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

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.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

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.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

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 |
Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

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.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

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.
Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

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.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

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.

Thinking...

Please leave your email and we’ll get back to you on that.

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!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Want more like this? Subscribe for personalized picks.

Successfully subscribed.

Check your inbox for personalized content.

Feedback Junction

Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • dustandroses

    2013-08-08T16:48:49.000Z

    I agree on most but I wouldn't trust anyone except me on my brows.
  • Erika

    2013-09-17T00:25:19.000Z

    Though**
  • Aletheia

    2013-09-04T15:45:55.000Z

    Actually in Hong Kong, boxed hair coloring kits are safer and have less harmful chemicals than the salons.
  • Karen

    2013-08-14T09:58:20.000Z

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

    2013-08-17T23:25:37.000Z

    Some of these are really kinda unreasonable. I pluck my brows on my own And do my own ombré color during the summer. It's not that hard and people just assume that I go to an expensive salon to get my hair and brows done because I come out looking gorgeous.
  • Vanessa

    2013-08-08T02:05:32.000Z

    Buff the acrylic nails and use a cotton ball soaked in acetone, just make sure the cotton ball isn't too thick. Just place the cotton balls on nails and wrap in foil, soaking takes a little longer.
  • 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
Commenting as
Add allwomenstalk.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Allwomenstalk app icon

Don't Miss the Latest Version

Get the latest stories, save favorites, and share with friends — all in one place.

New Earn badges & level up while you read

Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.

Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.

  • 🔥
    Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
  • 🏅
    Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
  • ⚡️
    Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.

It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.

10,000+ badges earned last month

Level

3

Streak

7 🔥

XP420 / 700

Badges

🔥 On a Roll
📖 Reader I
📣 Socialite

Trending products

Other Cool Reads

Related Topics

7 of Your Most Frustrating Summer Beauty Woes Solv... 7 Ten Minute Beauty Tips to Make Your Life Easier ... 7 Beauty Secrets from Your Kitchen ... loreal paris riche stylo unforgettable lilac 7 Ways to Amp up Your Back-to-School Beauty Routin... 9 Awesome Beauty Supplements to Get Familiar with ... 7 Tricks for Whiter Teeth and a More Brilliant Smi... 7 Need-to-Know Beauty Tips That You'll Want to Fol... 7 Gorgeous Spa Treatments That Will Leave You Feel... 7 Beauty Budgeting Tips That Every Girl Can Use .....
Featured article image