You’ve got a can of hair spray tucked away in the back of your bathroom cabinet that’s gathered dust for a while. However, you just styled your hair and need some extra hold. So, is that can of hair spray fine to use?

You may have heard that hair spray has an expiration date or that it can go bad after a certain amount of time. But is this really true? Let’s take a closer look at whether hair spray actually expires and what you should know about its shelf life.

Does Hair Spray Have a Shelf Life?

The simple answer is yes, hair spray does have a shelf life. Like many other beauty products, hair spray can expire over time and become less effective. The exact shelf life varies depending on the brand and type of spray, but generally, it’s recommended to replace your hair spray after about two years. At this point, the product may start to lose its hold and will not work as well as it did when it was first purchased.

Why Does Hair Spray Expire?

Hair spray contains a variety of ingredients that give it its holding power, including resins, solvents, and propellants. Over time, these ingredients can break down or evaporate, making the hair spray lose its effectiveness. Sometimes, its scent and texture will even change.

All hair spray will expire eventually, but certain factors can make yours go bad sooner than its intended best-by date. For instance, heat exposure can cause the ingredients in hair spray to break down faster.

Sunlight can also be harmful to hair spray, as the harsh rays can degrade certain ingredients and alter the consistency of the product. Air exposure can even cause hair spray to dry out and lose its effectiveness.

Signs You Need New Hair Spray

How can you tell if your hair spray has expired? Typically, each canister will have a printed expiration date on it, but sometimes, it can be hard to read the date, or perhaps it’s rubbed off over time. And of course, due to the factors mentioned above, it’s possible for your hair spray to expire before the printed date.

Here are some signs that your hair spray has expired:

• Change in scent: Does your hair spray smell different than it used to? If you notice a strong chemical smell or an unpleasant odor, it could be a sign that the ingredients in the can have started to break down.
• Change in texture: Is your hair spray coming out clumpy or leaving residue on your hair? This could be a result of the formula breaking down.
• Change in effectiveness: Have you noticed that your hair spray no longer holds your hairstyle like it used to? As mentioned before, prolonged exposure to air can cause the product to dry out and lose its effectiveness.
• Discoloration: Has the color of your hair spray changed? This sign could indicate that certain ingredients have degraded over time, making the product less effective.

Can You Extend the Life of Your Hair Spray?

While hair spray actually expires, there’s more you need to know. For instance, a few smart actions can extend your hair spray’s life for longer. One of them is proper storage. Keep your hair spray in a cool, dark place away from humidity. If you leave the canister out on the bathroom counter, exposed to heat and moisture, it will degrade faster.

Besides limiting heat and humidity exposure, closing the hair spray’s lid tightly after each use and avoiding shaking the can too vigorously can also help. After all, too much air can reduce product effectiveness.

Is It Safe To Use Expired Hair Spray?

You may wonder whether it’s safe to continue using expired hair spray, especially if it’s only a few days or weeks past the expiration date. The good news is that using expired hair products is usually not harmful to your health.

Although using expired hair spray may not pose major health dangers in most instances, there are still some potential risks associated with using the product past its expiration date.

Irritation or Allergic Reactions

Hair spray contains various chemicals and ingredients that can potentially cause irritation or allergic reactions. As the product ages, these chemicals can break down or become unstable, increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions when applied to your hair. If you notice itching, redness, or swelling when using hair spray, discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist.

Weakened Hold

Using expired hair spray could result in your hairstyle not lasting as long as desired or not being able to hold up against external factors like wind or humidity. It’s always best to use fresh hair spray for optimal hold and hairstyle longevity.

Buildup and Residue

Expired hair spray also has a higher chance of leaving buildup and residue on your hair due to the ingredients breaking down and not being able to properly dissolve or evaporate. Buildup and residue can weigh down your hair and make it look dull, flat, and lifeless. Additionally, your hair may be more prone to tangling and have a rough texture.

So, if you really want to extend the use of your hair spray, you can, but it won’t work as well and could potentially result in skin irritation or hair damage. For this reason, it’s best to replace your expired hair spray with a fresh canister as soon as you can.

IT Hair Products has you covered there! We carry several types of hair spray, including volumizing hair spray that will bring out your hair’s natural bounce and shine. We also have hair spray that offers a strong hold for all-day styles, as well as humidity-resistant options for those hot summer days.

We make our hair sprays with high-quality ingredients that leave your hair soft and natural, never stiff or crunchy. You can enjoy hairstyles with hold with our selection of products for all your needs. Shop our collection of hair sprays at IT Hair Products to find your perfect match today!