Hair oils are used for their ability to soften and nourish the hair, but many wonder, “Does hair oil expire?” The answer is yes, and it can go bad due to several reasons.
If you’re not following the manufacturer’s instructions, such as storing the oil correctly, it may be exposed to light, heat, water, or even cold, all of which can shorten its shelf life.
The American College of Healthcare Sciences Aromatherapy Science emphasizes that delicate essential and base oils commonly found in hair oils have a limited shelf life.
One of the main reasons why hair oils go bad is oxygen. When a base oil is exposed to air, oxygen molecules attach to the double-bonded carbons in the oil, resulting in a carbon-oxygen bond.
This process degrades the oil over time, making it less effective at softening and nourishing your hair. Hair oils are not just emollients; to use them effectively, you need to check the ingredients, storage instructions, and shelf life. The oil’s shelf life largely depends on its exposure to heat, water, air, and the manufacturing date.
Do hair oils expire?
Yes, hair oils can expire, and their shelf life depends on various factors like the ingredients used, the method of extraction, and the presence of preservatives. Once hair oil is expired, it may lose its effectiveness and could potentially cause adverse effects on the hair and scalp. It’s important to check these factors to ensure you’re getting the best out of your hair oils before they lose their benefits.
How long does hair oil last?
The shelf life of hair oil typically depends on several factors, including its ingredients, packaging, and storage conditions. Most oils last around 2 years from the date of manufacture, but this varies depending on the specific type of oil.
If the oil contains natural or essential oils, it may have a shorter life compared to synthetic ones with more preservatives. Natural oils have fewer preservatives and are more prone to oxidation, especially with exposure to air, light, or heat, which can accelerate degradation.
For proper storage, it’s crucial to store your oil in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and other sources of heat. Keeping the bottle tightly sealed when not in use can help prolong its shelf life. Additionally, if you’re wondering, “why does my scalp pain,” expired oil or improper use of hair oil could be a contributing factor, as it may cause irritation or sensitivity.
For How Long Does an Unopened Hair Oil Stay Good?
Hair oils have a shelf life, and if the bottle doesn’t have an expiration date, you should discard any unopened hair product after 36 months. If you follow the instructions for storing hair oil properly, you can undoubtedly increase the shelf life of an unopened bottle of hair oil. Improper storage or expired oil may also lead you to wonder, “why does my hair tangle so easily,” as expired oil loses its effectiveness in keeping hair smooth and manageable.
Types of Oil and Their Shelf Lives
There are different essential and carrier oils, each with a unique life span and specific storage requirements. Proper care ensures that your oils last longer and remain effective.
- Argan oil
Argan oil is a popular hair choice because of the goodness it provides to the body. It comes in two forms: cosmetic and food. The difference is that edible argan oil undergoes kernel roasting, giving it a longer shelf life. Its lower moisture and phospholipid content help create active antioxidant compounds. A study found that edible oil, made by cold-press extraction, lasts 2 years at 25°C, while cosmetic oil lasts only 1 year. If you’re asking, “why is my hair so greasy after one day,” improper oil use might be the cause.
- Coconut oil
According to research, coconut oil is a useful hair emollient that can penetrate the hair shaft more than any other oil. To keep it fresh, store the oil away from direct sunlight in the pantry, fridge, or at room temperature. Its melting point is around 75°F (24°C), so it may liquefy in warmer rooms and turn into a jelly consistency in colder temperatures. In the fridge, it becomes a solid mass, as hard as a rock. Additionally, using oils can help restore your hair, especially if you dye your hair too much, which can lead to damage and dryness.
- Castor oil
Castor oil has a higher shelf life in comparison to other oils. Refined castor oil can be kept for around 12 months. It should not be subjected to high temperatures to avoid becoming rancid, ensuring that the oil remains effective for longer periods.
- Olive oil
Olive oil has a shelf life of 12–18 months. If the manufacturer’s instructions for storage are appropriately followed and it is kept away from direct sunlight, heat, and water, its shelf life can extend to 2 years without its sensorial properties being altered.
