Beer Treatments for Your Hair

Some people claim that their favourite beer is a beauty product, and use it on their hair. Apparently it works wonders! We did some investigating and found the best beer treatments you can easily do at home. Enjoy.

Beer has been used on hair since ancient times! Why? Well, beer is rich in proteins and vitamins: nutrients that help maintain hair healthy. It also adds volume. The alcohol is thought to cleanse the hair, clarifying it, and it’s the alcohol that acts as the shine agent that adds lustre. It also softens, meaning you get shine, volume and softness all at once!

Beer conditioner comb through

First, you’ll need some beer! Buy some, or get someone who’s over 18 to buy a bottle for you. You don’t need to get your favourite type. A cheap variety will work just as well! Keep it out of the fridge, and open it just before you need it.

Wash your hair as normal, with shampoo only. Save the beer for the conditioning part. Now take the beer bottle, open it, and pour the beer, little by little, over your scalp and hair. Rub it in well, then let it sit on the hair for around one or two minutes (you could use this time to wash your body so you don’t get bored).

Rinse out the beer, then style as usual!

Jojoba oil

Jojoba oil is great for all hair types and it resembles the structure of sebum, the natural oil produced by your scalp. It’s good for treating a dry scalp, and can be used in a variety of different ways, including with beer!

To use it with beer, start by preparing your mixture. Add a few drops of the oil and the bottle of beer to a bowl and whisk them together well. Follow the instructions above, but only put the beer on the bottom half of your hair, as you don’t want to get the oil on your scalp. Rinse and style as normal after leaving the mixture on for a couple of minutes.

Using beer as shampoo

Since beer’s alcohol content helps you clarify your locks, it works well as a shampoo. The method is reversed, and you put beer on your hair before you use your regular conditioner. Just pour it onto the scalp and use your fingertips to scrub your scalp. Cover completely. It might feel a little unusual, since you’re used to foam and lather, but don’t worry, just pour it on and scrub. Rinse with warm water, then apply your conditioner and style as normal.

If this idea scares you, mix the beer with some shampoo beforehand in a bowl. Use this mixture as a shampoo, then condition as normal. Both these treatments are great for adding volume to thin hair right at the roots.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is similar to beer in its clarifying effects. It’s wonderful for a dry, itchy scalp, and will leave your hair feeling soft, smooth and shiny. It improves porosity, since it has the ability to absorb and retain moisture, so your hair shaft will happily lie flat, creating extra shine. It balances the pH of your scalp and hair, reduces frizz and gets rid of all that gunk that might have built up on your hair after using styling products.

Apply cider vinegar in equal parts with beer to the scalp and hair after shampooing. Leave it on for a couple of minutes, and style as normal. This conditioning rinse replaces your usual conditioner. Enjoy your shine!

Sunflower oil, egg, & beer mask

Applying natural masks like this does wonders for frizz, oiliness, dryness and colour-treated locks. Simply mix two tablespoons of sunflower oil, an egg and half a bottle of beer in a bow. Whisk well, then apply it to your scalp and hair. Leave on overnight or for a couple of hours, covered by an old towel, cling film or other handy item. Shampoo it out with warm water, then style as usual!

Lemon juice

Lemon juice can help lighten your hair, and it works well as a lightening treatment. Mix equal parts lemon juice with water. Then apply this mixture to the hair, in the areas you want to lighten it. Sit in the sun for around an hour and a half (don’t forget your sunscreen!), then come inside and get into the shower. Cleanse with a gentle shampoo like baby shampoo, then do a jojoba/beer rinse, making sure to get the oil/beer mixture on the areas you lightened, but not on the roots. Do this treatment regularly, and you’ll naturally lighten your hair!