It’s a common question that many people have: does hair developer expire? While it might seem like an odd question to some, the answer is actually quite important.
Developer is a key ingredient in hair dye, and if it goes bad, it can cause all sorts of problems for your hair.
In other words, will the chemicals within the developer go bad over time, to the point where it is no longer effective at lightening hair?
And if so, how long does the developer last after opening? The answer to this question is a little complicated, as there are several factors that come into play.
But in general, yes, hair developer does expire. Let’s take a closer look at why this is and what you can do to make sure your developer lasts as long as possible.
Does hair developer go bad?
Hair developer does go bad over time. Once the bottle has been opened, the hair developer can be used for only six months. After that, it will start to lose its potency and may not work as well.
A developer is a product that helps lighten the hair. It comes in different formulations, including hydrogen peroxide and ammonium persulfate.
Once it is opened, the chemicals inside start to break down and become less effective. The developer is sensitive to light and air, so it’s important to keep it tightly closed and in a dark place.
If you’re not sure if your developer is still good and he hasn’t changed in any way on the outside, test it on a small area of your hair before using it on your whole head.
If it doesn’t lighten your hair or causes irritation, it’s time to toss it out. But we advise you to throw out a developer that is more than six months old.
If you’re not sure how old your developer is, it’s best to err on the side of caution and get a new one.
When using a hair developer, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safety and best results.
Does an unopened developer expire?
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think too much about the hair care products in your shower.
You might have your favorite shampoo and conditioner, but do you ever really think about the other products you use?
One of those products is hair developer, which is an important part of the hair coloring process.
So, does the unopened hair developer expire?
The answer is yes, unopened hair developer does have an expiration date. However, that date is usually three years from the manufacturing date. As long as you don’t open the container, you can keep it for that length of time without any risk to your hair health.
Once you do open the container, however, you need to be aware of how long the developer will last. Most brands recommend that you use the product within six months of opening it.
After that, the quality of the developer can start to degrade, which could affect the health of your hair.
If you have an unopened container of hair developer, it will be good for at least three years.
Therefore, it is best to buy small containers so that you can use them up before they expire.
Where is the expiration date on hair developer?
The expiration date on the hair developer is typically found on the back of the bottle near the bottom. It is usually a small white label with black text.
The expiration date will be listed in MM/DD/YYYY format. For example, if the expiration date is listed as 06/15/2020, that means that the product will expire on June 15th, 2020.
After that date, the developer may not work as well or may not work at all.
If you are unsure of the expiration date, it is best to contact the manufacturer for more information.
How to tell if a hair developer has expired?
It has a watery appearance
What are the signs that my hair developer has gone bad? If your hair developer has changed the consistency, it looks very runny.
If your developer seems more liquid than the last time you used it, your developer may be in a bad condition.
It has a yellowish color
Hair developer typically has a light yellow color and if it has been stored for an extended period of time, it will start to turn darker and more cloudy.
If it is expired, you will likely notice that the liquid will be very thin and runny.
The consistency is no longer creamy
If your hair developer was once creamy and now has watery consistency, it has likely expired.
It no longer has a pleasant smell
Hair developer should have a very little scent. If it smells like sulfur it is probably time to toss it.
You experience burning or irritation when using
If you develop any kind of skin irritation, redness, or burning after using hair developer, discontinue use immediately and throw away the product. It has likely expired and is no longer safe to use.
What happens if I use an expired developer?
If you use an expired developer, it will likely not work as intended. The developer may not activate the hair’s pigment correctly, leading to uneven coloring or an undesirable result.
Additionally, using an expired developer could potentially damage your hair, so it is best to avoid doing so.
An expired developer may cause irritation and allergic reaction after application.
If you must use an expired developer, be sure to test it on a small section of hair first to ensure that you are happy with the results.
If you have used an expired hair developer, it is important to take action as soon as possible.
Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to seek medical attention.
If you have used expired hair developer and experience any adverse effects, such as skin irritation, contact a doctor or dermatologist immediately.
If you have used an expired hair developer, the key is to act fast. The sooner you take corrective steps, the better the outcome is likely to be.
Here are some tips:
- Rinse your hair with cold water for at least 15 minutes.
- Apply a clarifying shampoo to your hair and massage it in.
- Leave the shampoo in your hair for a few minutes, then rinse it out.
- Repeat as necessary until your hair feels clean and healthy again.
- Be sure to deep condition your hair after using a clarifying shampoo, as it can be drying.
If you follow these steps, you should be able to get rid of any residual effects of the expired hair developer and get your hair back to normal.
It is important to note that using an expired hair developer can cause serious damage to your hair.
If you have used an expired hair developer, be sure to deep condition your hair and use a protein treatment to help repair any damage that has been done.
You may also want to consult with a professional stylist to discuss any further treatment options that may be necessary.
How long does developer last after mixing?
The developer will last for 30 minutes after mixing. This is because the chemicals in the developer start to break down and become less effective after this time.
After 30 minutes, the mixture is no longer suitable for use and one of two things will happen: it won’t work or it can cause damage to the hair.
Using an expired developer can cause your hair to become damaged, so it is important to only use a fresh developer.
If you are not sure how long your developer has been mixed for, it is best to err on the side of caution and mix up a new batch.
How do you dispose of expired hair developer?
Just like any other chemicals, hair developer has a shelf life and will eventually expire.
Once it reaches its expiration date, it becomes less effective and can even cause damage to your hair. So, what should you do with your expired hair developer?
The best way to dispose of any chemical product is to take it to a local hazardous waste facility. This ensures that the product is properly disposed of and doesn’t end up in our landfills or waterways.
If you can’t make it to a hazardous waste facility, then the next best option to dispose of it is to mix it with absorbent material. This can be something like sawdust, sand, or kitty litter.
Once the developer is mixed with the absorbent material, it should be placed in a sealed container and disposed of in the trash.
It’s important that you do not pour expired hair developer down the drain, as this can damage your plumbing.
FAQ
How should I store my hair developer?
Ideally, you should store your hair developer in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard or closet. If you must store it in a bathroom, make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Can you reuse an open developer?
Yes, it is feasible to reuse it if it hasn’t been combined with peroxide.
Does heat affect hair developer?
Yes, it does! Because the ingredient hydrogen peroxide is present in developer, it must be kept away from direct sunlight.
So how long is the developer good for – Summary
The article discusses whether hair developer expires and if it does, how long after opening it is still effective.
It states that hair developer does go bad over time and that once it is opened, the chemicals inside start to break down and become less effective.
After six months, the hair developer will start to lose its potency and may not work as well. We advise you to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safety and best results.
Also Read:
- Hair Turned Green After Dying Brown
- How to Dilute Developer
- Can You Mix Developers
- Can You Use Purple Shampoo on Red Hair
- How to Use Hair Toner After Bleaching
Allyson Carter
Ally is a professional hairstylist with more than 6 years of experience, but hair has been her passion since early childhood. Here, at Hair Spies, she blogs about all things hairdressing, hair tools, and everyday hair care. Read more about Allyson here.
