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Does Hair Dye Expire? Find Out the Truth Before You Use It!

Does Hair Dye Expire? Find Out The Truth Before You Use It!
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You might have found an old, dusty dye box and are wondering whether to use it. That’s why you’re here!

Your confusion is understandable, especially since many hair dyes don’t have an expiration date printed on the box or packaging. This leads to a common question. Each year, Google releases its Year In Search report, which highlights the most asked questions from the previous year.

Does hair dye expire? is one of the most searched questions on Google.

According to a Garnier survey, 32% of people prefer to dye their hair. Even clients who come to us for hair coloring services often ask if they can use an old hair dye box they have at home for touch-ups.

This trend began during COVID-19 when salons were closed and people bought dye boxes to do dye their hair now they are wondering whether it’s safe to use the old hair dye or if does box hair color expires.

Unfortunately, we can’t provide a simple answer, as several conditions need to be addressed first. So, let’s explore together the question: Can hair dye expire?

In this blog, we will address all your questions, so read on to learn more!

 

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Does box hair dye expire?

The answer is yes!

Hair dye, like other cosmetic products, will eventually expire. However, unlike many other products, hair dyes do not typically come with an expiration date, which can create confusion about when they were manufactured and their shelf life. The best approach is to follow the rule of thumb!

If the dye is unopened and protected from heat and humidity, you can generally use it for about three years. The average shelf life of hair dye is typically three years if it remains sealed. However, once the seal is broken, the shelf life begins to decrease. Hair dyes contain chemicals designed to mix and produce color pigments. Once air and light enter the container, these chemical compounds can start to evaporate, leading to lighter and faded colors over time.

According to Jonathan Colombini, L’Oréal Paris Creative Director of Style and Color:

Hair dyes don’t expire as long as ammonia and peroxide are mixed. However, the shelf life of hair color is typically three years from its production date if unopened and kept away from heat and humidity in perfect conditions.

Now you might be wondering, what do perfect conditions mean?

L’Oréal labs define perfect conditions as a temperature between 71.6–77 degrees Fahrenheit (22–25 degrees Celsius). This means that an unopened and unmixed box of hair dye can potentially last a long time if stored correctly.

While there is no evidence to suggest that using old dyes is dangerous, the chemicals in hair dyes can cause side effects, especially for those with sensitive scalps. Additionally, expired dyes may not be as effective or may not last as long.

That’s why we always recommend getting your hair colored by professionals rather than doing it by yourself. Purchasing and using boxed hair dye can be risky since manufacturers often do not include expiration dates on their products. At Capelli Hair Salon, we use high-quality products and ensure that they are used within the same month they are manufactured, so our customers receive the best color pigments.

 

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Can expired hair dye be used?

Although there are no life-threatening effects of using expired hair dyes it is always recommended not to use expired hair dyes especially if you have sensitive skin. Because using expired hair dyes can cause hair damage and hair fall. It’s also highly possible that you might not get the undesired hair color. The color may turn out darker or lighter than expected, or you might end up with uneven patches after dyeing.

Other than the damaged hair you might also experience other negative side effects like:

Greenish Color:

Although there is no evidence for this many people claim that using old or expired hair dye has turned their hair green color. This is because many hair dyes contain copper in it that usually oxide with time due to the availability of water and carbon dioxide in the air that turns the copper into shades like green, blue or even purple.

However, it has been noticed that people with light hair like blond and gray have experienced green tint patches on using old or expired dye.

Allergic Reactions:

Old or expired hair dye can cause undesirable colors and may also trigger allergic reactions like burns or itchiness. Hair dyes contain chemicals like paraphenylenediamine (PPD), resorcinol, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide, which can oxidize over time and change in composition. This can lead to redness, tingling, or even a burning sensation on the scalp and skin. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using old or expired dye, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Damaged Hair

Even if you don't experience the previous two side effects, using expired hair dye can still result in frizzy or poufy hair. The chemical reactions may also lead to hair loss, which could be a nightmare, leaving you with no choice but to cut your hair.

Faded Tint:

This side effect has the highest probity that you will not the best results even if you did not experience any of the above three side effects. The old or expired hair dye loses its original quality with time and you will end up with undesirable shade. If you are using the old hair dye and are not sure whether it’s expired or not but the hair color fades quickly within 2 weeks it means the dye was expired.

Let’s take an example if you are using old or expired brown hair dye it will result in a red shade rather than brown. That’s why we always recommend people to do a patch test before applying old or expired hair dye to see what result will deliver.

Now let’s back to your question, can i use expired hair color?

Yes you can but there are a few conditions to it:

  1. If the packaging is sealed or unopened then it’s okay to use it.
  2. Do a patch test to see it will cause any allergic reaction.
  3. Check the consistency and smell of the dye are okay then you can use it. But if the cream and water substances is separate then it means the chemical compounds in them are expired and you should not use them.

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Does Beard Dye Expire

When we talk about hair dye expiration, it's important to note that men also have their concerns, especially regarding beard dyes. So, does beard dye expire?

Well, technically, yes!

The average shelf life of beard dye is about 3 years, but this depends on two factors: its shelf life before opening and after opening. While both hair dye and beard dye contain different chemical compositions, hair dyes typically have stronger chemicals to better penetrate the scalp. In contrast, beard dyes are formulated with gentler chemicals suitable for the more sensitive facial skin.

The key ingredient in both hair and beard dye is hydrogen peroxide, which acts as an oxidizing agent and has a shelf life of 3 years when kept in a sealed container. However, once the container is opened, the chemical will start to break down, making it effective for only 1 to 6 months.

Does Clairol Natural Instincts Expire?

Another frequently asked question!

