Equipment You'll Need

You'll need the following:

• tattoo pliers
• tattoo numbers/letters
• tattoo ink
• ink applicator (Q-tips work well)
• Preparation H
• styptic powder (just in case)
• tissues or wet wipes
• soft-bristled toothbrush
• rubbing alcohol

After you have all your supplies ready to go, put your numbers and letters place securely into the tattoo pliers. Test the tattoo on a piece of paper to make sure that the letters/numbers are in the correct position. By doing this, you can save yourself from making a mistake

Creating the Tattoo

Once you know exactly where you want the tattoo to go, put a dab of ink directly on the interior of the ear with the Q-tip or whatever applicator you're using. This way, when you clamp the pliers, you can get a basic idea of how the tattoo is going to look. Now squeeze the pliers--with your numbers and letters in place--firmly against the ear area where you applied the ink. Hold the pliers closed for a second or two and then release. If you go all the way through the ear with the tattoo, that's okay. I actually prefer it if I do go all the way through because it helps create a lasting tattoo.

Make sure that the tattoo looks good. If it doesn't, don't apply any more ink at this point--it won't improve the appearance of the tattoo. Instead, put some styptic powder on the tattoo and retry your tattoo in a few days.

If all went well with the tattoo--and it should have--then rub more ink into the tattoo holes with the toothbrush. Don't rub too hard, or you can make the ear bleed more than usual. Make sure that you get the ink in there really good. I would rather use too much ink than not enough and have to redo the whole process.

Controlling Any Bleeding

Next, apply a dab of Preparation H to the tattoo area--both on the front and the back of ear--to help seal the holes. You're probably thinking, Isn't Preparation H for hemorrhoids? Why, yes it is, but it also reduces the size of blood vessels. If you use it after you tattoo, the ink is less likely to be lost through bleeding. It'll also keep the ear from bleeding too much if you nicked a blood vessel. Preparation-H also has a soothing feel to it, which will be welcomed.

Wow, you're almost done. Now take a piece of tissue or a wet wipe and carefully wipe away the excess ink and Preparation H so that you can see the tattoo. If the ear starts to bleed a bit after you wipe, just sprinkle some styptic powder on the area and leave it alone.