Anyone who’s ever experimented with their looks knows that mistakes can occur no matter what. That's why we usually turn to beauty salons where professionals do their magic. Whether we hope for a gorgeous hair color or a fabulous new cut, we can already imagine us confidently emerging from the salon and going out to conquer the world. But just as our previous features about makeup fails and tragic hair accidents proved, that’s not always the case.
Chances are, many of us have felt the horror of sitting in front of a mirror while watching our stylist completely disregard our wishes. And sometimes, the results of these beauty procedures are light years away from our expectations, leaving us utterly unsatisfied with our new look. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. But if not, this new list compiled by Bored Panda will at least cause a genuine chuckle.
We have scoured the internet for some of the most bizarre, cringe-worthy, and downright tragic hair and makeup moments people have shared online. So sit back, relax, and get ready for some beauty disasters of epic proportions. Enjoy scrolling through this list, upvote the pics that surprised you most, and be sure to tell us what you think of them in the comments.
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What My Sister Asked For vs. What The Salon Did vs. What My Mom Did After The Salon Disaster
Didn't Think They'd Do The Arrow Too
This Is What Happened To My Client When She Went Into A Different Local Nail Salon Without Doing Her Research
I couldn't believe my eyes so I had to get a picture. She paid £35 for these.
Picture this: you do your research, choose a salon, and book a hair or makeup appointment only to swivel around in the chair and become overwhelmed with uncertainty. At first, you blame the lighting and believe it will look way better once you step outside. But deep inside, you know that something’s not right, and can’t help but feel disappointed (or even seriously appalled) by the result.
Sounds familiar? Well, no one is immune to experiencing these blunders. Whether it’s a tragic hairstyle, a color refresh gone wrong, or a makeup look that makes you look like you're from another planet, we don’t expect beauty and hair experts to make such mistakes. Yet, here we are.
Yes, Done At A Real Salon. And Yes, She Did Cry When She Saw It
$60 "Professional" Halloween Makeup. I Asked For The Photo On The Left, With Just A Little Fake Blood. On The Right Is What The Makeup Artist Gave Me
Are These Too Thick? I Can’t Tell If I’m Just Not Used To Them Or If This Is A Normal Application. I’m Not Thrilled With Them
When we give our faith, hair, and face to a stranger — and spend good money to do so — the last thing we want is to step out of there crying and wishing to go back in time to erase it all. Just think about the moment when you finally get to glance at the mirror hoping to see your fabulous self but instead, you’re met with someone who feels utterly unlike you. When it comes to makeup, you immediately notice the mistakes — too much foundation here, too little color there, and what is up with all this unnecessary contouring? Makeup that isn’t applied skillfully can immediately ruin our day and put a damper on our confidence. But luckily for us, there are experts who share advice on how to quickly patch up these mistakes.
The Hairdresser Had “No Idea” How This Happened
What I Asked For vs. What I Got
I really hope you got a refund. I asked for the same colour as you did, and the dude got it right with no issues. It was expensive, but worth it. But wow, major fail. I hope your hair wasn't damaged.
I think she was referring to the waves in her hair, not only highlights. Either way, MAJOR fail. This stylist needs to find a new job.
Load More Replies...As a stylist....I wanted to apologize on behalf of the industry. Not all salons or schools are created equally.
You must always ask if the "stylist" assigned to your hair is experienced, still in school, or just out of school. Remember, they need lots of practice. This one should find another career.
No it’s not what you wanted but it is rather cool it’s definitely different
Still is a good style, just not what you wanted. Go ahead and flaunt it girl.
Where are this ladies going they should close the the salon or get new ppl
The hairdresser must've been stoned. Always evaluate your hairdresser's state of mind before you take a seat.
If the hair is ruined just shave it off and grow a new crop. Just wear hats for awhile.
What Was The Makeup Artist Thinking With This Shade Match?
Makeup artist Daniel Martin, whose clients range from Meghan Markle to Jessica Alba, told Vogue that first and foremost, people are entitled to politely request a redo if they’re unsatisfied with the results. "As artists, we have to remember that we’re providing a service and we can’t take things too personally," he said. After all, makeup is subjective, so they should listen to your wishes.
