Learn more about best beer for hair.
Many people search for ways to improve the health of their hair, and one surprising method that has gained traction in recent times is using beer as a hair care treatment. This may seem unusual at first glance, but it turns out beer contains various nutrients and minerals that have the potential to give your hair a healthier appearance. Let’s dive into the world of beer for hair and explore some of the best options available.
Beer is a popular choice for hair treatments because it contains several beneficial elements, such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins. The presence of selenium, silicon, and B vitamins plays a crucial role in promoting hair growth and preventing premature graying. Additionally, beer’s acidic pH helps to tighten the hair’s cuticles, giving it a shiny and smooth appearance. Moreover, the natural astringents found in the hops used to brew beer can be helpful for managing an oily scalp.
When selecting the best beer for your hair, it is essential to consider factors such as the type of beer and its ingredients. Various resources suggest that some beer types might be more beneficial due to their nutritional content. In the following sections, we will discuss the various reasons behind using beer for hair and suggest some of the best options to consider for this unconventional treatment.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Beer for Hair
Strengthening and Nourishing
Beer, especially its key ingredients like hops, barley, and malt, contains beneficial proteins and vitamins, such as B vitamins and antioxidants like ferulic acid. These proteins help to repair and strengthen damaged hair, while B vitamins keep hair follicles healthy and promote hair growth. Beer also contains essential nutrients like zinc, folate, biotin, calcium, and vitamin D, which can further nourish and improve hair health.
Boosting Volume and Body
The proteins found in beer can bind with hair cuticles, smoothing their surface and allowing them to better reflect light. This results in shinier hair. Additionally, beer has been known to provide natural volume and body to hair by improving its overall structure. The amino acids present in beer protect hair from damage and can help increase its thickness and resilience.
Reducing Dandruff and Scalp Issues
Aside from improving hair strength and appearance, beer can also aid in reducing dandruff and scalp issues. Applying beer to the scalp can help regulate sebum production, provide nourishment to the skin, and improve blood circulation. The antifungal and antibacterial properties of some of the ingredients, like hops, work together to alleviate dandruff and keep the scalp healthy. However, it’s important to note that alcohol present in beer may have drying effects if not properly rinsed or used excessively.
Beer Rinse Vs Beer Shampoo
Beer Rinse
A beer rinse is a popular hair treatment that uses de-carbonated beer to nourish and improve your hair’s appearance. To prepare a beer rinse:
- Pour 8 oz. of beer into an uncovered cup and leave it overnight, or until it becomes flat.
- Shampoo your hair as usual.
- After rinsing the shampoo, pour the flat beer onto your hair.
- Allow it to soak for a few minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.
Proponents of beer rinse recommend using this treatment once a week for optimal results. The benefits of a beer rinse are attributed to the proteins, vitamins, and minerals found in beer. These nutrients can help to:
- Strengthen hair strands
- Enhance hair shine
- Improve hair manageability
- Remove product buildup
However, it is essential to note that using beer rinse too frequently may cause your hair to become dry due to the alcohol content.
Beer Shampoo
Beer shampoo is another option for incorporating the benefits of beer into your hair care routine. Companies like Broo have developed shampoos, conditioners, and other hair products that utilize beer’s main ingredients: water, hops, yeast, and barley.
These beer-infused products may offer some benefits, including:
- Strengthening hair
- Promoting hair growth
- Enhancing hair shine
- Providing natural cleansing
Using beer shampoo can be as simple as replacing your regular shampoo with a beer-infused product. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of beer without the hassle of de-carbonating it yourself or dealing with the risk of hard water buildup.
In conclusion, both beer rinse and beer shampoo can offer similar benefits to your hair. While beer rinse is a more natural and DIY approach, beer shampoo provides a convenient and readily available alternative. It’s essential to consider your hair type and needs before deciding which method is best for you.
Using Beer as a Hair Conditioner
Beer can be an excellent ingredient in DIY hair care recipes. It contains minerals, B vitamins, and proteins that can improve hair health. In this section, we’ll discuss three popular methods for incorporating beer into your hair care routine, including a beer and apple cider vinegar rinse, a beer, egg, and honey mask, and a beer and coconut oil leave-in conditioner.
Beer and Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
A beer and apple cider vinegar rinse can help remove product buildup and promote shine. To make this rinse:
- Combine equal parts flat beer and apple cider vinegar in a container.
- Shampoo your hair as usual.
- Pour the rinse over your hair, massaging it into your scalp.
- Allow the rinse to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out thoroughly.
This rinse can be used once or twice a month as a clarifying treatment to maintain a healthy scalp and hair.
Beer, Egg, and Honey Mask
A beer, egg, and honey hair mask provides a nutrient-rich treatment designed to strengthen and repair damaged hair. The proteins in beer and egg help repair hair while honey adds moisture. Here’s how to make this mask:
- Mix 1/2 cup of flat beer, one egg, and 1-2 tablespoons of honey in a bowl.
- Apply the mixture to damp, clean hair, focusing on the length and ends.
- Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse the mask out with lukewarm water before finishing with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
This mask can be used once a week or as needed to improve hair health.
Beer and Coconut Oil Leave-in Conditioner
A beer and coconut oil leave-in conditioner can help to detangle, moisturize, and add shine to your hair. To make this conditioner:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a microwave-safe container.
