Steve O Head Tattoo: The Real Reason Behind That Forehead Ink

Steve O Head Tattoo: The Real Reason Behind That Forehead Ink

Steve-O doesn't do things by halves. We know this. You’ve seen him snort wasabi, staple certain body parts to his leg, and launch himself into the air in a porta-potty. But in June 2024, the man turned 50. Most people buy a Corvette or go on a cruise to celebrate the big five-oh. Not Stephen Glover. He decided to walk onto a stage at the Bonnaroo Music Festival and let a Grammy-nominated artist tattoo a penis on his forehead.

Specifically, it’s above his right eyebrow. It’s got "flair," as the tabloids politely put it. And yeah, it’s exactly what it sounds like.

The steve o head tattoo isn't just a random act of insanity, though with Steve-O, "random" and "insanity" are part of the brand. This was actually a bucket-list item that had been simmering for years. It’s a weirdly strategic move for a guy who has built a multi-million dollar career out of being the world's most lovable human guinea pig.

Why Post Malone?

The artist behind the ink is none other than Post Malone. Posty is basically the final boss of face tattoos, so if you're going to cross that line, he’s the guy you call. The two have been tight for a few years. They even have matching "Ghost Malone" tattoos—a cartoon ghost with an erection—that they gave each other back in 2022.

Actually, the forehead tattoo was supposed to happen during the filming of Jackass Forever. Steve-O pitched the idea of getting a phallus on his face to Johnny Knoxville, but Knoxville actually shot it down. Why? Because according to Steve-O, Knoxville felt there were "already too many penises in the movie."

Think about that for a second. In a franchise where a guy gets bit by a snake on the nipple, this was where they drew the line for being "too much."

The "Tap Out" Challenge

Kinda surprisingly, Steve-O doesn't necessarily plan on keeping this one forever. He’s been very open about the fact that this is a social experiment on himself. On his YouTube channel and during various press runs, he explained that the goal was to see how long he could last before "tapping out" and getting it lasered off.

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"I'm determined to make it at least through my next whole tour," he told TMZ. He wanted to feel the weight of a face tattoo—to experience the looks from strangers in airports and the general social friction that comes with having a phallic symbol on your brow.

It’s classic Steve-O. He’s sober now, and he’s been sober for over 15 years, but the craving for the "stunt" hasn't gone away. It just evolved from drugs to permanent (or semi-permanent) body modification.

A History of Regrettable Ink

To understand the head tattoo, you have to look at the rest of the canvas. This is a man who has:

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  • His own face tattooed across his entire back (the "Yeah Dude" tattoo).
  • A portrait of himself as a baby.
  • "Your Name" tattooed on his butt (a classic bar-bet joke).
  • A "Billy Bob" tattoo on his arm, which was a tribute to Angelina Jolie’s tribute to Billy Bob Thornton.

He’s even got a tattoo of an ostrich that was originally a much more graphic, NSFL design involving an infant. He realized that one was a bridge too far even for him and had it covered up by Kat Von D and Bam Margera.

So, in the grand scheme of things, a little ink above the eyebrow isn't even the weirdest thing on his skin. It’s just the most visible.

The Logistics of a Face Tattoo at 50

Getting tattooed at 50 is different than getting tattooed at 25. Skin loses elasticity. Recovery is slower. But Steve-O seems to lean into the aging process by making it as ridiculous as possible. The Bonnaroo stunt wasn't just about the tattoo; it was about the spectacle. Post Malone did the work backstage, and within hours, the footage was everywhere.

Honestly, it’s a masterclass in staying relevant. In an era of TikTok stars and influencers doing anything for a click, Steve-O reminds everyone that he’s the original. He doesn’t need a script. He just needs a needle and a friend who’s willing to hold it.

Is it Still There?

As of late 2025 and moving into 2026, the question of the laser removal remains. He has mentioned in his "Wild Ride" podcast that the "ticking clock" is part of the fun. Whether he keeps it or blasts it off with a laser, the mission was accomplished. He proved that even at 50, he can still make the entire internet collectively gasp and say, "He did what?"

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If you're thinking about following in his footsteps, maybe don't. Unless you have a global comedy tour, a massive YouTube following, and Post Malone’s personal cell phone number, a forehead tattoo is generally a "career-limiting move."

For Steve-O, it’s just Tuesday.


Actionable Insights for the Curious:

  • Think Before You Ink Face-First: Laser removal is significantly more painful and expensive than the tattoo itself, especially on thin facial skin.
  • The Steve-O Method: If you're documenting a "regrettable" journey, ensure you have an exit strategy (like Steve-O’s laser plan) before the needle touches skin.
  • Check the Portfolio: If you are getting a face tattoo, go to a professional—even if that professional is a world-famous rapper with a lot of experience on his own face.
  • Follow the Journey: Keep an eye on Steve-O’s official social channels to see the exact moment he decides to start the removal process; it’s bound to be a multi-part video series.