The linen closet is a great spot to store extra hair products, like bulk shampoo and conditioner. You can even fill jars with small tools like hair bands and pins that can be used to replenish other areas of your home.
“The damp, warm environment of the bathroom can be an ideal place for microbes to grow,” says Kao Brands cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos. Meaning that many of your cosmetics like creams, serums and hair products could breed unwanted germs that can be harmful to your skin and hair, or even harmful to the actual products.
Tip: Aim to store your products at a consistent room temperature, ideally between 15-25°C (59-77°F). Bathrooms are a common place for storing skincare and haircare products, but the humidity from showers can create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Useful tips for storage and use of cosmetic products
Avoid storing your products in the direct sunlight or near sources of heat and choose dry, cool (but not freezing) storage areas where possible. Never dilute products or mix with other products (unless directed to do so by the product instructions).
Use Clear Bins to Organize Under the Sink
Label each bin with categories, such as skin care, hair care, dental care, and more. If you don't have shelves under your sink, find bins that are stackable or purchase a unit with drawers.
Some unopened products can last up to three years when stored in a cool, dry space. Of course, certain types of hair products are known to last longer than others. Non-aerosol products like shampoos and conditioners are said to have a shelf-life of 12 to 18 months after opening.
Well, that depends. If you work out frequently, have an occupation that causes you to sweat profusely, possess an excessively oily scalp, or struggle with breakouts within your hair follicles, you may need to wash daily. Generally, it's best to leave at least a day between washes.
You may have heard the golden rule of layering your skincare: lightest to heaviest. When it comes to hair care, Lee says the guideline is FSF: foundation (shampoo, conditioner, masks), structure (nourishing leave-ins and protectants), and finish (styling products and texture sprays).
Use a shoe organizer to store beauty products.
A shoe organizer, especially one with clear pockets, is ideal for a few reasons: It holds a multitude of different items. You can easily see and access what you're looking for. It saves a ton of cabinet and drawer space.
“Products with alcohol, like hairsprays, mousses and gels tend to have a much longer shelf life than a moisture cream or conditioner — though their aerosol feature may lose its steam.” A quick rule of thumb, as per Colombini, “once the [product] is opened you typically want to use its entirety within one year.”
Tips for Packing Hair Care Products
To prevent spills and leaks, consider using plastic wrap under the caps of your bottles or placing them in zip-lock bags.
Non-medicated products: use up, donate or place in trash. Reuse the container, and check if your brand offers a take back for recycling program for the container/packaging. Find a shop to bring your own packaging to refill with personal care products..
Unfortunately, hair products can't last forever. Even the fanciest, most expensive products will eventually start to lose their effectiveness and can even become dangerous if used past their prime.
You can choose to change your hair care products for variety or stick with a set that works well for you. Some people with normal hair find that switching products every 6-12 months keeps their hair looking its best.
Place your wash bag in your luggage with care
A fully packed toiletry bag will carry a substantial amount of weight so ensure you place this towards the bottom of a suitcase whilst making sure the wash bag is padded with soft items around it, so your toiletries are protected against any knocks and bashes.
To be a five-star hotel, room service has to change the hotel bathroom amenities every day, even if they're unused. But not all hotels throw away barely-used soaps and toiletries. Eco-minded guests can rest easy knowing about hygiene kits for the homeless.
If you still have concerns, the best thing to do is to store your skin care in a drawer or vanity. A dark, covered space should suffice against the bathroom's hot, steamy conditions.
The shelf life for eye-area cosmetics is more limited than for other products. Because of repeated microbial exposure during use by the consumer and the risk of eye infections, some industry experts recommend replacing mascara 3 months after purchase. If mascara becomes dry, discard it.
Oils and Serums: Hair oils and serums should be kept in a cool, dark place to prevent the oils from becoming rancid. Consider using a refrigerator if recommended by the manufacturer.