There’s a reason DIY beauty tutorials for haircuts and color, skin treatments, and nails are among the most popular content on social media. Salon- and spa-quality results on the cheap, especially in a tough economy? Sounds too good to be true.
That’s because it usually is.
As any licensed beauty professional knows, advanced services such as chemical peels, hair coloring, or lash lifts require extensive training and a thorough understanding of proper techniques and safety protocols.
Without it, consumers risk misusing products or applying them incorrectly, and consequences run the gamut from unfortunate-looking results to real harm — including chemical burns, hair loss, eye injuries, and allergic reactions.
The consequences of DIY beauty gone wrong are not just felt by consumers, but often by salon and spa owners and service providers. For the licensed professional, correcting an unsuccessful at-home treatment can be a major challenge, especially when they aren’t familiar with the products or techniques the client used.
Performing services on hair or skin damaged by DIY beauty treatments could increase the risk of further injury or an adverse reaction. These complications can blow back on the business in the form of reputational damage, liability issues, or insurance concerns.
Turning DIY Mishaps Into Trust-Building Communication
Salon and spa professionals need to use discretion when agreeing to take on a client wanting them to fix a DIY treatment gone wrong.
If their skin, hair, or nails were damaged or compromised, a follow-up treatment might make it worse. It’s prudent to decline or postpone the service to allow time for recovery.
While turning away a client may feel counterproductive in the short term, protecting their health — and the business’ reputation — pays dividends in the long term.
Salon and spa owners and service providers should view DIY trends as opportunities to demonstrate their expertise and value. Educating clients and others about the risks of at-home treatments positions licensed professionals as trusted experts, promotes the salon and spa experience, and helps build long-term client loyalty.
It’s also a great avenue to showcase professional education and certifications and share information about the facility’s sanitation protocols, insurance coverage, and other assurances that consumers are in good hands.
When clients understand the level of skill, safety standards, and accountability behind professional services compared to at-home treatments, they are more likely to turn to trained experts for safe, reliable, and desired results.
As DIY trends continue to evolve, salons and spas should view them as ongoing opportunities to distinguish themselves from what at-home beauty efforts can't replicate: professional knowledge, personalized care, and commitment to safety and quality.
Kathy Lopez is an account manager at Brownyard Group, which has provided insurance coverage to the beauty industry for nearly a century.