You’ve found that perfect box of hair color tucked away in the back of your bathroom cabinet, but the date on the box has you wondering. Can hair color actually expire? It’s a common question, and the simple answer is yes, it absolutely can. Just like many products in your beauty routine, hair dye has a shelf life, and using it past its prime can lead to less-than-ideal results.
What Happens When Hair Color Gets Old?
Hair color is a chemical mixture, and over time, those chemicals break down. The developer, a key component in most kits, loses its potency. This means it won’t be as effective at lifting your natural hair color to let the new shade deposit properly. An expired dye might not take at all, leaving you with patchy, uneven color. In some cases, it can even cause unexpected tones, like brassy orange or greenish hues, which is the last thing anyone wants.
How to Check Your Hair Color’s Expiration Date
Most hair color boxes have a small symbol that looks like an open jar with a number and the letter ‘M’ inside it. This tells you the Period After Opening (PAO)—how many months the product is good for once you’ve opened it. Even unopened boxes have a shelf life. Look for a batch code or a “best before” date printed on the box or tube. If you can’t find a date, a good rule of thumb is that unopened permanent color typically lasts about three years, while semi-permanent dyes last one to two years.
Smart Tips for Storing Your Hair Color
To help your hair color last as long as possible, proper storage is key. Keep your boxes and bottles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing them in humid areas like a bathroom cabinet right next to the shower, as the heat and moisture can speed up the chemical degradation process. Storing them properly won’t make them last forever, but it will help ensure they perform as expected until their expiration date.
Using fresh hair color is the best way to guarantee the vibrant, even, and predictable results you’re hoping for. Checking those dates before you start your coloring session is a small step that can save you from a big hair disappointment.