8 Behind-The-Ear Tattoos To Express Your Individuality

Explore delicate and mini tattoos that will add charm to your appearance.

Reviewed by Eve Phillips, Professional Tattoo Artist Eve Phillips Eve PhillipsProfessional Tattoo Artist facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by , MA (English) Shreya Mukherjee MA (English) Experience: 2 years
Edited by , BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma Arshiya Syeda BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma linkedin_icon Experience: 8 years
Fact-checked by , BA (English Hons) Pahul Nanra BA (English Hons) linkedin_icon Experience: 2 years
Last Updated on

Step into the world of behind-the-ear tattoos where subtle elegance meets personal expression. These minimalist yet impactful pieces of body art have surged in popularity, captivating individuals seeking a unique canvas for their self-expression. Nestled discreetly behind the ear, these tattoos offer a blend of intimacy and intrigue, inviting curiosity with every glimpse. From delicate floral motifs to intricate symbols, each design tells a story as unique as the individual wearing it. This article delves into the allure and artistry of behind-the-ear tattoos, exploring the reasons behind their rise in popularity and the creative possibilities they offer. Keep reading!

8 Best Behind-The-Ear Tattoo Ideas

Explore elegant floral designs, intricate patterns, and symbolic motifs for behind-the-ear tattoos. Personalize your canvas with delicate details that speak volumes about your individuality and style.

1. Behind-The-Ear Tattoo For Men

A behind the ear anchor tattoo on a man
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

For the adventurous soul, consider a behind-the-ear anchor tattoo in bold black ink. This design, symbolizing stability and strength, speaks volumes about your resilience and determination. Whether you are a sailor at heart or simply navigating life’s turbulent waters, this emblem serves as a steadfast reminder of your unwavering resolve and ability to weather any storm that comes your way.

2. Behind-The-Ear Cross Tattoo

An outlined behind the ear cross tattoo on a woman
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Opt for an outlined cross tattoo nestled discreetly behind your ear. This minimalist design carries profound meaning, symbolizing faith, strength, and spiritual connection. A cross behind the ear tattoo serves as a constant reminder of your beliefs and values, providing comfort and guidance in times of uncertainty. Let this subtle yet powerful emblem be a testament to your unwavering convictions and inner strength.

protip_icon Did You Know?
Hearts and angels are the most popular and common motifs in tattoo designs. Hearts denote love and passion, while angels represent hope and devotion.

3. Meaningful Back-Of-The-Ear Tattoo

A black behind the ear sun tattoo on a woman.
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Embrace the vitality of a striking black sun tattoo placed discreetly behind your ear. This minimalist design, symbolizing energy, renewal, and enlightenment, serves as a reminder of your inner light and resilience. Let it inspire you to shine brightly even in the darkest of times, illuminating your path with hope and positivity wherever you go.

4. Small Behind-The-Ear Tattoo

A crescent moon and star tattoo behind the ear
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

This minimalist moon and star tattoo is for those who are intrigued by the cosmos and seek an artistic and discreet way to express their passion. The crescent moon symbolizes transition and the stars represent the guidance one may seek during the transitional phase. Together, the moon and stars tattoo behind the ear may remind you to embrace change and find peace in the constant evolution of your journey.

protip_icon Quick Tip
The tattoo’s placement is one of the factors, along with proper care, that dictates its longevity. To ensure your tattoos last longer, choose areas that experience less movement, stretching, and sun exposure, such as the collarbones and back.

5. Behind-The-Ear Butterfly Tattoo

A black ink butterfly tattoo behind the ear
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Go for a delicate butterfly tattoo in bold black ink behind your ear. Symbolizing transformation, freedom, and beauty, this graceful design reflects your journey of growth and renewal. It will remind you of your ability to overcome obstacles and emerge stronger, embracing change with grace and resilience as you spread your wings and soar toward new horizons.

6. Behind-The-Ear Tattoo For Women

A realistic Earth tattoo on the back of the ear
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

If you are a fan of celestial-inspired tattoos, choose a strikingly realistic blue Earth tattoo to adorn behind your ear. Symbolizing interconnectedness, adventure, and boundless potential, this aesthetic tattoo reflects your spirit of exploration and love for our planet. It signifies your role in shaping a brighter future and inspires you to embrace every opportunity to make a positive impact on the world.

protip_icon Trivia
Selena Gomez got a small, lowercase “G” tattoo on the back of her ear in 2015 to honor her younger sister Gracie.

7. Behind-The-Ear Rose Tattoo

A small pink rose tattoo behind the ear
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

A fan of roses? Opt for the tiniest tattoo– a small, pink rose tattoo accented with delicate green leaves behind your ear. Symbolizing love, beauty, and growth, this charming design mirrors your inner grace and resilience. It represents your strength and ability to flourish in adversity, blooming beautifully despite life’s challenges and spreading love and joy wherever you go.

8. Behind-The-Ear Flower Tattoo

A small yellow sunflower tattoo behind the ear
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Flowers brighten up your day. The same goes for tattoos. Opt for a small and delicate sunflower tattoo in bright yellow and green colors behind your ear. This charming design sunflower tattoo embodies joy, positivity, and resilience, reflecting your vibrant spirit and sunny disposition. It is a reminder to always seek the light, even in the darkest of times, and to bloom boldly wherever life plants you.

As you explore the realm of behind-the-ear tattoos, you delve into a world where subtlety meets significance, and where intimate expressions of identity find their canvas. From delicate floral patterns to symbolic motifs, each design carries its narrative. When considering tattoo placement ideas, especially for such a discreet yet meaningful space, remember the power of self-expression and the beauty of carrying your story tucked behind your ear. Whether it is a symbol of strength, a token of love, or a reflection of your inner light, let your behind-the-ear tattoo be a constant reminder of your journey, resilience, and the unique essence that sets you apart.

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Eve Phillips
Eve PhillipsProfessional Tattoo Artist
Eve Phillips is an experienced artist in various tattoo styles, though she specializes in tattoos with fine details and floral elements. She has owned studios for 20 years in both Australia and the United Kingdom and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of tattoo art, health, licensing, trends, current issues, and history.

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Shreya Mukherjee
Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as a writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi, as an intern. She then wrote for a progressive content website.

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Arshiya Syeda
Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief
Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Pahul Nanra
Pahul NanraBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.

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