- Mix in 1/3 cup of flat beer and a few drops of jojoba oil.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Style your hair as usual, leaving the conditioner in your hair.
This leave-in conditioner can be used as often as needed to keep your hair moisturized, soft, and shiny. Be sure to store any leftovers in a sealed container for future use.
Cautionary Tips and Addressing Concerns
While beer can provide certain benefits for hair, it is crucial to be cautious and aware of potential concerns. This section addresses specific issues related to using beer for hair and offers advice on managing these concerns.
Alcohol and Hair Dryness
One concern about using beer for hair is the alcohol content, which can cause dryness and make hair more prone to breakage. To minimize dryness from alcohol:
- Always use flat beer, as it has lower alcohol content and is less likely to cause dryness.
- Limit beer rinses to once a week or less, to prevent overexposure to alcohol.
- Consider using non-alcoholic beer as an alternative, as it offers similar benefits without the drying properties of alcohol.
Potential Damage and Side Effects
As with any hair treatment, using beer may have potential side effects. Some possible adverse effects include:
- Allergic reactions to beer ingredients, such as hops or barley, which could cause scalp irritation or itching.
- Build-up of residue or product in the hair, leading to dullness and lifelessness. Remember to rinse hair thoroughly after a beer treatment to avoid this issue.
To mitigate potential damage and side effects, it is important to:
- Monitor your hair and scalp for signs of negative reactions after using beer treatments. If irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately.
- Combine beer treatments with a healthy hair care routine, including regular conditioning and a balanced diet, to maintain overall hair health and minimize damage.
Consulting a Dermatologist
While beer treatments may provide benefits for hair, it’s always important to consult with a dermatologist or hair care professional before introducing new products or treatments to your hair care regimen. They can provide personalized advice regarding potential interactions with your skin and hair type.
Additions and Ingredients for Enhanced Benefits
Natural Oils
To enhance the benefits of beer for hair, try incorporating natural oils into your routine. Jojoba oil is lightweight and easily absorbed by the scalp, protecting and nourishing the hair follicles, while coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer and known for its antifungal properties. For a refreshing scent and soothing effects, add a few drops of chamomile oil to your beer-based conditioner or rinse.
Vitamin and Mineral Rich Additives
Incorporating vitamin and mineral-rich additives into your beer haircare routine can further improve hair health. Beer itself is a good source of silicon and contains B vitamins, which are essential for hair growth and preventing premature graying. Additives like zinc and vitamin D can boost hair strength, while biotin promotes the production of keratin, a key protein in hair structure.
Home Remedies for Improved Results
For a more personalized beer hair treatment, consider these home remedies:
- Beer and banana: Mash a ripe banana and mix it with flat beer to create a smooth paste. Apply this mixture to your hair, leave it on for 20 minutes, and then rinse out with cool water. Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals, making them ideal for strengthening your hair.
- Beer and egg conditioner: Combine 1/2 cup of beer with one egg to create an effective protein-rich conditioner. Apply this mixture to your hair after shampooing, leave it on for a few minutes, and then rinse with cool water. This home remedy is ideal for those with dry or damaged hair.
- Lemon juice and beer rinse: Mix equal parts of flat beer and lemon juice to create an invigorating hair rinse. Apply this mixture after shampooing, massaging it into your scalp and hair, and then rinse with cool water. This rinse helps to cleanse the hair, tighten hair cuticles, and remove product buildup.
- Honey and aloe vera beer mask: Combine equal parts beer, honey, and aloe vera gel to create a moisturizing hair mask. Apply this mask to your hair and let it sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Honey is a natural humectant, locking in moisture, while aloe vera has soothing properties that reduce scalp irritation.
These home remedies, along with carefully chosen natural oils and vitamin and mineral-rich additives, can provide enhanced benefits for your hair when using beer as a hair treatment.
Best Beer for Hair Care and Recommended Brands
Beer has long been lauded for its potential benefits in hair care. It is believed to contain minerals, B vitamins, and silicon, which can contribute to healthier and stronger hair. Many beauty experts and bloggers have shared their success stories using beer-based hair products or even rinsing their hair with beer. Below, we will explore a few recommended brands of beer shampoo and conditioners, as well as the best type of beer for hair rinses.
When it comes to using beer for hair rinses, it is essential to select the right kind. According to Naturally Graysful, the brand of beer does not matter as much as the beer being flat. Flat beer helps to avoid the drying effects of alcohol on your hair. Some popular brands for hair rinses include Corona and Budweiser; however, non-alcoholic beer can also be used.
In addition to beer rinses, there are also various beer shampoos and conditioners available on the market. Stylecraze recommends several top brands in their list of best beer shampoos for 2023. These include:
- CRAZY SKIN Beers Shampoo: Best for a gentle formula, this shampoo is suitable for all hair types.
- BRÖÖ Craft Beer Thickening Shampoo: Ideal for those looking to add volume to their hair, this shampoo is color-safe, ensuring it won’t harm dyed hair.
- Duffy’s Brew Craft IPA Shampoo: This anti-dandruff shampoo uses ingredients from craft IPA beer to help maintain a healthy scalp.
When selecting a beer-based hair product or determining the best beer for a hair rinse, always consider your hair type and individual needs. By incorporating beer into your hair care routine, you may find improvements in the health and appearance of your locks.
