There are few things more appealing than a delicate behind-the-ear tattoo. They’re the number one go-to for a look that’s both personal and put-together.
When we inevitably want to add a touch of art to our bodies without it being the center of attention, a tiny tattoo saves the day each and every time. With so many stunning options from talented artists, you’re sure to find one (or three) to fall in love with.
1. Minimalist Rose Tattoo Behind the Ear
You really can’t go wrong with a classic rose. I love this design because it’s so simple yet incredibly graceful.
It features a single rose outlined with fine black lines that show off its elegant petals and thin stem. This is such a perfect choice for a timeless nod to love and beauty, done in a really modern and understated way.
2. Radiant Starburst Tattoo Behind the Ear
For a little bit of sparkle, this starburst trio is an absolute dream. The largest starburst sits right in the middle, with smaller twinkling stars around it.
The clean, fine lines give it a celestial look that feels so enchanting. To me, it’s a beautiful way to symbolize hope and guidance in a perfectly subtle spot.
3. Bold Floral Bouquet Tattoo Behind the Ear
I am obsessed with this stunning floral cluster. It features a bunch of blooming flowers and leaves with intricate shading that adds so much depth.
The way the design flows behind the ear feels so natural and elegant. It’s a timeless piece that symbolizes beauty and growth, which is just perfect for anyone who loves nature.
4. Delicate Floral Vine Tattoo Behind the Ear
This is such a lovely design. It’s an elegant tattoo that has a soft vine of flowers and leaves trailing beautifully behind the ear.
The tiny dotted details and fine black lines add a whimsical feel that I just adore. It’s a perfect symbol of natural beauty, tucked right into an intimate spot.
5. Carefree Script Tattoo Behind the Ear
Sometimes a single word is all you need. This elegant piece spells out “carefree” in a delicate, cursive font that flows so gracefully.
The fine linework gives it a light, effortless look that perfectly captures the word’s meaning. It’s such a stylish reminder to embrace a little joy.
6. Whimsical Butterfly Swirl Tattoo Behind the Ear
This one is absolutely enchanting. It showcases three elegant butterflies in flight, and I love the delicate swirling lines that give it so much movement.
The black ink shading creates a look that is both bold and delicate. This is such a beautiful symbol of transformation and freedom.
7. Bold Botanical Stem Tattoo Behind the Ear
This botanical stem is so striking. I love how the darker shading on the textured blossoms adds real depth, making the whole design pop.
It’s a beautiful reminder of growth and resilience in a location that’s eye-catching but still discreet. It just looks so natural and elegant.
8. Classic Rose Tattoo Behind the Ear
I mean, you can never go wrong with a rose. This tattoo features a beautifully shaded rose in full bloom, complete with a delicate stem and tiny leaves.
The intricate detail in the petals gives it a timeless, romantic feel. It’s such a perfect symbol for love and beauty.
9. Flowing Koi Fish Tattoo Behind the Ear
How serene is this? Two elegant koi fish are drawn in soft, fine black lines, swimming in a formation that reminds me of a yin-yang.
The delicate design really captures a sense of harmony and grace. It’s such a subtly striking piece of art.
10. Minimalist Crescent Moon Tattoo Behind the Ear
This one is so simple and elegant. It features a thinly outlined crescent moon, and the clean, black lines give it a modern and minimal vibe.
It’s a timeless symbol of change, which is so meaningful. A perfect design for an understated touch of mystique.
11. Wildflower Stem Tattoo Behind the Ear
This is just so delicate. The design has a single blooming wildflower with a slim stem and tiny leaves.
I love how the soft shading and fine details create a graceful, natural feel. It’s a really subtle nod to growth, beauty, and simplicity.
12. Golden Snitch Tattoo Behind the Ear
For all the fellow fans out there, how perfect is this? This tattoo features the iconic Golden Snitch, and the wings have such intricate detail.
The small design is tucked so perfectly behind the ear, symbolizing adventure and victory. It’s a magical touch!
13. Delicate Script Name Tattoo Behind the Ear
This is such a beautiful way to honor someone. The tattoo features a name in fine, cursive script that is placed so gracefully.
I think the subtle lettering adds a really personal and intimate touch, making it both stylish and full of meaning.
14. Mandala-Inspired Floral Tattoo Behind the Ear
Talk about a statement piece. This bold design has a mandala-inspired flower with dark, intricate petals and cool dotwork details.
The sharp contrasts and symmetry create a seriously striking look. It beautifully blends tradition with modern style, symbolizing balance.
15. Lucky Four-Leaf Clover Tattoo Behind the Ear
How cute is this tiny four-leaf clover? It’s beautifully drawn and brings such a subtle charm. The minimalist design keeps it feeling delicate and stylish.