If you’re one of those people who freeze in uncomfortable situations or avoid them at all costs, think about bringing an image of your desired look as a reference. Moreover, be crystal clear with the artist about your dislikes before they begin. "Hate the way you look with mascara on your bottom lashes? Cringe at the idea of contouring? Tell the artist directly, and your honesty will only aid in the execution."
What I Asked For vs. What I Got. $400 And I Feel Like An Idiot
Expectations vs. Reality: Curly Hair
What My Hair Looked Like - What I Asked For - And How It Turned Out
However, sometimes we need to take matters into our own hands. "At the end of the day, it’s only makeup and it can be fixed," Martin said and offered some sound advice to prepare you for any possible damage control in the future. First, "If you’re left with too much coverage on the skin and the finish on your face is too powdery, misting will break up the finish a bit. If you don’t have a misting spray, a wet paper towel pressed onto the skin will do the trick as well."
Then, if your artist somehow managed to make you look like a mannequin, Martin suggested, "If the foundation is looking too opaque and flat, I add a bit of radiance to the complexion by using a dry facial oil that won’t break up the powder that’s already on top of the skin. A facial oil used with a foundation brush will add the skinlike texture you want without the feeling of added weight."
What I Asked For And What I Got
Not the only one that I saw end up like that. My sister asked for a haircut like the one on the left and she ended up looking like the lady on the right. I think that less experienced hair stylists don't know that they shouldn't overcut too much when the hair is wet, because once dry it gains more volume and becomes shorter. She never asked for a shorter haircut after this travesty!
Went To My Hairdresser With This Pic Today
Wanted A Simple Manicure For My Wedding In March. Right Is What I Got. I Was Upset But Also Couldn’t Stop Laughing
When it comes to eyebrows, one of the most common fears we have is to emerge from the chair and see that they’re way too dark for our liking. "If the brow is overly done, split tissue paper to a single sheet, place it over your brow, and buff on setting powder on top of it. This will soften the depth of the brow tone," Martin suggested. "If your edges are too 'fleek,' use a Q-tip dipped in cleansing water to soften them."
Spray Tan Tears Won't Go Away
First Pic Is What I Asked For, Other Pics Are What I Ended Up With
I tell ya what I want, what I really really want...... its not to look like second coming spice, fix this mess.
She Went To The Worst-Reviewed Makeup Artist In Her City
Well, that's what you get when you go to the worst reviewed salon!
While makeup disasters can swiftly be fixed with our own efforts, that’s not always the case with our hair. Of course, ending up with a hairdo you're unhappy with is far from an irreversible catastrophe. But if there’s a choice, we would all prefer to walk around with a haircut we’re actually satisfied with. To know how to do that, we previously reached out to Rob Jon, founder of The Brentwood Hairdresser, the most sustainable salon in Essex, UK. He explained to us in an interview the main reasons why tragic accidents occur and shared some advice on how to avoid receiving regrettable hairdos.
My Sister's Friend Got Her Nails Done By A “Professional” Nail Artist
This Has Been All Over My Social Feeds Lately. The Artist Has A Booking Site And Charges $85
Why do people keep saying drag queen? The queens I've seen do much better quality than this
Needed A Pick Me Up, But I Feel Like I Got Screwed Over At The Nail Salon. These Look Whack, Right?
"Haircut ideas are always based around what is fashionable," he told Bored Panda. "But what is fashionable doesn’t always suit your hair type, face shape, or lifestyle." Rob explained that bad decisions are often made when people try to keep up with the latest trends rather than opting for looks that actually suit them.
One of the best ways to be sure about your options is to listen to what your stylist has to say, Rob said. "We are professionals and will always act in the clients' best interest to make you look and feel as good as possible," he noted. Still, it’s best to appear in the salon already prepared. Rob suggested using Instagram or Pinterest or some kind of visual aid to try to steer your stylist in the right direction. Then, you can have a conversation with your stylist who "will come up with the perfect compromise to make your hair look on point."
When You Accidentally Go To The Worst Stylist In Your Country
Asked For Caramel Balayage, Came Out Looking Like A Tiger
Been there, done that. Highly recommend BLUE shampoo to tone down the orange.
