While our family doesn’t consume a lot of rice and other grains, they still have their uses. Rice water for natural hair care is currently popular on TikTok, but its use dates back thousands of years. Here’s how to incorporate this simple, age-old remedy for stronger, healthier hair.
The Origins of Rice Water
Rice water is exactly what you might imagine – water that contains rice that’s been soaked. The Yao women from the Huangluo village in China have used rice combined with herbs for their hair for generations, and this tradition persists today. The women of the tribe traditionally allow their hair to grow without cutting once they reach adulthood, maintaining lustrous and lengthy hair well into their senior years.
This practice has recently garnered attention as a tourist attraction, where locals demonstrate their hair care routine at a local theater, and visitors can purchase a bottle of rice shampoo as a souvenir.
Rice water likely isn’t the only contributor to their admirable hair. Historically, these cultures consumed nutrient-rich foods for their well-being, including healthy teeth, hair, and bodies. Additionally, environmental factors also play a role in overall (including hair) health. Maintaining a balanced diet remains crucial for hair health and beyond, and rice water appears to offer noteworthy advantages.
Benefits of Rice Water for Hair
Rice water is rich in amino acids, antioxidants, inositol, vitamin E, vitamin C, and other nutrients beneficial for hair health. Using rice water can infuse hair with protein and nutrients, making it softer, stronger, and shinier.
A study showed that rice bran extract increased collagen production in hair follicles significantly. Researchers also noted its effectiveness in calming inflammation, combating hair loss, and promoting hair growth.
A 2022 review illustrated an expanding body of research regarding rice water’s impact on hair. It was observed that rice water boosted growth factor expressions, extended hair’s active growth phase, and reduced scalp inflammation.
The following are benefits of using a rice water hair rinse:
- May help reduce hair loss
- Enhances hair elasticity to minimize breakage and damage
- Prevents split ends
- Detangles and softens hair
- Adds protein to fortify hair
- Improves texture and hydrates to reduce frizz
- Stimulates hair growth and helps with thinning
- Increases hair volume
- Strengthens hair follicles
- Repairs damaged hair cuticles
- Alleviates dandruff
- Soothes scalp inflammation
Who Can Benefit From Using Rice Water for Hair?
Since this hair remedy involves just two natural ingredients (rice and water), it is generally safe. Rice water has been effectively used for hair growth and health for many years. However, it may not be as beneficial for everyone.
- Individuals with low porosity hair may not effectively absorb the nutrients, as their hair cuticles are less receptive to hair care products. This type of hair is more common in those with straight hair.
- Those with dry hair and scalps might experience further dryness with a rice water rinse. Some experts recommend its use for dry, curly hair to enhance bounce.
Unsure about your hair’s porosity? Here’s a simple test: place a strand of your hair in a glass of water. If it floats, you have low porosity hair; the faster it sinks, the higher its porosity.
How Frequently Should You Use It?
Excessive use of rice water rinse can over-proteinize the hair, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage. Usage frequency depends on your hair type but generally should not exceed 1-2 times per week. If your hair feels frizzy, hard, or crunchy after use, the application duration might be too long or the frequency too high.
Steps to Use Rice Water
There are several methods to prepare DIY rice water: boiling, soaking, or fermenting rice. Fermentation is considered the most effective and healthy option for hair, as it releases more nutrients, much like other foods.
- You can use rice water as a hair mask, leaving it on for 20 minutes, or as a simple rinse. The easiest method is using a spray or squirt bottle to distribute it across the hair and scalp, ensuring even coverage by working in sections.
- Wash hair as usual, apply rice-infused water (for up to 20 minutes), then rinse and condition. If you have recently washed your hair, simply apply rice water and rinse after use.
There are various recipes with differing rice-to-water ratios. The exact proportion doesn’t matter much as long as the rice is submerged.
Rice Water for Hair
This fermented rice water treatment aids hair growth, making hair stronger, shinier, and healthier.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Fermenting time: 1 day
Total Time: 1 day 3 minutes
Yield: 15 ounces
Author: Katie Wells
Ingredients:
- ½ cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups filtered water
Instructions:
- Combine the rice and water in a bowl and cover to prevent impurities.
- Allow the mixture to soak for 24-36 hours at room temperature until it emits a slightly sour smell.
- Strain the rice using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, keeping the water.
- Pour the water into a spray or squirt bottle.
- Use 1-2 times a week and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes: For a quicker method, soak rice for at least an hour, then strain and use, gaining many benefits even without fermentation.
You can enhance this rinse with other beneficial herbs. Prepare a strong herbal tea and combine it with rice water post-fermentation. Chamomile, lavender, sage, or rosemary are good options. An herbal hair rinse recipe offers details on various herbs and their benefits.
Interested in Purchasing?
While this recipe is straightforward, some prefer a pre-made, healthy rice-based hair product. These are a few options that leverage rice for hair along with other beneficial ingredients.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Madiha Saeed, a board-certified family physician. As always, this is not personalized medical advice, and we recommend consulting your doctor.
Have you tried hair rinses before? Do you have any preferences? Share with us in the comments!
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