46-year-old Melissa Sloan from Wales has made headlines around the world for her incredible collection of over 800 tattoos. She calls herself “addicted to tattoos” — and despite ridicule, judgment, and being called a “freak” by strangers, she says she’ll never stop.
Once upon a time, Melissa looked completely different — a sweet woman with soft facial features, long blonde hair, and a kind smile. But over the years, her skin has become almost entirely covered in ink: her face, neck, arms, and even eyelids have turned into a living canvas. Today, tattoos are part of her identity — her “second skin.”
“I just can’t stop,” Melissa admits. “It’s who I am. My tattoos tell my story.”
For 26 years, Melissa has been tattooing herself continuously — sometimes three times a week. Her partner helps her apply the new designs. Since most tattoo parlors refuse to work with her, calling her too extreme, she does them herself at home, often using basic prison-style techniques.
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But her unique appearance has come at a cost. Melissa struggles to find work — even for simple cleaning jobs.
“I’d take any job tomorrow if someone would just give me a chance,” she says.
People often react cruelly — shouting insults, staring, or turning away. Some bars and schools have even refused to let her in. Yet, despite all the judgment, Melissa remains a devoted mother and teaches her children to ignore hurtful words and stand proud of who they are.
Interestingly, tattoos have also become a family theme. Her kids have started experimenting with temporary tattoos, turning it into a fun family ritual. While her older children view her body art with caution, the younger ones admire her boldness and say they want to be like her.
Once, Melissa tried to cover her tattoos with heavy foundation to look “normal” for her children. But their reaction surprised her — they told her they didn’t like her new face.
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“That’s not you, Mum,” they said.
So she wiped the makeup away and returned to her familiar self — and her kids smiled again.
For Melissa, her tattoos are symbols of strength, independence, and creative freedom. She refuses to change just to please society.
Despite rejection, pain, and hardship, she stays true to herself — and that’s what inspires her children most of all.
