Behind the ear tattoo

119 Cute And Small Yet Meaningful Tattoos Behind The Ear

There are quite a few tattoo designs that portray the personal story of the individual in such a discreet manner as the behind-the-ear tattoo. These delicate emblems express the hidden ambitions and views of the wearer in a highly stylized manner. The artwork may be small however the connotation is as thought-provoking as it can be.

Most other tattoos are quite sophisticated with grandiose patterns and whimsical colors that scream for attention. Rather than elevating the style of the wearer, the artwork makes them look sort of evil. This is one of the reasons why tattoos have become a taboo in modern society. However, the behind-the-ear tattoo is quite different in this regard. The delicate imagery truly accentuates the wearer's style and makes them look fashionable and artsy.

The sky's the limit when it comes to behind-the-ear tattoos. You can opt for anything you want and it will look amazing in the area. The region behind the ear is so mesmerizing that it feels like God himself intended the place to be ornamented with a beautiful tattoo.

The land of behind-the-ear tattoos is quite vast and can be easy to get lost. So, hold our hands as we embark on the journey to unravel everything there is to know about these dainty tattoos.

How Painful Is Behind The Ear Tattoo? Answering the Age-Old Question With Science

The area behind the ear is considered to be quite erroneous. Because of the huge number of nerve endings in the region, just a touch of the stencil can create a lot of sensation. But don’t take our word for it.

According to a 2014 study conducted by a crazy scientist, the pain level is 5.3 on a scale of 10. The scientist subjected himself to bee stings in 25 different regions of the body and measured the pain—the things people do for science.

However, the pain index is not quite accurate. Most people claim the behind-the-ear tattoo to be much more painful than the study claims to be. Furthermore, many have described that a mistake while tattooing has caused permanent damage to the skin. So be extremely careful when you are getting the tattoo done.

Bewildering Behind The Ear Tattoo Designs That Will Blow Your Mind

Behind the ear tattoo design

There is no jurisdiction when it comes to behind-the-ear tattoos. Anything can work. From the religious crosses to the captivating wildflowers, you can illustrate any type of element in the tattoo. However, most people don’t have a basic understanding of scaling.

Therefore, they etch the tattoo in such a manner that the artwork seems quite impossible to distinguish. You will need a magnifying glass to notice what exactly is going on in the tattoo.

Most behind-the-ear tattoos are highly discreet. These elegant artworks only cater to the wearer symbolically illustrating their life story. Sometimes, the symmetry and proportionality of the ear match directly with the tattoo creating a beautiful image. When this happens, your joy will know no bounds.

As you have the freedom to etch anything you want, it can get quite confusing. That’s why we have taken the liberty to describe some of the most sought-after behind-the-ear tattoo designs that will look great on you. Enjoy.

Cross Tattoo Behind The Ear

Cross Tattoo Behind The Ear

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is one of the most important phenomena of all time. Because of his sacrifice, mankind is saved. Even when he was in tremendous pain, he prayed to God asking for the forgiveness of his torturers.

The cross tattoo represents the idea of faith and sacrifice. Having such a tattoo behind the ear not only looks amazing but also showcases your deep connection to your religion.

The artwork is incredibly dainty as it often features just a layout of the cross. This makes the tattoo personal just like your inner views and beliefs.

Rose Tattoo Behind The Ear

Rose Tattoo Behind The Ear 1
Rose Tattoo Behind The Ear 2

The alluring beauty of the petals and hollow cores of the rose tattoo symbolizes passion and love. Having a rose tattoo dictates that you have been touched with the warmth of love. The fire of passion is burning inside of you.

A rose tattoo behind the ear works wonders when you dedicate the artwork to someone you love. As the tattoo is discreet, it will be something that will only be seen by you and your loved one.

While roses can be in a wide range of colors, you should opt for the red color. The intense color expresses how strongly you love the person.

Heart Tattoo Behind The Ear

Heart Tattoo Behind The Ear

The human heart is known to be one of the most complex organs of the body. With arteries and veins protruding out from it, the heart functions in a plethora of functions including the pumping of oxygen into the blood.

However, the modern representation of the heart is quite straightforward and rather cute. Instead of the sophisticated mechanism, the modern heart represents love and peace.

The dainty heart tattoo looks quite adorable in the realm of your ear. As it’s just an outline, the tattoo blends right into the skin creating a velvety artwork. It is truly a sight to behold.