My Sister’s Nails For A Wedding
But despite the best intentions and efforts from both sides, mistakes happen. "Tragic haircuts are often based on a lack of communication between stylist and customer," Rob said. So a good way to ensure you emerge from the hairdresser’s chair with desired results is to talk with your stylist before and during the process.
Setting unrealistic expectations is one more reason why regrettable haircuts occur, Rob added. Or they encounter inexperienced stylists who are "unable to manage clients' expectations and deliver something that is much more suitable to their lifestyle and the style that they are after."
"To avoid a bad haircut, my advice would be to use visual aids in the salon using pictures to describe not only what you like but what you don’t like," The Brentwood Hairdresser mentioned. "Also, be willing to accept the stylists' advice as they are simply trying to manage your hair in the best way possible."
Balayage Hair
What I Wanted vs. What I Got
To be fair, the left pictured person has multitudes more hair or extensions with tenfold then volume of the right pictured person.
My Little Sister Got Her Makeup Done For My 30th Birthday Party. She’s Really Good At Doing Her Own Makeup. However, She Wanted To Treat Herself And Went To The Salon
The Usual Hairdresser Disaster. My Usual Curl Pattern vs. After Styling By The Hairdresser After A Cut
Styling? I wouldn't dignify what was done to you with that term. I hope it's fixable
All I Wanted Was Bangs That Look Like Dakota Johnson’s. I Showed Her Multiple Pictures And This Was What I Got
It’s been over a year and they look fine now, but wow, I was suffering for a few months there.
The Haircut She Wanted vs. What She Got
My Best Friend Got This Done At Ulta Today
I Guess I Got What I Paid For With This Free Look. Asked Makeup Artist For Homecoming Makeup
A Sephora Employees Rendition Of A “No Makeup Makeup” Look. At Least Is Was Free
My Awful Eyebrows. Bad Microblading, Cheap Ink, Wrong Aftercare Directions. Now Look At Them
Reference Photo vs. What I Got
What I Asked For vs. What I Got - $450 AUD And 4.5hrs Later. I'm Going To Bed
Hair not lightened enough, toner mixed with too low of developer and processed too long. With 4.5 hours, they could have gotten her hair lifted high enough to do a purple wash then toned it to the specific color. This is laziness and ineptitude on the part of the colorist.
Nail Bar Experience In Indonesia
Expectation vs. Reality ($200 Later). Hairdresser Tried Telling Me It Was The Same Thing. Nope. Nope. No
Hairdresser Did Me Dirty
someone had absolutely ZERO experience with decolorization, and proceeded anyway. Shameful
So Glad It Was Done With Henna
In regard to al the nail fails, they're sitting there watching it happen and said nothing. Then, they knew they didn't like it and paid for it anyway. That's what's baffling.
That's what I said... I'd be a fool to let you continue to work on me as you keep messing up or going about the look I want the wrong way. I'd stop you....
Load More Replies...My hair stylist says she likes when people bring in pictures for reference, but she always tells people she can't guarantee the same look. Because hair is different person to person and can react differently to dye. She also has turned down requests that she knows won't turn out well, or that she doesn't think she had the ability to do. More of these need to do that!
My mom was a stylist for decades and she has a way with words, she’s blunt but hilarious, so she would tell clients exactly what was gonna happen if, for example, they wanted to go from dyed and permed to California blonde; end up looking like a hairy coconut bc the hair will literally MELT, then you’ll be left with scraggly frizzy short hair for months. She would offer alternative styles, so everyone was happy.
Load More Replies...Almost all of these can be attributed to inexperience by the stylist, and possibly greed by the salon owner. I have worked in salons where a client would ask for a service and the stylist didn't know how but the owner would make them do it anyway. Go to small salons that are self owned, get a consultation first. Then we have the freedom to be honest if we can't do a service!
I disagree. We don't know the full story. Some of these people admitted to paying cheap prices or going to cheap places. Not to mention we don't know things such as if they were willing to have their hair bleached, if they continuously moved, if they properly took care of their hair, nails, whatever afterwards. I'd say the blame goes both ways
Load More Replies...I think the names of the salons where these people got their hair done should have been mentioned. That way, people know to avoid them.
