Zayn Malik reveals face tattoo

Former One Direction singer Zayn Malik has unveiled his new face tattoo, much to his fans dismay.

The 23-year-old is known for his body art, with his arms and torso covered in various inkings, but on Friday (11Mar16) the pop star shocked fans when he revealed a tattoo on the side of his face.

"Like I Would" he wrote in the caption alongside the black and white image on Instagram, which is the title of the third track from his debut solo album.

In the shot, Zayn turned his face away from the camera to show off his latest piece of ink, which sits between his ear and temple and appears to be a bird surrounded by flowers with the letters 'M.O.M' written across the middle.

Like I Would

A photo posted by Zayn Malik (@zayn) on Mar 11, 2016 at 2:35pm PST

The singer also showed off a newly shaven head in the snap, but while he seems thrilled with the latest addition to his tattoo collection, his fans were horrified by his decision to get a permanent design on his handsome face.

Instagram user named @andrea.decicco wrote: "I love you and that tattoo is beautiful but why on your face?" while another fan, @httparina, begged:"Tell me it's henna please it has to be."

One irate fan with the username @xtrahoe wrote: "I demand u get that THING lazered off your head right now." While on Twitter, @harryangeles implored the singer to "grow your hair back and cover that tattoo."

Zayn has more than 40 designs on his body, including a large inking of former fiancée Perrie Edwards on his upper arm.

The couple split in August last year (15) and Zayn has now moved on to a relationship with model Gigi Hadid, but it was reported soon after the break-up that he planned to cover up the image of his previous partner.

"Unfortunately, it was done with really dark ink so removal would be difficult," a source told Hollywood Life at the time. "He is planning on having his favourite tattoo artist turn it into a Lotus flower as he has another flower on his other arm already."