ADVERTISEMENT

We all want to look beautiful. And there’s no shame in that. Sure, some of us might prioritize natural looks while others embrace the creative liberties offered by make-up. But at the end of the day, looking good makes us feel good. However, there’s sometimes a massive disconnect between what you want and what a beauty salon worker envisions… or is able to accomplish with their (limited) skills.

Here at Bored Panda, we’ve collected some of the most egregious examples of beauty salons messing up their clients’ make-up and hair, and completely ruining their day. Scroll down to see just how bad things can get when employees don’t get the training that they oh-so desperately need.

#1

Paid $63 For This

Paid $63 For This

Asked for layers (like a butterfly cut) and curtain bangs… I think she hated me.

0ne_eyed_witch Report

#2

The Cut I Requested And The Monstrosity I Was Given

The Cut I Requested And The Monstrosity I Was Given

PlaidChairStyle Report

Add photo comments
POST
zippyoniontv avatar
Tom
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Olympe Maxine vibes (from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

What matters the most is that you’re personally happy with your style. If you think your hair and make-up and clothes look fabulous, then ignore all the haters. The fact of the matter is that it’s impossible to make everyone happy. No matter how trendy or avant-garde you are, there will always be someone out there who’ll have something bad to say. So it’s best to ignore the critics and be honest with yourself: the only person you have to impress is you.

#4

I Don’t Know What Is It About This... But The Makeup Just Looks Like She’s Melting

I Don’t Know What Is It About This... But The Makeup Just Looks Like She’s Melting

Mandaks Report

#5

This Eyebrow Trend Needs To End

This Eyebrow Trend Needs To End

canyouaskfirst Report

#6

Found On A Local Makeup Artist And Beautician Page. The Look Was Called “Sunset Eye And Soap Brow”

Found On A Local Makeup Artist And Beautician Page. The Look Was Called “Sunset Eye And Soap Brow”

helibear90 Report

ADVERTISEMENT

However, the main issue is when there’s total miscommunication between you and the people working at your local beauty salon. The odds are that if you’re at a salon, then you’re either getting ready for an important event or you want to completely change your look. So you want to look beautiful, fresh, and stylish. And if the results don’t match your expectations, you might feel frustrated, and embarrassed, and your day might genuinely be ruined.

#7

My Hairdresser Screwed Me Up So Bad And Cut Off Half My Hair, Help (For Reference, The First Picture Is What I Asked For)

My Hairdresser Screwed Me Up So Bad And Cut Off Half My Hair, Help (For Reference, The First Picture Is What I Asked For)

billiennnn Report

Add photo comments
POST
natalie-cilla avatar
Flamingo Croquet
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure if the cut would have been possible anyway. Her hair seems a little too thin for it? But even then, the hairdresser should have told her that. Poor woman 😳

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

Lady Asked For The Left Pic And Ended Up With The Right Image

Lady Asked For The Left Pic And Ended Up With The Right Image

AsianVixen4U Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Recovery After A Haircut From A Family Member Who Claimed They Used To Be A Hairdresser

Recovery After A Haircut From A Family Member Who Claimed They Used To Be A Hairdresser

Turns out she was a hairdresser’s assistant for a year in the 1980s.

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
lyricsoncomments avatar
whaaaaaaaaaa
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The picture in the right is what happened to her in the past. The picture in the left is her hair "recovered" now, so it's longer because it's been some time and she had a new haircut that fixed it eventually. It's not what she asked for VS what she got, it's her hair in both. But yeah she should've put the photos in a different order so it would be less confusing

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

There are a few possible ways to deal with those utter salon disasters. The path you choose will depend on who you are as a person. For instance, you could embrace the awful, utterly horrible situation and decide that you will not let this define you and you will not have your day ruined by the epic fail that is your make-up and hair. Instead, you can choose to accept the funky new style and rock it as best as you can. This takes a very mature mindset, high emotional intelligence, and an aptitude for comedy. Heck, this’ll be a story to tell all your friends.