Any salon in a Wal-Mart store should be on top of that list.
Load More Replies...These prices are INSANE! I've been cutting, dyeing, styling, etc. my own hair since I was thirteen for damn near free! Seems like a total scam to me 🤷.
Some of these seem like home attempts being passed off as bad salon job, maybe it's less embarrassing to blame someone else. Or a hair color/ nails that have grown out. Many new stylists aren't taught how to admit that they can't do what is being requested. I got my cosmetology license in a very small New England state in 1995, I was not taught how to work on African American hair. During my shadowing at a major salon chain, we were told to never refuse to do a clients hair-that a malpractice lawsuit cost less than a discrimination lawsuit. I searched for classes or any opportunity to learn how to style all hair types, and was unable to find any in the state. I chose to relinquish my license, and find a different career, rather than participate in such a system. (This was just my experience in the mid-90s in a small state, and I would hope that this practice has changed by now). There is nothing wrong with asking to see pics of a your stylists work, if you are unsure.
Ask questions before and during your appointment too! Especially if you are paying ridiculous amounts of money for their service! Be aware that bleach will do a lot of damage to your hair, and that you will need quality styling products to keep it from frizzing. Feel free to ask your stylist how to recreate the look that you leave the salon with, or if they have any recommendations about how to care for your style afterwards. If they do you dirty, shame them on any platform you can! Any decent business will want their customers to give good reviews and refer others. An experienced, quality stylist will be booked well in advance--its worth the wait! New stylists without experience that haven't built a client base, are the ones taking walk-ins and their schedule will not be full.
Load More Replies...These people did this to themselves or their children did it for them. I call BS.
I'm wondering how any of these "professionals " managed to get a license in the first place.
People need to realize a bunch of things here. 1)Those pictures used for "inspiration" probably were done by someone who charges a lot more than they could ever pay, and may have been photoshopped besides. 2)Don't bring in one head shot of a haircut you want and expect the hairstylist to do every part of it just like you like it. Bring in a bunch of pictures, from every angle. 3)That balayage thing -- again, probably photoshopped. Coloring your hair can be so harsh, and change what it looks like, feels like, and acts like. I've been coloring my hair for years, it doesn't surprise me that some people's hair gets frizzy after being colored. 4) Every salon does not have the same brand or shades in nail polish or hair color. Walking in with some random picture and saying "I want it just like this!" without doing knowing exactly what your salon can do is a waste of time.
People really have to be their own advocate. Just like when going to the doctors. Do some research on stuff. Come right out and as the hairdresser... "Will my hair even do this???" So many stylist never tell you the truth. "Lady, I can tell you right now your hair type will NEVER look like this picture" If they were honest and people were smarter, half of these issues wouldn't happern.
Love this page. My wife is annoyed that i won't do her hair color for her, and that she had to go to a salon. I will show her these pics to let her know what an amateur can do
If she is just doing a single color to cover grey hair it's really easy, my husband started out just helping me get the back of my hair...now after 21 years of marriage he's a pro! He does the whole thing :)
Load More Replies...All these post remind me why I quit being a stylist. Yes some of these are bad, they were probably all done by inexperienced/ new stylist. You can't expect every stylist to know how to do all these modern, crazy styles. My recommendation is do more research, asks stylist if the have a portfolio (a book of pictures of the styles they've done). If you're looking for something advance get it done by someone experienced but not super old. Also stop expecting miracles. Stand thickness, hairy density, amount of damage, even stuff like face shape/ shape of head will effect how you're hair turns out. I.e: if you have damaged hair (from coloring or heat styling or both) and you're trying to get your hair stylist to make your hair lavender..it probably won't work. 1- bleaching it to the proper level to make the color visible will damage it more. 2- since it's extra damaged the color won't stay in the cuticle, it will just leak out.
This happened to me recently and my confodence is zero. Do not go to Bishops Salon! I'm going to shut that place down for what they did to my beautiful waist length hair.
Really trying to figure out why anyone needs their hair and nails done while the human race is dying.