- Sesame oil
Sesame oil is a highly stable oil, but it turns rancid when exposed to high temperatures. It contains antioxidants like sesamin, sesamol, sesaminol glucosides, and tocopherol, which help make the oil stable and give it a long shelf life.
- Essential oils
Essential oils have antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties that help increase their carrier oil’s shelf life. Their antioxidant effect comes from their ability to delay or stop the oxidation of organic matter.
The shelf life of essential oils generally varies from 1–2 years, and even more if they are stored properly in dark bottles in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
A study on coriander oil showed changes in its composition due to sunlight exposure. The shelf life also depends on the carrier oil, like almond oil, olive oil, or coconut oil.
How to tell if your hair oil has gone bad
Now you might be wondering how to tell if your hair oil has gone bad. Some products have a date on the bottle, but if it’s faded or you’re not sure, you can check with the manufacturer. The most obvious sign is a change in color, texture, or scent. If it’s developed a rancid odor, become discolored, or is thicker or thinner than usual, it’s time to toss it out.
Can you use expired hair oil?
As a general rule, using expired hair oil isn’t ideal. While it may not be necessarily harmful, expired oil can lose its effectiveness over time. The ingredients degrade, making the product unable to deliver the desired results. There’s also a chance of bacterial growth in expired products, which can potentially cause scalp irritation or other issues.
Is It Safe to Use Expired Hair Oil?
No, using hair oil that has become rancid or spoiled can harm your hair and health. A study published in the Journal of Oleo Science showed that rancid oil exposed to sunlight, heat, and water undergoes changes in its chemical composition and can become toxic after prolonged use.
The best way to store hair oils
Don’t fret if you’ve found an old bottle of hair oil buried in the depths of your bathroom cabinet. There are several things you can do to extend the shelf life of your oil. Refrigeration can slow oxidation and preserve the oil. If there’s no room in your refrigerator, you can store hair oils in a cool, dark place. Keeping them away from direct sunlight, heat, and steam will prevent them from losing their efficacy due to consistent exposure to heat and light.
Refrigeration:
Try refrigerating the oil to slow oxidation and prolong its shelf life.
Cool, dark place:
If the fridge is full, keep your oils in a cool, dark cabinet away from humid environments like bathrooms.
Vitamin E:
Adding drops of vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, can help preserve the oil and prevent rancidity.
Dark glass bottles:
Dark or cobalt blue glass bottles can protect oils from light exposure, which can degrade their quality.
Airtight seal:
Make sure the lids are screwed on tightly to prevent air from entering and causing oxidation.
Use a dropper or pump:
Using a dropper or pump dispenser helps control the amount of oil and reduces contamination from hands.
Conclusion
Expired hair oil can harm both your hair and scalp over time. It may lose effectiveness and even cause irritation or other issues like dandruff or hair loss. Proper storage and regular checks on expiration dates ensure the oil remains safe and effective. Discard expired oils immediately to avoid potential damage.
FAQ’s
What happens if you use expired hair oil?
Over time, expired products can damage your hair, leaving it dry, dull, and brittle. They may also disrupt the natural balance of your scalp, potentially leading to issues like dandruff or even hair loss.
Is it OK to use expired hair products?
As hair products age, they become less effective and less safe. Chemicals break down and can become unstable, allowing bacteria to grow. Nobody wants gross, funky hair products on their head, so do yourself a favor and always check expiration dates.
Can oil be used after expiry date?
While cooking oil that is past its expiration date may not always be unsafe to consume, it’s important to be aware of the potential health effects. Over time, the oil degrades and can develop harmful compounds that are detrimental to health if consumed in excessive amounts.
Can I use expired coconut oil on my hair?
Coconut oil has a long shelf life, but it is perishable and can go bad. To prolong its shelf life, ensure you’re storing it properly in an airtight container in a cool place. Only use coconut oil if you’re sure it hasn’t become rancid. Discard expired coconut oil immediately.
