Austin Post—the world knows him as Post Malone—didn't always look like a medieval manuscript. Back in 2015, when "White Iverson" was blowing up on SoundCloud, he had a relatively clean slate. Then came the "Stay Away" over his eyebrow. Then the barbed wire. Then the giant flail. Suddenly, the face of modern pop-rap was covered in ink that looked like it was doodled during a very intense fever dream. People freaked out. Critics called it a cry for help. Parents cringed. But if you actually listen to him talk about it, the story behind Post Malone face tattoos is way more human, slightly self-deprecating, and a lot less "rockstar rebellion" than you’d think.
He’s been honest. Maybe too honest.
The Insecurity Behind the Ink
Most people assume celebrities get face tattoos because they’re "too famous to care" or they want to look tough. Posty? He’s gone on record saying it’s actually the opposite. In a 2020 interview with GQ, he admitted that the tattoos come from a place of insecurity. "I'm a thin-looking motherf***er," he said. He basically feels like he’s an "ugly" guy, so the tattoos are a way to add something interesting to look at. It’s a defense mechanism. Instead of people looking at his face and judging his features, they look at the "Always Tired" under his eyes or the sword on his cheek. It shifts the gaze. It’s a mask.
It’s kind of wild when you think about it. One of the most successful artists of the decade, a guy who sells out stadiums, feels the need to decorate his face just to feel confident.
But it’s not all deep psychological trauma. Some of it was just a "dare" to himself. He saw artists like Lil Wayne and Travis Scott and thought, "Why not?" He started small. He wanted to see if he had the balls to actually do it. Turns out, he did. A lot of them.
Breaking Down the Most Iconic Pieces
You can't talk about his look without mentioning the "Always Tired" script. It’s probably his most famous piece. Located right under his eyes, it’s a literal representation of his work ethic and the grueling nature of touring. He’s said that since he always feels tired anyway, he might as well make it permanent. It’s relatable, in a weird, million-dollar-superstar kind of way.
Then there’s the "Stay Away" above his right eyebrow. That was an early one.
💡 You might also like: Elisabeth Harnois: What Most People Get Wrong About Her Relationship Status
- The Barbed Wire: This runs across his hairline. It’s aggressive, sure, but it also frames his face in a way that’s become his signature silhouette.
- The Gauntlet and Flail: This is the big one on the right side of his face. It’s huge. It’s medieval. It’s a spiked ball on a chain. Why? Because he likes medieval history and Skyrim. Honestly, sometimes it’s that simple.
- The Bloody Buzzsaw: Added later, this sits on his left cheekbone.
- The Playing Cards: He’s got some cards tucked away near his hairline, a nod to his love for games.
One of the more sentimental ones is the 21 Savage tattoo. Well, not of 21 Savage, but he got a "777" tattoo to match his friend and collaborator. It shows that for Post, the face isn't some sacred temple that can't be touched—it's a scrapbook.
The Justin Bieber Connection
Believe it or not, Justin Bieber is partly responsible for the Post Malone face tattoos obsession. During the "Stoney" era, Post was opening for Bieber on the Purpose World Tour. Post had been thinking about getting a tattoo but was nervous. He saw Bieber had a few and asked him if it hurt. Justin basically told him "no," and that gave Post the green light to get his first one—a Playboy bunny on his forearm.
The face tattoos followed shortly after.
It’s funny because Bieber actually ended up ruining that first bunny tattoo. They were playing basketball, and Justin bumped into him while the tattoo was still healing, causing it to smear and scar. Post still jokes about it. But that moment broke the seal. Once he realized he could get tattooed and the world wouldn't end, he just kept going. He went from zero to "full face" in a remarkably short amount of time.
Why the Industry Hated It (At First)
In the beginning, his management and label weren't exactly thrilled. There’s a traditional "rule" in the music industry: don't mess with the "money maker." Your face is your brand. If you cover it in ink, you might alienate brands, talk show hosts, or mainstream audiences.
