ADVERTISEMENT

No one is immune to getting a bad haircut. As much as we all wish to confidently leave the salon feeling like we just stepped out of the cover of our favorite magazine, this isn’t always the case. We’re sometimes bound to quietly watch in horror as the hairstylist is chopping off our locks, leaving us with a hilarious hairdo gone way wrong. Then, we get this overwhelming urge to hide all the mirrors and stay indoors until our beloved strands grow back.

But since we don’t have time machines to take us back and erase it all, we can at least poke fun and have a good laugh at our cringe-worthy moments. This is where the 'Is This Your Client?' Instagram account comes in. With the tagline "No one is safe," it is dedicated to sharing the most tragic and unfortunate haircut accidents people have ever posted online.

We at Bored Panda have scoured their feed and wrapped up a collection of some bizarre, ridiculous, and seriously out-there pictures that are the perfect examples of what you should not be doing with your hair. So continue scrolling, upvote the ones that surprised you most, and be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments! Keep reading to also find an in-depth interview with Rob Jon, The Brentwood Hairdresser, where he shares advice on how to avoid receiving regrettable hairdos. 

Psst! If you’re in the mood for even more ludicrous hairstyle fails, check out our previous pieces here and right here.

No matter our expectations or hopes, getting a bad haircut is quite easy. I mean, just scroll through the 'Is This Your Client' feed and you’ll see proof right there. With over 154k followers, the creator of the page offers hundreds of painfully funny haircut examples that should make you feel slightly better about your own past accidents.

Of course, we're not the ones to deny that taste is a matter of individual choice. And even if you end up with a hairdo you're unhappy with, it's important to remember that it is far from an irreversible catastrophe. It’s hair, it will grow back, and you’ll get over the initial embarrassment fairly quickly. But if you ever walked around with terribly dyed locks or crooked bowl cuts, chances are that this experience got permanently carved into your memory, teaching you a valuable lesson on how to make better style choices.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nobody wants to receive a haircut they hate, and no hairdresser enjoys spending time and effort on a cut you’re utterly unsatisfied with. To make sure everyone’s happy after you step out of the chair, a few things need to be considered before your next visit. To learn more about them, we got in touch with Rob Jon, founder of The Brentwood Hairdresser, the most sustainable salon in Essex, UK.

"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 are trying to keep up with the latest trends rather than opting for looks that actually suit the individual.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Since there are so many different lengths and styles, it can be confusing to know what cut would look naturally flattering on you. Moreover, you may forget to consider the time you’re willing to spend on maintaining your hairstyle every single day. Rob advised that one of the best ways to be sure about your options is to listen to what your stylist has to say.

"We are professionals and will always act in the clients' best interest to make you look and feel as good as possible," he noted. But as with everything in life, it’s best to appear in the salon already prepared. Rob suggested always 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."

#11

Haircut-Fails-Isthisyourclient

isthisyourclient Report

But despite the best intentions from both sides, unfortunate mishaps are sometimes unavoidable. Then, you find yourself walking out of the salon already experiencing a damper on your confidence, hoping the ground would swallow you up until you regrow those lost curls. But the good news is that there are plenty of ways to prevent you and your precious barnet from ever ending up on this list.

ADVERTISEMENT

"Tragic haircuts are often based on a lack of communication between stylist and customer," Rob explained. 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. Just think about how much confusion happens simply because we fear voicing our thoughts, concerns, and doubts. Speaking up and being crystal clear about your expectations will go a long way and will prevent you from feeling uncomfortable in the near future.

Another reason regrettable haircuts occur is clients having unrealistic expectations, 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."

ADVERTISEMENT

"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."

#21

Haircut-Fails-Isthisyourclient

isthisyourclient Report

Add photo comments
POST
elien-noyen avatar
Elaine N
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

he looks like his kid just did his hair... looked in the mirror... and said "anyway..."