Clairol Natural Instincts is a semi-permanent hair dye that is very popular due to its zero ammonia formula. They claim that their products are free from chemicals like ammonia, PPD, and added parabens, which might damage your hair if the dye gets old or expired. Their hair dyes are made with 80% naturally derived ingredients, like coconut oil and aloe vera, which provide a rich, radiant color and a glossy look.

However, if you look at their application kit, it clearly mentions that it contains a Color Cream Formula, Activator, Brilliant Shine Conditioner, gloves, and an instruction leaflet. This means that even though they do not use ammonia in their color cream formula, you still need an activator to dye your hair, which is likely an oxidizing agent. They claim that their hair dye will not expire until it has been mixed with the powder or activator. However, since the activator is an oxidizing agent, it may become less effective if kept for a long period.

Now, moving on to the hair dye shelf life!

According to the Clairol team, the dye or color cream itself will not expire; however, the developer or activating powder will last for only 3 years.

Does Hair Color Expire if Opened?

The answer is yes!

As soon as any hair color dye is opened and exposed to sunlight, air, moisture, heat, or humidity, its shelf life will start decreasing. Hair dye contains strong oxidizing agents like paraphenylenediamine (PPD), resorcinol, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide, which start oxidizing quickly once opened. That's why it’s always recommended to use opened, unmixed hair dyes within 6 weeks. Once oxidation starts, you may get a darker color than it usually provides.

Does Hair Color have an Expiration Date?

No, hair dyes usually don’t have an expiration date printed on them, which creates a lot of confusion for customers. That’s why many manufacturers state that the shelf life of hair dye is 3 years if it is sealed. However, if you open the dye, it is recommended to use it within 6 weeks.

Does Hair Dye Expire after Mixing?

If you have mixed the hair dye, it is recommended to use it immediately. You cannot keep the mixture in the fridge or anywhere else, thinking that you can use it the next day or the following week. Once the developer is mixed with the cream, the oxidizing agent is activated, which means the chemicals will be exposed to air and water. The longer you keep them, the more they will oxidize, leading to a darker color. If you keep the mixture for too long, it will likely expire, and you should definitely throw it away. Therefore, it is recommended to use the mixture within the same hour you mixed it.

Does Hair Dye Expire after Opening it?

Yes, because once the hair dye is opened, it is exposed to sunlight, air, and moisture, which causes it to oxidize quickly. The more it oxidizes, the shorter its shelf life becomes. That is why manufacturers recommend using opened, unmixed dye within 6 weeks.

Does Hair Toner Expire?

Yes, hair toner can expire. Like other hair products, toner has a specific shelf life. Similar to hair dyes, toners contain strong chemical agents such as ammonium hydroxide, resorcinol, and phenylenediamine, which help neutralize the color. Any hair product containing these chemicals typically has a shelf life of 2 to 3 years if sealed and unopened.

Many brands print a clear expiration date on their toners, so it’s recommended to check the packaging before use. If there is no expiration date, an unopened toner will generally last 2 to 3 years, while an opened toner should be used within 6 months.

Does Home Hair Dye Expire?

Whenever we talk about hair dyes, home-based hair dyes are also part of the conversation. People often ask us, Do home hair dyes expire

The answer is simple!

Any hair dye whether it’s a market-bought dye box or a home-made dye will not expire as long as it does not contain ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or paraphenylenediamine (PPD).


How long does Hair Color last Unopened?

According to manufacturers and hair dye experts, the expiry date for hair dye is 3 years if unopened or sealed from its production, if stored away from heat and humidity in perfect conditions. However, many hair dyes do not have an expiry date printed on them. In such cases, we recommend using the dye within 3 years of purchase but advise performing a patch test before applying it to the entire scalp.

How Long does Hair Dye Expire?

The hair dye expiration date depends on two scenarios: one when it's unopened and the other when it's opened. Unopened or sealed hair dye can last up to 3 years. However, once you open the dye, it should be used within 6 weeks, as it will expire more quickly after exposure.

Does Hair Color go bad?

Does hair dye go bad? usually refers to unused hair dye that can expire or lose its effectiveness over time. Here’s what it means in different contexts:

Unused Hair Dye

Yes, hair color can go bad if it’s expired or improperly stored. 

Signs it has gone bad:

  • Separation of ingredients
  • Foul or unusual smell
  • Change in color or consistency

 Shelf life:

  • Unopened hair dye: Typically lasts about 3 years.
  • Opened dye: This should be used within a few weeks to months, as exposure to air can oxidize the product.

Color on Hair

Applying old hair dye may damage your hair and might give you undesired results.


How to tell if the Dye is expired?

Besides the hair dye expiry date other few things need to be considered:

  1. Packaging: The first thing you should observe is the packaging. If you notice any dents, moisture, damage or wet spots then it indicates that the material inside the tube or bottle is expired.
  2. Leakage: If you notice any type of leakage then it means that the chemicals are completely oxidized and the dye is expired.
  3. Dye consistency: If you see the dye texture is Clumpy or its consistency is separated then it means it cannot be used now.
  4. Smell: Hair dyes usually have a strong odor, but when they expire, they smell like a rotten or metallic smell

Conclusion

Yes, it does, and using expired hair dye may not always be dangerous, but it can lead to poor results, such as color fading quickly or turning patchy. To avoid these risks, it’s best to use fresh products or get your hair colored by professionals.

At Capelli Hair Salon, we ensure the best results by using high-quality, fresh products right after they are manufactured. Whether you’re dyeing at home or visiting a salon, always check the product’s condition before applying. With proper care and the right products, you’ll get vibrant, lasting color without any surprises!

Get in touch with us today!

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