I think it’s a perfect nod to positivity, and the placement adds a playful, hidden touch.
16. Delicate ‘Amitié’ Script Tattoo Behind the Ear
This is so elegant. The tattoo features the word “amitié,” which is French for friendship, written in a fine cursive font.
The placement behind the ear makes it a really meaningful and subtle tribute. Its graceful simplicity is just a beautiful expression of connection.
17. Elegant Floral and Beaded Tattoo Behind the Ear
This design is absolutely stunning. I’m obsessed with the delicate flower and trailing leaves, adorned with fine dotted details that look like elegant beaded drapes.
The intricate linework gives it such a graceful and feminine touch. It’s a captivating design symbolizing beauty.
18. Charming Ladybug Tattoo Behind the Ear
Okay, this is just adorable. It’s a bright red ladybug with bold black spots, perfectly detailed and nestled right behind the ear.
The vibrant colors make it stand out so beautifully. As a symbol of luck and joy, it’s a super playful and meaningful little piece of nature.
19. Elegant ‘Godspeed’ Tattoo Behind the Ear
I love the meaning behind this one. This delicate tattoo spells out “godspeed” in a sleek, cursive font placed subtly behind the ear.
The fine black lettering adds a touch of grace and symbolizes a heartfelt wish for good fortune. It perfectly blends style with a quiet, powerful message.
20. Lotus Blossom and Dangle Tattoo Behind the Ear
This is such an intricate and stunning piece. It features a cluster of blooming lotus flowers that cascade gracefully, accented with delicate dotted strings and geometric diamonds.
The whole design has a very elegant, ornamental feel. It’s both meaningful and visually amazing.
21. Minimalist Laurel Branch Tattoo Behind the Ear
Simple, but so elegant. This tattoo is a small laurel branch with clean, bold leaves that curve naturally behind the ear.
I love the sleek and timeless design, which symbolizes victory and peace. It’s a perfect choice for a modern, nature-inspired touch.
22. Serene Moon and Waves Tattoo Behind the Ear
This design just feels so peaceful. It shows a crescent moon resting above soft, flowing waves, with tiny twinkling stars in the background.
The simple black lines create a calming, minimalist look. It’s a perfect symbol of tranquility, subtly placed.
23. Simple Wildflower Tattoo Behind the Ear
This is such a charming wildflower tattoo. It’s a delicate stem with small blossoms and leaves, all drawn in fine black lines.
The minimal design adds a soft, natural beauty that I just love. It’s a subtle yet lovely symbol of simplicity and growth.
24. Heart and Semicolon Tattoo Behind the Ear
This design is simple but so powerful. It combines a solid black heart with a semicolon, placed subtly behind the ear.
The look is clean and minimal, symbolizing resilience, love, and continuation. It’s a small but mighty reminder of strength.
25. Simple Crossed Lines Tattoo Behind the Ear
For the true minimalist, this one is perfect. It features two small, delicate crossed lines etched right behind the ear.
The clean and subtle design creates a modern, understated look. I think it’s perfect for someone who loves a sleek, personal touch with a little mystery.
26. Striking Snake Tattoo Behind the Ear
Talk about a fierce statement. This bold tattoo has a coiled black snake with detailed scales, and I love the flowing red accents that look like energy.
The vivid contrast between the red and black creates such a powerful and dynamic look, symbolizing transformation and strength.
27. Delicate Floral Tattoo Behind the Ear
This graceful tattoo shows a cluster of simple flowers with fine petals and leafy accents. It’s placed so beautifully behind the ear.
The clean black outlines give it a soft, natural elegance. It’s a charming symbol of growth and beauty in a subtle yet striking design.
28. Minimalist Heart and Bold Floral Bloom Tattoo Behind the Ear
This is such a cute and playful combination. A sketched heart sits behind the ear, surrounded by tiny stars and a little arrow.
This simple design adds a really fun and whimsical vibe, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves minimal but meaningful tattoos.
29. Celestial Crescent and Stars Tattoo Behind the Ear
I just love a dainty celestial design. This one features a crescent moon followed by a delicate trail of sparkling stars, all arranged perfectly behind the ear.
The minimal look really captures the beauty of the night sky. It’s such a lovely symbol of dreams and wonder.
30. Elegant Floral and Beaded Tattoo Behind the Ear
This delicate tattoo features blooming flowers and leafy stems, accented with soft, dotted details that look like beads cascading down.
The intricate shading adds so much depth and creates a graceful, feminine look. It’s a perfect symbol of beauty, growth, and elegance.
