A novel use for beer

Source:  http://digital.nls.uk/propaganda/white/booklet_06.html

While researching women's lifestyles of the past, I am always impressed by the ingenuity of our mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers. In today's world, we are surrounded by things to make life easier--from food processors to supermarkets to the Internet itself. But sometimes, the bygone method of doing things may actually be superior. I have discovered this today in the form of beer setting lotion.

Promotional photo from Bell's Brewery. Day-old beer isn't quite this photogenic.

I first read about it on The Fedora Lounge while searching for homemade setting lotion. I love pin curling my hair and I usually just use hairspray, but sometimes I want that extra hold, you know? I'd heard about flax seed setting lotion, which sounded great, but the process sounded messy and complicated. If it can be done yourself, I like to do it myself, but there are some things I just won't touch, and the stove is one of them. (So much for the joy of domesticity.) However, on that post, someone mentioned using beer, and how girls of the thirties and forties used it all the time to set their hair. Aha! I thought to myself. Brilliant! Unfortunately, I also like to be resourceful with my beer, and that usually means there isn't a lot left over the next day. (I only have one!) But yesterday was different!

Image from Snoodlebug Vintage

I did have beer left over, and I wanted to practice the above hairstyle (or a variation of it) for graduation, which is this Sunday. There was definitely enough left over for setting lotion. So I combed it through my hair, and I was pleasantly surprised by the results. (Not pleasantly surprised enough to share a photo. I'm already sharing my drinking habits with you guys; my hair set is too much information!) I've only had the set in for about an hour, but it was so much easier to work with, and really shiny and soft. My sink does smell a bit like beer, but hopefully that will wear off.

I'm going to sleep on the set and hopefully I'll post pictures tomorrow! I certainly don't think I'll look like Ava Gardner, but I'm interested to see if the hold will be better!

XOXO,

Annie Belle