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Ear Tattoos 101: 5 Things to Know Before Booking an Appointment

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September 25, 2024

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If you're planning on getting a new tattoo, one of the first questions you ask yourself is where to put it. There are popular areas, such as the inner wrist, the back of the arms, or the ankle. But if you are looking for something small and dainty, the ear might be the perfect place. While some real estate might already be taken up by piercings, there are many ways to ink the area that won't cause any interference. To find out everything you'll need to know before getting an ear tattoo, we spoke with a tattoo artist and a dermatologist. Ahead, they've got all the info you need to get started.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida.
• Trevor McQuade  is a tattoo artist sponsored by Mad Rabbit.

Research Your Artist

We can't overstate this: All tattoos should be well-researched in advance. Ears are a tiny area and you need an artist who is skilled and comfortable with the specific area. This is not a tattoo you're going to want to just walk into a shop and select.

"There are definitely artists that specialize in ear, tattoos," says  Trevor McQuade, a tattoo artist sponsored by Mad Rabbit. He says that at the least, "if a client were to want to get a tattoo on the ear, they should make sure that their artist has done a piece there before." If an artist isn't proficient in this small area, you could wind up with more of a smudge than a piece of art.

Understand Your Design Options

Understanding the space and detail restrictions of your ear is also crucial. You should begin to brainstorm options that will feel appropriate in your ear. For example, the dainty rose you've been wanting could be a perfect fit, but the larger portrait might need to be saved for somewhere like a calf or a bicep.

"Tattoo options for the ear are generally more limited than other [areas]," says McQuade. He notes that in addition to the limitations of overall size, the design must also conform to the size and shape of your ear. This blooming flower design works because the stem goes down the length of the ear, whereas a pet portrait is a no-go. Think simple line art or circular shapes such as globes, suns, and flower buds that could sit visibly in the top part of your ear.

Yes, It Will Likely Hurt

Contrary to some people's claims, no tattoo appointment is going to be that comfortable. They hurt: It's a collection of needling vibrations along your skin, and that's precisely what it feels like. That said, some areas of the body hurt more than others, and ears can be counted on the more painful side of the spectrum. "The ear is a little more painful because of the nerve endings, and how thin the skin is," McQuade cautions. In general, areas with more flesh hurt less. That means that a bicep tattoo is probably not going to make you grimace too much, whereas the sides of your ribs or your hands might require a higher pain tolerance.

Aftercare

All tattoos require proper aftercare, and that rule especially applies to the ear. "The skin on ears can be very sensitive and prone to dryness, so proper care is important to prevent any irritation post-tattoo," says Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida. "You will want to keep the area well moisturized which is a key factor in the aftercare especially if the skin starts to peel." She cautions that you must refrain from picking or itching the area, which holds true for all tattoos that are healing. If your artist applies a second skin bandage, that will get you through the first few days. If not, begin the process of washing twice daily and using a lotion that is safe for new tattoos. Chacon notes that while you need to apply lotion at least twice a day, it's ok to use it additional times, whenever it's beginning to look or feel dry.

There's an extra catch when it comes to healing an ear tattoo—your hair. "Keep your hair away from the tattoo as it is healing," instructs Chacon, who suggests wearing your hair in a ponytail for the duration if it's long enough to bother your ear. There's also the matter of washing your hair. "You will want to avoid any other products, like shampoo or conditioner, coming into contact with the ear tattoo as it is healing," she recommends. "If you could avoid hair washing for the first few days that is ideal, but be very mindful when taking a shower when you do."

Protect It From The Sun

If you have gotten a tattoo before, then you know how crucial it is to protect your fresh art from the sun. The trouble is, your ears are an easily exposed area. "Avoid sun exposure to prevent any sun damage to the area," suggests Chacon. That's the easiest option for the first ten days of healing you'll experience for an ear tattoo. If that's not possible, she says to "wear sun protective hats to help keep the tattoo and skin from being exposed. A bucket or wide-brim hat is a great option to fully cover the ears without being too close or tight to the ear which may cause irritation or any unwanted rubbing."

The Final Takeaway

An ear tattoo may be small, but it requires a considerable amount of thought and care. You'll need to choose an artist experienced in this body part, then pick a design that is conducive to the space. From there, expect a bit more pain than normal due to how thin the skin of your ear is and how many nerve endings it has. For healing, you'll need to take extra caution with things you might not normally need to consider for new tattoos, like washing your hair and styling it to keep it away from your ear. Once it's healed, your ear tattoo will be adorable—especially now that you have all the right tools to pick out the perfect design and artist.

Read the original article on Byrdie.

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