31. Subtle Sparkling Stars Tattoo Behind the Ear
For a hint of magic, this minimalist tattoo is a go-to. It’s a cluster of tiny, delicate stars in clean black lines, scattered softly behind the ear.
The simple design is perfect for someone who loves a subtle yet meaningful celestial touch. It’s both discreet and so charming.
32. Intricate Spiderweb Tattoo Behind the Ear
This is such a cool, bold choice. A detailed spiderweb stretches out from behind the ear, and its clean black lines create a really striking geometric design.
The placement gives it an edgy, mysterious vibe that I think is perfect for someone who appreciates unconventional beauty.
33. Striking Black Widow Spider Tattoo Behind the Ear
This bold tattoo features a detailed black widow spider with its iconic red hourglass marking. The thin, precise legs and dark shading give it a realistic and edgy look.
As a symbol of strength and mystery, it’s a fierce design for anyone embracing their powerful side.
34. Elegant Crane Tattoo Behind the Ear
I absolutely love the delicate look of this crane. It’s shown mid-flight with its wings softly spread, and there’s a tiny hint of red on its beak.
The fine lines give it a light, airy feel. Perfectly placed, it symbolizes freedom and grace in a serene, understated way.
35. Minimalist Leaf Branch Tattoo Behind the Ear
This sleek tattoo has a simple branch with a few bold, black leaves placed elegantly behind the ear.
I love the clean, minimalist design, which gives it a modern look. It’s perfect for nature lovers, symbolizing growth in a subtle yet really stylish way.
36. Vibrant Wildflower Bouquet Tattoo Behind the Ear
The pop of color here is so fun! This tattoo is a delicate bouquet of wildflowers, including a bright blue bloom and pink petals.
The vibrant colors make it pop beautifully. It represents natural beauty and individuality, making it a really lively and charming design.
37. Elegant Ginkgo Leaf Tattoo Behind the Ear
There’s something so graceful about this design. It shows a flowing branch of ginkgo leaves, delicately etched in intricate black lines.
The fan-shaped leaves create a sense of movement as they trail behind the ear. It’s a timeless symbol of longevity that’s both bold and refined.
38. Minimalist ‘Seven’ Script Tattoo Behind the Ear
This is a great example of a simple yet personal tattoo. It features the word “seven” written in delicate, cursive lettering, subtly placed.
The clean black script adds an understated touch. It’s perfect for someone who holds special meaning in that number, making a quiet yet stylish statement.
39. Delicate Wildflower Tattoo Behind the Ear
This graceful tattoo shows a slim stem with tiny wildflowers and leaves. The fine black lines give it a soft, natural look that adds a touch of elegance.
It’s a perfect symbol of quiet beauty in a really understated spot.
40. Delicate Lotus and Beads Tattoo Behind the Ear
I love the ornamental look of this piece. It features a small lotus flower with beautifully shaded petals, and it’s accented by dangling beads that add a sense of sophistication.
Positioned behind the ear, it’s a lovely symbol of purity and inner peace.
41. Delicate Butterfly Tattoo Behind the Ear
This is just so elegant. The tattoo has a single butterfly with fine, detailed wings fluttering gracefully behind the ear.
The soft lines and subtle shading give it a really light and delicate appearance. It’s a timeless symbol of transformation and freedom, mixing beauty with simplicity.
42. Fluttering Butterflies Tattoo Behind the Ear
I find this one so enchanting. It features a trio of detailed black butterflies in flight, scattered with tiny sparkling dots that catch the eye.
The ascending placement gives the whole design a sense of movement. It’s a beautiful symbol of growth and a free spirit.
43. Bold Gothic ‘1999’ Tattoo Behind the Ear
This is such a striking and powerful look. The year “1999” is written in bold, Gothic-style black lettering vertically behind the ear.
The dramatic font and sharp edges make it a real statement piece. It’s a perfect way to commemorate a special year with some edgy style.
44. Sweet Strawberry Tattoo Behind the Ear
This is adorable! It’s a tiny, vibrant red strawberry with a couple of green leaves on top, tucked right behind the ear. The bright colors and simple design make it super playful and eye-catching.
What a fun and unique symbol of sweetness and charm!
45. Playful Dolphin Duo Tattoo Behind the Ear
This charming tattoo has two dolphins swimming gracefully, drawn with clean, simple lines. I think the playful interaction between them adds a really lively and joyful energy.
For any ocean lovers, it’s a perfect way to symbolize harmony and freedom in a fun, subtle way.
46. Fierce Red Scorpion Tattoo Behind the Ear
If you want something bold, this is it. This tattoo features a scorpion outlined in vibrant red ink, with fine details in the claws that give it a sharp look.
It symbolizes strength and protection, standing out as a fierce and fearless statement piece.