I took a picture in OF MYSELF and wanted the same cut that I had years ago. I could maybe understand of it were a celebrity photo and she was trying to copy it, but it was me! I refused to pay and walked out crying. Never pay for something that isn't what you asked for. If the person can't do it or does t have the skill they should refuse and let someone else do it. Be professional for goodness sake!
Ngl, on some of these and coupled with the image of Steve Carell doing that face at the main page, I can't stop myself from laughing. I really shouldn't have. But I just can't help myself.
I never wear makeup, or do my nails, but I did discover I like wigs a number of years ago (started having sensitive scalp problems). I can have all the styles I want with wigs, extensions, or clip ins. I used to make my own braid-in extensions. No more harsh chemicals, and a different color every day. I don't even buy real hair wigs - synthetic only. There are actually some good cheap options, and cosplayers have excellent tips for improving synthetic wigs. That said - I have way more appreciation for good nail artists, now. I had no idea how low that bar could go!
Nail salons seem kind of gross to me. Maybe it's just the ones I've taken my mom to (never had a manicure myself), but all that nail dust floating around, and the dead skin from foot scrubs. I'm not usually squeamish, but eewww! One of her friends got a serious infection from a pedicure and ended up in the hospital. Are salons required to sterilize equipment between customers? Does the Department of Health do inspections on these places? *shudder*
In regard to al the nail fails, they're sitting there watching it happen and said nothing. Then, they knew they didn't like it and paid for it anyway. That's what's baffling.
That's what I said... I'd be a fool to let you continue to work on me as you keep messing up or going about the look I want the wrong way. I'd stop you....
Load More Replies...My hair stylist says she likes when people bring in pictures for reference, but she always tells people she can't guarantee the same look. Because hair is different person to person and can react differently to dye. She also has turned down requests that she knows won't turn out well, or that she doesn't think she had the ability to do. More of these need to do that!
My mom was a stylist for decades and she has a way with words, she’s blunt but hilarious, so she would tell clients exactly what was gonna happen if, for example, they wanted to go from dyed and permed to California blonde; end up looking like a hairy coconut bc the hair will literally MELT, then you’ll be left with scraggly frizzy short hair for months. She would offer alternative styles, so everyone was happy.
Load More Replies...Almost all of these can be attributed to inexperience by the stylist, and possibly greed by the salon owner. I have worked in salons where a client would ask for a service and the stylist didn't know how but the owner would make them do it anyway. Go to small salons that are self owned, get a consultation first. Then we have the freedom to be honest if we can't do a service!
I disagree. We don't know the full story. Some of these people admitted to paying cheap prices or going to cheap places. Not to mention we don't know things such as if they were willing to have their hair bleached, if they continuously moved, if they properly took care of their hair, nails, whatever afterwards. I'd say the blame goes both ways
Load More Replies...I think the names of the salons where these people got their hair done should have been mentioned. That way, people know to avoid them.
Any salon in a Wal-Mart store should be on top of that list.
Load More Replies...These prices are INSANE! I've been cutting, dyeing, styling, etc. my own hair since I was thirteen for damn near free! Seems like a total scam to me 🤷.
Some of these seem like home attempts being passed off as bad salon job, maybe it's less embarrassing to blame someone else. Or a hair color/ nails that have grown out. Many new stylists aren't taught how to admit that they can't do what is being requested. I got my cosmetology license in a very small New England state in 1995, I was not taught how to work on African American hair. During my shadowing at a major salon chain, we were told to never refuse to do a clients hair-that a malpractice lawsuit cost less than a discrimination lawsuit. I searched for classes or any opportunity to learn how to style all hair types, and was unable to find any in the state. I chose to relinquish my license, and find a different career, rather than participate in such a system. (This was just my experience in the mid-90s in a small state, and I would hope that this practice has changed by now). There is nothing wrong with asking to see pics of a your stylists work, if you are unsure.
