REAL Exclusive Magazine

Use It or Lose It!

Be Careful with Expired Hair Products

By Sheila Venancia

Do hair products such as gels, creams, mousse expire? If so, how do you know when they are no longer any good?

In general, unopened hair care products have a shelf life of three years. However, in the case of non-aerosol and non-spray products this drops to 18 months once the product has been opened. This is because the usual gels, creams, pomades and such that are applied to the hair come in contact with the skin and therefore become contaminated by bacteria and moisture which speeds in their breakdown.

Of course, some products are more resilient than others. Anything that comes in an aerosol can, particularly if it contains alcohol (think hair spray, dry shampoo, mousse) has a pretty serious shelf life because of its limited exposure to air.

The area where you keep your products also plays a key role in their longevity. Hair care products should be stored in a cool, dry place. If you live in a house without central heat and air, you may find that your hair products will deteriorate in the summer months. Also, avoid storing products near heating sources like radiators, or near dryer vents and water heaters.

Changes in smell, texture or color are all signs that a product is breaking down due to age or contamination. Fragrances in products can become tainted and smell “off”. Cream products may curdle and separate. Gels and waxes may get dark or turn yellow, or become crusty around the edges of the container. Any of these signs means that you should replace the product with something fresher.

TAKE EXPIRATION DATES SERIOUSLY!

Unlike food, the FDA doesn’t require expiration dates on makeup, skin, or hair products. Many skin-care and makeup brands voluntarily include a Period After Opening (PAO) mark on their packaging to indicate how long the product will remain fresh after the first use, and lots of hair care brands have followed suit. To find the PAO mark, look on your product’s label for a small drawing of a container marked with a number and the letter M, typically on the back in the lower right-hand corner. The number is an estimate of how many months the product will maintain its quality after it’s been opened for the first time.

Meanwhile products that regularly see the light of day (or the bacteria carrying touch of human fingers), anything in a jar, like pomades, gels, and styling creams are going to spoil more quickly. Ingredients and texture also make a
difference. Oils will naturally go rancid within two to three years, and products with a high water content are good breeding grounds for rash and irritation causing mold and fungus.

In summary, it is important to be mindful of your hair product expiration dates….especially if you’re using products with natural or non-chemical preservatives. The expired shelf life can affect the performance of the product as well as the level of bacterial or microbial growth in the product. Just because you don’t see or smell anything funny does not mean it’s not there. If it is just a couple of weeks after the expiration date, try to use it up ASAP! If more than a month or two past its expiration don’t take a chance with your health …… toss out the expired stuff. As a hair care professional, I recommend discarding any unused products six months after opening.

“REMEMBER ……. IT’S USE IT or LOSE IT”

Sheila Venancia has over a decade of distinguished international experience. Originally from Brazil, she trained with leading international hair professionals in London, Spain, Brazil and the USA. In Brazil, Sheila rose among the top-ranking hair and makeup artists, catapulting her into the celebrity arena. Sheila’s work has been featured on Brazilian television shows, newspapers and magazines. Her specialties are non-toxic Japanese hair straightening, laser hair extensions, and high-end modern styling. Sheila may be reached at (941) 822.2152 or sheilasvs@hotmail.com.

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