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There’s no denying that a well-placed tattoo can add personality and pizzazz to any outfit, but sometimes it’s nice to keep things simple with a small, minimalist design. If you’re looking for a subtle ink piece that still has meaning, why not consider getting a back of the ear tattoo?
Back of the ear tattoos are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their minimalistic design and original location. They’re perfect for people who want a meaningful tattoo that still packs a punch.
There are many different designs that work well as back of the ear tattoos and in this article I will share my 20 favorites.
Why choose a back of ear tattoo?
1) It’s not always visible.
One of the great things about tattoos is that they can be personal and meaningful to the person wearing them, without needing to be on display for everyone to see.
The back of the ear is a great spot for this because it’s not always visible – as long as you have long hair.
This means that you can show your tattoo off to the people who matter most to you, while still keeping it hidden from those who might not appreciate it.
2) It’s original.
The back of the ear is a unique spot for a tattoo.
Even if you have tattoos elsewhere on your body, the back of the ear is still likely to be something that not many people have.
This makes it a great choice for those who want an original tattoo that will set them apart from the rest.
3) It’s great for small designs.
If you want something small and simple, the back of the ear is a great option.
There are tons of small, intricate designs that can look great on the back of the ear, and it’s a perfect spot for a first tattoo.
Plus, since it’s not as visible as other spots on the body, you can experiment with different designs without feeling like everyone is watching.
20 meaningful back of the ear tattoo ideas
1. Moon and stars
The moon and the stars are practically the archetypal tattoos.
They’re two of the most popular designs in both traditional and modern styles, making them a great option for your first tattoo.
They symbolize mystery, wonder, and the vastness of the universe, making them perfect for someone who wants a meaningful tattoo.
2. Celtic knot
The Celtic knot is another incredibly popular design, and it’s perfect for the back of the ear.
It’s intricate and detailed, but still small enough to fit on the back of the ear without being overwhelming.
The Celtic knot symbolizes unity, eternity, and the never-ending cycle of life.
3. Lotus
A symbol of purity and enlightenment, the lotus is a perfect choice for someone looking for a meaningful tattoo.
It grows in muddy water, but it remains clean and beautiful.
This makes it a perfect symbol for someone who has faced adversity but still managed to remain strong.
It’s also an especially meaningful choice for people who follow Indian faiths, which have many gods that are associated with the lotus flower.
4. Heart
The universal symbol of love, a heart tattoo can represent anything from romantic love to familial love to friendship.
For someone who wants a meaningful tattoo, a heart is a perfect choice.
It’s small and simple enough to fit on the back of the ear, but it still packs a lot of symbolism.
5. Quote
Quotes are another great option for a meaningful tattoo.
They can be from any source, from a favorite song to a religious text to a personal motto.
The back of the ear is the perfect spot for a quote tattoo, since it’s small and discreet but still easily visible.
6. Animal
Animals are another popular choice for meaningful tattoos.
They can be symbols of strength, courage, and ferocity, or they can be symbols of grace, beauty, and peace.
Whatever animal you choose, make sure you do your research so that you know what it represents.
7. Flower
Flowers are another popular choice for meaningful back of the ear tattoos.
They can represent everything from love and happiness to death and grief.
Again, it’s important to do your research before you choose a flower tattoo, because not all flowers have the same meaning.
8. Zodiac sign
If you’re interested in astrology, a zodiac sign tattoo can be a great choice for a meaningful tattoo.
Each sign has its own unique set of characteristics, and it’s a great way to express yourself and your personality.
9. Star
Another option for someone who is inked up elsewhere on their body is a star tattoo, which can represent anything from hope and guidance to spirituality and fame.
Stars don’t have to be girly, either; they work just as well for men as they do for women.
10. Name or Initials
If you’re looking for something small and simple, you could always get your name or your initials tattooed on the back of your ear.
This is a great option for someone who wants a personal and intimate tattoo without going too big.
11. Anchor
A symbol of stability and security, the anchor is a great choice for someone who needs an extra boost in life.
It’s also a popular tattoo for sailors and people who work on boats, making it perfect for someone with a more masculine style.
12. Bow or Ribbon
The bow and ribbon are another popular choice for women who want a more feminine style.
They can represent femininity, love, and beauty, or they can be used as a symbol of remembrance for a lost loved one. This is perfect for a woman looking for a classy, meaningful back-of-the-ear tattoo.
13. Sun
The sun is a universal symbol of life and energy, making it a perfect choice for someone who is looking for a more positive tattoo.
It’s also a great choice for someone who wants a tattoo that’s simple and meaningful.
14. Heartbeat
A heartbeat can be an especially poignant choice for those dealing with grief, as it represents those they have lost but will never forget.
It’s also a symbol of strength and courage, so it’s perfect for someone who has been through a difficult time and come out the other side.
15. Cross
The cross is a classic symbol of Christianity, but it can also be used as a symbol of other religions or personal beliefs.
It’s a simple and timeless design that is perfect for someone who wants a symbolic, meaningful back-of-the-ear tattoo that will last a lifetime.
16. Geometric Shapes
Geometrical shapes can be a great choice for someone who loves math or science, but they can also represent anything from femininity, to silence, to the universe.
Geometric tattoos are an especially good option for men who want something small and simple. This makes for a truly unique, meaningful back-of-the-ear tattoo.
17. Feather
The feather is a popular symbol of freedom and peace, making it a great choice for someone who wants a more spiritual tattoo.
It can also represent the idea of taking flight and reaching for the stars.
18. Infinity Symbol
The infinity symbol is a popular choice for tattoos because it represents eternal love, friendship, or other meaningful relationships.
It’s a simple but elegant design that is perfect for anyone who wants a tattoo that will never go out of style.
19. Compass
The compass is a symbol of navigation and travel, making it the perfect choice for someone who loves to explore.
It can also represent guidance and finding your way.
20. Dragonfly
The dragonfly is a popular choice for women who want a more feminine tattoo, but it can also be used by anyone who wants something pretty and eye-catching.
Dragonflies are said to be symbols of transformation and change, making them a great choice for someone who has gone through a big shift in life.
FAQ about the back of the ear tattoos
Do behind-the-ear tattoos fade?
Just like any other tattoo, a back-of-the-ear tattoo will fade over time if it’s not taken care of properly. Make sure to keep it well-moisturized and protected from the sun to help it last as long as possible.
Will my hair cover my back -of -the -ear tattoo?
It depends on your hair length. If it’s long enough, it will likely cover your tattoo. If it’s shorter, then the tattoo will be more visible. You can always style your hair to cover or show off your tattoo, depending on what you want.
Is a back-of-the-ear tattoo painful?
The pain level for the back-of-the-ear tattoo varies from person to person. Some people find it more painful than others, but overall it’s not generally considered to be a very painful spot for a tattoo.
Is a back-of-the-ear tattoo visible with short hair?
A back-of-the-ear tattoo is more visible with short hair, as opposed to long hair. If you have shorter hair, it’s less likely to cover your tattoo and it will be more visible to others.
In Conclusion:
Back of the ear tattoos are a great choice for anyone who wants a small and meaningful tattoo. They can represent anything from loved ones to personal beliefs, and they are perfect for someone who wants a design that will never go out of style. Make sure to take care of your tattoo properly, so it lasts as long as possible.
Thanks for reading!
