6 Beauty Trends We Should Leave Behind in 2022, According to Experts

But seriously, preferences aside, don't do these.

Trends in the beauty world change and shift constantly, which is, overall, a good thing (looking at you, pencil brows). But preferences aside, while this year introduced us to a variety of new hairstyles to try out and treatments to experience, there were also some (ahem) unsafe trends that seem to stick around way too long because of their supposed benefits and easy access.

Since the new year is a fresh start for many of us, it’s also the perfect time to leave behind beauty practices that just simply aren't good for you. And if you’re not going to take it from me, take a cue from the experts. We asked the skin, hair, and makeup pros which trends they wished would stay behind in 2022.

At-home peels

First, a disclaimer: There are plenty of at-home peels using AHAs/BHAs and retinol that are good for your skin and can be done at home. Esthetician Cynthia Sass says that she’s a firm believer in the use of safe, effective, “non-professional strength” peel pads for at-home skin maintenance. “However, the use of professional-strength acids using carbolic acid (phenol) (which has been trending lately) can open up a slew of undesirable and in some cases, unhealthy results for the whole body,” she explains, adding that one may experience cold sores, allergic reactions, and even kidney problems.

A licensed skincare professional is trained in how to deliver safe and effective peels based on multiple factors surrounding the client’s skin and overall health, and have a clear understanding of what ingredients and technique will deliver the best results. “My bottom line? Leave the “professional-grade treatments” to the professionals to ensure the results you’re seeking,” she says.

Forcefully parting your hair in the center

Don’t ask me who started this, but sometime in 2022, TikTok deemed the side part completely out of style, stamping the middle part as the only acceptable one. Dhiran Mistry, hairstylist at The Carriage House, doesn’t agree with this sentiment. “You can’t force a part,” he says. “If your hair doesn't naturally part in the middle, forcing it to do so can actually cause damage to your hair. And who says everyone looks good with a center part? This is one of those things that should be determined based on preference and face shape.”

TL;DR: If you like a middle part, you do you, but don’t force your hair to do things that don't feel natural.

Overly shiny skin

While we all want glowy skin, makeup artist Catie Starr says that all-over shine seen on recent runways should be rethought. “Though I always prefer a dewy, glowy skin finish, having one slick texture on the entire face is a one-way ticket to breakouts,” she says. Applying too much of one product on your skin, on top of other products, can do more harm than good at the end of the day. Clogging your pores by applying so much product can lead to blackheads, acne, and irritated skin. She adds that makeup tends to slip around and migrate to unwanted areas quickly if it’s not locked in using setting powder in naturally high oil areas, so the concept isn’t a very practical one.

At-home microneedling

According to James Wang, M.D., board-certified dermatologist, derma rollers can be harmful because they create micro-injuries in the skin. “Making small holes in the scalp or face can lead to infections, especially since the needles are being reused,” he explains. “Professional microneedling at a doctors office utilizes single-use tips and is much more effective because they are usually on motorized pens.” In other words, leave this one to the pros. The increased density of needles, as well as professional sanitizing equipment and safety standards, will help ensure great results while minimizing potential side effects.

Bleached eyebrows

Celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Bella Hadid, and Julia Fox have all hopped on the bleached brow bandwagon, but be warned: Brows are not to be messed with lightly. According to celebrity esthetician Caela Bulzing, the look requires a depth of mastery by a makeup artist where the eyebrows are glued-down to create the look of no eyebrows. While it can be a fun look for some to try, it can also damage the natural brow or lead to hair loss if it’s left on too long (not to mention the bleach can lead to skin irritation and breakouts). Brow hair loss can be permanent, so proceed with caution and opt for concealer if you want to replicate the look.

Tanning beds

“Tanned skin is damaged skin,” says Paul Rogers, co-owner of Face Place. He warns that exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer, and the use of sunbeds can also lead to a variety of skin issues that are anything but trendy, i.e. wrinkles, loss of firmness, and pigmentation issues. If you want that post-Caribbean hue, best to stick to gradual self-tanners instead.

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