Don’t Make This Mistake: 7 Beauty Treatments You Should Never Attempt at Home

Haircut • Hair Coloring • Brow Waxing • Spray on Tan • Chemical Hair Treatments • More ...

Don’t Make This Mistake: 7 Beauty Treatments You Should Never Attempt at Home
By Jordin • Aug 5, 2013 MD

Beauty treatments you should not attempt at home may be a mystery if you’re new to the whole DIY scene. While there are plenty of budget-friendly beauty tips you can follow at home to save money, there are certain procedures that are better left to the pros. If you’re planning a DIY beauty session soon, you should know exactly which treatments carry the highest risks when performed without professional training.

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1. Haircut

Beauty treatments you should not attempt at home include cutting your own hair. Unless it’s a simple bang trim (and even then, your stylist should show you the proper technique), you really risk messing up your length and layers. No matter how careful you think you’re being, without professional shears and the right angle, you’re likely to end up with uneven ends that require a salon visit to fix.

2. Hair Coloring

While many women use boxed hair dye, the truth is that these kits often contain harsh chemicals that can cause significant damage. Professional colorists at brands like L'Oréal Professional use customized formulas to protect your hair's integrity. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can mess up your color badly, and highlights are something you should never attempt yourself. Corrective color is much more expensive than a standard appointment!

| Treatment | Risk Level | Pro Recommendation | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Hair Coloring | High | Always for highlights | | Brow Waxing | Medium | Every 4-6 weeks | | Chemical Peels | Very High | Dermatologist only |

3. Brow Waxing

A little tweezing in between sessions to keep those stray hairs out of sight won’t hurt, but you should leave the shaping to a professional. Brows are very easy to mess up, and if you over-pluck or over-wax, you run the risk of having bald spots for a long time since brow hair grows back much slower than the hair on your head.

4. Spray on Tan

Blotches and splotches don’t look good on anyone, and DIY spray tans often leave you looking orange or splotchy if you lack experience. Some self-tanners from reputable brands like St. Tropez Tan are great for home use, but for a smooth, airbrushed finish, it’s best to see a professional who can ensure even coverage.

### Signs You Should Book an Appointment * The procedure involves strong chemicals or acids. * The area is highly sensitive (like eyes or the face). * Specialized tools or training are required for safety. * The results are semi-permanent or difficult to reverse.

If you're in the relentless hunt for the perfect mascara, that not only volumizes but also gives your lashes the much-needed lift, then you should absolutely give the dior show mascara a try. It's undeniably one of the best mascaras that guarantees both length and volume while leaving no clumps behind.

5. Chemical Hair Treatments

Are you looking to chemically relax or straighten your hair, or perhaps get a perm? Any hair treatment that requires intense chemicals is better left to a trained stylist. Even with at-home kits available, you’re far more likely to badly damage your hair or end up with a texture that is difficult to manage. It's much safer to maintain natural skincare routines and hair health by consulting experts for chemical changes.

6. Chemical Peel

Many people choose to have a chemical peel before big events like weddings or graduations to brighten their complexion and reduce fine lines. However, the American Academy of Dermatology warns that attempting high-strength peels at home can lead to burns or severe allergic reactions. Don't risk permanent skin damage; let a dermatologist handle the strong stuff.

7. Acrylic Nail Removal

Professionally applied acrylic nails can be tempting to just "pop off" when you're ready for a change, but doing so can stunt nail growth and cause significant pain. Instead of damaging your natural nail beds, it is well worth the small fee to have them safely removed by a technician using the proper soaking methods.

I’ve fallen into the trap of trying to save money with DIY attempts, only to spend MORE money fixing the results! It's always better to wait for a salon opening than to deal with a beauty disaster. Have you ever attempted anything on this list at home? Please share your experience and advice below!

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Ann

    2013-08-06T02:56:14.000Z

    This year, after realizing a painful part of my past, I gave myself a haircut. It was like a transformation, a way to liberate myself and change for the future. I also died my hair a shade darker. In all honesty, I didn't do a very good job. I was able to round out the back, and cut some face framing layers, but one side was shorter than the other lol. Also, I died my hair a little too dark, but it was worth it. I felt better about myself and it gave me new confidence. I also use waxsstrips on my eyebrows, its almost fool proof. However, I don't think waxing your eyebrows with hot wax is a good idea. When I did that, it dripped into my eyebrow, and ripped out a patch. And yes, it takes a long time to grow back :P
  • Lydia

    2013-10-08T05:43:08.000Z

    I have to disagree with a few of these.. I started coloring my own hair and like it better than professional did! I use products/toner from Sally\'s Beauty supply and agree box drugstore blondes are not strong enough to lift color but Sally\'s product do! I also use self tanner and love it
  • Jessica

    2013-08-05T22:29:26.000Z

    There's nothing wrong with dying your own hair if you use salon quality products. It's actually not that complicated and you save a ton of money! Just don't buy boxed hair dye because the chemicals are unknown and if you want to go professional some time, the chemicals can mix causing a nasty outcome (it happened to me!). And yes I agree, do not highlight your own hair! ;)
  • kenia

    2013-08-06T01:41:35.000Z

    Haha basically don't do anything to your own hair unless you know what you're doing
  • Erika

    2013-09-17T00:25:19.000Z

    Though**
  • Kalidubois

    2013-08-05T22:04:49.000Z

    Since i was 12 (im now 22) ive been cutting, dying, plaiting, relaxing and doing other things to my hair myself aswell as other people. I dont have any professional training but i do a bloody great job lol
  • Erika

    2013-09-17T00:25:03.000Z

    I have been coloring my hair for years and it has never turned out bad. I don't use box color tough. And I also self tan regularly. You just have to know what you're doing.
  • Karen

    2013-08-14T09:58:20.000Z

    So true! I need another set of eyes & hands to make sure I come out looking decent!
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