Star Tattoo Behind The Ear

Star Tattoo Behind The Ear

The celestial objects that stand still in the hollow sky often make us wonder how big the universe is. There are countless of these pentagons throughout the sky. Some glow deeply while others just barely make their presence felt.

The star tattoo is a multifaceted artwork. On one hand, the silhouette of the star in the ear represents your desire to pursue the unknown. It portrays your ambition to unravel the mysteries of the world.

On the other hand, the star tattoo can be a symbol of direction and navigation. Each point of the star indicates the many paths of our lives. You need to choose the right one which will propel you to success.

Butterfly Tattoo Behind The Ear

Butterfly Tattoo Behind The Ear

Flapping their whimsical wings into the void, these amazing creatures can quickly make their way into the deep portions of our hearts. Their sensual movement along with the variety of colors truly makes the butterfly a formidable tattoo choice just like the pineapple tattoo.

While there is a wide range of butterfly species available, you should opt for the one that has two separate colors in the two different wings. This will commemorate the idea of duality.

Duality is an interesting aspect that was conceptualized by the Chinese dynasty. It is a concept that depicts the correlation between two polar opposite aspects. Having such a thought-provoking tattoo behind the ear will truly unveil your creative potential.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Behind The Ear

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Behind The Ear

There aren’t many lucky individuals who have the opportunity to witness the cherry blossoms in the flesh. I was one of the lucky few. During my trip to Japan, I witnessed these velvety and purple flowers unwrap their petals to the full extent.

The mesmerizing beauty made my heart stop and I quickly understood why the tattoo was so respected worldwide. The aesthetic flower looks particularly amazing behind the ear because of the similar resemblance.

The tiny flowers protruding from the stems not only look great but also tell us the story of growth and transformation. The flowers weren't always as colorful and bright. After many harsh weathers and monsoons, they finally metamorphosed into this lovely element of nature.

Cat Behind The Ear Tattoo

Cat Behind The Ear Tattoo

These fluffy animals are one of the most common creatures found all around us. They may be gently sleeping on the terrace or stealing food from our kitchen. Their antics may be mischievous however their naive and adorable appearance prevents us from hating them.

If you are a cat person then this is the perfect tattoo choice for you. The cat tattoo will feel like your ear is giving shelter to the tiny cat. The big sparkling eyes of the cat make the artwork much more captivating to the eye.

Feather Tattoo Behind The Ear

Feather Tattoo Behind The Ear

For centuries, feathers have been known to be one of the most exclusive objects. In the prehistoric days, people used to wear them to showcase their wealth and power. In modern times, soldiers wear uniforms that are ornamented with feathers to indicate power and strength.

Because of such symbolism, the feather tattoo has quickly become a fan favorite of men. Women also adore the tattoo. The feather tattoo behind the ear looks quite sensual. The jarring patterns complement the elegance of the female body incredibly well.

Music Note Tattoo Behind The Ear

Music Note Tattoo Behind The Ear

Major or minor, it doesn’t matter. Each tune has its own story that resonates with certain people. Some people love to rock to heavy metal music while headbanging while others just want to lay back and enjoy classical music.

Each song is made of rhythms and the rhythms are alignment of different musical notes. Your preference for a particular musical note tells what kind of a person you are. So when you have a certain type of music note tattoo, you appear to be the kind of person you want to be. Who knows, you may attract similar-minded people like you.

Moon Tattoo Behind The Ear

Moon Tattoo Behind The Ear

The beauty and magnificence of the celestial moon is vast. Millions of writers have written poems and novels on her aesthetics. Even tattooists around the world can’t resist the incredible glow of the moon. That’s why they have conceptualized the moon behind the ear tattoo.

In most literature, the moon is depicted to be a living being rather than an innate object. Therefore, it's best that you include a subtle yet distinguishable face on the front side of the moon. Combined with some gentle stars, the moon tattoo will surely uplift your mood on a morose day.

Birds Tattoo Behind The Ear

Birds Tattoo Behind The Ear

We are all surrounded by these beautiful avian species. Our day starts with the chirping of the birds and ends when we feel the absence of them. Seeing them fly in the sky makes us feel like leaving our monotonous lives and flying along with them.

That’s why the bird tattoo is a symbol of freedom and liberty. When you have the bird tattoo, you will constantly be reminded of how shackled you are to the conformities of society. The gentle imagery will bring out a rebellious version in you that seeks peace and tranquility in this chaotic world.

