Hey! I just now noticed and read the thread below regarding the teaching profession. I thought I'd reply. I didn't want you to think I ignored you.
Fortunately, my tattoos are easily hidden, even with a short sleeve shirt. That's never been an issue. Obviously, no one has seen the body piercings, though through normal classroom conversations my students are aware of my body art.
I was a longhair long before there was any tenure or anything. I was a longhair already when I entered the profession. I grew my hair long on 1976 when I was just 13. My nicknames at school have included Jesus (many say I look like him - or at least how he's portrayed), Fabio (the romance novel cover boy), and many more I can't remember.
As for parents, so far no complaints, at least not about my hair. Some have blamed me for their kids failing my class. Of course, their nice young kid would have done their work and behaved in class if not for me being a bad teacher and making them not want to try! It's my fault little Johnny didn't come to class or turn in a single assignment!
Hope that answers your query below.