ADVERTISEMENT
#10

She Has To Cut It Now Because It Ruined The Hair Itself So Bad

She Has To Cut It Now Because It Ruined The Hair Itself So Bad

Balawesome Report

Add photo comments
POST
jessicasarmiento avatar
Jess S.
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is exactly what happened to me! But my hair was orange instead! hahahahaha

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#11

So This Nail Tech Does My Friend's Nails, And Her Nails Are Always Beautiful, So I Went To The Same Lady. But, God, Do They Look Horrible

So This Nail Tech Does My Friend's Nails, And Her Nails Are Always Beautiful, So I Went To The Same Lady. But, God, Do They Look Horrible

_babypink_ Report

Add photo comments
POST
moerbechris avatar
Chrissie Anit
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They would look horrible even if done by a professional at that length and colour.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#12

Was I Wrong To Leave A 1-Star Review For This Hair Dye Job? $140 And They Told Me It Was "Impossible" To Get The Dye Off My Neck, Forehead, And Ears

Was I Wrong To Leave A 1-Star Review For This Hair Dye Job? $140 And They Told Me It Was "Impossible" To Get The Dye Off My Neck, Forehead, And Ears

Without even trying and it would come off "eventually". I have a major event in a few days and I am busy scrubbing my head raw tonight.

SpringtimeMoonlight Report

Add photo comments
POST
isabellelamarque avatar
Isabelle Lamarque
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My salon puts vaseline and/or a cotton band around the hairline. I also do this to dye my hair at home. With the Vaseline the dye won't stick to your skin 🤗

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Alternatively, you can confront the salon worker about what the heck just happened. No matter how upset you are, try to remain calm. Be as friendly and diplomatic as you can. Screaming and yelling at someone who’s trying to do the best they can (or has a poor understanding of style) is not going to make the situation any better. Instead, try to explain what you expected. Look for a path out of this disaster together with the stylist. Maybe they could even get some of their coworkers’ advice on how best to proceed.

#13

My Family And I Had Pictures This Day, So I Went To This Makeup Artist And Couldn't Do Anything But Laugh Because Clearly, She Had Me Messed Up

My Family And I Had Pictures This Day, So I Went To This Makeup Artist And Couldn't Do Anything But Laugh Because Clearly, She Had Me Messed Up

seaira.austin.9 Report

#14

Worst $50 I’ve Ever Spent

Worst $50 I’ve Ever Spent

Duckii9487 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#15

Those Light Eyebrows And The Orange Face

Those Light Eyebrows And The Orange Face

Hairy_Investigator33 Report

However, if you’re feeling emotionally drained by this whole debacle, you could simply smile and pretend that everything is all right. Then, after you leave, either head to another salon to fix the fiasco, or get in touch with your friends to figure out what the heck you should do. It never feels good to throw away money and feel like you got utterly ripped off. But you should only confront the stylists if you feel comfortable doing so. 

#16

What I Asked For vs. What I Got

What I Asked For vs. What I Got

itsbrianaregina Report

Add photo comments
POST
franoisbouzigues avatar
François Bouzigues
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry but i laughed hard at this. To be constructive, i´d say your hair could use less washing and more coconut oil.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

My Girlfriend Asked For A Balayage Ombré With The Color Of The First Photo. This Is What She Received

My Girlfriend Asked For A Balayage Ombré With The Color Of The First Photo. This Is What She Received

They then denied her a refund and later pressured her to change her online review in person.

Smidgerening Report

As you go through life, you’ll inevitably face embarrassment and failure. Developing emotional resilience, embracing those uncomfortable feelings, and moving past them is a useful skill to develop. No matter if we’re talking about beauty salon fails, bad days at work, or arguments with the people you love, you’re in control of how you react to these situations.

ADVERTISEMENT

Often, we feel bad because things happen differently than we envisioned. Or hoped! Sky-high expectations can motivate us to strive to reach our goals (and, let’s be real, they’re fun to daydream about). However, they can set you up for disappointment. It’s better to set realistic expectations.

