Amazing Benefits of Rice Water For Hair Growth

Looking for different ways to better hair? Well, a tumbler of rice is all you need for it. Yes, you read it right! It is true. You need to simply soak it in water and voila! You have rice water for your hair treatment, which has been used for ages to solve all your hair problems.

It is known to be Asia's best-kept ancient secret and you must try it to know why. The best part of this treatment is you can easily make it at home. You must read on to find out how.

History

According to several researchers, women who lived in Japan during the Heian period which was from 794 to 1185 CE had floor-length hair which they kept healthy by bathing in rice water.

An equivalent modern-day version of this story can be found in China. The Yao women, residing in a village known as Huangluo in China, are famous for having hair which are about 6 feet long.

Lately, numerous beauty advice websites and product developers have caught on to this tradition and rice water treatment is a trend that is spreading.

Using Rice Water for your Hair

Rice water is like a milky liquid because of the starch residue that is left behind from the rice. It is highly rich in minerals and vitamins and makes for a healthy drink.

Rice water helps in tightening your skin and improves your hair health. It also helps in enhancing blood circulation in your body, aiding skin cell growth and keeping your skin looking young and rejuvenated.

Due to its several properties, rice water treatment may increase the shine of your hair, make it stronger and detangle it. Rice grains contain about 75–80 per cent starch. Rice water is the starchy water that is the remains of soaking or cooking rice.

Rice water is rich in nutrients like

Amino acids
B vitamins
Vitamin E
Minerals
Antioxidants

5 Rice water benefits for hair

There are a plethora of properties that rice water has, and we have mentioned a few for you.

1. Conditions Hair

You should wash your hair with rice water after shampooing instead of using a conditioner. This will help in improving the texture of your hair by adding elasticity and increasing volume. This will also treat frizzy hair and smoothen them.

2. Helps in Hair Growth

If you are looking for ways to reduce hair fall and aid in hair growth, then rice water is a good option for you. The amino acids that are present in it help in the regeneration of hair and aid the faster growth of your hair. Additionally, rice water contains vitamins B, C, and E, which further help in your hair growth. The best way for growth is to rinse your hair with rice water after a wash. You must follow the process at least twice a week and get thick and bouncy hair in no time.

3. Protects Hair From Damage

Rice water treatment decreases surface friction and improves the elasticity of your head. The inositol present in rice water remains in your hair even after rinsing it off and helps in shielding your hair from further damage.

4. Helps to Cure Dandruff

Fermented rice water inhibits antifungal properties which cure dandruff and helps in eliminating it. You can use it as a hair mask once or twice a week for a few hours to combat this issue.

5. Adds Shine and Makes Hair Silky

All you need to do is use rice water as a hair mask, leave it on for about 20 minutes, and then wash it off. You should follow it up with shampoo and conditioner.

How to make fermented rice water for hair?

I) What Is Fermented Rice Water?

Fermented rice water is also a type of rice water that is left to ferment for a while before its use. The fermentation process turns the rice water into a potent liquid that needs to be diluted before use.

II) How To Make Fermented Rice Water?

You can take half a cup of rice and soak it in two cups of water. Now, simply keep it aside for 15 to 30 minutes.

Now, you should extract the water by straining the rice.

Transfer this liquid you obtain to a jar and then leave it there for a day or two at room temperature.

When you notice a sour smell coming from the jar, you must stop the fermentation and shift the jar to the fridge.

Now, add a cup or two of warm water to fermented rice water before its use as it is highly potent and direct use is not recommended.

III) How To Use Fermented Rice Water For Hair?

You can use fermented rice water with mustard to make a hair mask for nourishing your hair. Here’s how you can do it.

You must take an adequate amount of mustard powder and mix it in the fermented rice water until it forms a smooth paste.

Now, you can add some olive oil to the paste and mix thoroughly.

You should apply the paste to your scalp and not let it spread onto your hair.

Leave the hair mask on for about 20 minutes and then wash it off with mild shampoo.

How to apply rice water on hair?

Boiled rice water is considered an excellent conditioner, so let us figure out how to use it as one.

You should take a mug of boiled rice water and then add a few drops of rosemary, lavender, or chamomile essential oil to it.
You need to now shampoo your hair and then pour the rice water over it. Now, Leave it on for about 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the time you have at that moment.
Gently massage your hair and scalp when you have left the solution on your head.
Wash your hair thoroughly with regular water after you are fully done. Use this method at least once a week to see improvement in the health and texture of your hair.

Is rice water good for dandruff?

Yes, rice water is perfect for your dandruff and treats most hair problems. Studies have shown that rice water contains inositol, which is a carbohydrate that repairs damaged hair.

This inositol present in rice water stays in your hair even after it is rinsed off, which acts as a shield and protects your hair from damage and the formation of flakes on the scalp. It also contains amino acids that strengthen your hair roots, increase the hair volume and make your hair shiny and smooth

In each possible way, a rice water treat is great for your hair. It is completely safe, natural and has absolutely no side effects. It improves the condition of your hair in a completely healthy manner.

Black tea and rice water for hair

Adding rice water to black tea benefits your hair a lot. This combination when applied to the hair can repair the damaged hair. Strengthen weak and brittle hair. This mixture is also considered the best conditioning agent. And using it weekly once can make your hair look more radiant, and shiny, provides smoothens and increases overall hair health.

Side effects of rice water on hair

Formation of flakes
Dryness
Hair breakage
Damage to the hair cuticle
Not suitable for low-porosity hair

2 Pro Tips To Wash Hair With Rice Water

We have mentioned a few tips that you should keep in mind to make your hair wash routine with rice water a fulfilling experience.

Rice water contains natural saponins which can be used as a mild cleanser. You must add a teaspoon of a natural clarifier like lime, amla, or Shikakai to avoid and remove the build-up of rice water in your hair over time due to hard water.
Excellent addition to rice water is green tea as it imparts additional shine and strength to your hair. It also reduces hair loss problems.

Take Away

Washing your hair in rice water is a traditional beauty treatment popular in many regions of Asia. It has gained attention online and this alternative beauty remedy is now popular across the world.

Many people find rice water to be beneficial in treating their hair. Numerous historical examples and anecdotal evidence suggest rice water might improve the strength, texture, and growth of hair.

If you want to purchase some dermatologist-recommended products like Minoxidil, Fin. and many more to stop your hair fall then you can visit Mars by GHC website.

FAQs

What does rice water do to your hair?

Rice water penetrates the damaged hair and repairs it inside and out. It also acts as a protective layer to prevent future damage.

How long do you leave rice water in your hair?

You can leave rice water on your hair for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, a gentle massage is also recommended.

Can I spray rice water on my hair everyday?

The ideal usage of rice water on hair is once or twice a week for the best results. Using it on regular basis can dry out the scalp and can bring scalp-related issues.

References:

Skin ageing, natural weapons and strategies. By National Library of Medicine, Jan 29, 2013.

Plant-based active photoprotectants for sunscreens. By Wiley online library, Feb 26, 2016.

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