I've been into tattoos since I was too young to even get one. My parents are very conservative when it comes to appearance. When I was in college, my dad asked if I would get a matching tattoo with ...

Why are we asking for donations? Why are we asking for donations? This site is free thanks to our community of supporters. Voluntary donations from readers like you keep our news accessible for ...

The author showing off some of her nine tattoos. (Photo: Courtesy of Marcia Kester Doyle) It started with a crane tattoo on my right leg. Cranes were one of my sister’s favorite birds, and when she ...

My dad died in 2020 of a heart attack and I fell into deep grief. I flew to Brazil, where my father lived, and struggled with depression after his death. It was getting tattoos that made me feel alive ...

Everyday is a struggle when you self-harm, but the holidays always make things worse. Imagine being back at your parent's house, sitting by a fireplace, drenched in sweat, but unable to take your ...

Then my husband died, and I understood why someone would want to permanently mark their bodies. When I was in my mid-50s, I got my first tattoo as a memorial for my husband. "Can you replicate this ...

All products featured on Self are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. They are not, ...

I recently went to a general store and the cashier eyed one of my 17 tattoos. “Are you Jewish?” She asked. “Uh.” I was so taken aback, I had to figure out what she was asking. “Yes, actually, I am.” ...

A woman who spent $15k on tattoos covering her body “regrets” them now she’s a mom – and needs to spend $50k to have them all removed. Alexa Terese, 37, got her first inking – a heart on the inside of ...