Can Rice Water Really Make Your Hair Grow Quickly?


Julia is a professional hairstylist that worked in different hair…
Rice water is the starchy water that is left behind after boiling rice or soaking it overnight. This water is thought to impart shine and improve the texture and overall hair health. Rice water is being used in Japan, China and Southeast Asia for years to impart beauty benefits.
This article discusses the benefits of rice water for your hair and how to prepare rice water.
What are the Benefits of Using Rice Water for Hair?
Rice water contains 75-80% starch. It also contains the following vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin E
- Amino acids
- Minerals
- Antioxidants
The benefits rice water imparts to the overall hair health are as follows:
- Smoothens the hair texture
- Enhances shine of your hair because the starchy content in rice water lends luster to your dull hair
- Helps increase the rate of hair growth
- Detangles your hair
- Makes your hair stronger due to the protein content in rice water.
- Reduces friction and improves hair elasticity
How to Make Rice Water?
- Soaking:
The quickest way to make rice water is to soak half cup of rice in a bowl. Rinse thoroughly and leave them in 2-3 cups of water for 30 minutes. Finally strain the rice water and it is ready to use.
- Boiling:
Another method to make rice water is to boil half cup of rice in double the quantity of water. Strain it in a clean bowl and let the water cool before applying.
Fermented vs. Plain; Which is Better?
Studies suggest that fermented rice water is better for your hair health as compared to plain rice water. This is because fermented rice water contains antioxidants that combat hair skin cell damage.
Works Cited
Dase Hunaefi, D. N. (2012, September 26). The Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014 and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM Fermentation on Antioxidant Properties of Selected in Vitro Sprout Culture of Orthosiphon aristatus (Java Tea) as a Model Study. Retrieved from MDPI: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/1/1/4/htm
To ferment rice water, soak half cup of rice in 2-3 cups of water. Do not strain it and let it sit for at least 2 days at room temperature. This will allow the rice water to ferment. Then strain the rice water into a clean bowl and fermented rice water is ready to use.
How to Use Rice Water?
Rice water can be a replacement of a commercial conditioner. Follow these steps to achieve shiny and lustrous hair:
- Wash your hair with shampoo.
- Rinse thoroughly to wash off the shampoo.
- Pour rice water on your hair.
- Massage it onto the scalp and hair.
- Leave it for at least 20 minutes.
- Finally, rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water.
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Julia is a professional hairstylist that worked in different hair salons in the U.K and Australia. Julia has worked with some of the greatest hair care brands and attended many Hairstyling fairs in Europe and North America. Julia is here to share her tips and knowledge with you, to help you get that "dream hair" you want.