#thank you so much BPL you are a legend!

[hoovesandfloorpaws]

PART 6

July 30 2023*

Olma/Olivia on right thigh (Harry) - Unknown [Harry's 67th tattoo]

Meta: you can read up under this Olma tag or the Harry's thigh tattoos tag, both by the wonderful @twopoppies

18 November 2023

Anarchy sign on right middle finger (Louis) - Ryan Rogers aka. Hellhabits* (Birmingham, Resorts World Arena backstage) [Louis' 45th tattoo]

"We go on go!" on right arm (Louis) - Ryan Rogers aka. Hellhabits* (Birmingham, Resorts World Arena backstage) [Louis' 46th tattoo]

Meta: Oli, Michael and Louis all got tattoos backstage before/after the show (video here). Not sure if they all got that phrase, but it does sound like something you'd say before going on stage. *Ryan Rogers aka. Hellhabits (who sometimes tattooed at The London Social in London as well) stopped tattooing in Sep 2024 and is now a musician. His project is called Saint Michael 1966.

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[last updated: 20 December 2024]

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My (Paz') own thoughts: I'm repeating myself, but I do find it deeply significant that as soon as the hiatus (aka: a potential way into freedom) started, Harry and Louis slowed down to an almost glacier pace when it comes to getting tattoos - compared to the time during the band. Harry got 84% of all his 67 tattoos within 3,5 years in the band. Louis even got 85% of all his 46 tattoos within 3 years in the band. And then he got zero tattoos for 2 years into the hiatus.*

Harry got 56 tattoos between early 2012 and end of 2015. He got 11 tattoos within the next 9 years, until today, Dec 2024.*

Louis got 39 tattoos between late 2012 and end of 2015. He got 7 tattoos within the next 9 years, until today, Dec 2024.* (*that we know of)

It clearly shows what a beautiful and powerful way to express themselves to the world it was for them; as individuals, but also deeply bonded and visually belonging together. a quiet, visual rebellion; their skin constantly speaking the words they couldn't say.

also: Harry's Cover Ups - (here is a post with pictures)

It's noteworthy that Louis has not covered up any tattoo of his. For Harry, it's important not just to note that he covered up 5 of his tattoos, but also which ones and from what year. (standpoint Dec 2024) All 5 of the tattoos Harry had covered up were from 2012 - a time where the iron closet started to have a tight grip on Louis and him. All 5 tattoos were written phrases that could possibly be connected to his sexuality or relationship - a summary: 1) the "LOVE banner" -- covered with 2 swallows that resemble Lou & him 2) "I can't change..." -- covered with an anchor, matching Louis' pre-existing rope 3) "Might as well..." -- covered with laurels; laurels often symbolize victory 4) "Things I can't" -- covered by a Holy Bible (I Can't: Holy Bible?) 5) "Things I can" -- covered by an Eagle (I Can: Freedom?)] Since the start of the band's hiatus, Harry has not covered up a single tattoo in almost 10 years. Harry and Louis have at least 5 beautifully obvious matching tattoos: Oops + Hi Rope + Anchor Ship + Compass Anatomical Heart + Arrow Rose + Dagger

Let's see if this particular list will grow again someday (◡‿◡✿) • For additional resources: @bulletprooflarry's timelines (thank you, darling, for everything) Gina's Harry's Tattoos tag and Louis' Tattoos tag (thank you, @twopoppies) Daisie's Tattoos tag (thank you, @daisiesonafield-blog) Allie's Tattoos tag (thank you, @skepticalarrie) My tattoos tag

TIMELINE: TATTOOS TO DATE

This is organized by date. All tattoos are linked to photos, unless they are major tattoos I want to talk about, in which case I have inserted the photos into the post. (Special thanks to thelegohouselove and their wonderful tattoo masterposts with pictures)

Dates are dates I believe they actually got the tattoos. If I can’t find a date they got the tattoo, I have indicated it with a “*” which is the first date we saw the tattoo. 

Before we begin, fun facts that might blow your mind:

Harry has 56 tattoos that we know of.

Louis 38 tattoos that we know of. 

Harry got 30 of his 56 tattoos between June and October 2012. That’s, on average, about 8/month.

Louis got 10 of his 37 between October and December 2012. That’s, on average, about 5/month.

The most Harry ever got on one day is 4. He got 13 in a 7 day period in October 2012. The most Louis ever got on one day was 5 on February 25 of 2013.

Artist counts for Harry: Tom Atkins (10); Liam Sparkes (10); Freddy Negrete (8); Kevin Paul (3). 

Artist counts for Louis: Skunx (7); Liam Sparkes (4); Freddy Negrete (4).

Some of this stuff isn’t an exact science. Some of it is me making an educated guess, especially involving some of Harry’s tattoos in October and Louis’ “The Rogue” vs. “It is what it is” and Harry’s 3 Nails. So bear that in mind. 

Over all, this should give you a good idea of just how much the tattoos seem to be an outlet during highly-closeted and stressful times (Harry’s June-October spree that gave way to the birds, ship & compass and butterfly and Louis’ October-December Haylor spree), not only in date alone, but also in the subject of the tattoo.

Thank you to Kerry, Jess & awesomeanonfriend for the cheerleading and fact-checking and Angela for her insight. 

Let’s do this.

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