His transformation reflects not only a physical change but also a deep emotional and psychological reevaluation of how he wants to be seen by his daughter as she grows up.
Early Modifications: A Life Shaped by Extreme Body Art
Ethan Bramble began modifying his body at an unusually young age. As reported by Newsner, he started at just 11 years old, when he stretched his earlobes for the first time.
From there, he increasingly embraced modifications that many would consider extreme.
Over the next decade, Bramble underwent more than 40 different body modification procedures, including:
stretching his ears, splitting his tongue, removing his belly button, tattooing his entire face, covering large portions of his arms, chest, and legs in ink.
He explained in interviews that the modifications once served as a form of self-expression, independence, and personal control. For years, he embraced being different and enjoyed the attention — positive or negative — that his appearance attracted.
But over time, the shock factor that once felt empowering began to feel isolating.
Media Attention and Public Perception
Bramble’s appearance has been widely covered by media outlets worldwide. A story published by Wprost described him as “one of the most modified young adults in the world” and noted the global attention he received due to his experimental look.
While some admired his boldness, many reacted with shock, confusion, or judgment.
As his appearance grew more extreme, so did the reactions: strangers stared or whispered in public, parents pulled children away from him, he experienced challenges in employment, and occasionally became the subject of viral online commentary.
For a long time, Bramble accepted or even enjoyed the attention. It was part of the identity he had built. But becoming a father changed everything.
Fatherhood and the Moment That Changed His Perspective
Ethan Bramble has openly explained that becoming a father forced him to reevaluate how he wanted to be perceived — not for the public, but for his daughter.
A turning point came during simple daily routines, such as walking his daughter to school. He began noticing the reactions of other parents, teachers, and even children.
While he had lived with people’s reactions his entire life, seeing those reactions through his daughter’s eyes was something entirely different.
He began asking himself: “Is this the version of myself I want her to remember?” “How will my appearance affect her as she grows up?” “Will she face judgment or embarrassment because of me?”
According to Newsner and Good News Media, Bramble explained that he did not feel ashamed of his past, but he wanted his daughter to feel comfortable beside him — without carrying the weight of society’s reactions.
He stated that the decision was rooted in love, responsibility, and the desire to be the best version of himself for her.
Choosing Tattoo Removal: A Painful, Long-Term Commitment
Tattoo removal is significantly more painful and time-consuming than getting tattooed.
According to multiple reports, including Newsner and Dobre Wiadomosci, Bramble has already undergone over a year of laser treatments, performed in multiple sections, particularly focusing on his face.
The process typically includes:
intense bursts of laser light to break down pigment, severe burning sensations, similar to hot grease splattering on skin, swelling and redness lasting days after each session, and long recovery times between treatments.
Each session only removes a thin layer of ink, meaning that tattoos require many treatments to fade significantly — and some darker or deeper tattoos may never fully disappear.
Even so, Bramble has committed to continuing the process.
He has described the experience as “far more painful than the tattooing ever was.” Yet he remains determined, emphasizing that the pain and discomfort feel worthwhile when he considers the future impact on his daughter’s life.
The Psychological Journey: Regret or Evolution?
A central question surrounding Bramble’s transformation is whether he regrets his tattoos.
Bramble has been clear:
He does not regret his past — but he regrets the permanent impact on how others feel around him.
He has explained that his modifications once represented freedom and self-expression, but they no longer align with the life he wants as a parent. He now reflects on how the external identity he created in his youth has affected:
job opportunities, social interactions, relationships, and how people perceive him as a father.
He describes the process not as erasing who he was, but as “clearing the canvas,” a metaphor for starting a new chapter while respecting the journey that came before it.
For him, tattoo removal is a symbol of emotional maturity rather than shame.
Social Pressure, Work Challenges, and Public Misconceptions
Studies cited by ABC News Australia show that visible tattoos — particularly facial tattoos — can significantly impact employment opportunities.
Many industries remain hesitant to hire someone with tattoos on areas such as the face or hands, even as tattoos become more common in society.
Bramble himself acknowledged that he has faced these challenges. While he has built a following online, he has spoken openly about wanting better job prospects to provide for his family.
In addition to employment challenges, heavily tattooed individuals often face:
assumptions about criminal history, stereotypes related to violence or danger, judgments about intelligence or professionalism, social exclusion, and discomfort from strangers.
For Bramble, these experiences became more painful once he saw how they could impact his child’s life.
