Rice water has been used for centuries as a natural hair treatment, especially in Asian civilizations such as Japan and China. Rice water is high in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, which help to strengthen hair, encourage growth, and enhance overall hair health.
Recently I had an amazing experience using rice water for hair, a big shoutout to my friend Anna who suggested me to give it a try. After that, I started to dig deep to see how it affects our hair and surprisingly enough I found that it can help our skin too.
From ancient times people in Asia have used rice water as a hair care treatment. Further, after using rice water in hair many people say that the hair becomes silky, smooth, and shiny. It also helps the hair grow faster.
But what does rice water do to our hair? Does it have any beauty benefits or for hair growth? What are the benefits of using rice water for natural hair? Don’t worry we got it all covered.
Rice Water For Hair: Facts
What is rice water?
Rice contains 75-80% starch. Rice water is the starchy water left over after rice is cooked or left to soak. You can use white, brown, jasmine, basmati or any other type of rice for most recipes.
It is said to be packed with rich nutrients that soothe inflammation in the scalp and dryness in the hair, including:
- Amino acids
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B
- Antioxidants
- Minerals
What does rice water include for hair?
Rice water includes four major ingredients that promote hair health. Selenium, Magnesium, Folic acid, and Niacin are four key substances that make the rice water for hair effective.
Selenium promotes hair growth and reduces dandruff while Magnesium stimulates hair growth. Additionally, every single cell in our body needs magnesium to function well.
Folic acid helps thicken and strengthen the hair. Niacin contains vitamin B3, so it transforms dull and weak hair.
How to Make Rice Water: Plain, Boiled, Fermented
Plain Rice Water For Hair
To make plain rice water, you will need:
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice (brown, white, basmati, long grain, short grain, jasmine, or whatever you have)
- 2 to 3 cups of water
Instructions:
First, rinse the rice with about a cup of water to remove any dirt or impurities.
Then, place the rice in a bowl and cover with water. Let the rice soak for 15 to 30 minutes. Swirl it around or lightly knead it until the water turns cloudy.
This will help the vitamins and minerals seep into the water, creating a nourishing rinse for your hair and skin.
Now strain out the rice water into a clean bowl. Your rice water is ready to use. This is a quick method to make rice water.
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Boiled Rice Water For Hair
Boil the rice using more water than you would normally do. Once it starts boiling take out the excess water and use; or you can also let the rice fully cook, strain, and use that excess water.
This rice water will be very concentrated, so make sure to dilute it with plain water until it is just slightly cloudy. You can store this rice water in the fridge and it will stay good for up to a week. Just remember to shake well before use.
Fermented Rice Water For Hair
For fermented rice water, collect the plain rice water though and leave it at room temperature for a day or until it turns slightly sour, implying that it has started to ferment.
It can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, depending on how warm it is. So warmer the room temperature faster the fermentation process.
Here is a quick tip: To decrease the fermentation time, leave the rice sitting in the water and strain once it has fermented. (Leave it covered for 12 to 24 hours.)
Note: Fermented rice water is very potent, so you may need to dilute it with a cup or two of warm water before use. Adjust according to your hair’s needs, use more for dry hair and less for oily hair.
How To Use Rice Water
The method of using rice water is quite simple. To do the rice water treatment follow the steps:
- Firstly wash your hair with shampoo and always use a sulfate-free shampoo for this. Then rinse your hair thoroughly with normal water.
- Now pour rice water onto the hair. Massage the rice water into the hair and scalp. Leave it for up to 20 minutes and then rinse hair thoroughly using warm water.
Mistake To Avoid During Rice Water Treatment
Don’t wear tight hairstyles and avoid heat styling tools. Let your strands breathe. Follow the rice water treatment for at least 2 weeks, your hair will look fuller and healthier.
Don’t Overferment the rice water or else it can cause hair shedding again.
Conclusion
Every type of rice has its own benefits to your hair. Additionally, the way rice water is obtained, rinsing, boiling, and fermenting will also change the nutrient content and pH of this water. So experiment freely and see what works best for your hair.
