Yes, shampoo and conditioner can freeze. They have a freezing point of around minus 3 degrees Celsius.
What Happens?
When shampoo or conditioner freezes, the water retained in their formula will coalesce and change the original texture. Thus, the preservatives initially blended in the formula, can become disproportionate.
There will be pockets of a few preservatives and pockets of a lot of preservatives. This difference creates an environment (in the shampoo and conditioner) for bacterial, mold, and fungi growth. It also means that when you thaw the product to use, it can be more liquidly and more difficult to apply.
Can I Still Use Them?
YES! You can still use the shampoo and conditioner after they have been frozen.
Although not ideal, it is possible to use your shampoo and conditioner after defrosting them. Before using, just make sure you give your shampoo and conditioner a good shake to mix the components up.
But we recommend against this.
- Your shampoo and conditioner will not be as effective as they were before being frozen because of the texture change.
- Your shampoo and conditioner can spoil and form bacteria and mold faster.
- If your shampoo and conditioner contain infusions of herbs and aromas, they will just become neutral upon being frozen.
If your shampoo and conditioner show any unusual signs, in terms of smell, texture, and color and you are hesitant to use them, for peace of mind, it is best to throw them away and purchase new a shampoo and conditioner.
Generally, it is still possible to use shampoo and conditioner after defrosting it
Can the Bottle Break?
Yes, it is possible that your shampoo and conditioner break during the freezing process. When they start to freeze, the temperatures of the bottle change, and they turn brittle.
As this happens, the liquids inside the bottles expand, and in doing so, push the limits of the bottles’ capacities. Ultimately, when the bottles’ capacities are exceeded, the bottles will burst, leaving a mess for you to clean up.
Do Shampoo and Conditioner Spoil in Heat?
Similar to frozen shampoo and conditioner, heat can cause the ingredients to separate. This can make the shampoo and conditioner become unusable or no longer as effective. Moreover, heat can force the containers of your shampoo and conditioner to swell up. As a result, they can crack and result in leakages.
Note: That being said, it is best to keep your shampoo and conditioner in a cool, dark place. They should also be away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
What Happens to Dry Shampoo When Exposed to Extreme Temperatures (Cold and/or Hot)?
Dry shampoo typically comes in pressurized or aerosol cans, and exposure to extreme temperatures, whether cold or hot, can destabilize the cans. This, in turn, can cause the cans to crack or even explode.
A girl who stashed dry shampoo in her car (a used 2018 Honda Civic) found this out the hard way:
Dry shampoo can explode when exposed to extreme temperatures
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