Ask questions before and during your appointment too! Especially if you are paying ridiculous amounts of money for their service! Be aware that bleach will do a lot of damage to your hair, and that you will need quality styling products to keep it from frizzing. Feel free to ask your stylist how to recreate the look that you leave the salon with, or if they have any recommendations about how to care for your style afterwards. If they do you dirty, shame them on any platform you can! Any decent business will want their customers to give good reviews and refer others. An experienced, quality stylist will be booked well in advance--its worth the wait! New stylists without experience that haven't built a client base, are the ones taking walk-ins and their schedule will not be full.
Load More Replies...These people did this to themselves or their children did it for them. I call BS.
I'm wondering how any of these "professionals " managed to get a license in the first place.
People need to realize a bunch of things here. 1)Those pictures used for "inspiration" probably were done by someone who charges a lot more than they could ever pay, and may have been photoshopped besides. 2)Don't bring in one head shot of a haircut you want and expect the hairstylist to do every part of it just like you like it. Bring in a bunch of pictures, from every angle. 3)That balayage thing -- again, probably photoshopped. Coloring your hair can be so harsh, and change what it looks like, feels like, and acts like. I've been coloring my hair for years, it doesn't surprise me that some people's hair gets frizzy after being colored. 4) Every salon does not have the same brand or shades in nail polish or hair color. Walking in with some random picture and saying "I want it just like this!" without doing knowing exactly what your salon can do is a waste of time.
People really have to be their own advocate. Just like when going to the doctors. Do some research on stuff. Come right out and as the hairdresser... "Will my hair even do this???" So many stylist never tell you the truth. "Lady, I can tell you right now your hair type will NEVER look like this picture" If they were honest and people were smarter, half of these issues wouldn't happern.
Love this page. My wife is annoyed that i won't do her hair color for her, and that she had to go to a salon. I will show her these pics to let her know what an amateur can do
If she is just doing a single color to cover grey hair it's really easy, my husband started out just helping me get the back of my hair...now after 21 years of marriage he's a pro! He does the whole thing :)
Load More Replies...All these post remind me why I quit being a stylist. Yes some of these are bad, they were probably all done by inexperienced/ new stylist. You can't expect every stylist to know how to do all these modern, crazy styles. My recommendation is do more research, asks stylist if the have a portfolio (a book of pictures of the styles they've done). If you're looking for something advance get it done by someone experienced but not super old. Also stop expecting miracles. Stand thickness, hairy density, amount of damage, even stuff like face shape/ shape of head will effect how you're hair turns out. I.e: if you have damaged hair (from coloring or heat styling or both) and you're trying to get your hair stylist to make your hair lavender..it probably won't work. 1- bleaching it to the proper level to make the color visible will damage it more. 2- since it's extra damaged the color won't stay in the cuticle, it will just leak out.
This happened to me recently and my confodence is zero. Do not go to Bishops Salon! I'm going to shut that place down for what they did to my beautiful waist length hair.
Really trying to figure out why anyone needs their hair and nails done while the human race is dying.
I took a picture in OF MYSELF and wanted the same cut that I had years ago. I could maybe understand of it were a celebrity photo and she was trying to copy it, but it was me! I refused to pay and walked out crying. Never pay for something that isn't what you asked for. If the person can't do it or does t have the skill they should refuse and let someone else do it. Be professional for goodness sake!
Ngl, on some of these and coupled with the image of Steve Carell doing that face at the main page, I can't stop myself from laughing. I really shouldn't have. But I just can't help myself.
I never wear makeup, or do my nails, but I did discover I like wigs a number of years ago (started having sensitive scalp problems). I can have all the styles I want with wigs, extensions, or clip ins. I used to make my own braid-in extensions. No more harsh chemicals, and a different color every day. I don't even buy real hair wigs - synthetic only. There are actually some good cheap options, and cosplayers have excellent tips for improving synthetic wigs. That said - I have way more appreciation for good nail artists, now. I had no idea how low that bar could go!
Nail salons seem kind of gross to me. Maybe it's just the ones I've taken my mom to (never had a manicure myself), but all that nail dust floating around, and the dead skin from foot scrubs. I'm not usually squeamish, but eewww! One of her friends got a serious infection from a pedicure and ended up in the hospital. Are salons required to sterilize equipment between customers? Does the Department of Health do inspections on these places? *shudder*