Introducing Helix Tattoos: The Latest in Instagram Ink

You'll never have to worry about losing an earring again, thanks to the latest trend in ear embellishments: helix tattoos. Delicate, subtle, and—of course—Instagrammable.

Instead of jewelry, people are using dainty ink designs to personalize their ear cartilage. Sure, hardly a new concept. But this particular look is all about placement. As Elle UK first reported, tattoo artists are creating intricate artwork on the small curve on the back of people's ears (ie: the helix). The negative space designs range from intricate florals to simple, minimalist lines that mimic the look of a piercing. They're more subtle than the usual tucked-behind-the-ear tat, like Hailey Baldwin's "G", or lobe tattoos, like Cara Delevingne's diamond.

There are dozens of photos of the trend on Instagram, which prove that a tattoo artist can put anything on the back of someone's ear as long as the artist has a steady hand and a small enough needle. Stick-and-poke lines and dots seem to be the most popular option, possibly because they look even more delicate than the average tattoo:

Winding florals can make an ear look like a work of art:

Teeny-tiny paw prints are pretty much the cutest thing ever:

Or if you want something really different, you can decorate the back of your ear with small dots:

Minimalist ear decorations have become increasingly popular recently. Piercing trends like "Constellation Piercings" (multiple earrings placed close to one another on the lobe) and daith rings had a major moment in 2016. Meanwhile, the less-permanent ear makeup popped up on runways, like Proenza Schouler, Anthony Vaccarello, and Louis Vuitton.

Even though helix tattoos obviously won't replace piercings, they definitely offer a different way to personalize your style. Plus, they can't fall out. If you're looking for a less permanent way to throw an ear party, you can easily recreate the look (especially the minimalist version) with a super sharp eyeliner (we love Urban Decay Razor Sharp Waterproof Longwear Liquid Eyeliner, $22) and a little bit of patience.

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