Beer shampoo is any kind of shampoo that contains beer as one of its ingredients. It may be purchased commercially or made at home, but both of these varieties must include beer in the mixture. The beverage may improve the luster and quality of the hair — or even help control dry scalp and dandruff when used as a hair wash or a rinse — and beer shampoo is designed to take advantage of this. Beer contains proteins and other substances that may strengthen or otherwise improve the quality of hair, so it is more of a cosmetic ingredient than one designed to actually clean hair.
Commercially-produced beer shampoo may come in the form of a traditional liquid or gel, a bar, or even a powder that water must be added to. These different types of shampoo may appeal to various people, though they all share the same ingredient and will tend to have similar effects. Which type to choose, or whether to simply make such a product at home, is a matter of personal preference. Beer shampoo is typically used in the same manner as regular shampoo, with a small amount applied to the scalp, worked through the hair, and then rinsed out.
Making beer shampoo at home is a relatively simple process that requires any type of beer, a pan, a heat source, and a generic shampoo to use as a base. Generally, the beer is heated in order to reduce the water volume and retain all of the beneficial materials. This typically thick, dark material may then be added to any type of shampoo, though a scentless variety is often used. The beer reduction and shampoo base may then be shaken thoroughly to create an even mixture, and used like any other shampoo. Beer can also be added to hair conditioners in this same fashion.
In addition to its use as a commercial or homemade shampoo ingredient, beer may also be used as a rinse. When used this way, it is typical to open the beer and allow it to go flat, or lose its effervescence, first. As with making beer shampoo, the type of beer chosen is largely unimportant, as all beers contain the same basic beneficial compounds. After the hair is shampooed and washed as normal, the flat beer may be poured through the hair like a rinse. The hair may then be rinsed again with water, just as it would be if a traditional hair rinse or conditioner had been used.