bEER rINSE fOR hAIRcARE - dIY rECIPE
Utilizing beer for hair care might sound like a teenage trend, but there's genuine merit to incorporating a beer hair rinse into your routine. The next time you find yourself with some leftover beer, consider using it as a hair tonic.
Why Choose Beer for Your Hair?
Beer brings strength and luster to lackluster, lifeless hair. Packed with protein from malt and hops, beer nourishes and fortifies hair, offering a remedy for damaged strands. This protein infusion is particularly beneficial for dehydrated or dry hair, often a result of styling, blow-drying, or exposure to harsh weather.
The proteins in beer bind to the hair cuticle, providing essential restoration and repair. This binding action, especially on dehydrated strands, results in increased body and bounce. As the cuticle smoothes out, light reflects more effectively, enhancing the overall shine and luster of your hair.
Beyond its protein content, beer contains natural astringents in hops and brewer's yeast, which contribute to balancing oil production in the hair. This balancing effect is invaluable for maintaining healthy hair.
Achieving Shinier Hair
The protein binding not only restores but also contributes to shinier hair. By smoothing the hair cuticles, the surface becomes more reflective, enhancing the natural shine. Additionally, B vitamins in beer further promote strand luster.
Fuller, Thicker Hair
For those with fine or thin hair, a beer rinse can work wonders by adding volume. The alcohol in beer acts as a cleansing agent, providing a subtle softening effect. While it might be too drying for daily use, incorporating it once or twice a month works excellently as a clarifying treatment to remove product buildup.
Simple Beer Hair Rinse Recipe
For optimal results, it's crucial to use flat beer to avoid the creation of hard water when combined with carbon dioxide. Follow this simple recipe:
- Pour about 8 oz of flat beer into a bowl, ensuring it doesn't have a strong odor.
- Shampoo and rinse hair as usual, skipping the conditioner.
- Pour the flat beer onto your hair, massaging it into the roots and length for approximately one minute.
- Allow the mixture to soak for about 5 minutes during your shower.
- Rinse with lukewarm water or leave a bit in your hair for enhanced effects.
Consider this natural beer hair rinse as a revitalizing treat for your hair, adding shine, strength, and a touch of luxury to your self-care routine.
Tailoring Your Beer Hair Rinse to Your Hair Type
Determining the frequency of your beer rinse largely depends on your hair type, so listen to what your hair needs. I recommend using a beer rinse once or twice a week to avoid potential dryness caused by the alcohol content. However, if you have very oily hair, you might find that you can use a beer rinse more frequently.
Add a Personal Touch to Your Beer Rinse
Take your beer hair conditioning to the next level by incorporating additional hair-friendly ingredients. Experiment with natural elements such as honey, apple cider vinegar, organic herbs, or essential oils to elevate the conditioning properties of beer and create a personalized rinse.
Cider Vinegar and Beer Hair Rinse
Combine the benefits of apple cider vinegar with beer to tighten the hair cuticle. A smoother cuticle reflects light, imparting a beautiful luster to your hair. Enhance your beer conditioner by adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the flat beer and follow the application steps mentioned earlier.
For an even more convenient option, consider using our Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Rinses in this recipe! These rinses are specially formulated to complement the benefits of beer, offering an extra touch of care for your hair.
Jojoba Oil and Beer Hair Conditioner
Enhance the benefits of your beer hair conditioner by introducing 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil into the mix. Whisk the jojoba oil into the flat beer and apply as outlined in the previous steps. Jojoba oil, known for its non-greasy nature, effectively moisturizes the scalp, provides essential nutrients, and imparts shine to your hair, complementing the body added by beer. For those with dry hair, consider substituting almond oil, a moisturizing and soothing alternative. If you prefer, you can use our Jojoba Grapeseed Hair Oil for added convenience and care.
Adding Essential Oils
While essential oils don't dissolve in beer due to its water-based composition, you can easily incorporate them into the "Jojoba Oil + Beer" recipe mentioned earlier. Simply mix a few drops of your favorite essential oil or blend into the oil before adding it to the beer. Explore various essential oils to find a combination that suits your preferences.
For more insights into essential oils used in hair care, check out our blog on the subject.
Beyond Rinsing: Leave-in Conditioning
Beer serves more than just a hair rinse; it can also be used as a leave-in conditioner. Create a leave-in conditioner by mixing equal parts water and flat beer, placing the blend into a spray bottle. Apply the mixture to your hair after shampooing. Since beer proteins bind to the hair shaft, creating volume, this is an excellent conditioner for fine, thin, or limp hair. You can also use the cider vinegar rinse recipe mentioned earlier as a leave-in conditioner.
Beer Hair Styling Tonic
Experience the styling prowess of beer as an excellent setting lotion. Spray a small amount of beer into your hair using a pump bottle after shampooing, just before you dry and style your hair. This imparts a healthy and shiny look to your hair while providing increased vitality, resilience, and hold. For convenience, store the beer in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to a week or two.
Disclaimer: The recipes provided are sourced from various channels, and while they offer fun and interesting alternatives to commercial products, we do not guarantee their efficacy for everyone. Individual results may vary.
- Danielle Lasit