Every year, the world of fashion and beauty evolves rapidly. New trends emerge, pushing boundaries and challenging norms. While these trends may be exciting and glamorous, there is often a dark side that goes unnoticed.

In 2015, we witnessed an influx of dangerous beauty trends that put people’s health and well-being at risk. From harmful skincare routines to extreme body modifications, these trends pushed the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in the pursuit of beauty.

Here, we explore 30 dangerous beauty trends that captured the attention of the fashion industry and the general public in 2015.

1. Waist Training

Waist training, made popular by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, involves wearing a corset-like garment tightly around the waist to achieve an hourglass figure.

While some argue its effectiveness, health experts warn that waist training can lead to organ compression, difficulty breathing, and weakened core muscles.

2. Extreme Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery became more extreme in 2015, with individuals opting for excessive and often unnecessary procedures.

From oversized lips to heavily augmented breasts, the pursuit of an unrealistic ideal drove people to take unnecessary risks with their health.

3. Fish Pedicures

Fish pedicures gained popularity in 2015, with individuals immersing their feet in tanks filled with tiny fish that nibble on dead skin cells.

However, there are serious concerns about the hygiene of these treatments, as the fish can carry bacteria and infections that can be transferred to the person’s feet.

4. Sunburn Tattoos

Sunburn tattoos involve creating temporary designs on the skin by intentionally getting sunburned in specific patterns. This dangerous trend exposes the skin to harmful UV rays, increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

5. Eyebrow Extensions

2015 saw the rise of eyebrow extensions, where individual hairs are glued to the skin to create fuller brows. This trend not only damages the natural eyebrows but also carries the risk of allergic reactions and infections due to the glue used.

6. Thigh Gap Obsession

The obsession with having a thigh gap continued in 2015, with many individuals resorting to extreme dieting and exercise to achieve this unrealistic and often unattainable goal. These practices can lead to eating disorders and mental health issues.

7. Skin Bleaching

Skin bleaching, popular in many parts of the world, involves using chemicals to lighten the skin tone. This trend perpetuates harmful beauty standards and can cause severe skin damage, pigmentation issues, and even organ toxicity.

8. Eyelash Extensions

The demand for long and voluminous lashes led to the popularity of eyelash extensions in 2015.

However, these extensions are often attached using strong adhesives that can cause eye irritation, infection, and even permanent damage to the natural lashes.

9. Extreme Teeth Whitening

Obsession with white teeth reached new heights in 2015, with individuals resorting to extreme teeth whitening techniques. Excessive use of whitening products can lead to enamel erosion, tooth sensitivity, and gum damage.

10. Lip Plumping Devices

In pursuit of fuller lips, many turned to lip plumping devices that use suction to temporarily increase lip size. However, these devices can cause bruising, blistering, and even permanent damage to the lips and surrounding areas.

11. Microblading

Microblading gained popularity as a semi-permanent makeup technique for eyebrows. While it offers convenience, improper sterilization of the tools used can lead to infections and the spread of bloodborne diseases.

12. DIY Chemical Peels

Attempting to achieve professional-grade results at home, many people turned to DIY chemical peels in 2015. However, without proper guidance and knowledge, these peels can cause chemical burns, scarring, and long-lasting skin damage.

13. Tight Hairstyles

2015 saw an increase in the popularity of tightly pulled-back hairstyles, such as braids and buns. However, continually wearing these hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia, a condition characterized by hair loss and scalp damage.

14. Stiletto Nails

Long, sharp, and pointy nails were a trend in 2015. While they may look fashionable, they can cause injury, discomfort, and difficulty performing daily tasks.

15. Extreme Hair Extensions

Many people opted for extreme hair extensions in 2015, using heavy and damaging techniques to achieve long locks. These extensions can cause hair breakage, scalp damage, and even permanent hair loss.

16. Skin Dimpling

Creating artificial skin dimples through invasive procedures gained attention in 2015. These procedures carry significant risks, including infection, scarring, and nerve damage.

17. Glitter Makeup

Glitter makeup gained popularity in 2015, with people adding sparkles to their eyes, lips, and even hair. However, the use of non-cosmetic-grade glitter can cause irritation, scratches, and infections.

18. Over-Tweezed Brows

Excessive tweezing and shaping of eyebrows were prevalent in 2015, resulting in unnatural and sparse brows. Over time, this can lead to the loss of eyebrow hair follicles, making regrowth difficult.

19. Extreme Body Piercings

More extreme forms of body piercings gained attention in 2015, including surface piercings and dermal implants. These procedures carry risks of infection, rejection, and scarring, especially if performed by untrained individuals.

20. Excessive Contouring

Contouring, the technique of using makeup to enhance facial features, reached new levels of intensity in 2015. However, excessive contouring can clog pores, irritate the skin, and exacerbate acne or other skin conditions.

21. UV Nail Lamps

The use of UV nail lamps for gel manicures soared in 2015. However, the exposure to UV radiation during these treatments increases the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

22. Dangerous Diets

2015 witnessed the rise of dangerous and restrictive diets in pursuit of the perfect figure. Crash diets and extreme calorie restriction can lead to nutrient deficiencies, muscle wasting, and metabolic damage.

23. Fake Contact Lenses

Colored and decorative contact lenses gained popularity in 2015, even without a prescription. Using non-prescription contact lenses can lead to eye infections, corneal scratches, and even permanent vision loss.

24. Extreme Tanning

The quest for a darker complexion led many individuals to engage in excessive tanning practices in 2015. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and irreversible skin damage.

25. Heavy Highlighting

Heavy highlighting techniques, such as strobing, became popular in 2015. However, layering excessive amounts of highlighter can accentuate skin texture, clog pores, and create an unnatural appearance.

26. Nail Art Acrylics

Elaborate nail art using acrylic extensions gained attention in 2015. However, incorrect application and removal of acrylics can damage the natural nails, leading to brittleness, breakage, and infections.

27. Extreme Fitness Routines

The pursuit of a fit physique drove many to adopt extreme fitness routines in 2015. Overexercising, improper form, and excessive strain on the body can result in injuries, muscle imbalances, and chronic fatigue.

28. DIY Hair Coloring

With the rise of internet tutorials, many people attempted to color their hair at home in 2015. However, improper application of hair dye can lead to hair breakage, scalp burns, and allergic reactions.

29. Chemical Hair Straightening

Chemical hair straightening treatments gained popularity in 2015, promising sleek and straight hair. However, these treatments often contain harsh chemicals that can cause hair damage, breakage, and scalp irritation.

30. Dangerous DIY Skincare

The DIY skincare trend surged in 2015, with individuals using unconventional ingredients and techniques. However, without proper knowledge and guidance, DIY skincare can lead to allergic reactions, skin irritation, and long-term damage.