The Ultimate Guide To Post Malone's Face Tattoos: 15+ Meanings, Artists, And His Philosophy

As of late 2025, Post Malone’s face remains one of the most recognizable and intensely scrutinized canvases in modern music, a living, breathing tapestry of ink that tells a deeply personal story. Far from being random doodles, each piece of art—from the bold script to the intricate symbols—is a deliberate choice, reflecting the rapper’s anxieties, triumphs, and influences.

The sheer volume and placement of his facial ink have turned Austin Richard Post into a cultural icon whose look is as famous as his chart-topping hits like "Circles" and "Sunflower." This comprehensive guide dives into the most current and confirmed meanings behind his most famous face tattoos, the talented artists who brought them to life, and the surprising reason he chose to use his face as his primary medium.

Austin Richard Post: A Brief Biography

Before diving into the ink, understanding the man behind the tattoos provides essential context. Austin Richard Post, known professionally as Post Malone, was born on July 4, 1995, in Syracuse, New York. He was raised primarily in Grapevine, Texas, after his father became the manager of concessions for the Dallas Cowboys.

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• Full Name: Austin Richard Post
• Date of Birth: July 4, 1995
• Birthplace: Syracuse, New York, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Musician, Record Producer
• Genre: Hip hop, pop, R&B, trap, rock
• Rise to Fame: Achieved widespread recognition in 2015 with the single "White Iverson."
• Family: Welcomed a daughter in 2022, whose initials are now famously inked on his face.

Post Malone didn't get his first tattoo until 2016, a piece inspired by his friend Justin Bieber. However, his collection quickly grew, and he is now estimated to have well over 70 distinct tattoos across his body, with approximately 15 or more pieces adorning his face.

Decoding Post Malone’s Most Iconic Face Tattoos and Their Meanings

Post Malone's face is a gallery of deeply personal symbols, script, and art styles. While some are clearly visible, others are subtle or strategically placed. Here is a breakdown of the most significant pieces of facial ink and the stories they tell:

1. "Always Tired" (Under Eyes)

Perhaps his most famous facial tattoo, the words "Always Tired" are inked in script directly under his eyes. This piece is highly relatable to fans, embodying both the literal exhaustion of a touring musician and a figurative weariness with the pressures of fame. The tattoo was done by artist Chad Rowe.

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2. "Stay Away" (Above Left Eyebrow)

The phrase "Stay Away" is positioned above his left eyebrow. This is a clear, defiant message to the outside world, expressing a desire for privacy and distance from the constant scrutiny that comes with celebrity. It serves as a boundary marker in ink.

3. Barbed Wire (Forehead)

A string of barbed wire runs across his forehead, near his hairline. This element is a classic tattoo motif, often symbolizing a barrier, pain, or the idea of being trapped. It creates a visual crown of struggle and resilience.

4. The Sword (Right Temple)

The sword on the right side of his face was reportedly one of Post Malone's first face tattoos. He has stated that he loves swords, and the piece is a nod to that interest. In tattoo symbolism, a sword often represents protection, courage, and justice.

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5. Japanese-Style Waves (Left Side)

On the upper left side of his face, Post Malone sports Japanese-style waves, executed in the traditional irezumi style by artist Ghanji. Waves in this style often symbolize power, the ebb and flow of life, and the constant change and motion of the world.

6. The Bloody Circular Saw (Right Cheek)

One of the more recent and graphic additions, the bloody circular saw was inked in early 2024 by artist Ruben Reza. This piece is a striking, gory image that adds to his collection of darker, more intense designs, fitting his evolving aesthetic.

7. "DDP" Initials (Forehead)

A deeply personal piece, the initials "DDP" are inked on the right side of his forehead. This tattoo, done by Chad Rowe in 2022, represents the initials of his daughter, a testament to his commitment to his family and a permanent mark of fatherhood.

8. Devil Skull and "77" (Matching Tattoo)

Post Malone got a matching devil skull on the side of his face with his friend and tattoo artist Kyle Hediger. Inked by artist Ick Abrams, the piece includes the number "77." This is a testament to his close friendships and shared interests, with the skull and horns motif being a recurring theme in his art.

9. Medieval Gauntlet and Flail

One of his last pieces of 2019, this bold medieval gauntlet and flail weapon was inked on his face by Kyle Hediger. This piece taps into a fantasy or medieval interest, representing protection and combat, adding a historical and rugged layer to his collection.

10. Crying Face/Tear Drop (Under Left Eye)

Inspired by the rapper Lil Peep’s "Cry Baby" tattoo, this piece is a reference to his favorite Nirvana song, "Lithium." This is an example of his tattoos paying homage to his musical influences and personal tastes, linking his art to his identity as a musician.

The Surprising Philosophy Behind the Face Ink

For many, the sheer number of tattoos on Post Malone’s face is a statement of rebellion, but his own explanation is rooted in a much more vulnerable place: personal insecurity.

In various interviews, Post Malone has been candid about the motivation behind his extensive facial canvas. He has admitted that he got the tattoos because he felt insecure about his appearance. The ink, in his mind, made him more "interesting to look at" and served as a form of self-expression to distract from perceived flaws.

This admission shifts the narrative from one of pure shock value to a deeper, more relatable story of self-acceptance and using art as a shield. The tattoos are not just decorative; they are a psychological armor and a way to control his own narrative in the public eye.

Topical Authority: Post Malone's Tattoo Artists

The quality and style of Post Malone's tattoos are a direct result of the talented artists he works with, many of whom are personal friends. Focusing on specific artists adds topical authority and depth to the story:

• Chad Rowe: Responsible for the famous "Always Tired" script and the heartfelt "DDP" initials for his daughter.
• Ruben Reza: The artist behind the recent, gory circular saw tattoo, showcasing a darker, more graphic style.
• Kyle Hediger: A close friend and artist who has done several pieces, including the medieval gauntlet and the matching Devil Skull.
• Ghanji: The artist who created the intricate, traditional Japanese-style irezumi waves on his left side.

These artists collaborate to create the eclectic mix of styles—from fine-line script to bold, dark traditional pieces—that define the Post Malone aesthetic. The ongoing nature of his collection suggests that his face will continue to evolve, with each new piece adding another layer to the complex story of Austin Richard Post.