In early 2024, model and media personality Amber Rose surprised fans and sparked online conversations with a bold new tattoo. Positioned prominently on her forehead, the ink reads “Bash Slash,” a tribute to her two sons. This eye-catching piece of body art immediately became a talking point, drawing both praise and criticism. But what exactly is the story behind Amber Rose’s head tattoo, and what does it mean for her?
Rose, known for her outspoken nature and unapologetic self-expression, has never shied away from making bold statements. From her past relationship with Kanye West to her activism with the “SlutWalk” movement, she consistently challenges societal norms. Her “Bash Slash” forehead tattoo is another example of her individuality and her dedication to what matters most to her: her children.
The tattoo is a script design featuring the names “Bash” and “Slash,” nicknames of her sons. Sebastian Taylor Thomaz, nicknamed “Bash,” is her son with rapper Wiz Khalifa. Slash Electric Alexander Edwards, or “Slash,” is her son with ex-boyfriend Alexander “AE” Edwards. This permanent declaration of love for her children, etched onto her face, is a powerful and unconventional expression of motherhood.
When Amber Rose first revealed the tattoo on her Instagram, the internet reacted swiftly. While many fans admired the sentimental gesture and praised her boldness, others were quick to criticize the placement and design choice. Some online commentators deemed it a “mistake” or questioned her decision to get a face tattoo. However, Rose has made it clear that she is unfazed by the negativity.
In an interview with Stylish magazine, coinciding with her OnlyFans debut, Rose addressed the public reaction head-on. “Not everybody is gonna get a face tatt. That’s what separates me from them,” she stated, emphasizing her unique approach to self-expression and personal choices. She further elaborated on her philosophy of self-acceptance and disregard for external validation. “I don’t live my life for other people… If I let people affect me in that way, I would just be miserable every day. I wouldn’t be the great mom that I am. I would be depressed and I would be filled with anxiety,” she explained.
Rose’s perspective highlights a crucial aspect of tattoo culture: personal meaning and individual choice. For her, the “Bash Slash” tattoo is a deeply personal symbol of her love for her children. She embraces her body and her choices, reinforcing the idea that tattoos are ultimately about self-expression, not external approval. “I love my body, I’m cool with my body and I do what I want with my body,” she asserted. “You just gotta be who you are and if someone likes you, they’ll join the bandwagon; and if not, they’re just not for you. It’s not really a big deal for me.”
Looking ahead, Amber Rose also shared her future tattoo plans with Stylish magazine. She intends to get tattoos of her sons’ faces once they are older. This suggests that the “Bash Slash” tattoo may be the first in a series of ink tributes to her children, further solidifying their importance in her life and her commitment to expressing that love through body art.
Amber Rose’s forehead tattoo is more than just a celebrity trend; it’s a powerful statement about motherhood, individuality, and self-love in the face of public scrutiny. It reflects a growing acceptance of face tattoos in mainstream culture, while also remaining a deeply personal and meaningful choice for the wearer. For Amber Rose, the “Bash Slash” tattoo is a permanent reminder of her most important role: being a mother to Bash and Slash.
