Do Hair Products Expire? (And Should I Care?)

Because that half-used curl cream from 2021 might be lying to you.

We know the scenario: You’re deep in your bathroom cabinet, rediscovering a once-loved curl cream, tucked behind a graveyard of trial-sized serums and heat protectants you swore you'd use more.

You crack it open, give it a sniff, and think: "mm… still smells okay?"

But here’s the real talk: hair products do expire—and yes, you should care.

What Actually Happens When Hair Products Expire?

When a product goes past its prime, a few things can go wrong:

Texture changes – That silky, creamy vibe might turn into a goopy, separated mess.
Scent shifts – That fresh floral fragrance? Now it smells like old crayons or vinegar.
Ingredient breakdown – Active ingredients (like proteins, humectants or botanical extracts) lose their oomph, so the product just doesn’t work the way it used to.
Bacterial growth – Yikes. Especially in tubs or products you’ve touched with wet hands.

In short? Even if it looks okay, an expired product might be doing a whole lot of nothing—or worse, irritating your scalp or messing with your curl game.

What’s the shelf life of Hair Products?

Most hair products have a shelf life of around 12 to 24 months after opening, but it depends on the formula. Here's where the PAO symbol comes in handy.

Look for this icon:

➝ A little jar with a number inside it—like 6M, 12M or 24M.
That stands for Period After Opening, so “12M” = best used within 12 months of cracking it open.

No symbol? That’s a red flag. But if the product is unopened and stored well (cool, dry place, away from sunlight), it might last a little longer—just don’t push it.

What About Natural or 'Clean' Beauty Products?

The more natural the formula, the shorter the shelf life. Products with fewer preservatives (or none at all) tend to go off quicker—especially if they contain botanical ingredients, oils, or water-based elements.

This includes many curly hair products, since we love our plant-based goodies - and once air, fingers, or moisture get into the jar? The countdown’s on.

Signs It’s Time to Toss It

Not sure if your product has officially passed its used-by moment? Here's your checklist:

• The texture has changed—it's watery, clumpy, or separated
  
  

• It smells funky (rancid, sour, plasticky)
  
  

•  It’s lost its punch—no hold, no hydration, no curl definition
  
  

•  It irritates your scalp or leaves your curls looking worse, not better
  
  

• You literally can’t remember the last time you opened it
  
  

If it ticks two or more of those? Trust us—it's time to say goodbye.

Can I Still Use Old Products If They Look Fine?

Technically? You can. But should you? …proceed with caution.

Using expired products won’t always cause a problem, but they might just be wasting your time and effort. Your curls deserve better than half-working stylers and ineffective leave-ins. If your hair isn’t responding the way it used to, your go-to product might be the culprit.

How Do I Keep My Products Fresh?

Label It: Use a permanent marker to write the open date on the bottle.
Scoop Smart: Avoid dipping wet or dirty fingers into jars—use a spatula or scoop.
Store Cool: Keep products out of direct sunlight and away from steamy showers.
Wipe Those Lids: Gunky lids = faster bacteria growth. Give them a regular clean.

Bonus? Fresh products = better performance = happier curls. It’s a win-win!!

What about LOHY. Products?

At LOHY., we create formulas designed to stay stable and effective—but we still recommend keeping a close eye on your curl stash. Products like Hush Nourishing Oil and Rain Check Texturising Dry Shampoo love a cool, dry spot, and Hold-It Hairspray is happiest when shaken well and used regularly (not six months after it first debuted at a Christmas party prep session in 2021 ).

Here's a breakdown of the general shelf life and PAO (Period After Opening) for each LOHY. product, based on standard cosmetic formulation guidelines and LOHY.'s ingredients.

**Since LOHY. doesn't currently list expiry dates on all products, the PAO symbol (the little open jar icon) is your go-to for guidance once opened.

Quick refresher:

• Shelf life (unopened): Most LOHY. products are stable for 24–36 months if stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
  
  

• PAO 🫙 (after opening): Typically 12 months, unless otherwise noted.
  

Cleansers & Conditioners

Shelf life (unopened): ~36 months
PAO: 12 months

• Nourish & Flourish Shampoo
  

• Nourish & Flourish Hydrating Conditioner
  

• Drench & Quench Deep Conditioning Hair Mask
  
  

These are water-based and pH-balanced, with safe preservatives to keep them fresh. They’ll be most effective and safe within a year of opening.

Styling Products

Shelf life (unopened): ~30–36 months
PAO: 12 months

• Chutzpah Volumising Foam
  

• Hold It Hairspray
  

• Rain Check Texturising Dry Shampoo
  
  

These formulas have lower water content or quick-dry alcohols, so they tend to last well — but if the nozzle clogs or the formula smells “off,” it’s time to toss.

Oils

Shelf life (unopened): ~24–30 months
PAO: 12 months

• Hush Nourishing Oil
  

• Mini Hush Oil (same formula, smaller size)
  
  

Since this is a plant oil blend, it can oxidise faster over time (especially with heat and light exposure). Always screw the cap on tightly, and store away from direct sunlight.

Gels: Oomph Hydrating Gel & Pow Strong Hold Gel

• Shelf Life (Unopened): Up to 24 months
  

• PAO (Period After Opening): 12 months
  
  

If you’re finding your gel isn’t holding as well or feels weirdly sticky, it might be time to check that PAO symbol (that little open jar on the back of the bottle) and toss it if it’s past its best-before.

Accessories

While they don't necessarily expire, some tools can show wear over time.

• Flexi Detangler Brush – Rinse after use to keep it clean and extend its life.
  

• Curl Hydration Glove – Machine washable. Replace when it loses absorbency.
  

• Volume+ Root Lift Combs – Long-lasting, just clean regularly.
  
  

Yes, your hair products expire. And yes, you should care.

Because using a product past its prime might not just be a waste—it could be holding your curls back. If you’re unsure whether that crusty old curl cream is still your ride-or-die? 

Head to the LOHY. Curl Friends Facebook Group and ask us.
We’ll tell it to you straight—and maybe help you discover a new fave while you’re at it.

Love & Hydration xx