Spring Cleaning: The Shelf Lives of Shampoo and Conditioner
Are you using expired hair care products and don’t even know it? Now that the weather is turning warm (finally!) it’s time to start thinking about throwing away some of those out dated beauty products you’ve collected from seasons past. That doesn’t just include papers, dust bunnies and fast food leftovers in the fridge; it also includes things in your bathroom such as old shampoo and conditioner bottles.
Didn’t know these products could expire? You’re not alone, actually. It doesn’t help the FDA doesn’t make manufacturers label their products with expiration dates which means the whole process is voluntary.
Harming Your Hair & Scalp
According to the FDA website, they only look at cosmetics to see if there are color additives and if the product does what the label says. Does the shampoo de-frizz hair? Yes. What if that same product goes bad the day after you buy it? You may be out of luck, that’s under the FDA’s umbrella. It’s entirely up to the manufacturer to include an expiration date.
But is it really that dire? What can bad product actually do to you? At the very least you’re applying product to your hair that does absolute nothing. Over time the actual product becomes less effective and won’t perform as intended. For example, de-frizzing shampoo will do little to nothing for fixing the frizzies if the product is four years old.
A worst case scenario is using the offending product on your hair and scalp and risking possible infection. Product goes bad due to contact with human skin and drops of water. Over time as the product deteriorates harmful bacteria gets into the bottle. To maximize the product’s life keep in mind to keep your fingers out. There’s less risk of bacterial contamination that way.
Do you still have questions about how you might possibly be harming your hair? Are you not sure what the best hair care routine is for you? Come in to our salon for your free consultation! Cal (770) 345-9411 to schedule an appointment.
How to Check
So if there’s no mandatory labeling on bottles, how are you supposed to know if the product is actually bad? Extremely expired bottles of shampoo and conditioner typically smell funny or even acrid and feel funny between your fingers. However, they tend to go bad before strange smells come about.
Always check to see if there is an expiration date on the bottle. The expiration symbol will typically be located near the products UPC and will display the drawing of a little container with a number inside of it, like 6, 8, or 12. That means you have 6, 8, or 12 months of use after you open the bottle, double that if you don’t touch it.
If there’s no label, a good rule is to keep unopened bottles for no more than three years and an opened bottle for at most 18 months. Anything after that you may be pushing your luck! You may find some product doesn’t necessarily follow these rules, so it may be helpful to keep an “expiration journal” for your favorites so you know when they tend to go bad.
Natural Shampoo and Conditioner
Keep in mind this salubrious practice is mostly for your typical shampoo and conditioner products. If you use “natural” versions, the rules are quite different. Regular hair care products include additives and preservatives to help extend their shelf life. Natural products don’t include these same additives and preservatives — which means you will have to keep a sharp eye (and nose) out. Kerastase Aura Botanica Bain Micellaire Gentle Aromatic Shampoo and Aura Botanica Soin Fondamental Conditioner are naturally derived, but have a long 12-month shelf life.
Extending Life
As for extending products’ life, try to buy items that are in spray containers or tubes. The less chance oxygen or water droplets have to get inside to hurt the product the longer your stuff will last. Although you may be tempted to add water or other chemicals to your product, do not do so unless the manufacturer says to. Also, store them in cool, dark places when you’re not using them as constant light might further the deterioration process along.
Hopefully all this doesn’t scare you away from your favorite shampoos and conditioners. It just pays to know a little more about some of your beloved hair care products. Now you can be sure your hair will have the protection it needs all year long!
Are you guilty of storing some old, expired and useless hair care products? Come on into the salon and we’ll get you set up with brand new stuff! To schedule your confidential consultation for your hair care, call Jyl Craven Hair Design today call (770) 345-9411.
What to Expect from the Best Hair Salon in Canton, GA
Did you know that Jyl Craven Hair Salon is the best hair salon for thinning hair solutions? Give us a call to learn more about how to add life to your fine or thinning hair.
At the best hair Salon in Canton, GA you can expect to receive first class service and attention to what you need. When you come in, appointment or not, you’ll be greeted by warm smiling receptionists. If your stylist isn’t already ready to see you, you’ll relax in our waiting area where you can take a peek at our stylists hard at work.Our experts at Jyl Craven Hair design want to make sure you get the experience you deserve wether you’re getting a new haircut, color, or hair treatment.
Our first time guests also get a special offer as a welcome gift. You can consult with a stylist to figure out exactly what you want in your new look. If you are looking for a new hair color, you can review our color books with hair samples that show all the nuances of color shades, the hairdresser will assess details like your hair texture, strand length and density.
If you’re looking to change-up your hair style, our stylists will take the time to understand what you want and make sure your vision becomes a reality. After you’re done with your appointment, we’ll give you further tips on taking care of your fresh new look and anything else you’re curious about. We might even snap your picture to give our other stylists something to aspire to. We’re waiting to welcome you to our salon. We guarantee that we’ll make you feel at home right before we make you feel fabulous. We’re here for you and your hair and we’ll do anything to make both happy! We believe that everyone should feel confident in the way they look and we strive to make you look and feel your best!
What the people of Canton are saying
Hear what some of Jyl Craven salon guests are saying.
“I enjoy coming here to get my hair done, they make you feel very comfortable and they treat you so well every one of them, I have been going here for a while and it’s still feels like the first time I came you are still treated great and everyone is very friendly I give them a five star all day long.” – Debbie
“My stylist is awesome! Such a great atmosphere. Never disappointed! 5 stars. A++++.” – Rebecca
“JYL Craven Hair Design is like a little piece of Buckhead located in Canton. My regular stylist was on vacation and the stylist who did my hair was just as talented and knowledgeable. The customer service is top notch and the facilities are amazing.” – Kevin
Scheduling an appointment at our Canton salon is easy! Call us today at (770) 345-9411 to book an appointment with a stylist. A helpful guest experience coordinator can help you determine which stylist can best serve your unique needs. Or you can book an appointment online at your convenience.