Post Malone didn't care.
📖 Related: Don Toliver and Kali Uchis: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
He bet on the fact that the music would speak louder than the ink. And he was right. In fact, the tattoos actually helped his brand. They made him instantly recognizable. In a sea of generic-looking pop stars, he looked like a guy you’d meet at a dive bar at 2 AM who just happened to have a voice like silk. He leaned into the "dirtbag chic" aesthetic, and it worked.
The Regret Factor: Does He Want Them Gone?
Lately, there’s been a lot of talk about Posty’s changing look. He’s lost a significant amount of weight—dropping around 55 pounds—after cutting out soda and focusing on being a dad. With this "new" version of Post Malone, people keep asking: is he going to laser off the face tattoos?
So far, the answer is a hard no.
While some celebrities like Pete Davidson or 50 Cent have started the grueling process of tattoo removal to help their acting careers, Post seems content. He’s said his daughter loves them. She thinks they’re cool. To him, they represent a specific era of his life. He’s not trying to hide who he was when he was 22 and "Always Tired."
Cultural Impact and the "Posty Effect"
You can’t walk through a mall in 2026 without seeing a teenager with a temporary face tattoo or a SoundCloud rapper with real ones. Post Malone moved the needle. He took something that was strictly for "outlaws" or "hardcore" rappers and brought it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
He made the face tattoo "safe" for Middle America.
👉 See also: Darius Rucker with Wife: What Really Happened and Who He’s With Now
When your mom knows who the guy with the "Always Tired" tattoo is, the taboo is officially dead. It’s a shift in how we perceive professional success and appearance. You no longer have to look "corporate" to be the biggest artist on the planet.
What You Should Consider Before Following Suit
If you're looking at Post Malone face tattoos and thinking about heading to the shop, there are a few things he’d probably tell you to consider. First, he has millions of dollars. If he never works another day in his life, he’s fine. For the average person, face tattoos still carry a massive social and professional "tax."
- The "Job Stopper" is real. Unless you’re in a creative field or own your own business, people will judge you. It’s unfair, but it’s reality.
- Maintenance is a pain. Face skin turns over faster than the rest of your body. Tattoos on the face blur and fade much quicker due to sun exposure and washing.
- The pain is different. Getting tattooed near your eye or on your temple isn't like a bicep piece. It vibrates your whole skull. It’s a headache you pay for.
The Evolution of Posty’s Look
Lately, the tattoos are becoming part of a more "refined" version of the artist. He’s wearing suits more often. He’s performing with acoustic guitars. The contrast between the "hard" tattoos and the "soft" music is his superpower. It’s the "Posty" dichotomy: he looks like he’d steal your car, but he sounds like he’d give you his last cigarette and a hug.
He’s even added some more "refined" tattoos recently, including a small pair of baby shoes to honor his daughter. It’s a far cry from the bloody saw blade. It shows growth. It shows that while the canvas stays the same, the art evolves.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Tattoo Enthusiasts
If you're fascinated by his ink or considering your own, here's the reality check you need:
- Check the Artist's Portfolio: If you're going for facial work, you need someone who specializes in fine-line script and knows how to work with the thin skin around the eyes.
- Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: If you get a face tattoo, you are now a person who wears SPF 50 every single day. If you don't, that "Always Tired" will look like a smudge in three years.
- Think About Placement: Notice how Posty’s tattoos often follow the natural lines of his face (jawline, eyebrow, cheekbone). This is why they look "right" even though there are so many of them. Good placement makes a tattoo look like it belongs there, rather than just being "stuck" on.
- The "Wait a Year" Rule: For a face tattoo, wait a year. If you still want it after 365 days of thinking about it, then—and only then—should you book the appointment.
Post Malone didn't change his face because he wanted to be a rebel. He did it because he wanted to change how he saw himself in the mirror. Whether you love the look or hate it, you have to respect the commitment. He turned his insecurities into an icon.