31 Photos: Tiny Ear Tattoos For Aesthetes To Try Out

Though having a tattoo needle dig into the delicate skin of your ear may sound frightening and painful, ear tattoos can be beautiful and delicate. Bonus: Because these designs are often tiny by necessity, they are easily hidden if tattoos are not permitted in your home or workplace. The possibilities aren’t completely limitless, but the ear, despite its small size, provides several locations for art, including the lobe, helix, and tragus areas.

Ear tattoo preparation is very similar to other placements, so if you’ve had a tattoo before, this information may not be new to you. If this is your first time, there are a few simple ways to prepare for your appointment, including brainstorming design ideas and preparing for the tattooing procedure.

What Should You Do Before Getting An Ear Tattoo?

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According to Ann Arbor-based tattoo artist Carrie Metz-Caporusso, who specializes in tiny tattoos, there are three simple things you should do before the big day. “It’s always important to get a good night’s sleep, stay well hydrated—I think this is one of the most important ones—and eat a good meal,” she says. You run the risk of nausea and general irritability if you don’t do those things. Who wants to be tired, thirsty, or hungry during such a complicated procedure?

It’s finally time for the tattooing after your artist has set up shop. Because pain is subjective, we cannot guarantee that an ear tattoo will not hurt. Denyse Labarca, a tattoo artist based in Vancouver, tells Allure that they are not as painful as you might think.

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On a scale of one to ten, she would rate the pain as two or three, with ten being the most painful. “A lot of people think the ear will hurt because of the spot and how red it appears, but it does not hurt as much as it may look,” she explains. “A lot of my clients fall asleep or say getting their ears tattooed is like a spa treatment. I have had two clients say it felt ticklish!”

What Are the Risks and Levels of Pain of Ear Tattoos?

Though the pain isn’t too bad, there’s always the risk of scarring, infection, or an allergic reaction to the ink, according to Connecticut-based dermatologist Mona Gohara. “Anytime the skin is compromised, there is potential for infection and inflammation,” she says. “The process of tattooing is a compromise to the skin.” Keloidal scarring is a more likely side effect of an ear tattoo, especially in people with darker skin. She also claims that anything made of cartilage is prone to infection.

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Now that you’ve armed yourself with preparation and aftercare advice, the only thing left to do is decide what you want tattooed. With one of these super cute tattoo designs for ears, you’ll have all the inspiration you need for your next ink appointment.