I found a shampoo that had been sitting in my bathroom cabinet for almost two years! The kicker is, the bottle was still full, but had been opened. I had used the shampoo a couple of times and then stopped for what reason I couldn't recall.
Additionally, I had some hair serums and oils that were older than I could remember. Same with a moisturizer and hair grease. Seeing how old these products were I got curious about whether or not I should still be using them on my relaxed hair or if I should toss them.
From my research, I found some surprising things about how long hair care products last and how you can tell when it's time to toss them.
What makes a hair product go bad
- The formula breaks down when it is exposed to the air
- The product is diluted because it's been mixed with water. This can happen on purpose or by accident if the product is used in the shower
- The products have been exposed to bacteria from coming into contact with your skin multiple times
The typical shelf life for hair products
- 24 months - Butters
- 18 months - Non-natural shampoos and conditioner
- 12 months - Natural shampoos and conditioners
- 6 months - Oils
How to know when a hair product has gone bad
- It may smell bad
- The product has hardened
- It's changed color
- The product has separated
- Or by looking at the expiration date on the packaging
Have you ever tried using a hair product that had gone bad?
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