Flower Tattoo Behind The Ear

Flower Tattoo Behind The Ear

You can never go wrong with a flower tattoo. The gifts of Mother Nature look incredibly poetic behind the ear. The dainty artwork not only looks pretty but also has a connotation of peace and serenity.

If you look at your ear closely then you will start to see the resemblance of flowers and the ears. Both have a twisted structure that feels like it is hiding a wide range of hidden secrets. Therefore, it's only fair to illustrate the wildflower tattoo on the ear. Because of the similarity, you will even start to see your ear as a pretty flower.

Behind The Ear Cover-Up Tattoo

Behind The Ear Cover-Up Tattoo

Out of desperation and excitement, we sometimes tend to make the biggest of mistakes. We get a hideous tattoo that completely ruins the elegance of our ears. However, you can easily fix this problem by getting a beautiful coverup tattoo.

The coverup tattoo features a multi-layered path that slowly narrows down as you look deeper into it. The overlapping paths make your previous tattoo completely hide underneath it. The coverup tattoo not only removes the traces but also gives you a direction in your life.

Word Tattoo Behind The Ear

Word Tattoo Behind The Ear

Many people consider the word tattoo to be quite redundant. Their perception is why a tattoo should consist of words when there can be artwork. While their views aren’t wrong, there are times when a certain word means a lot to us.

It can be the name of your loved one or a Latin symbol that struck a chord in you. Some words never leave us. They keep on revolving in the back of our heads. So why not get them etched on the back of your ear for the rest of your life? Then you can get inspired any time of the day.

Angel Tattoo Behind The Ear

Angel Tattoo Behind The Ear

We are one of the most confused generations of all time. While it may sting to admit this, the statement is true. We don’t know what we are doing with our life. Most of the time, we mindlessly follow others to our doom.

In such a stressful time, we need a guardian angel in our lives who will protect us from malicious thoughts and inspire us to become better. That’s why you need an angel tattoo behind the ear. The tattoo is just behind the ear making the angel play hide and seek with you. The discreet imagery will constantly be with you and help you in your time of need.

Love Tattoo Behind The Ear

Love Tattoo Behind The Ear

While the whole notion of love often seems quite cheesy, there is nothing quite like it. One can only understand the depth and significance of love once they have felt it in their hearts. When two souls connect, it feels like the entire world rejoices with them.

The birds seem to chirp louder and the flowers tend to bloom brighter. Even Mother Nature celebrates with you. The love tattoo behind the ear depicts this incredible feeling with an artistic touch. The two sides of the tattoo are illustrated with two different colors symbolizing the differences between the soul and how they connect.

Dragonfly Tattoo Behind The Ear

Dragonfly Tattoo Behind The Ear

Have you ever seen anime or manga where characters have insane speeds and can travel far distances within no time? While we stared in awe at these powers when we were young, we laugh when we realize how unrealistic they are now. However, there is one insect that matches and even exceeds the speed of these fictional characters.

The insect is none other than the dragonfly. With its transparent wings, the insect moves with an insane speed. You may think that you will be able to catch them but they will swiftly fly to another place within the blink of an eye. Because of this, people get the dragonfly’s tattoo behind their ears to achieve the same aggression and speed as the insect.

Faith Tattoo Behind The Ear

Faith Tattoo Behind The Ear

We live in a generation in which believing in something is viewed as a weakness. The society is nowadays full of bigoted and atheists that don’t believe in anything. They rely on science to back their outrageous views but even science tells otherwise.

The faith tattoo behind the ear represents the idea of truly believing in something. It may be a particular religion, culture, or even an abstract concept. The gentle depiction of the word faith along with a feather dictates how passionate you are about something in a world where people take nothing seriously.

Spider Tattoo Behind The Ear

Spider Tattoo Behind The Ear

If you are thinking of a tattoo design to entertain your creative mind then this is the perfect choice for you. Like arachnids, the spiders are maestros in craftsmanship. If you look at their websites, you can understand just how skillful they are. The intriguing patterns of their webs along with their strength dictate how industrial and creative they are.

Having the spider tattoo also hints at the idea of transformation. To grow, spiders need to shed their exoskeleton. When you have the tattoo behind the ear, it will constantly remind you to break out of your mold and be the best version of yourself.

Anchor Tattoo Behind The Ear

Anchor Tattoo Behind The Ear

Amid spiky rocks and rough waters, there is only one instrument that saves the voyagers and sailors from getting devoured by the sea. The instrument is none other than the anchor. This tiny knot-like object has been saving lives by hooking up with the deep soil of the sea.

