A Nutritional Guide to Answer: Which Beer is Best for Hair Growth?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Anecdotal evidence has long suggested that a beer rinse can add shine and volume to hair. For those exploring natural remedies rooted in nutrition, the question remains: Which beer is best for hair growth? This article investigates the science behind beer's potential hair benefits, comparing different types and explaining the best topical application methods.

Quick Summary

Beer contains beneficial nutrients like B vitamins, silicon, and protein that can improve hair health when applied topically. This guide examines the nutritional differences between beer types, focusing on using flat, non-alcoholic, or light varieties for a conditioning effect while avoiding damage from alcohol.

Key Points

Topical Use Only: The benefits of beer for hair come from applying it topically as a rinse or mask, not from drinking it.
Choose Flat and Light Beer: Always let beer go flat before use to avoid damage from carbonation. Light or non-alcoholic options are best to prevent residue and drying.
Nutrient-Rich: Beer's benefits stem from its content of B vitamins, silicon, proteins, and antioxidants, which strengthen and add shine to hair.
Rinse for Shine and Volume: A simple beer rinse after shampooing can add volume, strengthen hair, and improve shine by sealing the cuticle.
DIY Hair Masks: Mix flat beer with nourishing ingredients like honey, eggs, or avocado oil for more intensive conditioning treatments.
Manage Expectations: There is limited clinical evidence that beer promotes hair growth, but it can improve the overall appearance and health of existing hair.
Non-Alcoholic is Safest: For those with dry or sensitive hair, using non-alcoholic beer is recommended to avoid the drying effects of ethanol.

Understanding Beer's Hair-Benefiting Nutrients

While there is a lack of robust clinical trials proving beer's effectiveness for hair growth, the brew contains several nutrients that are independently linked to hair health. The key to reaping these benefits is topical application rather than consumption, which can be counterproductive due to alcohol's dehydrating effects.

B Vitamins for Keratin Synthesis: Brewer’s yeast, a key ingredient, is rich in B vitamins such as biotin (B7), riboflavin (B2), and niacin (B3). These vitamins are crucial for cellular metabolism and the production of keratin, the protein that forms the majority of our hair. Biotin, in particular, is often associated with stronger hair growth.

Silicon for Shine and Strength: Barley, the primary grain used in most beers, is a major source of dietary silicon, which is present in a highly bioavailable form known as orthosilicic acid (OSA). Research suggests that higher silicon content in hair is linked to a lower rate of hair loss and increased brightness.

Proteins and Antioxidants: The hops and malt in beer are a source of protein and antioxidants. The proteins can help repair damaged hair and increase its volume, while the antioxidants protect hair from environmental damage.

Topical vs. Dietary: How to Properly Use Beer for Hair

It is critical to distinguish between drinking beer and applying it to your hair. Excessive alcohol consumption can harm your hair by causing dehydration and leading to nutritional deficiencies. The topical application, however, delivers beneficial nutrients directly to the hair shaft and scalp, bypassing the negative internal effects of alcohol.

Preparing a Beer Hair Rinse

For a beer hair rinse, you must always use flat beer. Carbonation can make water harder, which can strip hair of its natural oils and hinder shampoo's effectiveness. Follow these steps for an effective rinse:

Pour it Out: Open a bottle or can of beer and pour it into a bowl or jug.
Let it Flatten: Let it sit for several hours or overnight until it becomes completely flat. This is crucial for preventing dryness.
Shampoo First: Wash your hair with a mild, sulphate-free shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Skip your usual conditioner to allow the beer to coat the hair shaft directly.
Apply the Rinse: Slowly pour the flat beer over your hair and massage it into your scalp for about one minute.
Wait and Rinse: Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the nutrients to penetrate. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the hair cuticle and minimize the smell.

Choosing the Right Beer for Your Hair

Not all beers are created equal when it comes to hair care. The ideal choice depends on your hair's specific needs and your tolerance for potential residue or strong scents.


Beer Type	Nutritional Profile	Benefits for Hair	Potential Drawbacks
Light Beer (e.g., Lager, Pilsner)	Moderate levels of protein, B vitamins, and silicon. Lighter color.	Adds shine and volume without a heavy residue or strong odor.	Contains alcohol, which must be flattened to avoid drying effects.
Dark Beer (e.g., Stout, Porter)	Richer in malt, hops, protein, and some minerals.	Potentially provides deeper nourishment and moisture.	May leave a stronger, more persistent smell and can leave a residue, especially on lighter hair.
Non-alcoholic Beer	Contains the beneficial B vitamins, proteins, and silicon from yeast, malt, and hops.	Retains the hair-healthy nutrients without the drying effects of alcohol. Best for sensitive or dry hair types.	May not provide the same volume boost as carbonated beer, but avoids alcohol damage.

Combining Beer with Other Nourishing Ingredients

For a more intensive treatment, you can create a hair mask by mixing flat beer with other beneficial ingredients.

For Extra Moisture: Mix half a cup of flat beer with two tablespoons of honey. Honey is a natural humectant that draws moisture to the hair.
For Strengthening: Combine one egg with half a cup of flat beer. Eggs are an excellent source of protein and biotin.
For a Clarifying and Conditioning Rinse: Add a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar to a cup of flat beer. This combination can help smooth the cuticle and add shine.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Beer for Hair Growth

While beer's reputation as a hair growth miracle cure is largely based on anecdotal accounts, its nutritional composition does offer valid benefits for hair health. The presence of B vitamins, silicon, proteins, and antioxidants can help strengthen hair, boost shine, and improve texture. However, it is essential to manage expectations—beer is not a scientifically proven treatment for baldness, and its benefits are primarily topical. By choosing a flat, non-alcoholic, or light beer and applying it correctly as a rinse or mask, you can safely explore this age-old remedy for healthier, more lustrous hair. Consulting a dermatologist is always recommended for serious or chronic hair problems. A study on the benefits of silicon to hair health can be found via the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, drinking beer is not recommended for hair growth. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration and nutritional deficiencies that actually damage hair. The alleged hair benefits of beer come from topical application, not ingestion.

The best beer for a hair rinse is a flat, light, and non-flavored beer, or a non-alcoholic beer. Non-alcoholic beer is particularly recommended as it provides nutrients without the drying effects of ethanol.

To make beer flat, pour a bottle or can of beer into a bowl or jug and leave it uncovered for several hours or overnight. This allows the carbon dioxide to release, preventing the formation of hard water that can damage hair.

You can use a dark beer, but be aware that it might leave a stronger odor and potentially more residue on your hair than a light beer. It may also provide more moisture due to its richer malt and hops content.

It is generally recommended to use a beer rinse once or twice a week. Overuse can lead to protein buildup, making hair feel stiff, or cause excessive dryness if using a beer with alcohol.

To minimize the beer smell, rinse your hair with cool water after the treatment. The cold water helps seal the hair cuticle. You can also follow up with a light conditioner or a few drops of essential oil like lavender or rosemary.

No, there is a lack of clinical evidence directly proving beer is beneficial for hair growth. While beer contains nutrients like B vitamins and silicon that are linked to hair health, the effects are mostly anecdotal.

The B vitamins in beer, especially those from brewer's yeast, aid in the production of keratin, the primary protein in hair. These vitamins help strengthen hair follicles and are associated with healthy growth.