#19

What I Asked For vs. What I Got

What I Asked For vs. What I Got

trixieroyale Report

Add photo comments
POST
isabellelamarque avatar
Isabelle Lamarque
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That t-shirt kinda makes it look like she did it herself 😅 but jokes aside that would make me cry if someone did this to me. These kind of hairstyles should be done by well known professionals or at least with credentials, someone you know who's a client or something. 😕 These things don't come cheap 🥺

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

A Hairdresser Approached Me At The Bar And Said She Could Cut My Pixie Better Than It Was. I Went To Her. She Gave Me A Bowl Cut. Before On The Left, Bowl Cut On The Right

A Hairdresser Approached Me At The Bar And Said She Could Cut My Pixie Better Than It Was. I Went To Her. She Gave Me A Bowl Cut. Before On The Left, Bowl Cut On The Right

jumpycan Report

Add photo comments
POST
ansistargirl avatar
Ansi
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That hairdresser was obviously drunk. Both at the bar and during the appointment.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

The Left Is The Group Of Reference Pics. Right Is What I Got. The Bottom Right Is When I Went To A New Salon A Few Months Later

The Left Is The Group Of Reference Pics. Right Is What I Got. The Bottom Right Is When I Went To A New Salon A Few Months Later

DuOroEldrvarya Report

Add photo comments
POST
franoisbouzigues avatar
François Bouzigues
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is a much better usage of inspiration pic. Indeed you got done dirty the first time. Glad you found a better professional.

View more commentsArrow down menu

According to Verywell Mind, the most essential thing when it comes to getting out of the expectations versus reality trap is awareness. The first step is becoming aware of your own expectations. Try to think about where these expectations came from and how (un)realistic they were, to begin with. If your stylist genuinely messes up, it’s on them. But if you wanted VIP tier services from someone new to the business, then you’re in for a sad awakening.

#23

I Asked For Long Layers. Please Help

I Asked For Long Layers. Please Help

Eirajea Report

Add photo comments
POST
gargarita-mica-08 avatar
Boreddd(she/her)
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can a literal stylist not cut layers properly?! I have been cutting layers for myself since I was 13(15 now). This is beyond my understanding

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#24

My $85 "Layered" Haircut. The Hairdresser Curled It At The Salon, So I Didn't Notice Till I Straightened It Out

My $85 "Layered" Haircut. The Hairdresser Curled It At The Salon, So I Didn't Notice Till I Straightened It Out

anaxp Report

Add photo comments
POST
isabellelamarque avatar
Isabelle Lamarque
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ah yes.. I never get my hair curled at a salon specifically for this reason. They can hide anything that way 🤷🏻‍♀️

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

If you’re ever disappointed by the results, sit down and have an open chat with yourself about what you truly value in life, and what makes you happy. Perhaps the situation isn’t as dire as you think it is. So long as you’re not constantly comparing yourself to other people (from friends and coworkers to e-celebs) and being grateful for all the things you do have in your life, you should be fine.

In the meantime, it can save you a ton of headaches if you’re able to spot poor stylists before you even sit down in their chairs. You should probably consider seeking another person’s services if the employee you’re talking to is rude and unprofessional, and is clearly disinterested in what you want or need. Similarly, if your stylist appears to be incredibly nervous, you may want to consider asking for their more composed colleague to take over. 

#25

That Dirty Contour... And Oh God, The Lips

That Dirty Contour... And Oh God, The Lips

Bunny_ Report

#26

The Lashes

The Lashes

Winter_Advance8450 Report

Add photo comments
POST
captijn avatar
Pan Narrans
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, the lashes are the least of her worries. Everything is wrong, skewered or off.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

This One Was Posted By A Local Makeup Artist. Yes, It Is The Finished Look. Check The Number Of Likes

This One Was Posted By A Local Makeup Artist. Yes, It Is The Finished Look. Check The Number Of Likes

Thatonebasicchick Report

Though everyone makes mistakes from time to time, it’s best to look at your stylist’s track record if you’ve worked with them before. If they’re clearly lacking the necessary skills, constantly botching up your requests, and are unwilling to apologize and improve, you should take your business elsewhere. Meanwhile, if they’re also gossiping about their other clients behind their backs, you might become their next target for criticism the moment another customer walks through the door.