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

When it comes to adding color to your hair, Rob recommends having a pre-booked consultation before the big day. "This also solves the problem of a skin test which is a requirement," he added. As it turns out, having a skin test before a hair coloring appointment is extremely important. The stylist can then take a better look at your situation and provide you with better care. Patch testing hair color allows hairdressers to check whether you are allergic to any of the products or colors and make sure the session runs smoothly.

ADVERTISEMENT

While it is a simple process that only takes a couple of minutes, you need to keep an eye on that area to see whether you're experiencing any irritation. According to a blog post from Tierney Salons, you should do a hair color skin test at least 48 hours before the appointment. This is the time it takes for your skin to show any kind of reactions, allowing your immune system to properly respond. "Within or after 48 hours, if you have redness, swelling, irritation or burning sensations in the patch test area, this means that your skin has reacted to the product," meaning stylists won’t go ahead with that particular color.

#26

Haircut-Fails-Isthisyourclient

isthisyourclient Report

Add photo comments
POST
robert-thornburrow avatar
Robert T
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Excuse me, love, but you've got a ladder in your knickers. Also, you appear to have some kind of dog on your head.

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

But when we don’t see any signs of potential health issues, we walk into the salon hoping to have a great experience and leave rocking a fabulous new look. "When it comes to getting the most out of your trip to the hairdressers, the best advice I have is to listen to your stylist, arrive on time, be polite and realistic with your expectations. And remember, after-care is key. You simply won’t achieve the same look if you do not purchase the recommended products and take advice on how to style your hair in between visits to the salon," Rob concluded.

#28

Haircut-Fails-Isthisyourclient

isthisyourclient Report

Add photo comments
POST
carolyngerbrands avatar
Caro Caro
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This isn't a fail. I would laugh if I had seen this. Easter theme perfectly executed.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

Haircut-Fails-Isthisyourclient

isthisyourclient Report

Add photo comments
POST
deedee_4 avatar
dee dee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tragic. Cut it away, start fresh. And stay away from bleach!

View more commentsArrow down menu
#32

Haircut-Fails-Isthisyourclient

isthisyourclient Report

Add photo comments
POST
lythanora avatar
funkybluegirl avatar
funkybluegirl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's going on here? It looks like their hair is shredding from being bleached one too many times.

mamamadnez avatar
Sandi Martinez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Complete loss of elasticity. It happens when you bleach your hair too much and don't treat between sessions.

Load More Replies...
tahadata avatar
Lara Verne
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my god, what happened? It doesn't even look like hair anymore.

klynch4 avatar
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She over-processed her hair with bleach and did not do a patch test. Sadly, there is no saving that so she is going to really have to rock a pixie cut or faux hawk.

Load More Replies...
gretchenesquilin avatar
Gretchen Esquilin
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another chemical haircut...I can just feel the hair coming off in clumps! Poor thing!

krisadhd_carrierdudoich avatar
Kris “ADHD_Carrier” Dudoich
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This actually makes me sad! I don't think you can fix this. All you can do is cut it all off and start over

edurnity22 avatar
Edurne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the worst part is, it doesn't look like she's at home.. if an actual hairdresser let this happen, I hope she sued.

cmuraspunk avatar
Alphabet Soupy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh there’s no saving that. Not even a gallon of conditioner and the most gentle wide tooth comb/detangling brush/soft kitten paws can prevent the breakage that’s about to happen. It’ll probably be pixie length at best.

karmablack avatar
Karma Black
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That really just needs to be removed. It's not even structurally sound anymore. It's just mush.

saywyn avatar
klynch4 avatar
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is hair that has been so over processed with bleach. Her hair is completely destroyed. It looks like it might have been a bad at home dye job and she has gone to a hair salon to try to save it. Unfortunately, she will likely have to get all her hair cut off.

