Fashion is a fickle mistress. In our quest to stay trendy, we sometimes make choices that, in hindsight, leave us with more than just a lighter wallet. These beauty trends may fade away, but the changes they bring to our bodies can linger indefinitely.
Here’s a rundown of ten popular appearance changes that many people now regret:
1. Eyelash Extensions: Glamour with a Downside
Eyelash extensions can give you the fluttery lashes of your dreams, perfect for special occasions. However, prolonged use comes with risks. Ophthalmologists warn that over time, extensions can slow the growth of your natural lashes and even lead to dry eye syndrome. And let’s not forget potential allergic reactions to the glue used.
- “Initially, I loved my eyelash extensions! But after six months, they looked shabby after just two weeks, and when removed, my natural lashes were left sparse and weak,” shares Sadiebenz on Reddit.
2. Eyebrow Trends: The Ever-Changing Brow Game
Eyebrow fashions change as often as the seasons. From the pencil-thin brows of the ’90s to today’s full and bold look, it’s a never-ending cycle. Procedures like microblading and tattooing offer convenience but come with their own set of challenges. A poorly done procedure can leave you with asymmetrical or unnaturally colored brows.
- “In high school, I over-plucked my eyebrows to match the thin trend, only to realize later they didn’t suit my face at all,” recalls Joy Keeler on Quora.
- “I opted for microblading, but the wrong ink left me with orange eyebrows—definitely not the look I was going for,” says Elle Hayes on Quora.
3. Piercings: Pain and Scarring
Piercings were all the rage in the late ’90s and early 2000s, with belly button piercings being particularly popular. While they might have looked cool, they came with their own set of problems. From getting caught on clothing to causing dental damage with tongue piercings, many people now regret their choices.
- “My navel piercing was torn out by clothing, leaving a ragged scar. My tongue piercing damaged my teeth badly,” admits Christi Zelaya on Quora.
4. Tattoos: Permanent Ink, Impermanent Decisions
Tattoos can be beautiful, but impulsive decisions often lead to regret. Choosing a talented artist and a design you truly love is crucial. Many have had to go through painful cover-ups when their once-loved tattoo didn’t age well with their taste.
- “I rushed into getting a tattoo without research and ended up with a poorly done piece. Covering it up was a tough process,” shares Ashley Starr on Quora.
- “I regretted my Chinese lettering tattoo almost immediately—it didn’t even mean what I thought it did. Luckily, I covered it up with a cool raven,” notes niky45 on Reddit.
5. Stretched Ears: An Unusual Trend with Lasting Impact
Stretched earlobes, popularized by unique body modification enthusiasts, often lead to permanent changes. Once stretched, these holes seldom heal naturally, and surgery is usually required to restore them.
- “I forced a taper through my ear to stretch it too quickly, causing it to split. Now, it won’t close up smaller than 5/8″ without surgery,” explains Daniel Caldwell on Quora.
6. Tanning: The Sun-Kissed Look with a Cost
Achieving a bronzed look through sunbathing or tanning salons was once considered highly desirable. However, overexposure to UV rays can lead to premature aging, skin damage, and increased risk of skin cancer.
- “Back in school, tanning was all the rage. But years later, many of my classmates now look much older than they are, with wrinkles and sagging skin,” a former student reflects.
7. Acrylic Nails: The Hidden Damage
Acrylic nails can give your hands a glamorous look, but they also make your natural nails thin and brittle over time. Additionally, improper care can lead to fungal infections and other nail health issues.
- “Acrylic nails ruined my natural nails, making them thin and brittle. It took years to recover,” says Katie Gall Costa on Quora.
- “Moisture trapped under acrylics caused a fungal infection, and removing them damaged my nails further,” reports Sandy Andina on Quora.
8. Colored Contact Lenses: A New Look with Potential Risks
Colored contact lenses can dramatically change your eye color, offering a striking look. However, buying non-prescription lenses from uncertified sources can lead to eye irritation or even serious damage.
- “I bought colored lenses from an unknown company and had to remove them within minutes due to severe discomfort. My eyes hurt for a week after,” shares a long-time contact lens user.
9. Dermal Piercings: Intriguing Yet Troublesome
Dermal piercings, which embed jewelry directly into the skin, can be striking. But their placement is crucial to avoid constant irritation from clothing or accessories. Rejection and painful removal are common issues.
- “Even with a good healing history, my dermal piercings near my bra strap were rejected after four months. They were the most painful to get and to retire,” recalls Cheyenne K on Quora.
10. Permanent Makeup: The Long-Lasting Regret
Permanent makeup promises a hassle-free beauty routine but can lead to lifelong regret if not done properly. Removing or correcting it requires laser treatment, making it a risky choice.
- “I got permanent eyeliner on my lower lash line, resulting in a blowout that made me look like I had a permanent tear,” says an anonymous user on Quora.
- “Avoid permanent eyeliner—it can damage your glands and lead to chronic dry eye disease,” warns b***sinseats on Reddit.
Finding your unique style is a personal journey. It’s essential to make decisions based on what truly suits you, rather than simply following fleeting fashion trends. Have you ever made a change to keep up with trends that you now regret? Share your stories in the comments below.
Preview Photo Credit: Pixabay, Depositphotos
