Beer is a beverage enjoyed by many people across the globe. While it is popular for its thirst-quenching qualities and uses for social enjoyment, some individuals also believe that certain components in beer can potentially benefit hair health. In fact, many kinds of research already proved how beer can help in skin and hair care when applied topically. But the question is do we get the same benefits when we drink beer?
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the various claims surrounding the “best beers for hair” and find out the potential benefits they may offer.
What Beers Are Best for Your Hair?
Listed below are the different brands of beers that can help improve the health of our hair. Included are Irish and English stout beers, craft, lagers, and wheat beers from reputable brands.
1. Guinness
Guinness, a well-known dark Irish stout, is often promoted as one of the best beers for hair health. It is said to contain high amounts of iron, which is one of the essential minerals required for maintaining healthy hair.
Since iron deficiency has been known as one of the reasons for hair loss and thinning, the presence of iron in Guinness could potentially promote hair growth and strength. However, please bear in mind that while Guinness may contain iron, the amount per serving is relatively low, and a balanced diet with iron-rich foods is always recommended for addressing deficiencies.
2. Blue Moon Belgian White
This is one of the popular wheat beers in the U.S. It is brewed with coriander and orange peel, giving it a slightly spicy and citrusy flavor.
Wheat beers like Blue Moon Belgian White are commonly brewed with malted wheat. They are often believed to have higher levels of vitamins and minerals compared to other beer styles. The presence of wheat and malt in these beers can help provide good nutrients, such as vitamin B complex, and minerals like zinc and magnesium.
It also has vitamin H (biotin), which is known for its role in hair growth and strength. While some anecdotal evidence suggests that wheat beers may boost hair health, scientific research still needs to prove this further.
3. Samuel Smith’s Oatmeal Stout
Brewed in the UK, this brand of beer is a classic example of an oatmeal stout. It is known for its velvety and rich texture with flavors of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt.
Stouts that are brewed with oatmeal have gained attention for their potential hair benefits. Oatmeal contains a lot of beneficial nutrients like zinc and the vitamin B complex, which are known to promote healthy hair growth and thickness. But because the concentration of these nutrients in beer is generally low, incorporating oatmeal and other food sources that are rich in vitamin B complex and zinc into your diet would still be more effective.
4. Avery Brewing Co. Raspberry Sour
This is a sour ale well known in Colorado, brewed with raspberries and often a blend of fruitiness and tartness.
This kind of beer is one of the many popular craft beers. The creative and unique formulations of this kind of beer allow them to incorporate additional ingredients like fruits, hops, or spices. Some of these ingredients contain compounds that are believed to have benefits for hair health.
Fruits like citrus and berries are rich in antioxidants, which may help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and damage. Moreover, certain hop varieties contain flavonoids and polyphenols that have potential anti-inflammatory properties that could benefit the scalp. While these ingredients may offer various health benefits, more research is needed to establish their direct effects on hair health.
5. Abita Purple Haze
This is a lager type of beer that is also infused with real raspberries to give a fruity aroma and sweet taste. Again the berries used in this beer have antioxidants that can help improve overall health, including your hair.
What Beers to Avoid for Hair?
While we know that there are a lot of possible benefits we can get from beer to improve the health of our hair. There are also factors that we should take into consideration when drinking beer in order to achieve our goal of maintaining or keeping our hair healthy. Listed below are different beer brands that may not help with your hair problem.
1. Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA
This iconic beer brand is known for its incredibly high alcohol content, which goes more than 15%. Beers like this brand that has high alcohol content can lead to dehydration, which may indirectly affect hair health. It is always better to choose beers that have lower alcohol content and consume them in moderation.
2. Creme Brulee Stout
This brand of beer is one of the well-known dessert-style beers. This beer offers a sweet and decadent flavor.
Beers like this contain added sugars or sweeteners, which could contribute to nutritional imbalances and possibly affect the health of our hair. It is better to drink beers with fewer additives and lower sugar content.
3. Budweiser Select 55
Budweiser Select 55 is the beer with the lowest calorie content. It is incredibly light in terms of alcohol and flavor content.
Beers that have low nutritional value and almost have 0 calories may not be a choice for your hair problem. Drinking beers with no beneficial ingredients in them can result in deficiencies in essential nutrients that support healthy hair growth.
4. Newcastle Beer
This UK brand of beer uses one of the most controversial food additives which is toasted barley. This food additive gives golden or deep brown color to the beer. But this type of beer is also colored artificially with caramel coloring, which has carcinogenic compounds in it.
Other beers may also contain artificial additives, preservatives, or chemicals that could have adverse effects on your overall health which also includes hair health.
FAQs About the Best Beers for Hair
Does drinking beer prevent hair loss?
Beers have ingredients that contain nutrients like vitamin B, selenium, vitamin D, and zinc. These are known to help prevent premature graying, reduce hair fall, and even minimize dandruff and promote hair growth. But keep in mind as well that excessive drinking may also lead to other health issues that may trigger hair thinning or loss.
Which is better for hair health? Drink beer or directly apply it to your hair?
Both drinking beer and applying it topically to the hair can have potential benefits for hair health, but they work in different ways. When you drink beer, you may get the benefit of having healthy hair through its nutritional value.
But it’s likely to be indirect and may not be as significant as obtaining these nutrients from a well-balanced diet. Applying beer directly on your hair, on the other hand, is believed to have some benefits due to its protein content and acidity.
The proteins in beer (from barley and hops) may help strengthen hair strands and provide some nourishment. Additionally, the slightly acidic pH of beer could help in closing the hair cuticles, making the hair appear smoother and shinier.
A Roundup of the Best Beers for Hair
Though certain beers are known to have potential benefits for hair health due to their nutritional composition, the evidence supporting these claims remains limited. While some individuals have experienced positive results with the use of beer to improve the condition of their hair, it is always wise to prioritize a well-balanced diet, proper hair care, and a healthy lifestyle for optimal hair health.
If you have specific concerns or conditions regarding your hair, consulting with a healthcare professional or a trichologist is advised. Hope this article helps you maintain your hair healthy and always remember to drink beer moderately.
I am a passionate beer connoisseur with a deep appreciation for the art and science of brewing. With years of experience tasting and evaluating various beers, I love to share my opinions and insights with others and I am always eager to engage in lively discussions about my favorite beverage.
