If you’ve never had a tattoo before, it’s easy to assume that any placement is just as feasible as any other. But while most tattoos can be placed anywhere on your body, there are some areas where getting a tattoo may not be as simple or straightforward.
One of those places is the ear. There are many reasons why an artist might not recommend placing a tattoo on your ear. Some have to do with the size of the area (i.e., limited space), and others have to do with how much contact the area gets during everyday activities.
Let me explain…
How Tattooing the External Ear Differs From Behind-the-Ear Placement
There are several anatomical landmarks in the ear. The external ear includes the lobe, helix (the outer cartilage rim of the upper ear), conch (the ear bowl), and tragus (the flap in front of the ear canal). Then there’s behind the ear, which is a separate placement entirely.
So when someone asks if they can get a tattoo on their ear, I usually ask them to clarify exactly where they want it. If it’s on the outside of the ear, then the answer is “yes.” But depending on the person and the exact location, there could be other considerations.
But even if you’re considering getting a tattoo on your ear, you’ll need to know that this isn’t always possible for everyone. It really depends on the individual, and the precise location.
How Limited Space Shapes A Realistic Design Brief
When considering a small addition like an ear tattoo, it’s important to start by being realistic about what can fit into such a limited amount of space. This means keeping things very simple. For example, simple lines or shapes can work well here. That doesn’t mean boring, but rather something that has enough detail and spacing so that it looks good on the actual person and in the specific placement chosen.
I love working on intricate lettering and miniature illustrations, but those aren’t always feasible in such a small space. And sometimes, the design needs to be simplified to make it work.
The key here is to go through the entire process with your artist — from initial consultation to final design — and ensure that everything is considered carefully. That means discussing your preferred style, and also looking at examples of tattoos that your artist has done. They should be able to show you examples of healed ear tattoos that look similar to the kind of thing you want.
It’s also important to consider the placement itself. How will the design appear on your ear? Will it be visible? Is it in a place where it’ll be rubbed against jewelry or other objects? What about hair care habits?
And finally, keep in mind that your existing collection of tattoos may influence the design of your new tattoo. So if you already have some tattoos that incorporate certain motifs, you’ll want to see how your new tattoo would fit into that overall collection.
Clean designRealistic Expectations For Variable Discomfort And Ongoing Appearance
Tattoos on the ear tend to be more uncomfortable than tattoos elsewhere on the body because of the sensitivity of the skin there. Keep in mind that each person experiences pain differently, so your personal pain level may vary significantly from one person to the next.
In addition, the appearance of your tattoo after it heals will change over time. No matter how well you care for your new tattoo, it will fade a little bit over time. The sun can cause some tattoo inks to fade quite a bit, so you’ll want to be sure to use sunscreen once your tattoo is healed. Sun protection is especially important for tattoos on the ears, since they’re often exposed to the sun for long periods of time.
Keep in mind that every person is different, and there isn’t a fixed expiration date for tattoos, nor is there a universal schedule for touch-ups. While some people may only need a touch-up every few years, others may need a touch-up every year. And some people may not ever need a touch-up. So don’t expect your tattoo to look the same forever. It will evolve and change over time.
Clean designEveryday Contact Can Influence Placement And Practical Care
Because of the way the ear is used throughout the day, there are some placements that are simply not as practical as others. For example, sleeping on the side of your head where your tattooed ear is located could create pressure that reduces the tattoo. Keeping your hair away from the tattooed area is another consideration. If your tattoo is near the top of your ear, then you’ll probably need to keep your hair pulled back or out of the way so that it doesn’t rub against your tattoo. Tight jewelry can also irritate your tattoo, especially if you sleep with your earrings in.
Of course, if you’re wearing glasses, you’ll also want to avoid having your tattoo placed in a spot where your glasses might rub against it. If you wear earbuds, you’ll definitely want to avoid placing your tattoo in an area where your earbuds might come into contact with it.
Existing piercings can also play a role in determining placement. If you have existing piercings, then your new tattoo shouldn’t interfere with them. In fact, it might be better to place your new tattoo somewhere else on your ear so that it won’t affect your current piercings.
Hair-care habits may also play a role in placement decisions. If you wash your hair frequently, then you’ll want to avoid placing your tattoo in an area that’s going to be constantly rubbed by your hands while washing your hair.
So no matter where you decide to place your tattoo, it’s important to assess how it will interact with your daily routine and how it will be affected by various items you use throughout the day. Once again, your artist can help you determine the best placement based on your specific situation.
Distinguishing Ordinary Early Soreness And Redness From Changes Requiring Prompt Medical Attention
After your tattoo is freshly inked, you may experience some soreness and redness, but these symptoms should subside within a few days. However, if the redness becomes darker, spreads, or continues to worsen, then it may be a sign of infection. Other signs of infection include continued pain, itchy, red, painful bumps within the tattoo, fever, chills and shivering, or pus coming from the tattoo.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor or board-certified dermatologist right away.
Existing Skin Concerns Or Keloid History Warrant Dermatologist Input Before Proceeding
If you have existing scars, signs of skin disease, or a history of keloids (scars that grow beyond the original wound), you should consult with a dermatologist before proceeding with any type of permanent body modification.