As we know, beer is not usually considered a health food or beauty product. However, it has gained popularity in hair care because of its unique ability to make hair look healthier, shinier, and more voluminous. Surprisingly, this beverage contains components that are very beneficial for hair, and many women around the world have started incorporating it into their hair care routines.
Despite its potential benefits, the key to achieving noticeable results is proper usage. Simply pouring beer over your hair without preparation will not produce the desired effects. Understanding the components of beer and how they interact with hair is essential for maximizing its benefits.
Why Beer Is Good for Hair
Beer contains several ingredients that are naturally nourishing for hair:
Natural Barley and Wheat:
Beer is made primarily from barley and wheat, which are rich in nutrients and proteins. These grains strengthen hair strands, making them less prone to breakage and split ends. They also contribute to the overall health and shine of your hair.
Proteins:
Proteins are essential for maintaining strong and healthy hair. Beer contains amino acids and proteins that penetrate the hair shaft, filling in gaps in damaged hair and creating a smoother, more resilient texture. This makes hair feel softer and more manageable after washing.
B Vitamins:
Beer is naturally rich in B vitamins, including biotin, niacin, and riboflavin. These vitamins play a critical role in hair growth and maintenance. Biotin, in particular, strengthens hair, prevents hair loss, and promotes healthier scalp function.
Hop Extracts:
Hops, one of the main ingredients in beer, contain antioxidants and antibacterial compounds that help maintain a healthy scalp. They can reduce dandruff, soothe irritation, and prevent scalp infections, contributing to a cleaner, healthier foundation for hair growth.
Alcohol Content:
While alcohol in beer can make hair shiny by smoothing the hair cuticle, too much alcohol can be drying. Therefore, it is recommended to boil or warm the beer slightly before use. This process evaporates excess alcohol while retaining the beneficial nutrients, making it safer and more effective for your hair.
How to Use Beer for Hair
Professional stylist Mark Mena recommends using non-carbonated beer for hair care. Carbonation can be harsh on hair and scalp, so it is better to let the beer go flat before applying it. Here are two main methods to incorporate beer into your hair care routine:
1. Adding Beer to Shampoo
Pour a small amount of non-carbonated beer into your regular shampoo.
Mix well and use it as you normally would when washing your hair.
Massage gently into the scalp and through the hair strands.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
This method allows the nutrients in beer, including proteins, B vitamins, and hops, to work directly on your hair while maintaining the usual cleaning benefits of shampoo.
2. Beer Rinse After Washing
Wash your hair with a regular shampoo first.
Pour flat, non-carbonated beer over your hair slowly, ensuring it covers all strands from roots to tips.
Leave it on for 3–5 minutes to allow absorption of nutrients.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Optionally, apply your favorite conditioner to add softness and fragrance.
This method is particularly effective for adding volume and shine. The proteins and vitamins in the beer coat the hair, filling in gaps and smoothing the hair cuticle, resulting in hair that looks fuller, bouncier, and healthier.
Tips for Optimal Results
Use Flat Beer:
Always let the beer go flat before using it. This reduces carbonation and prevents hair from becoming sticky or tangled. Pour it into a container and leave it uncovered for a few hours until most bubbles disappear.
Warm the Beer Slightly:
Heating beer lightly before application evaporates excess alcohol that could dry out your hair while keeping the nutrients intact. Do not boil it; warm it just enough to remove the harsh alcohol.
Combine with Conditioner:
For a pleasant smell and added softness, mix the beer rinse with your regular conditioner. This helps the beer penetrate the hair strands while leaving a subtle, refreshing scent.
Massage Gently:
Whether adding beer to shampoo or using it as a rinse, gently massage your scalp to improve blood circulation and allow the nutrients to penetrate the hair follicles.
Frequency:
For best results, use beer in your hair care routine once or twice a week. Overuse may lead to dryness due to residual alcohol content. Regular but moderate use will give your hair consistent shine and volume.
Follow with Cold Water Rinse:
After rinsing out the beer, finishing with cold water can help seal the hair cuticle. This enhances shine and makes hair feel smooth to the touch.
The Benefits You Can Expect
Using beer for hair care regularly can produce the following results:
Shiny Hair:
Proteins in beer smooth the hair shaft, reflecting light and creating a natural shine.
Increased Volume:
Beer proteins coat each strand, making hair appear thicker and fuller. This is especially helpful for women with thin or fine hair.
Reduced Hair Loss:
The B vitamins and proteins nourish the scalp and strengthen hair roots, reducing breakage and hair loss.
Healthier Scalp:
Hops and vitamins in beer help prevent dandruff, dryness, and irritation. The scalp becomes balanced and more resilient.
Soft and Manageable Hair:
Hair becomes smoother, easier to comb, and less prone to tangling. The natural nutrients in beer repair damage caused by heat styling and chemical treatments.
Natural Fragrance:
When combined with conditioner, beer leaves hair smelling fresh and natural, without overpowering chemical scents.
A Word of Caution
Avoid using beer on very dry or chemically damaged hair without proper conditioning afterward. Alcohol, even in small amounts, can exacerbate dryness if not rinsed properly.
If you have a sensitive scalp, test a small amount of beer on a patch of skin before full application.
Always use non-carbonated or flat beer. Fresh, fizzy beer can tangle hair and be difficult to rinse out.
Conclusion
Washing your hair with beer is a time-tested natural remedy that has been embraced by women worldwide for its remarkable benefits. By carefully using non-carbonated, slightly warmed beer as part of your hair care routine, you can achieve hair that is shinier, healthier, more voluminous, and naturally beautiful.
Whether added to shampoo or used as a rinse after washing, beer provides proteins, B vitamins, hops, and other essential nutrients that support both hair and scalp health. The result is hair that looks revitalized, soft, and full of life.
For women seeking a natural and affordable alternative to expensive hair treatments, beer hair care is an excellent option. With consistent use, the benefits accumulate over time, improving the strength, texture, and appearance of your hair while keeping it nourished and resilient.
Incorporate this simple trick into your weekly routine, and you may notice a significant transformation in your hair’s shine, volume, and overall health, proving that sometimes the best beauty secrets come from nature—and even from something as ordinary as beer.
