Tattoos have existed as a type of body modification for centuries, so you'd think that there wouldn't be new trends emerging in this day and age.
And yet here we are: helix tattoos are popping up on social media more and more, mainly because they're delicate, small and pretty cool.
The tattoos are etched onto the soft part of the outer ear, and while that might seem like an unlikely place to have some ink, the results are pretty cool. Some people's designs take the form of simple, black lines, while others contain intricate, colourful details.
South Korean artist Zihee has been credited by Kobini for sparking the trend.
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Her art focuses on 'geometric patterns' and 'abstract details', and fuses that with watercolour aesthetics.
Advice on tattoo forum pages suggest that while it is a cool place for some ink, people need to be careful: "The area is highly sensitive for many people and can cause the jaw to lock or ear pain. It's also possible for some to experience headaches, migraines and dizzy spells due to the vibrations and sound.
"One of the more sensitive types of tattoos, it is of the utmost importance to find someone skilled. Also, because of the visibility of the area, it is important to make sure your artist can create stunning pieces since the tattoo cannot be easily hidden if flawed."
That page also suggests that a nice henna tattoo on the outer ear can be a good middle ground to see whether a person likes the concept.
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay