Melissa Sloan, a 46-year-old British mom with over 800 tattoos, has made headlines for her extreme body modifications. Known for her heavily inked appearance, particularly on her face, Sloan has recently stunned the internet by covering up her tattoos with makeup, revealing a look that left her nearly unrecognizable.
Sloan has spent the past decade transforming her appearance, describing herself as a tattoo addict. She gets about three new tattoos every week, often done at home or in her van. Her body is her canvas, but her lifestyle comes with significant challenges, from societal judgment to struggles in her personal and professional life.
A Transformation That Shocked Everyone
In a recent viral photograph, Sloan decided to experiment by covering her tattoos with a thick layer of foundation. The transformation was startling, to say the least. “It took me ages,” she admitted in an interview. “I bought a foundation for £3 and thought I’d try it that way.” The process took over half an hour, but the results shocked not just her followers but also her family.
Her children, who are used to her inked appearance, were unsettled by her new look. “The kids freaked out because they didn’t like it. My youngest wanted me back as I was; it scared her,” Sloan shared. Even her partner and dog reacted oddly, with her partner commenting that the makeup-covered look “didn’t suit her.”
Sloan’s experiment didn’t end there. Determined to refine her look, she invested in professional tattoo foundation. However, the thick, cement-like consistency and the time-consuming process were not practical. Despite her effort, her family still preferred her original, tattooed self.
Tattoos Come at a Cost
While Sloan’s tattoos are a source of personal expression, they have also posed significant challenges in her life. Professionally, her heavily tattooed appearance has made it almost impossible to find employment.
“I can’t get a job. They won’t have me,” Sloan explained. “I applied for a job cleaning toilets, and they wouldn’t take me because of my tattoos.” Her last job, which also involved cleaning, was short-lived, leaving her with limited options.
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Melissa Sloan is a self-proclaimed tattoo addict. Credit: Melissa Sloan via Facebook
Her tattoos have also created barriers in social settings, particularly when it comes to her children’s school activities. Sloan revealed that she isn’t invited to Christmas parties or other events. “They said I could go to the back garden and look through the glass window,” she said, describing the discrimination she faces.
Family Reactions and Public Opinions
Despite societal judgment, Sloan’s youngest children are big fans of her tattoos and support her bold look. However, her attempt to cover up her ink left them unsettled. “They said, ‘Go back to your craziness, Mom.’ None of them spoke to me while I had the makeup on. It wasn’t the same—it was like they were looking at a stranger,” she recalled.
Credit: @melissa.sloan.357284/Instagram
Sloan’s viral transformation also sparked conversations online. While some viewers praised her makeup-covered appearance, calling her beautiful, Sloan remains unapologetic about her lifestyle. “It’s my life at the end of the day,” she said. “People said I looked beautiful the way I was before—but I like it crazy.”
Embracing Individuality
Melissa Sloan’s story is a testament to the complexities of personal expression and societal acceptance. While her tattoos have brought her both criticism and admiration, she remains true to herself, embracing her unique identity in a world that often struggles to accept unconventional choices.
Melissa Sloan says her children prefer her with her tattoos. Credit: Melissa Sloan via Facebook
For Sloan, her ink is more than just body art—it’s a reflection of her personality and her life story. And while her temporary transformation may have offered a glimpse into a different version of herself, it’s clear that Melissa Sloan feels most at home in her “crazy” inked skin.
