Does Dry Shampoo Expire? Does It Go Bad?

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Dry shampoo is a now-essential hair care product that has exploded in popularity in recent years. It’s great at absorbing the excess grime and oil from your strands, as well as reviving your hairstyle so that it will last for longer between washes.

You’ll find a stash in many bathroom cabinets and pocketbooks. But if you found a forgotten stash, you may now be wondering, does dry shampoo expire?

You should toss any dry shampoo 2-3 years after opening it. It has a shelf life, even if there’s no expiration date on the bottle.

In this article, we’ll discuss dry shampoo expiration and what happens when you use it after it’s gotten a bit long in the tooth.


Contents

Does Dry Shampoo Expire?

Many dry shampoo enthusiasts use dry shampoo frequently between washes, while some people might only use it on certain occasions. It’s fantastic for turning up the volume without the downsides of volumizing shampoos, and it’s great for dealing with greasy scalps and bangs!

You may have even had the same bottle of dry shampoo for years.

But if you’re wondering if you can still use it after it has gathered dust on your bathroom shelf, then you should be aware of the fact that like all personal care products, dry shampoo does have a shelf life. This is true even if there’s no expiration date on the bottle itself.

You should be aware of the fact that like all personal care products, dry shampoo does have a shelf life, even if there’s no expiration date on the bottle itself.

Experts in the hair care industry agree that you should use your dry shampoo within two to three years after first opening it, just like any other hair care product that you store in your bathroom.

This is because the quality of the ingredients contained in the bottle will degrade over time, and therefore won’t be as effective.

What About If the Dry Shampoo Was Still Sealed?

Here’s where things start to get a little squirrely. If the shampoo was stored in a cool, dry place away from your light, it’s possible it will still be ok to use. If it’s been in a moist, hot environment, it may be bad even if unopened.

This means that the best place to store dry shampoo is someplace like your bedroom or another cool, dry and dark place where moisture won’t be an issue. If you’ve stored it at the back of your bathroom vanity where you take those long hot showers, the shampoo may still be bad.


What Happens When Dry Shampoo Expires?

The first thing you may notice with expired dry shampoo is that the smell will probably be off. It’s also possible that the consistency will change by either becoming runny or thicker.

If the consistency has changed, it probably won’t coat your hair in the same way a fresh bottle would.

If the consistency has changed, it probably won’t coat your hair in the same way a fresh bottle would.

The change in consistency of the product can also cause the spray nozzle to become clogged up, which will probably mean that the ingredients inside have changed for the worse.

Of course, you could always throw caution to the wind and try to use your old dry shampoo anyway. Just don’t expect it to work the way you want it to, or how it did before.

What Is The Downside Of Using Expired Dry Shampoo?

Nothing catastrophic, but you may find yourself itching your scalp a lot.

Old products have the potential of causing irritation to your scalp, especially since the ingredients can become more volatile as they degrade.

So, if you notice any redness or itching on your scalp, then it would be best for you to throw your dry shampoo in the trash and invest in buying a fresh bottle.


Luxe Luminous Dry Shampoo Recommendations

If your dry shampoo has ended up in the trash can, because it’s well past its expiration date, then it’s time for you to find a new product that you can use for when your hair needs a refresh between washes.

If your dry shampoo has ended up in the trash can, because it’s well past its expiration date, then it’s time for you to find a new product that you can use for when your hair needs a refresh between washes.

Acure Rosemary and Peppermint Dry Shampoo 

Acure Dry Shampoo - All Hair Types | 100% Vegan | Certified Organic | Rosemary & Peppermint - Absorbs Oil & Removes Impurities Without Water | 1.7 Oz
  • VOLUMIZING DRY SHAMPOO - ACURE Dry...
  • INSTANT HAIR STYLE, NO WATER NEEDED -...
  • VEGAN & ALL NATURAL - Made from the...
  • HAIR PERFECTION FO ALL HAIR TYPE - This...
  • TRAVEL SIZE CONVENIENCE - ACURE Dry...

Acure’s Rosemary and Peppermint Dry Shampoo is a performance-driven product that is free from parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde, paraffin, petroleum and mineral oils. It’s also free from animal testing.

This dry shampoo contains arrowroot and kaolin clay to absorb dirt, oil, and other impurities in your hair, without the need for water. It will also help you to extend the time between washes, while its invigorating rosemary and peppermint oil scent will also work to uplift the way you feel.

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal and Biotin Dry Shampoo 

Briogeo Scalp Revival Dry Shampoo Powder, Clarifying Shampoo Scalp Cleanser for Dry Scalp & Itchy Scalp, Scalp Treatment with Tea Tree Oil for Hair, Travel Size Dry Shampoo, Detox Shampoo, 1.7 oz
  • WHO IT'S FOR: Those with oily hair and...
  • WHAT IT IS: This unique, scalp-healthy...
  • WHAT IT DOES: Cleanses and refreshes the...
  • HIGHLIGHTED INGREDIENTS: A nutrient-rich...
  • SAFE FOR: Color treated, keratin...

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal and Biotin Dry Shampoo contains 98% naturally derived ingredients, and is also free from sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, DEA, and synthetic dyes.

The unique formulation of Scalp Revival Charcoal and Biotin Dry Shampoo will help to absorb any excess oil at the root, as well as other impurities like dirt and grime from your hair and scalp.

The added binchotan charcoal contained in this product works to nourish your scalp, and even remove bacteria and toxins from the hair follicles, which will help to promote healthier hair while you’re between washes.

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Dry Shampoo 

Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Dry Shampoo (3-Pack) - 7 oz Dry Shampoo - Instantly Absorbs Oil While Creating Effortless Sea-Tossed Texture
  • REFRESHING DRY SHAMPOO: Dry shampoo...
  • TOASTED COCONUT FRAGRANCE: Leaves hair...
  • NO RINSING REQUIRED: This waterless...
  • MADE WITH GOOD VIBES ONLY: Sulfate...
  • NOT YOUR MOTHER'S DRY SHAMPOO HAIR...

If you love the appearance of a tousled mermaid look, then Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Dry Shampoo will provide an effortless sea-tossed texture to your locks, without any white residue.

Safe for all hair types, including curly, wavy, straight, and color-treated, this water-free shampoo is also pretty clean, so you won’t find any sulfates, silicones, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic dyes among the ingredients.

Beach Babe Dry Shampoo is also cruelty-free and vegan, while its toasted coconut scent will leave your hair smelling, as well as looking, absolutely delicious.


High and Dry

If you have an old bottle of dry shampoo gathering dust on your bathroom shelf, and have been wondering does dry shampoo expire, then you now know that yes it does expire. If it’s been there more than two years, it’s probably junk.

Your best bet is to throw it in the trash and pick up a new bottle. If you use it, you may run into scalp irritation issues. If you’re hesitating about tossing it, smell it and test the spray to see what the consistency is.

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).