For this reason, the anchor tattoo has been often considered to be a symbol of stability. Having the tattoo behind the ear will dictate your strong will. You will appear as someone who is unbothered by the annoying trends of contemporary society. You are focused on your goal and do anything to achieve it.

Mushroom Tattoo Behind The Ear

Mushroom Tattoo Behind The Ear

The mushroom tattoo is easily one of the most charming tattoos on the list. Believe it or not, these delicate elements of nature are often considered to be a symbol of power in many civilizations. Perhaps, the more understandable meaning of the tattoo is shelter and protection.

If you look at the outer morphology of the mushroom, it often resembles an umbrella. Just like the umbrella saves us from rain, the mushroom tattoo is known to protect us from the evil spirits that compel us to do the wrong thing. The colorful representations of the fungi behind the ear will also relax you on a hectic day.

Crown Tattoo Behind The Ear

Crown Tattoo Behind The Ear

Imposter syndrome is currently quite prevalent among the youth. They are struggling to understand who they are and what they want in life. They are constantly moving around trying to find their true identity.

The crown tattoo is a discreet emblem that will help them to recognize their potential. The exclusive symbol will make them feel more confident about themselves. As the tattoo is in the ear area, the crown lacks any sort of exaggeration or color. It's a dainty imagery that is just enough to inspire you.

Elephant Tattoo Behind The Ear

Elephant Tattoo Behind The Ear

The elephant is perhaps the embodiment of the phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. The humongous creature looks quite intimidating with its sharp trunks capable of piercing the hardest of metals. However, they are incredibly calm and peaceful animals.

You can already understand what this tattoo symbolizes. Having the elephant tattoo represents that you are not what you seem. Others may perceive you as a vulnerable being just like the adorable elephant tattoo on your ear, inside you are insanely strong.

Dragon Tattoo Behind The Ear

Dragon Tattoo Behind The Ear

We should be grateful that these creatures have perished. Because if they were still around, we wouldn’t have survived for so long. According to fairy tales and mythical literature, these fiery creatures used to wreak havoc in both the sky and land.

With just their gigantic wings, they could erupt a hurricane. With their hollow mouth, they could devour dozens of human beings. Therefore, dragons became a symbol of strength and power. While the dragons are depicted to be colorful in some cases, this Japanese tattoo features a silhouette of the creature to strike fear in the hearts of your enemies.

Japanese Tattoo Behind The Ear

Japanese Tattoo Behind The Ear

Japanese culture is rich in festivals and customs. Perhaps, the most thoughtful and sophisticated element of their culture is their alphabet. Each of the characters has their meaning and their appearance is quite aesthetic, to say the least.

The Japanese alphabet comprises three distinct types of characters. The Hiragana is particularly used for words that have ancient Japanese connotations while the hiragana and kanji characters are used for borrowed words from China or other countries. You can already assume which character is used in the case of the Japanese tattoo.

Paw Print Tattoo Behind The Ear

Paw Print Tattoo Behind The Ear

Humans may betray you, not your pet. They will stay beside you in your rough days and make your happy days seem much more joyful. Such a companion deserves a behind-the-ear tattoo, don’t you think?

The paw print tattoo is just what you think. It's an illustration of your pet’s adorable little paw. The tattoo commemorates your affection towards your pet. If unfortunately, your pet has passed away, the tattoo is a great way to immortalize your deceased companion in the realm of your body.

Name Tattoo Behind The Ear

Name Tattoo Behind The Ear

Some names always linger in the back of your head. No matter how many times you attempt to forget it, it still pops up in your brain now and then. It can be the name of your significant other, your parents, or that one friend who was there when you needed them.

The name tattoo pays homage to their contribution to your life. The tattoo showcases how deeply you feel about them. The artwork solely focuses on the name itself. However, you should always opt for a cursive font that looks aesthetic to the eye.

Semicolon Tattoo Behind The Ear

Semicolon Tattoo Behind The Ear

Mental disorders are at an all-time high. With such stress and tension rising in the world, we all are becoming mentally handicapped day after day. Our emotions are becoming suppressed which is leading to mental problems such as depression.

Mental health is often considered to be a taboo in many societies. But the semicolon tattoo desires to change the notion once in for all. The tattoo represents the current prevalence of such mental problems and raises awareness among the common people. With the tattoo, you will be helping a lot of people who are in desperate need of attention.

