If your hair is an obsession like mine is, you have likely accumulated quite the product stash throughout your journey.
Do you hold on to all of your products even if you’ve moved on from them? It might be time to get rid of some of them.
A good rule of thumb for your hair products is that the unopened ones are usually good for three years. Once opened, don’t keep a product longer than 18 months.
Decluttering your stash can feel overwhelming. However, there are a few steps you can take to make the process as easy and quick as possible.
1. Label your new products
While you cannot go back in time and label all the products you have now, you can certainly start a new healthy habit.
Write the open date on the bottom in a permanent marker. This makes future decluttering much easier. If you want to go so far as to figure out 18 months from that date, write that date on it as well.
2. Take all your products out
By taking all of your products out and categorizing them on the floor in an open space, you will see exactly how many conditioners you may have in rotation.
This might make you feel better about throwing some of them out. This also makes putting your products back easier and can keep you organized so you know exactly where to go when you need it.
3. Check for expiration dates
Along with the 18 month rule, there are some products that will already have an expiration date on the bottom based on their brand’s protocol.
This happens a lot more with natural hair products since they may not use as many preservatives in them. Does the product’s scent seem off? This can be a good indicator that it is ready to be thrown out.
4. Declutter on a frequent schedule
This may sound even more daunting, but try to declutter your product stash every 6 months.
Donate your unused ones or offer them to friends or family. By not having to throw the items away when they go bad, you will not feel as if you have wasted money on products. Next time, your decluttering process will be easier as well.
5. Shop your stash
Instead of buying a new hair product the moment you hear about it, go back to your own stash and check to see if you have any products that compare.
Since you have been decluttering your stash, all your products will still be usable. If you see one you want to give another chance, you can do so without worrying. Shopping your stash will not only help your wallet but also make your next six month decluttering session even quicker than the last.
Which product do you you have too much of?
I’d love to know. Stop by my YouTube channel, The Polished Curl.
Follow NaturallyCurly on Instagram, @NaturallyCurly for more curly hair tips!