Are Your Hair Products Expired? Here's What Every Curly Needs to Know

If you have curly hair, there's a good chance you’ve got a product graveyard hiding in your bathroom. You know what I’m talking about—that basket or bag filled with barely-used creams, gels, and treatments that once held promise, but now collect dust and take up space.

Most of us have been there: you buy a product because someone on TikTok said it was “life-changing” or because the bottle promised frizz-free curls. You try it once or twice, realize it’s not for you, and into the graveyard it goes. And then… you keep it. Because you spent money on it, and maybe—just maybe—it’ll magically work one day. Spoiler alert: it won’t.

But here’s what we don’t talk about enough: hair products expire, and using them past their shelf life can be ineffective at best and damaging at worst.

How to Tell If Your Hair Products Are Expired

Turn your product around and look for a tiny open jar icon with a number followed by an “M” (like 12M or 24M). This symbol tells you how long the product is good for after being manufactured—not just after opening.

A 12M symbol, for example, means the product should be used within 12 months of manufacturing. If your product’s consistency, smell, or color has changed, that’s a sign it's gone bad—and it's time to toss it.

Why Using Expired Hair Products Is a Bad Idea

• Decreased effectiveness: Ingredients break down over time, meaning your product might not do what it claims.

• Scalp and hair irritation: Old products can harbor bacteria, mold, or other irritants.

• Product buildup: Expired creams and gels can leave heavy residue, throwing your curls out of balance.

How to Avoid the Product Graveyard (and Get Your Money’s Worth)

1. Buy Intentionally Don’t buy a product just because it’s trending or because the influencer had #ad in their caption. Look for products that match your hair type, texture, and specific needs.

2. Skip the Bulk (Unless You’ll Use It) Buying liters of shampoo or conditioner might seem like a good deal—but if you’re the only one using it, it’ll probably expire before you finish. Especially with treatments or deep conditioners, which we use less frequently, buying small sizes is usually more cost-effective.

3. Use It or Lose It If you love a product, use it regularly. Don’t “save it for special occasions” if it’s just sitting there getting old. Get your money’s worth by using it while it’s fresh and effective.

4. Declutter Seasonally Treat your product stash like your wardrobe—do a seasonal cleanout and toss anything expired or collecting dust.

Final Thoughts

Your hair deserves fresh, effective products that work with your texture, not against it. Being mindful about what you buy, how often you use it, and how long you keep it helps you save money and keeps your curls thriving.

So go check that product graveyard. It’s time for a little spring cleaning—your hair (and scalp) will thank you.