18 Behind the Ear Tattoos to Inspire Your Next Ink (2024)

By Leah Mulroney | | Updated on | Leave a Comment

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Any tattoo above your shoulders is a bold move, but the space behind your ear makes for a slightly more subtle canvas. The only person who will see it is the next magician who tries to pull the quarter stunt. Next time you can just ask us for our phone number, ok?

From miniature Halloween bats to words you’ll never be able to read, there are tons of options for behind the ear tattoos. And yes, it might feel like the most painful hickey imaginable while you’re under the needle, but the good news is, you’ll also have bruises and red marks for a few days. Wait… this is an article about tattoos, right?

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Behind the Ear Tattoos

1. Bats

A behind the ear bat tattoo is for forever-spooky girls. And to let everyone know that you might live in a haunted house and your last name is Wayne. Do you really still need to see ID?

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2. Musical Note

This tattoo is music to our ears. Next step is figuring out how to download a Spotify playlist into your brain.

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3. Something Witchy

We’re over the moon for this celestial tat. And we didn’t even have to send our cow back into space to get it.

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4. Cherries

Whether you’re sweet or tart, a cherry tattoo could work for you. People may call you a redneck, but it’s a fair price to pay.

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5. Dainty Florals

These plants won’t die like the 32 succulents you picked up at Trader Joe’s last year and never watered. Is that not what low-maintenance means?

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6. Scorpion

A scorpion tattoo is effective ink for whenever someone gets within six feet of you. Just say, “careful, he punches!” They’ll get the hint. And learn something new about scorpions!

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7. Abstract Minimalism

You don’t have to pull a full Van Gogh to have an abstract art tattoo behind the ear. Although, that would be one way to make sure everyone sees your new ink.

8. Butterflies

Butterflies are popular again and not just because they’re in migration season. Get them inked behind your ears and maybe they’ll let you sit with them.

9. Motivational Words

Save your breath and get your favorite words of encouragement tattooed behind your ear. And maybe a mirror.

10. Word Art

Pull your hair back to make sure this ‘lobotomy’ tattoo is visible during your next pointless meeting. It’s a great way to express yourself. And maybe get fired.

11. Sparkles

Be careful with this one if you go in the sun…you just might get mistaken for the main character in a bad fan fic novel.

12. Constellation

Pick your favorite constellation as a way to let Elon Musk know you’re available for Lead Navigator to Mars.

13. Zodiac

Only astrological experts get tattoos for their zodiac sign. Use this tiny tat to convince everyone that their horoscope says it’s good luck to give you money today and don’t forget our cut.

14. Roman Numerals

No one has to know that these numerals represent how many times you’ve seen The Hunger Games.

15. Cherubs

Are collecting diamonds heaven’s equivalent to Pokemon Go?

16. Tiny Animal

Place your power animal behind your ear. What does it mean that ours is a sloth?

17. Cartoons

If your goal is to look like Jess from New Girl, go for this cat in a cup. Bangs optional.

19. Lightning Bolt

If someone asks you why you have a lightning bolt behind your ear, tell them that Voldemort missed and now you’re the Girl Who Lived Because of Bad Aim.

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Leah Mulroney

Leah Mulroney is a writer and standup comedian in Austin, TX, because she loves attention. Her written works can be found on The List, in The Keene Sentinel, and Medium. And she performs her feminine humor on stages all over Texas and the US.
When she's not behind the keyboard or holding a microphone in her hands, you can find Leah having deep philosophical conversations with her tiny dog, letting bags of kale go bad in her fridge while she goes out in search of happy-hour priced sushi, and watching so much true crime TV that she's pretty sure she could actually get away with murder at this point. Follow her on Twitter for the jokes and on Instagram for the "aesthetic."

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18 Behind the Ear Tattoos to Inspire Your Next Ink (2024)

FAQs

What does the tattoo behind the ear mean? ›

Personal expression: Some individuals choose to get tattoos behind the ear as a form of personal expression or to symbolize a meaningful aspect of their identity, such as individuality, uniqueness, or personal beliefs.

How painful is a behind the ear tattoo? ›

The bottom line. Behind the ear tattoo pain isn't as bad as that of, say, a groin tattoo. It might feel different from other places, though, because of the lack of flesh back there. Getting your tattoo done by an experienced tattoo artist can definitely help.

Is a tattoo behind the ear considered unprofessional? ›

Something graphic or offensive etc. That being said, if you've got something tattooed across your forehead, regardless of how classy, is not something anyone would really consider professional. And tattoos that aren't easily seen such as behind an ear is petty harmless.

What is it like to get a tattoo behind your ear? ›

All tattoos hurt, but the pain you experience depends on your own pain threshold. The area behind your ear tends to be quite boney, with thin skin and not a lot of fat which means you'll feel the vibrations of the tattoo machine on your bones. This can be an uncomfortable feeling for a lot of people.

What does 333 tattoo behind ear mean? ›

The number 333 represents spiritual growth and expansion and reminds us to trust in the universe and have faith that our goals and desires will be fulfilled. For some people, getting a tattoo of the number 333 can be a way to connect with the spiritual realm and keep its positive energy close to them.

What does 3 dots behind the ear mean? ›

The three dots tattoo is a common prison tattoo that represents “mi vida loca,” or “my crazy life.” It's not associated with any particular gang, but with the gang lifestyle itself.

What's the most painful place to get a tattoo? ›

The most painful tattoo placements are frequently located at the extremities (head, face, hands, fingers, feet, toes), regions where there is naturally less body fat (ribcage, shoulder blade, collarbones, hips, ankles) or more nerve endings (armpit, groin or buttocks).

What is the most painful type of tattoo? ›

Ribcage: The ribcage has thin skin, little muscle, and many nerve endings, making it one of the most painful areas to get a tattoo.

How long does a tattoo behind the ear take to heal? ›

The healing process is different for every person and tattoo. Most sources indicate that tattoos generally take about 2 weeks to heal. However, it may take up to 4 weeks for the skin to fully recover. Some complications may prolong the healing process.

Can you be a cop with a tattoo behind the ear? ›

Any ink on the neck, face, or behind the ear must be covered with makeup. Tattoos with depictions of nudity, drugs, alcohol, gangs, criminal activity, or discriminatory and hateful symbols are prohibited.

How much would a tattoo behind my ear cost? ›

AVERAGE TATTOO COSTS BY PLACEMENT
LOCATION + TYPESIZEAVERAGE COST
AreolaSmall-Medium$250 - $900
NeckSmall-Medium$50 - $250
HeadSmall-Large$450 - $750
EarSmall$50 - $250
26 more rows
Jan 29, 2022

How many inches is a behind the ear tattoo? ›

– One tattoo behind the ear no more than 1 inch and not to extend past the ear lobe.

Can you shower with a behind the ear tattoo? ›

It's fine if your tattoo gets a little wet, but it shouldn't be submerged in water or left under running water for long periods of time. Keep time in the shower to a minimum, and be gentle to avoid irritating your newly tattooed skin. This means skipping the loofah or washcloth — at least over the inked area, anyway.

Why do people get a cross tattoo behind their ear? ›

Tattoos behind the ear have been trending recently, and this placement is ideal for a Christian tattoo. That's because ears and hearing have great spiritual significance in the Bible. A cross tattoo behind the ear symbolizes 'hearing' the Word of God.

What does Selena Gomez tattoo behind ear mean? ›

Behind her left ear, Gomez has a lowercase "g" tattoo from 2015 for her little sister, Gracie.

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