#28

Asked For This... Got This Instead

Asked For This... Got This Instead

Psychological-Task16 Report

#29

I Really Don't Know What To Say About The Brows

I Really Don't Know What To Say About The Brows

apefrivola Report

#30

I Got Married At A Luxury Resort During Covid Times, And This Is The Look The Not-Cheap Makeup Artist Tried On The Maid Of Honor

I Got Married At A Luxury Resort During Covid Times, And This Is The Look The Not-Cheap Makeup Artist Tried On The Maid Of Honor

Awesomocity0 Report

Which of these fashion disasters did you think was the worst of the bunch, Pandas? Have you ever had to deal with any serious make-up or hairstyle fails? Swing on by the comment section and share your experiences.

In the meantime, if you’re still hungry for some legendary beauty salon mess-ups, feel free to check out Bored Panda’s earlier features right here and over here.

#31

What I Asked For vs. What I Got

What I Asked For vs. What I Got

LemonberryTea Report

Add photo comments
POST
lyricsoncomments avatar
whaaaaaaaaaa
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's is very annoying but luckily you're saved by the fact that even so your hair is so beautiful

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

Should I Ask For A Refund A Week Later?

Should I Ask For A Refund A Week Later?

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
klynch4 avatar
LokisLilButterknife
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First of all they totally over-processed her hair and second of all it looks like the hair stylist took a weed whacker to it. A professional stylist will be frank with you and let you know if a certain cut or colour will not work. Also, I see that they are Fullmetal Alchemist fan.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

Stop With This Yellow. She And All Her Commenters Are Justifying This And Saying It's Because Of Her 'Tan'. Tan Or Not, This Isn't Her Shade

Stop With This Yellow. She And All Her Commenters Are Justifying This And Saying It's Because Of Her 'Tan'. Tan Or Not, This Isn't Her Shade

bestofthe_worst Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#34

I Got My Nails Done… I Asked For This But Received This Thing

I Got My Nails Done… I Asked For This But Received This Thing

Karmas-Possession Report

#35

I Rarely Get My Nails Done So I Was Really Disappointed When A Local Business Completely Ruined Them

I Rarely Get My Nails Done So I Was Really Disappointed When A Local Business Completely Ruined Them

natalie_ck Report

Add photo comments
POST
zoedianni avatar
Moë
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That looks like a whiteout manicure like we used to do in high school 😂

View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

Hairstylist Told Me Layers Are Supposed To Look This Way… Am I Crazy For Thinking This Looks Weird/Bad?

Hairstylist Told Me Layers Are Supposed To Look This Way… Am I Crazy For Thinking This Looks Weird/Bad?

I asked for a haircut I didn’t have to use heat on or style with products and she cut off a ton of hair and left me with this.

Sensitive_Many_1061 Report

#38

Haircut Expectation vs. Reality. Paid $35 (Was Going To Get It Permed But Almost Nobody Does Perms In Our Area)

Haircut Expectation vs. Reality. Paid $35 (Was Going To Get It Permed But Almost Nobody Does Perms In Our Area)

Stylist also burned my head with the hairdryer and it hurt for several hours.

seattleandfrank Report

#39

Stumbled Across This Instagram Profile. She Asks Money For This. Nails At The End

Stumbled Across This Instagram Profile. She Asks Money For This. Nails At The End

reddit.com Report

#40

They Did Me So Dirty At My Favorite Salon. Never Going Back Again

They Did Me So Dirty At My Favorite Salon. Never Going Back Again

exits Report

Add photo comments
POST
luisaferrari avatar
Loolie
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you see your nails turn out hideous but still sit there having the rest done! Lol

