Beer For Hair: Does It Really Work?

Easy-to-follow DIY beer recipes that will help you achieve strong and shiny hair.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Vindhya L Veerula, MD, FAAD
July 27, 2022 By Ramona Sinha, Certified Skin Care Coach

If you want soft, silky, and lustrous hair, say cheers to beer! From parties and social gatherings, beer has tiptoed into our hair routines as more and more people started using beer for hair care.

Be it shampoos or conditioners – you will find beer in almost all hair care products. The easiest way to use beer for hair is to use it as a post-wash rinse. However, there are several other ways to incorporate beer into your hair care routine. If this has piqued your interest and you want to give it a try, scroll down to know how beer may benefit your hair and how to use it.

In This Article

Is Beer Any Good For Your Hair?

There is no scientific proof to back this claim. However, anecdotal evidence claims that beer is good for hair whether you drink it or use it to rinse your hair.

The possible reason could be the protein, B vitamins, and antioxidants like flavonoids in beer (1). These nutrients may impact your overall health and hair health. In the next section, let’s take a closer look at the nutrients present in beer.

Beneficial Nutrients In Beer

Beer is rich in:

1. Minerals

Beer contains selenium and is a good source of silicon (2). Selenium deficiency is linked to hair pigment loss, and silicon deficiency may cause hair loss (3), (4).

2. B Vitamins

Beer is rich in B vitamins, and vitamin B12 prevents premature graying (1), (5).

3. Zinc, Folate, Biotin, Vitamin D, And Calcium

Beer contains essential nutrients like zinc, folate, biotin, calcium, and vitamin D (6). All these elements are crucial for maintaining hair health. Lack of these nutrients may trigger androgenic alopecia and telogen effluvium and cause hair loss and hair damage (7).

You might be wondering that if beer is rich in hair-beneficial nutrients, does that mean it can promote hair growth? Read the next section for find out.

Does Beer Promote Hair Growth?

There is no scientific proof that beer promotes hair growth. It contains essential nutrients that play a crucial role in reducing hair fall and managing conditions like alopecia and telogen effluvium. Hence, beer may have some beneficial effects on your hair health.

However, that does not mean beer can be a substitute for a well-balanced diet and therapies. Consult a doctor if you are experiencing severe hair fall or other hair-related issues.

Beer is also believed to minimize dandruff. Is it true? Find out in the next section.

Is Beer Helpful For Dandruff?

This is a popular belief that does not have any scientific backing. Many people rinse their hair with beer and claim that it helps minimize dandruff. The fact is, dandruff is a fungal infection caused by Malassezia, a yeast-like fungus. While there is no proof of the antifungal activity of beer, you can try and see if it can help. Keep reading to find out how exactly you can use a beer for your hair.

How To Use Beer On Hair

1. Beer Rinse

A post-shampoo beer rinse may make the hair soft, silky, and shiny.

Ingredients

200 ml beer

Process

Wash your hair with shampoo and follow up with conditioner.
Rinse your hair well.
Tilt the head backward and pour the beer on the hair.
Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse with water.
Do this once a week.

2. Beer And Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Apple cider vinegar is often used as a post-wash rinse to soften the hair and add shine to it.

Ingredients

¼ cup of apple cider vinegar
1 cup of beer

Process

Mix the apple cider vinegar with beer.
Use the mixture as a post-shampoo rinse.
Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse with water.
Use it once in two weeks.

3. Beer And Jojoba Oil Rinse

Jojoba oil is a popular ingredient when it comes to skin care and hair care. It contains wax esters that repair the skin (8). Together with beer, it may help soften and moisturize the hair.

Ingredients

1 cup flat beer
1 teaspoon of jojoba oil

Process

Mix beer and jojoba oil.
Pour the mixture on your hair strands
Leave it on for 5-10 minutes.
Rinse off with water.

You may also include beer in your DIY hair masks. Find out some easy recipes in the next section.

DIY Beer Hair Masks

1. Beer, Honey, And Banana Hair Mask

Honey antimicrobial properties, while banana softens the hair and improves shine and manageability (9), (10).

Ingredients

½ cup of beer
1 tablespoon of honey
1 ripe and mashed banana

Process

Blend all the ingredients well.
Section your hair and apply the beer mask evenly from the roots to the tips.
Cover your hair with a shower cap for an hour.
Wash with shampoo and conditioner.
Use once a week.

2. Beer, Egg, And Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Egg yolk contains hair growth peptides(11). Coconut oil minimizes protein loss in hair and penetrates the hair shaft to prevent damage (12).

Ingredients:

½ cup of beer
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Yolk of an egg

Process

Mix all the ingredients.
Apply the blend to your hair evenly.
Cover with a shower cap and leave it on for 30 minutes.
Wash with regular shampoo and conditioner.
Use this mask once a week.

3. Beer, Onion, And Coconut oil

Onion juice promotes hair growth (13). Coconut oil minimizes hair damage. This hair mask may help prevent hair fall.

Ingredients

1 cup of beer
½ cup of onion juice
1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Process

Mix all the ingredients.
Apply the mask to your hair and scalp. Spread evenly.
Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
Wash with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
Use only once a week.

You may also apply beer directly to your hair. This is said to lighten the hair color.

Does Beer Lighten The Hair?

According to anecdotal evidence, beer may help lighten the hair naturally. Many women use beer wash to turn their hair a shade lighter than the natural color. This is especially beneficial for people who want to dye their hair without using a pre-lightening bleach.

From beer shampoos to conditioners, you will now find an entire range of hair care products focusing on this one ingredient. The trend of using beer for hair, especially as a post-wash rinse, is rising after celebrities started endorsing this hack. However, there is no scientific evidence that supports the claim that beer can make your hair shiny, healthy, soft, and silky. However, if you are curious to try this trend and see what beer can do for your hair, you may follow the recipes shared in the article. Remember to do a patch test to avoid any allergic reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which beer is best for hair growth?

Non-alcoholic beers are best for hair growth as they contain all the vitamins and proteins without the drying alcohol content.

Does beer make hair thicker?

No. Beer does not make your hair thicker. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the protein in it can cover your hair shaft, giving it a fuller look.

Can I use beer shampoo daily?

It depends on the individual brand formulations. While you can use some beer shampoos daily, others may be too drying or damaging.

Is beer shampoo harmful?

No. Beer shampoos are not typically harmful unless they contain harsh chemicals or preservatives.

How long should I leave beer in my hair?

For shinier and cleaner hair, you can leave beer in your hair for 15-20 minutes.

Is beer good for curly hair?

Yes. Beer is good for curly hair as it improves hair elasticity, strength, and shine.

Key Takeaways

Beer contains nutrients such as B vitamins, selenium, vitamin D, and zinc that may prevent premature graying, reduce hair fall, minimize dandruff and promote hair growth.
You can use beer alone or in combination with apple cider vinegar as a post-shampoo rinse to moisture and soften your hair.
You can make beer hair masks with simple ingredients from your pantry, such as honey, egg, or coconut oil, to minimize protein loss.

References:

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.