Are your hair products doing more harm than good? Today you’ll learn what can happen when using expired hair products, and simple tips to find out if your products are safe to use.
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Do hair products expire? They definitely do, and you might be surprised to learn that you can’t hold on to your favorite shampoos and styling products forever.
We all have them. Old hairsprays, leave-in conditioners, gels, you name it.
They’re sitting in the depths of your bathroom cabinets, and they’ve been there for months, or even years. But, you’ll get around to using them…right?
Well, that ship has sailed.
Expired, old hair products can lose their effectiveness over time, which can lead to damaging your hair and scalp.
Unsure if you can still use your old products? In this post, we’ll get into the dangers of using expired products and signs to look out for.
You’ll also get tips on how to extend the life of your hair care faves.
Whether you’ve got a stock of products you haven’t used in a while, or just want to be prepared for the future, here’s all you need to know about expired hair stuff!
Why do hair products expire?
Hair products, just like any other consumer product (like food, medicine or cosmetics), have an expiration date. This is because the ingredients in hair products break down and lose their potency over time.
Whether it’s the ingredients that give you the desired results or the preservatives that keep bacteria at bay, they degrade and become less effective over time.
Aside from the time it’s been opened, the packaging and storage of hair products can also impact their shelf life.
Exposure to air, sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures can speed up the process of products breaking down.
What happens if you use expired hair products?
The effectiveness of the product goes down:
Using an expired product may not deliver the desired results, and can leave your hair looking lackluster and dull.
The active ingredients degrade and when they lose strength, you can end up with:
- Shampoo that doesn’t cleanse properly
- Buildup and residue on your hair and scalp
- Dull hair that lacks shine
- Hair that feels weighed down, looks flat, and feels stringy
- Heat damage (from hot tools and the sun) from ineffective heat protectants
- Lack of protection from environmental damage, leading to hair breakage
- Hair that feels dry and rough
Damage to your hair and scalp:
But it’s not just about missing out on the results of your products. Expired hair products can also pose risks to your hair, scalp, skin and eyes!
Over time, the chemistry of a hair product can change. Preservatives lose their effectiveness, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria or fungi.
These contaminants can cause:
- Scalp irritation and inflammation
- Itchy scalp and flakes
- Scalp and skin infections
- Allergic reactions and rashes
- Worsening of dandruff or other scalp conditions
- Clogged hair follicles and scalp acne
- Eye irritation, if products like shampoo or hairspray get in eyes
Products are more at risk for growth of bacteria if they are stored in the wrong conditions.
This can create an environment where harmful bacteria or fungi thrive, putting your hair and scalp at risk of infection.
How do you know if a hair product has gone bad?
1. Changes in texture: One of the first signs that a hair product may have expired is a noticeable change in its texture.
For example, a shampoo or conditioner that has become thicker, clumpy, or separated could mean that the ingredients have started to break down.
Similarly, if a styling product has become watery or has lost its original consistency, it’s a clear sign that it’s past its prime.
2. Bad smell: Another tell-tale sign of an expired hair product is a strange or unpleasant odor.
When ingredients begin to deteriorate, they end up smelling very differently from their original scent.
If you notice a weird or rancid smell coming from your hair products, it’s time to throw them out!
3. Changes in color: Pay attention to any changes in the color of your hair products. Expired products may start to change from their original color.
Discoloration can be a sign that the product’s ingredients have become compromised and may not be safe to use.
4. Product doesn’t work well: Another obvious sign that a hair product is expired is that it no longer works like it used to.
If you find that a product you have been using no longer gives you the results it once did, it could have passed its expiration date.
This could be a shampoo that doesn’t cleanse well, or a styling product that no longer holds your hairstyle.
When should you throw out hair products?
- If you notice changes in the texture, odor, effectiveness and color of your products
- When there are negative reactions on your hair and skin after using the product
- If several months since the expiration date listed on the product has passed, it’s time for it to go!
How to Make Hair Products Last Longer
1. Store your hair products properly:
Exposure to heat, sunlight, and humidity can accelerate the breakdown of ingredients.
Avoid leaving them near windows, radiators or other places where products may be exposed to heat.
Always store your hair products in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
2. Keep your products clean:
Make sure to wipe the lids and openings of your products often. This helps to prevents the introduction of bacteria or contaminants that could spoil your products.
Be mindful of the way you handle your hair products. Using clean hands or tools when scooping out your products can prevent bacteria growth in the containers.
Avoid dipping wet or dirty hands directly into the containers, as this can introduce moisture and lead to mold growth.
Always make sure to tightly close the containers after each use to prevent unnecessary exposure to air and moisture.
How long do hair products last once opened?
Check the packaging for an expiration date or a “best by” date.
Many products will have a small symbol printed on the container indicating the number of months the product will remain effective after opening or manufacturing.
It may appear as a jar with an open lid and a number, such as “12M” for 12 months.
Generally, hair products have a lifespan of around one to two years once they have been opened. However, this can vary depending on the specific product and its ingredients.
Some products may have shorter or longer expiration periods, so it’s always a good idea to check the packaging.
Can expired hair products cause hair loss?
While it may seem harmless to use a hair product past its expiration date, it can cause issues with hair loss.
Using old products can cause scalp problems, and having a healthy scalp is the KEY to hair growth!
As mentioned earlier in this post, some of the negative things you can experience include scalp inflammation and irritation, infections and clogged hair follicles.
These conditions can stop healthy hair growth and lead to hair loss if they go untreated.
If you notice unwanted changes in your scalp after using an old product, stop using the product immediately and throw it away.
Follow a scalp health routine and if your condition doesn’t improve after a few days or you’re really concerned about it, seek advice from a dermatologist.
Do unopened hair products expire?
While it may seem odd that a product sitting untouched can go bad, the reality is that unopened hair products do have a shelf life.
Even if you don’t open them they can degrade over time, losing their potency and potentially becoming less safe to use.
Some products have a longer shelf life than others, so the expiration date will vary.
Each product is unique, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, though products can last up to two to three years unopened.
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FAQ’s
Hairspray typically has a longer shelf life compared to other products such as shampoos or conditioners. This is because hairspray contains alcohol, which acts as a natural preservative and helps extend its life.
The expiration date of hairspray can vary depending on the brand and specific formulation. Some hairsprays may last up to two to three years from the date of manufacture, while others may have a shorter shelf life of around one year.
It’s always a good idea to check the product label or packaging for any specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
And just like with other hair products, it’s important to store hairspray properly to maintain its quality and effectiveness.
Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, because those conditions can lead to the breakdown of its ingredients.
Now that you know hair products do go bad, it’s time to declutter your beauty products. Your hair will thank you!
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