If you're debating whether or not to get an ear tattoo, take this as a sign. While many people have recently opted for finger tattoos (à la stars like Hailey Bieber and Ariana Grande) and others have gravitated toward back-of-the-neck tattoos, small ear tattoos are growing in popularity. They're easy to hide if needed (for work, important meetings, or just because) and fun to show off when wearing an updo hairstyle.
With that said, there are a number of ear tattoo ideas to choose from, like nature-inspired motifs with celestial stars and suns to more modern designs featuring graphic shapes or dots. One of our personal favourites is ear flower tattoos, both in traditional black ink and colour, because of how great they look with the natural shape of the upper ear.
If the only thing holding you back is wondering, "do behind-the-ear tattoos hurt?" we have some unfortunate news. This area of the body is known to be particularly sensitive when it comes to tattooing because the skin is very thin and the skull is close to the surface. However, considering designs in this location are typically on the smaller side, it'll be over before you know it. If this is your first tattoo or you're a bit sceptical about making a permanent alteration to your body, you can consider getting an ephemeral tattoo. This "made-to-fade" ink lasts for about a year and gradually fades until it's no longer visible, leaving your skin good as new.
If you need some inspiration for your upcoming design or you can't make up your mind on the exact placement (like an inner ear tattoo versus the lobe), we rounded up some of the best ear tattoos for you to browse.