear Tattoo
This branch tattoo looks like a permanent accessory. We love the different shades of green used in the leaves. It really makes it stand out.
Chandelier Ear Tattoo
This ear tattoo is cool because it plays on both the inside and outside parts of the ear. It has a chandelier-style design, which is elegant and pretty.
Peace & Love Ear Tattoo
This small heart has the lines of a peace sign in it. The cartilage placement of this tiny tattoo looks really great.
Paw Prints Ear Tattoo
These paw prints are so cute! Fur parents will love this minimalist ink idea.
Dots & Lines Ear Tattoo
Something simple can work well for an ear tattoo. These two dots and two arrows are perfect!
Red Heart Ear Tattoo
This little red heart has tiny dots under it to add a touch of extra detail. It goes really well with her ear piercings.
Peacock Feather Ear Tattoo
This peacock feather has a pretty color palette. This is an unusual idea that worked out really well for the ear.
Sunflower Ear Tattoo
This gorgeous sunflower has such great details for such a small design. It is extremely clean and precise.
Skull Ear Tattoo
This skull tattoo is creepy cool. For those who want something more edgy, this is definitely a design to consider. The design also has a rose in it.
Blue Daisy Ear Tattoo
For those who want something with a pop of color, why not get a small daisy. This tattoo would be fun in any color, but this bright blue is especially cute.
Date Ear Tattoo
This date tattoo is simple, but can have a lot of meaning behind it. Popular dates that people get include a child's birthday, a loved one's death date, or a wedding anniversary.
Lightning Ear Tattoo
This micro lightning bolt tattoo is awesome. Some people get lightning bolt tattoos to show a love for Harry Potter, but even if that's not the case, they still make a really cool design.
Music Notes Ear Tattoo
These treble clef and music note symbols are perfect for musicians. The way they are placed in the ear flows really well, especially with her jewelry.
Sun Ear Tattoo
This sun is adorable! The line drawing style is minimalist and we love how it plays on the shape of the ear.
Spider Web Ear Tattoo
Those who like spooky tattoos will love this spider web idea. It perfect fits in the cartilage of the ear and looks really awesome.
Lavender Ear Tattoo
This lavender plant is pretty and has an interesting placement. Lavender is often associated with refinement, grace, and elegance.
Lotus Ear Tattoo
This is a handpoked tattoo of a lotus flower. The lotus is a symbol of purity of the body, speech, and mind, often used in Buddhism.
Name Ear Tattoo
Even a short word or name can work as an ear tattoo. This woman go "Phoenix" tattooed in her ear and the font looks incredible.
Anchor Ear Tattoo
Anchors make really awesome minimalist tattoos. They often symbolize strength and stability. They are also a common symbol of the Christian faith.
Butterfly Ear Tattoo
This butterfly ear tattoo is stunning! The artist fit so much detail into such a tiny design. We love it.
