My “Alternative” Hair and Body Modifications Help Me Love Myself

Photo by Jen Hearn

The year that I left my abusive marriage, I embodied just about every cliche imaginable. I colored my hair bright red. I pierced my nose. I got a partial sleeve tattoo. The following year, I added two more piercings and two more tattoos.

And my tattoos, piercings, and hair (now platinum blonde) make me love who I see in the mirror.

I see someone who isn’t afraid to stand out anymore.

Tattoos in my twenties

My first tattoo was my last name on my right ankle. I got it done right after my first wedding, because I was upset about being forced to change my name upon marriage.

My second tattoo was a celtic knot on my left arm, but I was scared of the pain and chose a size far too small for that part of my body. My fourth tattoo was a lotus to cover this tattoo up.

My third tattoo was a matching tattoo with my now second ex-husband after we’d been dating for about a month. It’s on my left ankle.

In my twenties, I had a habit of getting cheap tattoos. I never invested in the beautiful large pieces I admired on others. Investing in quality tattoo work was never something I allowed myself to do because it was so utterly indulgent.