14 Strange Fads That Were Actually Unsafe
These fads caught everyone’s attention at the time, but looking back, they were surprisingly unsafe.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Some fads are fun, quirky, or even harmless, but every so often, trends take a strange turn into risky territory. Over the years, people tried out crazes that looked exciting on the surface yet came with real dangers. Here are fourteen odd fads that proved to be more hazardous than they first appeared.
1. Lawn Darts That Turned Into Weapons
/dave/null on Wikimedia Commons
Lawn darts were meant to be a backyard game, but the heavy, sharp-tipped darts caused thousands of injuries. They looked like harmless fun until accidents made headlines. The fad was banned after proving just how unsafe it really was.
2. The Cinnamon Challenge Disaster
TheDeliciousLife on Wikimedia Commons
Swallowing a spoonful of cinnamon looked silly online, but it quickly turned dangerous. Many ended up coughing, choking, or even hospitalized due to lung damage. It was one of those viral stunts that showed how far people go for attention.
3. Radium-Infused Beauty Products
Bairavi Arjunan3 on Wikimedia Commons
In the early 1900s, some beauty creams and tonics were made with radium because it was thought to boost health. People rubbed radioactive products directly on their skin without knowing the risks. It became clear later that this fad was dangerously toxic.
4. Feather Hair Extensions That Used Real Bird Feathers
Linda Marie on Wikimedia Commons
This fashion craze made hair look stylish but came at a painful cost for birds. Feathers were plucked or taken from farms, sparking both ethical and safety concerns. The trend faded after criticism about animal harm and unsanitary handling.
5. Planking in Dangerous Places
salzburger.land on Wikimedia Commons
Planking was supposed to be a funny photo trend where people lay flat like a board. Soon, people started doing it on rooftops, ledges, and moving cars. What started as silly fun ended with accidents and injuries.
6. Acid-Wash Jeans Using Harsh Chemicals
Abroe23 on Wikimedia Commons
Acid-wash jeans were iconic in the 80s, but the process of making them was not safe. Factories used toxic chemicals that harmed workers and polluted waterways. The look might have been cool, but the method behind it was dangerous.
7. Candy Cigarettes for Kids
Craig Pennington on Wikimedia Commons
Candy cigarettes made smoking look playful, which was alarming in hindsight. Kids would mimic adults, sometimes even picking up the real habit later. What looked like harmless candy was criticized for glamorizing something deadly.
8. Black Henna Tattoos That Burned Skin
Bonner Springs Library on Wikimedia Commons
Temporary black henna tattoos were popular at fairs and beaches, but many contained unsafe dyes. Instead of fading harmlessly, they sometimes caused burns and allergic reactions. The fun souvenir often left painful scars behind.
9. Tape Worm Diet Pills
JESHOOTS.com on Wikimedia Commons
The tapeworm diet was marketed as a quick weight-loss solution in the early 1900s. People actually swallowed capsules with parasite eggs, risking severe illness. It was one of the most extreme and unsafe beauty fads ever.
10. Moon Shoes That Snapped Ankles
Jordan Geller on Wikimedia Commons
Moon Shoes looked like mini trampolines for your feet and promised fun bouncing. In reality, they were unstable and caused countless sprains and falls. The fad fizzled once parents realized they were an accident waiting to happen.
11. Spray-On Hair in a Can
This fad promised instant coverage for bald spots by spraying paint-like hair color on your scalp. It left a fake, powdery mess that easily rubbed off. The quick fix was more embarrassing than helpful.
12. Jelly Shoes That Caused Blisters
TheOnlyAnla who is taking a break until her math t from The Woodlands, US on Wikimedia Commons
Jelly shoes were colorful and cheap, making them a summer must-have. The problem was that they trapped heat and caused painful blisters. The cute look came at the expense of sore feet.
13. Stomach Vacuums and Corset Training
Khp412 on Wikimedia Commons
Waist-training corsets promised an hourglass figure but squeezed organs unnaturally. Paired with “stomach vacuum” exercises, the fad promoted unhealthy body expectations. The risks of fainting, breathing problems, and long-term damage made it unsafe.
14. Fire Challenge on Social Media
Kevin Carter on Wikimedia Commons
The Fire Challenge dared people to light themselves on fire and film it. Many thought it was just for laughs until serious burns happened. It remains one of the most reckless internet trends ever.