Angel Wings Tattoo Behind The Ear

Angel Wings Tattoo Behind The Ear

The angel wings tattoo represents the notion of freedom and independence. The jarring feathers on the wings dictate your desire to fly to a world where there is no chaos.

Aside from the usual symbolism, the angel wings tattoo is quite an interesting tattoo, to say the least. As the tattoo is just beside the ear, it feels like the wing is protruding from it. The imagery depicts that you are an omnipotent that has incredible hearing and nothing goes by you.

Arrow Tattoo Behind The Ear

Arrow Tattoo Behind The Ear

We primarily view arrows as a weapon that kills people with just a shot. Sometimes, these arrows are dipped in poison to initiate a slow yet painful death of the enemy. However, the arrow tattoo depicts quite a different story.

If you look at the tattoo, you will see that the arrow is pointing in a direction. This direction is often interpreted as the path toward success. When you have the arrow tattoo behind the ear, you will always stick to your plan rather than being deviated to your doom. Aside from the symbolism, the dainty arrow tattoo complements the symmetry of the ear quite well.

Bee Tattoo Behind The Ear

Bee Tattoo Behind The Ear

Bees are highly industrial insects. They work tirelessly for days and nights to collect honey from a wide range of flowers and gather them in the honeycombs. Because of their incredible work ethic, many people opt for this tattoo to become as productive as them.

Another less talked about the meaning of the tattoo is the notion of exclusivity. Most people choose the queen bee tattoo to showcase how unique and valued they are. Thousands of worker bees protect the queen bee from the inherent dangers. With the bee tattoo, you will feel like you are on top of the world.

Behind The Ear Mandala Tattoo

Behind The Ear Mandala Tattoo

Mandala tattoos remain abstract but when they are etched in the realm of your ear, they start to make a lot of sense. These highly aesthetic designs are a treat to watch. While such intricate designs are quite tough and painful to draw, the result is worth it.

While most mandala designs are quite colorful, this depiction of the design is devoid of any sort of color. The monochromatic color scheme portrays the ups and downs of life in a much more raw and artistic manner.

Lily Of The Valley Tattoo Behind The Ear

Lily Of The Valley Tattoo Behind The Ear

From Paul Laurence Dunbar to Tchaikovsky, there is a wide range of poets from different generations who have written poems about this beautiful flower. It is even allegedly reported that the lily of the valley was the favorite flower of Queen Elizabeth the Second. So, you can understand just how beloved the tattoo is.

The appearance of the flower is what seals the deal. It sort of looks like a banana that has been peeled but instead of removing the peels, they are hanging as petals. The breathtaking colors of the flowers are also quite mesmerizing to watch. Without a doubt, the tattoo will look amazing on the back of your ear.

FAQ

We have covered pretty much everything you need to know about all sorts of behind-the-ear tattoo designs. However, there is always a knowledge gap no matter how comprehensive the article is.

That’s why, we have chosen some of the hottest questions that are circulating on the internet and tried to answer them with our years of expertise on the subject matter. We sincerely hope that after reading the answers, you won’t have any more doubts.

Q: Can I Wash My Hair After Getting The Behind The Ear Tattoo?

Ans: You shouldn’t shower for at least the first couple of days. The initial stage of the tattoo is the most important. If you don’t take proper care of your tattoo, the beautiful imagery can slowly turn into something horrendous.

If you wash your hair in the initial stage, the water will surely drip down to your ear area. This will surely aid in the fading process. So, refrain from washing your hair for the first few days.

Q: Do Behind The Ear Tattoos Fade Faster?

Ans: As the behind-the-ear tattoos are much more exposed compared to the other tattoos, they tend to fade a tad bit faster. The constant exposure to sun rays facilitates the fading process quite significantly. However, with proper care, the behind-the-ear tattoo can last a long time.

Q: Can You Put Vaseline On Behind The Ear Tattoo?

Ans: No, you shouldn’t. Your expert friends may be advising you otherwise but don’t pay any heed to them. Putting Vaseline in a fresh tattoo can completely ruin the imagery. Therefore, you should keep your tattoo away from Vaseline or bleach.

Final Thoughts

Not all of us want our tattoos to be viewed by the world. Some of us seek a tattoo design that is solely tailored for ourselves. The artwork will soothe us, whisper to us, and inspire us when we need it.

Such tattoos may seem to be impossible to find but the behind-the-ear tattoo is the true embodiment of these hidden desires of ours. This personal amulet expresses the hidden story of us that we don't want to disseminate. In the realm of the behind-the-ear tattoo, all our secrets are safe and sound.

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