The Woman With Spain's Most Tattoos Reveals Her Shocking Decision to Erase Her Face
She was known as Spain's most tattooed woman, a walking canvas of art. But then, she decided to erase a significant part of it. Here's the story behind Lydia Reyes's life-altering choice.
The Unseen Story Behind Her Ink
Lydia Reyes from Barcelona transformed her body into a masterpiece, boasting over 270 tattoos. However, her artistic journey was far from over. She harbored an ambitious goal: to break the world record held by Mexico's María José Cristerna, who has 96% of her body covered.
Lydia confessed to a powerful obsession with body art, tracing back to her first tattoo 15 years ago. Over time, her tattoos grew larger and the intervals between sessions shorter. This obsession led her to the tattoo studio two or three times weekly, despite artists advising her to let her skin heal.
As a child, Lydia was often bullied by peers who didn't understand her, calling her fat. Perhaps these childhood complexes and traumas laid the groundwork for her future body modifications. Today, her tattoos narrate her life story. Each design holds meaning; none are without significance.
Her body art pays tribute to her late mother and a departed friend. Enthusiasts often marvel at the intricate designs on her face and body, pondering their hidden meanings.
Reyes has been reluctant to reveal these secrets but has long been working on her memoirs, promising to unveil the mysteries behind the numbers "1981" and "1899" on her eyelids, "18" and "19" on her cheeks, among others.
But wait, there's more to her transformation journey than just tattoos.
In her pursuit of a unique beauty ideal, Reyes ventured beyond tattoo shops. She experimented with a forked snake-like tongue and dyeing the whites of her eyes pink. She also plans to reshape her ears into elf-like points, though this project remains pending.
How Tattoos Transformed Her Life
Her distinctive appearance drew significant attention, landing her in the media spotlight. She received TV offers, appeared on talk shows, and amassed tens of thousands of Instagram followers. While she inspired some seeking personal transformation, others criticized her flamboyant image.
Reyes admitted to suffering from angry comments about her appearance and lifestyle for a long time. She tried to justify her unconventional choices.
Over the years, however, she found harmony with herself and now advises others not to crumble under hate: "Forget these people, they are villains not worth your attention. I send a kiss to you all."
The Spanish record-holder faced no such criticism at home. Her family wholeheartedly accepted her transformation, offering unwavering support. Lydia and her husband have three children, all raised within the world of tattoos.
Their eldest daughter decided at 13 that she would adorn her body with this unique art form someday. Furthermore, she is tailoring her career path to align with her unique aesthetic.
Now, here's where the story takes an unexpected turn.
In 2017, Lydia announced her decision to remove the tattoos on her face. Critics were quick to say she had finally come to her senses. However, the record-holder still loves tattoos intensely.
She simply realized one day that she missed her former reflection: "I decided to remove my face tattoos because I was tired of them, not because I dislike them or find myself ugly; I love tattoos, that's why I got them. But I missed my previous face."
Lydia's first facial tattoo was the word "Barbie," which she chose to keep, along with a few other signature pieces. However, most had to go. Finding specialists willing to undertake such a significant task was challenging.
Eventually, Reyes found an expert in Sant Boi, near Barcelona. She committed to hour-long laser removal sessions every 15 days.
The process has taken years and, judging by her Instagram, is likely ongoing. But don't think her face will stay blank for long. Reyes plans to cover it with new tattoos—ones she finds even more beautiful.
After all, her primary goal remains unchanged. She still aims to become the world's most tattooed woman, with 99% of her body covered. She simply doesn't care what others think.
And that's the powerful conclusion to her story—so far.
Millions worldwide have tattoos or want them, many to cover scars or to cherish something profoundly important, close to their hearts and on their bodies.
Leave a Reply