Buzz
Should you consume the beer, use it as shampoo, or perhaps do both?
Valua Vitaly/iSTock/ThinkstockBeer: It’s not just for drinking. You can soak in it, use it to nourish your lawn, or even cook shrimp with it. But have you ever considered pouring it on your hair? (And we’re talking intentionally, not the accidental spill during a wild party.) Surprisingly, beer might actually be beneficial for your hair.
The fundamental components of beer — malt and hops — are packed with proteins that can fortify hair cuticles. The cuticle, a protective layer of dead cells arranged like shingles around the hair shaft, can become rough and raised when damaged.
When the proteins in beer are applied to your hair, they help the cuticles reorganize into a smooth, orderly structure. These proteins work to repair the harm caused by common hair treatments like blow-drying, straightening, curling, and coloring, all of which can damage your hair.
The advantages of beer extend beyond strengthening your hair; it can also enhance its shine. As the proteins bond with the hair cuticles, they create a smoother surface that reflects light more effectively, resulting in shinier hair. The alcohol in beer, rich in B vitamins and natural sugars, further boosts this shine. However, some experts warn that frequent use of alcohol-based treatments can dry out your hair. Critics also argue that there’s no scientific proof beer is a miracle rinse—it won’t promote hair growth and may leave a lingering "frat party" scent [sources: Romanowski, Nolasco].
To create a beer hair rinse, combine room-temperature beer (about a quarter cup or 59 milliliters) with an equal amount of water and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to neutralize the beer odor. After shampooing and conditioning, thoroughly apply the beer rinse to your hair, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it out. While too drying for daily use, a monthly or bi-monthly beer rinse can effectively remove product buildup, similar to an expensive clarifying shampoo [source: Hudson].
For a leave-in conditioner, pour the mixture into a spray bottle, mist it onto your hair, and style as usual. As the beer proteins attach to the hair shaft, they create a volumizing effect. For those with fine or thin hair, this volume boost is like discovering the ultimate hair care solution [source: Haupt].
However, the volumizing effect from beer is temporary and lasts only as long as the beer remains attached to your hair follicles. Once washed out, the benefits disappear. To maintain the effect, reapply the leave-in beer treatment during your next wash for a more enduring result [source: Hudson].
You can even transform your next beer into a shampoo. Simmer one cup (236 milliliters) of beer over medium heat until it reduces to a quarter cup, effectively boiling off the alcohol. Once the concentrated beer cools, blend it with a cup of shampoo, pour it back into a bottle, and use it as you normally would. For those who prefer not to make their own, beer shampoo can occasionally be found for sale on the Internet [source: Kita].
