Have you ever scrolled through social media and stumbled on a tip that you thought would change your life? I guess we have all been there, getting adventurous with those magical hacks (I mean, remember Dalgona coffee? What a gem!) But here is the thing — not all those tutorials from random strangers online encouraging you to “trust the process” are as innocent as they seem. The dark side of DIY mania is real, and at best, it is a waste of time. At worst, it can actually be dangerous — especially when it comes to so-called beauty tricks. So let’s look into a few you should definitely avoid. 

The sun-kissed aesthetic has really taken off this summer, but while many were mimicking sunburns and tan lines using blushes and bronzers, others decided to jump on the trend and get the look “naturally" — by exposing their bare skin to the sun. On top of that, SPF contouring went viral on TikTok, where people used sunscreens with different levels aiming to achieve a sculptured look without makeup. 

What is wrong with that? Aside from the obvious instant pain caused by sunburns, exposing your skin to UV rays without proper protection is a fast track to uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, premature ageing and increased risk of skin cancer. Leave alone the fact that with sunscreen contouring, you won’t get the result you expect, as sunscreen is designed to block or reduce UV exposure, not to create precise, makeup-like contours. That inconsistent coverage will only leave your skin vulnerable to burns and damage in all the wrong places. So, instead of getting that desirable look, you are more likely to end up with patchy, uneven protection and long-term skin issues. Not cool.

Buy nice or buy twice — I believe, nothing sums up the trend of renting your teeth with a nail file quite like it. Some social media users, eager to save money on dental care, think that filling down their damaged teeth at home with some improvised resources is a clever move, but I’d rather call it a recipe for disaster. 

Not only can you seriously damage the teeth, leading to increased sensitivity and long-term pain, but you might also introduce an infection that could cost you way more in dental bills than if you had just gone to a professional in the first place. So, while the DIY route might seem tempting, you will likely end up regretting it later when you are sitting in a dentist’s chair, paying to fix the mess you made.

Forget face massage, microcurrents, healthy sleep and an active lifestyle: according to some folks, the new word for getting a fresh look is rubber bands that you wrap around your face to snag a tight jawline without spending a dime. But here is the deal: this face-lifting technique is a risky business. Tight rubber bands can restrict blood flow, leading to numbness, bruising, and even nerve damage. And let’s not forget the hygiene factor. Using bands meant for your hair or office supplies on your face? Major red flag! You might end up with breakouts or skin infections instead of that coveted lift.

We have seen our fair share of lip trends: injections, overlining, plumping glosses and tons of devices, but there is still no light at the end of the tunnel. Here comes glue lip plumping — a trend that is got people using, yes, glue, to wring out and stick their lips to achieve a fuller shape. 

But let’s be real: it is such an ordeal for delicate skin and a highway to allergic reactions, irritations, and even chemical burns. Not to mention that sometimes the glue doesn’t come off easily, and then you are left with sticky bits on your face. 

Hair life hacks are a whole different world. While bangs-cutting tutorials can be relatively harmless — because, hey, hair grows back — hair-dyeing tips can lead to long-term issues. 

Take the lemon juice highlight method, which involves applying lemon juice to your hair and sitting in the sun. This may lighten your hair a shade or two, but at a steep price. As a side effect, it strips away natural oils and leads to dryness and brittleness, turning your gorgeous locks into a frizzy, damaged mess. So, if life gives you lemons, it is better to turn them into lemonade, not hair bleach. 

It is great to be adventurous and open to new experiences, but when it comes to online advice, it is crucial to stay mindful and think critically. Sometimes, the best choice you can make is to leave certain things to the professionals. So, before diving headfirst into the latest trend, take a moment to consider the potential outcomes.