TATT'S UNFAIR
I’m Britain’s most tattooed mum – I had to watch my kids’ nativity through a window & fear we won’t get Christmas dinner
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AN inked up mum has revealed why the Christmas season can be challenging for her family.
"Britain’s most tattooed mum" explained that she is fearful she may not have a Christmas dinner as she's so self-conscious she doesn't even want to pop to the supermarket.
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Melissa Sloan, 47, is often dubbed "Crayola" due to being covered head-to-toe in colourful tattoos.
Although she loves her ink, the public hasn’t proven to be quite as accepting as she’d like.
Her striking appearance has made simple tasks such as shopping difficult, with her turkey feast now "in limbo".
"I can’t just pop into my local supermarket and shop for my Christmas dinner," Melissa, from Kidderminster told
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"People will stare when I go to pick up the cranberry sauce and turkey for me and my kids, and I just don’t want to deal with it.
“I feel like I scare the supermarket workers, too – they have given me terrified looks as I’ve walked by in the past."
Melissa described how this treatment has led her to feel apprehensive about the festive season.
“It’s meant to be a time of joy and celebration but right now, my Christmas dinner is in limbo," she said.
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“All I want is to be treated like a normal person.”
She explained she’ll likely have to send her children or partner to do the big shop but feels dismayed that she doesn't feel able to do it herself.
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Getting a festive meal at the pub is also out of the question, she said.
Melissa, who has over 800 tattoos, tried popping into her local recently – after being banned in the past – but was soon forced to leave.
“Going to the pub is way out of the question, too," she said.
“I attempted to have a Christmas tipple recently but had to leave before it turned to violence.”
Melissa previously revealed that she had to watch her children’s nativity play through a window.
Tattoo Do's and Don'ts
1. Think, think and think some more
Tattoos done on a whim are far more likely to lead to regret than a tattoo you thought long and hard about. Think about why you want what you've chosen. And if you still want it after a few months, then get it.
2. Age restrictions apply
You must be 18 years old to be tattooed in the UK.
3. Don't haggle over the price
When you go to a tattoo shop the price is the price. You are paying for an artist’s time and skills, they charge what they believe those things are worth.
4. Don't get tattooed while you're hungry
Eat before you go for your tattoo session and make sure you're hydrated. You’re about to be subjected to a period of sustained physical discomfort, if you’re feeling a little weak from hunger or you’re dehydrated things will not go as smoothly as they should.
5. Don't drink alcohol before you get tattooed
If you are drunk or under the influence of drugs, don’t go for a tattoo. In fact, if your tattooist has anything at all about them they will turn you away if you are clearly under the influence of any intoxicating substances. I’d also avoid drinking the night before, even a few drinks will thin your blood and make your bleed more.
This year, she said all she’s asking for is acceptance from others.
“I don’t understand why people just can’t accept me for who I am," she added.
“My tattoos don’t make me any less human than everyone else.
“I should be able to pop to Tesco with my kids and pick up Christmas essentials.
“But sadly, it’s just not possible.
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“I can’t even attend carol services and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
“Just because I am covered head to toe in tattoos doesn’t mean I don’t deserve respect and kindness.
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