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Summary: In this blog we detail and explore what rice water for hair can do. We’ll discuss where the idea of rice water for hair comes from, the benefits of rice water for hair, whether it can grow your hair and how you can make rice water for hair at home. Read on to discover more about rice water for hair, and what it can do…

Rice Water For Hair

Dating back to the Heian period (794 AD to 1185AD) in Japan, rice water was touted as the secret to the women of the court’s notorious floor-length hair. Rice has, and always has been, a staple in Asian cuisine because of high nutritional content. But, can rice water also benefit us when applied topically?

And, can it be as simple as it sounds? Can rice water be derived from a pan of cooked or non-cooked rice!? But, what, why and how does rice water work for hair? What is it about rice water that is traditionally thought to be so amazing…? 

Is Rice Water Good For Your Hair?

Rice has a well known, high nutritional value. When rice water is formulated, it becomes packed with amino acids, vitamins B and C and other essential trace minerals like magnesium and zinc. It also contains a high number of antioxidants. 

The benefits of rice water for hair are touted to include:

• An improvement in scalp health
• An increase in hair strength (the starch in rice creates a protective coating on the strands)
• A boost in shine
• A promotion in elasticity
• A reduction in irritation (in small quantities, it has been found to soothe irritable skin, including the scalp)
• A potential improvement in manageability 

Side Effects Of Rice Water On Hair

Treating hair with rice water is believed to be safe for all types of hair, including hair that’s been coloured.

However, due its high levels of starch, rice water can be very drying and cause brittleness if it’s over-used. So, once to twice a week is enough to reap its potential rewards. Take particular caution  though if you have fine, thin hair. 

Start off with rinsing your hair with rice water twice a week and monitor how your hair is feeling. Reduce to once a week if you notice the hair feeling drier. It’s all about finding the balance that works for you, your scalp and tresses.

Does Rice Water Grow Hair?

Hair cannot grow if the environment in which it’s expected to sprout isn’t of good enough quality: that’s the scalp and hair follicles. Because rice water is loaded with antioxidants, it can nourish the hair follicles and help repair any damaged cells.

By aiding in the optimisation of the scalp’s health, it can in turn promote the follicle functionality and working efficiency and thus, arguably encourage healthier, stronger hair to grow!

How To Make Rice Water For Hair

The best way to reap the benefits of rice water for hair is as a rinse. The best way to make rice water for hair is:

• Firstly, rinse and strain your dry rice with water
• Then, mix your washed and strained rice into another bowl with water and stir until the water is cloudy. You can also boil your rice if you wish
• Strain the rice, but pour the now cloudy water into a bowl or container. Then, cover this bowl with a lid
• Let the water stand at room temperature to allow the nutrients to ferment for 12-24 hours
• Once it has sat it can be used immediately, or kept in the refrigerator for up to 7 days

Now your rice water hair rinse is ready:

• Wash your hair with shampoo, and rinse as normal
• Then, give your container of rice water a good shake
• Pour the shaken liquid onto your hair and massage the rice water into your scalp
• Wait for 5-10 minutes. Leave for longer if you have thick hair
• Rinse through with lukewarm water, and then use conditioner on your hair as normal

In recent years, rice water has grown in popularity as a “life saver" for hair and hair growth. Remember though, every home remedy celebrated on the internet with a promise of fast results doesn’t mean it will work for you. Remain open minded with at home remedies, and of course, by all means try them - there’s not usually a lot to lose! 

But, if hair loss or thinning is getting you down, and you’re putting all your hopes on potentials like rice water, or other things like vegetable juices or tea hair rinses, it may be time to check in with your doctor or a trichologist. 

Related Reads

Onion, Garlic & Ginger Juice For Hair

Which Tea Is Right For Me And My Hair?

Sources

Healthline

Byrdie