Have you looked at that bottle of shampoo recently and wondered, "How long have I even had this?" It's not uncommon for us to collect many hair and beauty products and lose track of when we bought them.
Like cosmetics, shampoo and hair products tend to have a long shelf life and expiry dates.
Those half-empty shampoo bottles and conditioners hanging out in your bathroom might be well past their expiration date, and using them may compromise the cleanliness and ultimate health of your hair.
Does shampoo expire? Let's delve a bit deeper to explore how long shampoo lasts, how to tell if yours has gone bad, and 5 expert tips for keeping your shampoo fresh for as long as possible.
Does Shampoo Expire?
Shampoo is not eternal. If you're wondering what the shelf life of your favorite shampoo is, the answer varies based on its formula. Always check the manufacturer's recommendation if you're unsure.
How Long Does Shampoo Last?
Does shampoo expire? You bet, but the good news is reputable hair care brands are transparent about their formulas and their manufacturing process. They are active in the entire lifecycle of their products, meaning they go the extra mile to inform customers how long they can expect their purchase to last.
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require hair products and cosmetics brands to provide expiration dates, many do anyway.
Check the back of your shampoo bottle, and look for a symbol of an open container. This represents the "period after opening" date, which is how long it's safe to use a product after it has been opened.
For most shampoos, you will see "12 M," "18 M," or "24 M" printed on the container. This stands for 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months respectively. Dry shampoo, however, can last substantially longer, depending on the formula.
Can't find the symbol? All hope isn't lost if your shampoo doesn't contain this symbol or indicate how long it's good for. There are some warning signs that shampoo is going bad that signal it's time to replace your product.
How to Check Shampoo Expiry Date
As with beauty products, you can generally tell when shampoo is reaching its expiry date if you notice changes in its consistency or performance. Here are a few ways to tell your shampoo has expired:
- Check the bottle. Most shampoos have a printed expiration date or a "best before" date on the bottom or back of the bottle.
- Some shampoos use batch codes instead of direct expiry dates. You can look up the code on specialized websites or apps (e.g., CheckFresh or Cosmetic Calculator) to find the manufacturing and expiration dates.
- Pop open the lid and sniff the inside of the bottle. Does the shampoo smell strange or have an unpleasant odor? Or maybe you find that it lacks any scent, meaning the added fragrance has worn off.
- Check inside the bottle to take a closer look at the product. If it appears clumpy, is too runny, or has changed color, these are all telltale signs that it's no longer good to use.
- Keep an eye on the packaging. Deterioration of the bottle or cap could mean it’s been stored too long or in unfavorable conditions.
- Beyond these visible symptoms, you can also gauge a shampoo's shelf life by its efficacy. If it doesn't produce a decent lather, it may no longer be working the way it intended.
- Additionally, pay attention to how your hair looks and your scalp after a shower. Does your hair feel extra dry or perhaps too oily? Does it feel like you didn't really wash it at all despite making sure you massaged it well into your scalp? If your scalp is irritated, itchy, or flaking, your shampoo may be too old and affect the skin.
Does Conditioner Expire?
Yes, like shampoo, conditioner does expire, and it's essential to recognize the signs to maintain (the look and feel) healthy hair and scalp. While many hair products have a shelf life that can range from a year to a few years, their longevity depends on factors such as the formulation, storage conditions, and how frequently they're exposed to air and moisture.
When conditioner starts to break down, it may lose its creamy consistency, separate, or develop a strange scent. Using an expired conditioner can leave hair feeling less nourished, more prone to tangles, or even cause buildup that makes the hair look dull. Additionally, expired products might harbor bacteria or fungi, potentially leading to scalp irritation or discomfort. It’s always best to inspect your hair products periodically and trust your senses — if something looks or smells off, or if your hair feels different after use, it’s a good time to replace it!
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Tips for Preserving Shampoo and Conditioner
While every product eventually needs to be replaced, you can preserve your hair products for longer by following some of these professional tips.
- Store all of your hair products in a dark space, like under your bathroom counter.
- Keep products at room temperature and avoid direct sunlight or excessive heat.
- Always close your shampoo and conditioner when you're done using it.
- Do not mix products in the same bottle.
- Avoid getting water into the bottles to prevent it from affecting the formula.
It's also a good idea to choose sulfate free products with a stylist's approval. For example, we love Biotera shampoos and conditioners and styling products. When you go for a brand that has been backed by professionals, you can expect a better shelf life and more outstanding results across the board. This means deeper cleaning, less dryness, and more volume and shine.
Choosing the right shampoo also plays a significant role in its efficacy. It can also impact how long your hair dye lasts. Make sure that you use products designed to support your 'do, whether that's a curl-nourishing formula, strengthening shampoo, or color-protecting blend.
Can You Use Expired Shampoo?
Using shampoo after it expires is generally not recommended. While expired shampoo isn’t usually dangerous, it can become less effective, and its ingredients may degrade, leading to changes in texture, smell, or color. Expired shampoo might not clean as well and could potentially irritate your scalp or skin. If the shampoo looks, smells, or feels off, it’s best to discard it and use a fresh product.
Get Matched With the Right Hair Products for You
Connect with one of our stylists right now through our hotline or LiveChat to get custom-matched with your dream hair products. We can help you find the most nourishing, effective formulas for your hair type and style, from the right shampoo and conditioner to styling products.
