How long do salon products last?

Unopened, most professional salon products last 2-3 years. Once opened: hair colour tubes last 3 years (if resealed), developer 3 years, shampoo/conditioner 2 years, styling products 18 months, natural/organic products 6-12 months. The PAO (Period After Opening) symbol on the packaging shows the recommended months after opening.

How do I know if a product has gone off?

Signs of expired products: colour change, separation of ingredients, change in smell (rancid or chemical), altered consistency (too thick or watery), visible mould or particles. Colour products may not process correctly. Peroxide loses strength over time. When in doubt, dispose and replace.

Does storage affect product shelf life?

Yes, significantly. Heat, sunlight and humidity all accelerate product degradation. Store products in a cool, dry place below 25°C. Keep lids tightly closed. Avoid storing near windows or radiators. Products stored in poor conditions may lose effectiveness in half the normal shelf life.

Should I use a first-in-first-out system?

Yes, always use FIFO (first in, first out). Place new stock behind existing stock on shelves. Mark opening dates on products when first used. This prevents older stock being pushed to the back and expiring. It is especially important for colour tubes, developer and natural products with shorter shelf lives.

CutCalcs

Shelf Life Calculator — Product Expiry Tracking

Track product expiry dates and calculate remaining shelf life for salon stock.

Product Type

Months Since Opened

Storage Conditions

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates remaining product shelf life based on product type, time since opening and storage conditions.

The formula

Adjusted shelf life = Base shelf life x Storage condition factor

Remaining life = Adjusted shelf life - Months since opened

Good storage: 100% of shelf life
Fair storage: 80% of shelf life
Poor storage: 60% of shelf life

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always perform a strand test before chemical services.