There’s nothing wrong with pampering yourself at home—face masks, body scrubs, and hair oiling sessions are self-care gold. But not everything belongs in your bathroom cabinet. Some beauty routines demand precision, sterilization, and expert skills. DIY-ing them at home can leave you with burns, scars, or worse—permanent damage. Here are six beauty routines you should never do at home, no matter how many tutorials you’ve watched! 1. Chemical Peels Sure, that glowing post-peel skin looks tempting—but doing it yourself is risky. Professional-grade peels are acidic and require expert evaluation of your skin type and tolerance. At-home chemical peels, if used incorrectly, can cause chemical burns, peeling, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Leave it to the pros—they know how to choose the right formulation and concentration for your skin. 2. Eyebrow Threading or Waxing We’ve all tried to “fix” a brow and ended...
There’s nothing wrong with pampering yourself at home—face masks, body scrubs, and hair oiling sessions are self-care gold. But not everything belongs in your bathroom cabinet. Some beauty routines demand precision, sterilization, and expert skills. DIY-ing them at home can leave you with burns, scars, or worse—permanent damage.
Here are six beauty routines you should never do at home, no matter how many tutorials you’ve watched!
1. Chemical Peels
Sure, that glowing post-peel skin looks tempting—but doing it yourself is risky. Professional-grade peels are acidic and require expert evaluation of your skin type and tolerance. At-home chemical peels, if used incorrectly, can cause chemical burns, peeling, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Leave it to the pros—they know how to choose the right formulation and concentration for your skin.
2. Eyebrow Threading or Waxing
We’ve all tried to “fix” a brow and ended up looking surprised for weeks. Eyebrow shaping needs skill, symmetry, and precision. One wrong pull and you’re stuck with uneven brows or hair that grows back patchy.
Instead, get your brows done professionally, and just maintain the shape at home with minimal tweezing.
3. Hair Coloring (Especially Bleaching)
Box dye is tempting, but unless you’re touching up roots or going darker, don’t attempt dramatic changes at home—especially bleaching. Improper application can result in brassy tones, brittle hair, or even scalp burns.
Hair color correction can be expensive, so you’re better off spending on a salon visit the first time.
4. Microneedling
Microneedling involves poking tiny needles into your skin to stimulate collagen production. Sounds simple? It’s not. DIY microneedling tools are often unsanitary, too shallow (or too deep), and can cause infections or scarring.
Professional microneedling is done in sterile conditions with the right aftercare—and that’s crucial for healing.
5. Cuticle Cutting
Cutting your cuticles at home might look clean, but it exposes your nail bed to bacteria. It can lead to painful hangnails, infections, or swollen skin around the nail.
Opt for cuticle pushing and nourishing oils instead. Save the cutting for trained manicurists who use sterilized tools.
6. At-Home Laser Hair Removal
Low-cost laser devices are everywhere now—but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Skin tone, hair texture, and device settings all play a major role. Using it incorrectly can cause burns, hyperpigmentation, or permanent skin damage.
For effective results and safety, it’s best to get laser treatments at a certified clinic.
FAQs
1. Why shouldn’t I do chemical peels at home?
Home-use acids can be too strong or improperly applied, leading to burns, scarring, or uneven pigmentation.
2. Can I wax my eyebrows myself?
DIY waxing often leads to over-removal or asymmetry. Professionals ensure a balanced shape and minimal skin damage.
3. Is at-home laser hair removal safe for all skin types?
No. Many devices don’t work on darker skin tones or lighter hair, and misuse can cause burns or pigmentation.
4. What are safer alternatives to microneedling at home?
Use hydrating serums, facial massages, or consult a dermatologist for gentler anti-aging options.
5. How often should I get professional treatments instead of DIY?
It depends on the treatment. Chemical peels and microneedling are best done every 4–6 weeks professionally. For hair coloring or laser, consult a trained expert for a schedule.
There’s a fine line between being beauty-savvy and risking long-term damage. The truth is—some beauty routines are best left to trained professionals who understand your skin, hair, and overall health better than a trending TikTok hack ever will.
So next time you’re tempted to go full salon-mode at home, ask yourself: Is it really worth the risk?
