Behind the Ear Tattoo Aftercare: Hidden Spots Need Special Care
Behind the ear tattoos are a bold way to express your individuality in a discreet yet stylish spot. But with this unique placement comes a set of aftercare challenges you won’t face with tattoos elsewhere. Because the area behind the ear is sensitive, often hidden by hair, and exposed to sweat and hair products, it demands special attention for optimal healing. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about caring for your new ink—from the first wash to long-term maintenance—so your behind the ear tattoo heals beautifully and remains vibrant for years to come.
Why Behind the Ear Tattoos Need Special Aftercare
Getting a tattoo behind your ear is different from other placements for several reasons:
- Delicate Skin: The skin behind your ear is thin and sensitive, making it more prone to irritation and infection.
- Hidden Location: The area is often covered by hair and can go unnoticed during daily routines, leading to neglect.
- Exposure to Hair Products: Shampoos, conditioners, and hair sprays can easily come into contact with your fresh tattoo, causing irritation or delaying healing.
- Constant Movement: Turning your head, wearing glasses, or using headphones can all rub against the fresh tattoo, increasing the risk of irritation.
Potential Risks Without Proper Aftercare
- Infection due to bacteria from hair or hands
- Fading or blurring of the tattoo design
- Prolonged healing, with increased scabbing or peeling
- Unwanted scarring or skin texture changes
How to Care for Your Behind the Ear Tattoo: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Immediate Aftercare: The First 24–48 Hours
- Leave the Cover On: Your artist will cover your tattoo with a protective film or bandage. Leave it on for the time specified by your artist (usually a few hours).
- Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo to prevent infection.
- First Wash: After removing the bandage, gently wash the area with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Do not scrub—just gently clean the surface.
- Drying: Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry. Never rub the skin.
2. Ongoing Aftercare: Days 2–14
- Clean Twice Daily: Continue to wash your tattoo in the morning and at night with gentle, fragrance-free soap.
- Moisturize: Apply a thin layer of tattoo-specific or fragrance-free, unscented lotion after cleaning. Too much can suffocate the skin; too little can lead to over-drying and scabbing.
- Keep Hair Away: Try to tie back long hair and avoid letting hair products touch the healing tattoo.
- Avoid Touching: Resist scratching or picking at the tattoo, even if it becomes itchy or starts to peel.
- Don’t Sleep on It: Avoid sleeping on the tattooed side to prevent friction and bacteria transfer from your pillow.
3. Special Precautions for Hidden Spots
- Avoid Hair Products: Shampoos, conditioners, gels, and sprays can irritate your new tattoo. Wash and style hair carefully, keeping products away from the area until fully healed.
- Gentle Brushing: Be cautious when brushing your hair to avoid brushing over the healing tattoo.
- Cling Film or Second Skin: Some artists recommend using cling film or a second skin wrap for the first few days, especially if you have long hair or expect exposure to dirt and sweat. Always follow your artist’s advice.
- Monitor Hidden Areas: Because it’s out of sight, regularly check your tattoo for signs of infection or excessive irritation.
4. What to Avoid During Healing
- Submerging the tattoo in water (no swimming, hot tubs, or baths)
- Direct sunlight or tanning beds on the area
- Wearing tight headbands, headphones, or hats that touch the tattoo
- Applying makeup or non-recommended creams to the area
Healing Timeline for Behind the Ear Tattoos
| Stage | What to Expect | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Redness, swelling, possible oozing of plasma | Wash gently, keep area clean and dry, avoid touching |
| Days 4–10 | Scabbing, itching, peeling | Moisturize lightly, don’t pick or scratch, avoid hair products |
| Days 11–21 | Peeling slows, tattoo may look slightly dull | Continue gentle cleansing, moisturize as needed |
| Weeks 3–6 | Skin returns to normal, tattoo vibrancy improves | Protect with sunscreen, resume normal hair care slowly |
How to Protect Your Behind the Ear Tattoo Long-Term
- Sun Protection: Once healed, always apply SPF 30 or higher to the tattooed area when exposed to sunlight. This prevents premature fading.
- Moisturize Regularly: Keeping the skin hydrated helps maintain the sharpness and brightness of your tattoo.
- Gentle Hair Care: Continue to be cautious with hair products and styling tools to avoid friction and irritation.
- Routine Checkups: If you notice any changes in your tattoo—such as swelling, color loss, or unusual texture—consult your tattoo artist or a dermatologist.
Common Problems & How to Address Them
- Irritation from Hair Products: If you notice redness or bumps, switch to hypoallergenic hair products and keep them away from the area until fully healed.
- Itching: This is normal during healing. Avoid scratching and use a light, unscented moisturizer to soothe the skin.
- Signs of Infection: Watch for excessive redness, swelling, pus, pain, or foul odor. Seek medical attention if these symptoms occur.
- Fading or Blurring: Protect your tattoo from the sun and avoid harsh scrubbing to maintain its appearance.
Pros and Cons of Behind the Ear Tattoos
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Discreet and easy to hide | Tricky to care for due to location |
| Unique and stylish | May fade faster with sun or hair product exposure |
| Less painful for some people | Can be more painful due to thin skin for others |
| Great for small, detailed designs | Limited space for larger artwork |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a behind the ear tattoo take to heal?
Most behind the ear tattoos heal in about 2–4 weeks. Complete healing, including the deeper layers of skin, may take up to 6 weeks. Proper aftercare throughout this period is essential for the best results.
Can I wash my hair after getting a tattoo behind my ear?
You can wash your hair, but do so carefully. Avoid getting shampoo, conditioner, or styling products on the healing tattoo. Lean your head to the side or use a gentle stream of water to minimize contact.
What should I do if my behind the ear tattoo gets infected?
If you notice signs of infection—such as excessive redness, swelling, pain, pus, or fever—contact a healthcare professional immediately. Early treatment is crucial to avoid complications.
Is it safe to cover my behind the ear tattoo with cling film?
Some tattoo artists recommend using cling film or a second skin wrap for the first few days. Always follow your artist’s instructions, as over-wrapping can sometimes trap moisture and delay healing.
Will sleeping on my side affect my tattoo?
It’s best to avoid sleeping on the side with the fresh tattoo for at least the first week or two. Pressure and friction can irritate the area and disrupt healing.
Can I wear headphones or glasses after getting a tattoo behind my ear?
Avoid wearing headphones, glasses, or any accessories that put pressure on the area until your tattoo is fully healed. These can rub against the skin and cause irritation or infection.
Key Takeaways
- Behind the ear tattoos require extra care due to their sensitive, hidden location and exposure to hair products and friction.
- Strict hygiene, gentle cleansing, and consistent moisturizing are crucial in the first few weeks.
- Keep hair and hair products away from the tattoo until fully healed to prevent irritation and infection.
- Monitor for signs of infection and seek medical help if needed.
- Long-term care—including sun protection and gentle hair routines—will help your tattoo stay vibrant and well-defined.
With careful, attentive aftercare, your behind the ear tattoo can heal flawlessly and remain a striking part of your personal style for years to come.