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

“That’s Not Where My Part Is,” I Said. “I Don’t Want Layers,” I Said. “Don’t Cut It Wet,” I Said. No, He Did Not Get Paid. Nor Was He My Usual Stylist

“That’s Not Where My Part Is,” I Said. “I Don’t Want Layers,” I Said. “Don’t Cut It Wet,” I Said. No, He Did Not Get Paid. Nor Was He My Usual Stylist

LordMeme42 Report

#42

What I Asked For, Versus What I Got, And How I Fixed It

What I Asked For, Versus What I Got, And How I Fixed It

ImpossibleBit8346 Report

Add photo comments
POST
rhodaguirreparras avatar
Pittsburgh rare
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She has significantly less hair than the model. There's no way it looked that full.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#44

I Love The Trick Of Putting Tape Over Baby Hair, But That Foundation Shade Is Not Her Color. I Did Check Her Profile, And It Said "Makeup Artist" In The Bio

I Love The Trick Of Putting Tape Over Baby Hair, But That Foundation Shade Is Not Her Color. I Did Check Her Profile, And It Said "Makeup Artist" In The Bio

Livysummerx Report

#45

Paid $700 For The Stylist To Do This To Me, She Insisted They’re Identical. What I Asked For vs. What I Got

Paid $700 For The Stylist To Do This To Me, She Insisted They’re Identical. What I Asked For vs. What I Got

YourFelonEx Report

Add photo comments
POST
acey-ace16 avatar
Ace
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How much? I don;'t care how close it might have been, 700 dollars is ridiculous.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#46

I Just Got These Done Yesterday And The Strokes Look So Long And Straight

 I Just Got These Done Yesterday And The Strokes Look So Long And Straight

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
isabellelamarque avatar
Isabelle Lamarque
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how I would do it. Someone who doesn't know sh*t about eyebrows. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Let's put a little like here and then one of here, lalala.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#47

What I Asked For vs. What They Left Me With. I Had Virgin Hair And Now My Hair Won’t Even Hold A Curl

What I Asked For vs. What They Left Me With. I Had Virgin Hair And Now My Hair Won’t Even Hold A Curl

stefunie101 Report

Add photo comments
POST
wendillon avatar
Monday
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"I had virigin hair" <--- that there is the problem dear! Her eyebrows are super dark. I know next to nothing about hairstyling but I do know you're not supposed to go from dark brown to blonde in a single session. Did the hairdresser not warn her? Did she not listen to the warning?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#48

From A Local Facebook Page. Lady Went To The Salon. Brought In The Picture In The Left. Walked Out With The Picture On The Right

From A Local Facebook Page. Lady Went To The Salon. Brought In The Picture In The Left. Walked Out With The Picture On The Right

HairGame81 Report

Add photo comments
POST
jacquihowe avatar
Spencer's slave
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looking at the picture on the right it looks like a cheap home dye job on mostly grey hair. There's no way a professional stylist did this.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#49

How Can I Be More Clear With A Stylist? This Is What I Asked For vs. What I Got

How Can I Be More Clear With A Stylist? This Is What I Asked For vs. What I Got

Heather_Bea Report

Add photo comments
POST
clist414 avatar
clist414
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Again the internet strikes by making folks believe this can be their hair too. But like you said, it depends on the hair, the condition, and the experience of the stylist. And it will be EXPENSIVE. Be warned, if someone tells you they can do it for cheap, it will come out cheap.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#50

My First Hair Salon Trip In Two Years Went Horribly. What I Asked For And What I Got

My First Hair Salon Trip In Two Years Went Horribly. What I Asked For And What I Got

nicole-wydler Report

Add photo comments
POST
clist414 avatar
clist414
Community Member
8 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The internet during the pandemic started so many unrealistic expectations for people based on what the internet said was possible vs what was available

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Note: this post originally had 106 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.