The ear may not be the first spot you think to draw attention to, but it deserves the spotlight as much as your lips or your eyes. When we are looking to bring the focus to our ears, we usually reach for a pair of statement earrings, but a pair of shoulder-grazing earrings isn’t the only way to bring the attention upward. Ear tattoos are another great way to put the focus on our lobes.
The ear may be tiny in comparison to other body parts like the thigh and back, but there is still enough room to play around with different ink designs. You can try a behind-the-ear tattoo, a tat on the inner part of your ear or even on your lobe to mimic an earring. No matter what design you choose, make sure you wear your hair back to properly show off your ink. An ear tattoo is too pretty to keep hidden.
Not sure where to begin? Click through the gallery to see 30 cool ear tattoos to inspire you.
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30 Ear Tattoos That Are As Pretty As a Pair of Earrings
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Use That Space
Your ear may not be a large canvas, but you can make the most of it. This blowing dandelion tattoo definitely does by curving up the lobe.
Image: @enigmcd
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Music to the Ears
This tattoo hits all of the right notes (sorry). It's also a much better idea than getting your favorite band name tattooed on your ear. Band preferences may change, but your love of music is forever.
Image: @matcap
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Line Work
This is the sort of tattoo that if you blink, you can miss it. If you can't be bothered with more piercing holes, get a line work tat that mimics the look of piercings.
Image: @xdenizdemirx
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Purrrfection
If you're a cat lover, this is the tat for you. All that is missing is an earring shaped like a ball of yarn. Meow.
Image: @charm.studio
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In Bloom
This black and white floral tattoo is as pretty as an actual flower thanks to the placement. The flower design looks like it is growing out of the ear and that is actually a good thing.
Image: @purple_sun_brussels
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You're a Star
Even if you have multiple piercings, you can still add in an ear tattoo. Just see this look for proof.
Image: @fine.line.tattoos
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Full Impact
If you think that an ear tattoo can only make so much of a statement, check out this one. It may not be as large as a full back tattoo, but it will definitely get noticed thanks to the clever design.
Image: @katy.hayward
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Go Cosmic
This ink is out of this world. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in cuteness. If you're in love with it, note that you can always add in more planets.
Image: @iltattoo
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Surprise From Behind
Think of this as a more permanent version of an ear cuff. Even the "necklace" embellishment on the flower is something that you would find in an actual ear cuff.
Image: @jonjo_grant_tattoos
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Ink the Rainbow
Rainbow hair is always stunning, but a rainbow ear tattoo is more unexpected. Get all of your colors in with a bird of paradise flower tattoo.
Image: @the_dungeon_inc
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Where's Waldo?
Now this is one place we never would have expected to find Waldo. Never underestimate the power of a humorous tattoo.
Image: @electricinktattoostudio
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Crawling Up
How's this for unique placement? We've seen ear tats on the inside of the ear and on the outside, but this one is right on top. The vine is growing up her ear just like a plant would. Well, you know what we mean.
Image: @renes_adventures
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Star Sign
Zodiac necklaces are expected, but star sign constellation tattoos aren't. Even if you don't recognize this as the Taurus constellation, you can still appreciate how pretty it is.
Image: @dave_duck
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No Piercing
Nope, that's not an earring. That is an itty-bitty ear tat. If you're concerned about the pain or about getting a tattoo that is too big, this ink is a good solution.
Image: @wittybutton_tattoo
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Little Bow
Don't have your ears pierced? Decorate 'em with pretty blue bow tattoos. You'll never complain about your "bows" weighing down your ears like you would with a massive pair of chandelier earrings.
Image: @sadosist
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I Heart You
Don't underestimate minimalism. A simple tattoo doesn't translate to a boring one. Just take a look at this heart. It looks like it has been ripped from a love letter and placed just behind her ear.
Image: @tifanatattoo
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In the Back
It doesn't matter what angle you look at this ear tattoo from, it will always look good. The intricate moon would have been cool enough by itself, but the dangling chains take it to a new level.
Image: @ameliawills
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Shot of Color
Floral tattoos are always a popular theme. Her bloom may be miniature, but it is just as eye-catching as a bouquet of flowers thanks to the placement and the vibrant colors.
Image: @catarineps
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Black and White and so Right
That is a lot of detail packed into one teeny, tiny tattoo. Each petal is shaded perfectly. Ditto for the stem. Thankfully, there are no thorns involved.
Image: @inkmaine
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Work With the Piercing
Don't compete with your ear piercings, make them part of your ink. It looks like the ink is bursting out of her tragus piercing. It may sound odd, but it works.
Image: @misschambers7
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For Ink Newbies
Can you see it? If you're thinking about getting your first tat, this delicate floral one is an excellent starting point. It is just visible behind the ear.
Image: @annemacc
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Spidey Web
Even if you are scared of spiders, you will like this tattoo. The inner ear is made for a spiderweb design. Thankfully, there are no creepy crawly insects in sight.
Image: @lennawe
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Enchanting Ink
You don't need actual fairy dust to create a magical tattoo. All you need is a clever outline design. You cannot have a fairy without some sparkles and vice versa.
Image: @teagan.campbell
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Turn a New Leaf
Calling all nature girls. It isn't necessary to get a green-colored tattoo for people to know how much you love the floral and fauna. This black leaf tattoo will do the trick.
Image: @jjikki
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Hint of Sparkle
No need for shimmering gemstone earrings here. You'll always have a little extra shine thanks to this white star tattoo. Of course, if you want to add some more bling to your ear, we're not going to stop you.
Image: @ignacio_flores
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Twice as Nice
Why stop at just one ear tat? Her multicolored lines running up her lobe tie in the colors of the flower behind her ear.
Image: @ladyducktattoos
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For the Potterheads
A true Harry Potter fan will be able to recognize this symbol right away. It's probably a more sensible option compared to getting a lightning bolt scar tattooed on your forehead.
Image: @rachhendo02
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Unexpected Feather
The best tattoos capture motion, like this one. If you looked at it quickly, you wouldn't know whether it was a feather in her hair or ink.
Image: @jessetat2
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In the Details
Now this is ear tattoo goals. This ink is so beautiful, it is enough to make you want to buzz off all your hair just so you can always show the tat off.
Image: @kate_wanders
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For Minimalists
Do you take a minimalist approach to your fashion and your ink? You'll appreciate this tat then. It's clean, it's well-designed and it's oh-so-effective.
Image: @corinne.clapper
