Spring is the perfect time to refresh not just your hair but also your hair products. Expired products can lose effectiveness, cause buildup, and even irritate your scalp—yikes! It’s time to ditch the old, expired formulas and embrace clean haircare that actually supports your hair’s health. A minimal, non-toxic routine means fewer mystery ingredients, no unnecessary buildup, and products that you truly love to use and do what they promise. Let’s reset your hair for the new season with products that work with your hair, not against it!
Let’s talk about what’s lurking in your bathroom cabinet
Just like your pantry or make up stash, your hair products have a shelf life. If you’re holding onto half-used bottles of products you meant to finish, sprays that haven’t been touched in years, it’s time for a clean-out. Here’s how to spring clean your hair care routine:
The Product Purge
Signs Your Product Has Expired (a.k.a. The Red Flags)
Check Expiration Dates – Other than the open jar symbol on the back, hair products don’t always have a clear expiration date, but a good rule of thumb is:
Shampoos & Conditioners: 12-24 months
Styling Products: 6-18 months
Oils & Serums: 6-12 months (they can go rancid faster!)
Aerosols: Up to 3 years (but do you actually still use that hairspray from 2022?)
Toss Anything That’s Seems Off– If it went from floral to fermented, that’s a no-go! If a product smells rancid, has separated, or has a strange texture, pitch it.
If It Doesn't Work Anymore– If your once-magical serum is now meh, it’s probably expired.
Most unopened hair products have a shelf life of 2-3 years from when they were manufactured. Once opened, the PAO symbol tells you how many months the product stays safe and effective. If a product lacks this symbol, it may have a firm expiration date or special packaging that minimizes contamination.
Natural products often have a shorter lifespan because they contain fewer (or no) synthetic preservatives, making them more prone to spoilage. They can separate, change in scent, or grow bacteria faster, especially if exposed to heat and moisture. Over time, even unopened products can lose effectiveness, so always check for changes in smell, texture, or colour before use.
When in Doubt, Toss It Out!
Look, we all hate to waste. But using expired products can lead to ineffective results, irritation, or even bacteria buildup (ew). So, if you’re holding onto a bottle from 2018, maybe it’s time to say goodbye. Your hair deserves fresh, happy products—so go ahead, do a little cabinet cleanse.
Pro tip: Write the date you opened your products with a Sharpie on the bottom.
Why Clearing Out Old Products Feels So Good
Beyond just avoiding weird smelling hair, there’s something refreshing about decluttering your cabinet. If you’re not using it, it’s just taking up space! Holding onto a product just because you spent money on it? That’s called hoarding, honey. Let it go! Clearing out old products makes room for things you actually love and use, helps you see what’s working for your hair, and prevents unnecessary waste. Plus, who doesn’t love an organized, minimalist product shelf?
The Sneaky Culprits: Toxic Ingredients to Avoid
Fragrance (or Parfum): That scent in your hair products? It might be triggering your chronic headaches. “Fragrance” is a blanket term that can include hundreds of chemicals, many of which are linked to allergies, migraines, and skin irritation. It’s not just the scent—it’s the chemicals that make up the fragrance cocktail that can wreak havoc on your nervous system and skin.
Sulfates (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate): These harsh cleansers strip away not just dirt and oil, but also the natural oils that protect your scalp and hair. This can lead to dryness, irritation, and an itchy, uncomfortable scalp. Over time, sulfates can also weaken hair, causing breakage and frizz.
Parabens: Used as preservatives, parabens are known to disrupt hormones by mimicking estrogen in the body. While the research is still ongoing, they are suspected of contributing to fertility issues and other health concerns. A paraben-free product is your safest bet for long-term health.
Phthalates: Often hidden under the term "fragrance," phthalates are plasticizers linked to hormone disruption and even developmental problems in children. If you want to protect your body and your family, avoiding phthalates is a smart choice.
Formaldehyde (or Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents): Found in some hair straightening treatments and shampoos, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and irritant. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause a range of issues, from respiratory problems to skin rashes and irritation.
Why Switching Matters: Your Scalp and Health Deserve Better
Using hair care products laced with these harmful ingredients is not just a matter of irritation—it's about protecting your health in the long run. Chronic headaches, an itchy scalp, dry and brittle hair, and even hormone imbalances could all be linked to what’s in your product bottle.
By choosing products free from toxins and chemicals, you’re not only improving the health of your hair but your overall well-being. Your scalp, skin, and body absorb what you put on it, and when you make the switch to clean, non-toxic products, you’re giving your body a much needed break.
Remember, healthy hair starts from within. If any of this has hit home for you, it might be time for a product reset.
The Moral of the Story? I’ve Got You.
I can help you simplify your styling routine with products that actually work for your hair. No more trial-and-error purchases that just end up rotting under the sink—just minimal, effective products that do exactly what you need them to. If you have any questions about your current products or need guidance on how to use them properly, I’m here to help!
Comments