Load More Replies...
julieoceans avatar
Julie Harden
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That hair is going to fall right out as soon as a comb or brush is run through it.

klynch4 avatar
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please, please, please, do not bleach your own hair if you have never worked with bleach before and know nothing about hair chemistry or you will end up with Ramen noodle hair.

fallfun12 avatar
Fall F.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Holly shiiiiiiiit! Bald,, the only solution to get bald, would look better, than this.

nbfu777 avatar
DonnerDinnerParty
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Poor thing. That hair would be stretching and snapping like a bad elastic hair tie

leesa_deandrea avatar
Leesa DeAndrea
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shave it all off & start over. But stop bleaching your poor hair to death.

pixiecharles avatar
PixieCharles
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So that's what happened to my angel hair pasta! I wondered where it disappeared to.

campasheck avatar
SkekVi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yikes yikes yikes. At that point you gotta cut it off and rock a wig.

ashleyparker_1 avatar
Ash
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And this was clearly done at a salon 🤦🏻‍♀️

mygroupsacct2012 avatar
OGA
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This looks like a skein of yarn after a litter of kittens have played with it for days.

vtackett340 avatar
MygrandsonscallmeNia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Severely damaged.... Unfortunately, she needs to shave it all off, and start over. This is what happens when you over process the hair! I dye mine, Every 4-6 months, my natural color. Dark brown. I have this wide gray streak in the front, and I just put a few dark strips in it. Everyone, thinks it's a gray dye, and I put it in the brown. Twistedsista hair products will heal your hair!!! The 3 minute hair mask, It has: coconut oil, olive oil, and almond oil. I use it, and I straightened it almost daily. My hair, is super soft!

keisha_washington avatar
Keisha Washington
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm impressed at the chain link towards the middle of her hair at the bottom.

mlgeiger avatar
AK to LV
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First I winced. Then I wondered how much was still on her head when she woke up the next morning and how much was decorating her pillow.

cj_kelly_miramar avatar
CJ Kelly
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Geez. Was this a full day letting the bleach set? 😳 She's about to be completely bald

creaturecargeaux avatar
Creature Cargeaux
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dear got. That's at a salon too?!?! Please tell me she came in like that?

lisahewes avatar
Lisa H
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You all know what happened the second a brush touched that.

nicolenormand avatar
NicNor5560
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For Pete's sake, how do you get your hair looking like spaghetti?

missannthrope_1 avatar
klynch4 avatar
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a feeling that this was a very poorly done at home bleach job. It’s very easy to destroy your hair with bleach if you don’t know what your doing.

Load More Replies...
rchargel avatar
RafCo (he/him)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So i want you to make my hair look like angel hair pasta with too much starch, got dumped on my head

patrick_oharris avatar
Patrick O'Harris
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is there anything you can do to save the hair at this state? or just snip snip?

klynch4 avatar
Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadly there is no return from a bad bleach job like this. It’s sadly snip, snip, snip

Load More Replies...
View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#39

Haircut-Fails-Isthisyourclient

isthisyourclient Report

Add photo comments
POST
hugegoth avatar
Huge goth
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ahhhhh I saw someone with one of these hairstyles the other day

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#42

Haircut-Fails-Isthisyourclient

isthisyourclient Report

Add photo comments
POST
meghang220 avatar
Slytherin_4_LYF
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They both aren't even Britney... well they could very well be but they are not wearing the same shirt so obvi it's not taken at the same time so I'm going to go with they are 2 different people

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#44

Haircut-Fails-Isthisyourclient

isthisyourclient Report

Add photo comments
POST
deedee_4 avatar
dee dee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh my, no. Oh no. Such beautiful hair, ruined. This is just rude.

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

Haircut-Fails-Isthisyourclient

isthisyourclient Report

Add photo comments
POST
camilorena1981 avatar
Camilore
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This hair is so healthy! A bad haircut is just a bad haircut, it’s temporary

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#50

Haircut-Fails-Isthisyourclient

isthisyourclient Report

Note: this post originally had 131 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.