How To Wash Hair With Beer

Learn how to wash hair with beer for shine, strength, and growth. Discover step-by-step methods, tips, and precautions for healthy results.

Beer isn’t just for drinking—it has long been used as a natural hair treatment. Packed with proteins, vitamins, and minerals, beer can help restore shine, add volume, and strengthen weak or damaged strands. Washing your hair with beer may sound unusual, but many people swear by it as a simple, affordable, and effective home remedy.

This article explains the benefits of washing hair with beer, gives you step-by-step instructions, highlights variations of beer hair rinses, and shares important tips and precautions.

Why Use Beer for Hair?

Beer contains nutrients that make it an interesting addition to hair care:

  • Proteins from malt and hops repair damaged cuticles.
  • Vitamin B complex supports stronger and healthier growth.
  • Silica increases hair thickness and volume.
  • Natural sugars add shine and smoothness.
  • Antioxidants protect hair from free-radical damage.

Benefits of Washing Hair with Beer

Adds Shine and Luster

Beer rinses coat the hair shaft with natural sugars and proteins, leaving hair smooth and glossy.

Strengthens Weak Strands

The proteins in beer repair damage caused by heat styling, coloring, or pollution, reducing breakage.

Boosts Hair Volume

Beer contains silica, which helps increase hair thickness and gives a fuller look.

Supports Scalp Health

Beer’s mild antibacterial properties can help reduce dandruff and soothe irritation when used with other natural ingredients.

Acts as a Natural Conditioner

When used as a final rinse, beer makes hair softer and more manageable without heavy chemical buildup.

How to Wash Hair with Beer: Step-by-Step

  1. Choose the Right Beer

    • Go for light, natural beers with fewer preservatives and additives.
    • Flat beer works best, so open it and leave it overnight to reduce carbonation.
  2. Prepare the Beer

    • Pour the beer into a cup or bowl.
    • Optionally, dilute with equal parts water to reduce alcohol content.
  3. Wash with Shampoo

    • Clean your hair with your regular shampoo first.
    • Rinse thoroughly to remove buildup and oils.
  4. Apply the Beer Rinse

    • Slowly pour the beer over your hair, massaging into the scalp and strands.
    • Ensure even distribution from roots to tips.
  5. Leave It On

    • Let the beer sit for 5–10 minutes to allow nutrients to absorb.
  6. Rinse Well

    • Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove the smell and prevent stickiness.
    • Finish with a light conditioner if your hair tends to be dry.

Variations of Beer Hair Rinses

Beer and Egg Rinse

  • Mix ½ cup beer with 1 egg.
  • Apply to hair for 20 minutes before rinsing.
    Benefit: Adds protein and repairs damaged strands.

Beer and Honey Conditioner

  • Combine ¼ cup beer with 1 tablespoon honey.
  • Use as a conditioning mask for 15 minutes.
    Benefit: Moisturizes dry hair and enhances shine.

Beer and Aloe Vera Mix

  • Mix ¼ cup beer with 3 tablespoons aloe vera gel.
  • Apply to scalp and hair, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse.
    Benefit: Soothes the scalp and encourages growth.

Tips for Best Results

  • Use beer rinse once or twice a week to avoid dryness.
  • Always rinse thoroughly to eliminate beer odor.
  • Follow with a mild conditioner for extra moisture.
  • Store leftover flat beer in the fridge for later use.

Precautions

  • Overuse can dry out hair due to alcohol content.
  • People with sensitive scalps should do a patch test first.
  • Avoid using beer treatments if you have scalp wounds or conditions like eczema.

Conclusion

Washing your hair with beer can be an effective DIY natural remedy for shine, strength, and scalp health. By using flat beer as a rinse or combining it with ingredients like honey, eggs, or aloe vera, you can create a nourishing treatment that improves your hair’s texture and appearance. When used moderately and correctly, beer can be a budget-friendly alternative to commercial hair products.