Behind-the-Ear Tattoo Ideas: Minimal One-Point Designs to Inspire You

In recent years, behind-the-ear tattoos have become increasingly popular.

Not only are tattoos in this area highly fashionable, but they can also be easily hidden by hair, making them a great option for people who may need to keep their tattoos discreet due to work, family, or lifestyle reasons.

In this article, we’ll introduce a variety of minimal, one-point tattoo designs, along with useful information about pain levels, pricing, and aftercare.

Minimal Behind-the-Ear Tattoo Designs

Below, we’ll showcase a range of tattoo designs suitable for placement behind the ear.
Tattoo motifs often carry specific meanings, and choosing a design with symbolism can help create a deeper personal connection. We recommend considering both the design and its meaning when selecting your tattoo.

Flower Tattoo Behind the Ear

Flower tattoos are widely loved for their association with femininity and beauty.

Each type of flower carries its own unique meaning, making floral tattoos a versatile and meaningful choice.
For more detailed symbolism and a wider variety of flower tattoo designs, be sure to check out our dedicated guide.

花のタトゥーデザイン31選！花言葉とその意味

Lettering Tattoo Behind the Ear

Lettering tattoos allow you to incorporate important messages, names, or words that hold personal significance.

Because the design is subtle and close to the ear, it becomes a private and intimate tattoo, known mainly to the wearer.

Heart Tattoo Behind the Ear

Heart tattoos symbolize love and passion, and their cute, recognizable shape makes them a consistently popular choice.


A small heart behind the ear adds a soft and charming accent without being too bold.

Star Tattoo Behind the Ear

Star and constellation designs are popular for their mysterious and celestial atmosphere.

A shooting star, like the one shown in the example, is especially meaningful—allowing the wearer to tattoo a personal wish or dream close to them.

Butterfly Tattoo Behind the Ear

Butterflies transform from caterpillars into beautiful winged creatures, making them a powerful symbol of transformation, personal growth, and new beginnings.

They are also often associated with femininity and elegance, making them a popular choice for behind-the-ear tattoos.

Feather Tattoo Behind the Ear

Feathers represent the ability to fly freely through the sky, symbolizing freedom, independence, and the pursuit of dreams.


This design is especially fitting for those who value living life on their own terms.

Moon Tattoo Behind the Ear

The moon has long been depicted alongside goddesses in mythology due to its mysterious and enchanting presence.

As a result, moon tattoos are often seen as symbols of femininity, intuition, and maternal energy, making them a meaningful and elegant choice for this placement.

Pain Level of Behind-the-Ear Tattoos

Compared to many other body parts, behind-the-ear tattoos are generally considered to be low in pain.

The skin behind the ear is thin and close to the bone, so it’s possible to feel the vibration of the tattoo machine more directly. However, this area has relatively few nerve endings, and most behind-the-ear tattoos are small, one-point designs that take very little time to complete.

Because of this, pain is usually minimal, making the area a great option for first-time tattoos.

For a detailed comparison of pain levels on different body parts and tips on managing tattoo pain, check out our related article below.

Price Range for Behind-the-Ear Tattoos

For small, one-point tattoos behind the ear, the average price range is typically ¥5,000 to ¥15,000.

That said, tattoo pricing can vary depending on factors such as design size, complexity, and the artist’s level of experience.

Once you have a specific design in mind, it’s best to contact a tattoo studio directly for an accurate quote.

We also explain price ranges for tattoos of other sizes in more detail in the article linked below.

Aftercare for Behind-the-Ear Tattoos

Compared to other areas, the skin behind the ear requires extra attention during aftercare.

Because the tattooed area is essentially an open wound, it’s important to avoid letting your hair touch the tattoo until a scab has formed.

If the tattoo is close to the hairline, there is also a risk of rubbing the area while shampooing, or allowing dirty foam to come into contact with the tattoo. For this reason, it’s recommended to use dry shampoo or minimize washing the area until the scab has fully developed.

For general tattoo aftercare tips, please refer to our dedicated aftercare guide.

Conclusion

Behind-the-ear tattoos are highly fashionable and generally low in pain, making them an excellent choice for a first tattoo.

Because they are easy to conceal with hair, they are also a practical option for people who may have work or lifestyle restrictions around visible tattoos.

That said, tattoos are a lifelong commitment—so be sure to carefully consider both the design and its meaning before getting inked.