Does Rice Water Grow Hair?

For the past few weeks, we have received numerous questions about rice water and its benefits. Many show a lot of interest in the correlation between increased hair growth and rice water. Does rice water grow hair? Lots of people are wondering whether rice water actually helps the hair grow. Popular questions asked online range from:

Does rice water help for hair growth?

Why is rice water good for your hair?

How fast does rice water grow hair? To;

Does rice water make the hair stronger?

Are there any rice water skin benefits?

What are the side effects of rice water?

To answer the above questions, we did some beauty investigation. This article will particularly focus on whether there are any proven beauty benefits of using rice water. The history, as well as how to use rice water for hair care will be discussed. Also, we will look at whether rice water can be beneficial for skincare, aside from haircare.

What exactly is rice water? Rice water is the milky water residue that you observe when you cook rice in a pot of boiling water. Many may describe it as starchy water. It has been utilised as a traditional beauty treatment for centuries. It is said to make wonders for your hair. People around the world swear by it for attaining the longest and strongest hair possible.

So, should you stop discarding the water away when boiling rice, but rather use it for hair care?

Let us look at the history of employing rice water for hair.

History of Rice Water

According to researchers, the use of rice water for stronger, smoother hair comes from Ancient Japan. Females in the Imperial Heian Period had Rapunzel-long hair. It was a beauty standard, whereby these noble women brushed their black, flowing hair daily with the use of rice water. Back then, they called the starchy water ‘Yu-Su-Ru’. It is said that washing and rinsing the hair with it daily was the key to achieving their long, healthy hair.

A more contemporary equivalent of this is the Red Yao tribe in China, Huangluo. Their most famous trait is their silken black, shiny, and incredibly long hair. These women have an average hair length of 5.5 to 6 feet. They allegedly possess this floor-length long hair because – yes, you guessed it right. The women bath their hair in rice water. The Yao women in the village create traditional shampoos made up of fermented rice water. Red Yao has even been awarded ‘the longest hair village’ from Guinness Book Of World Records. Their beautiful hair is clearly their most prized possession. The Yao women cut their hair only once in a lifetime. This happens when they are at an appropriate age to marry.

Additionally, the hair of the Yao women tends to grey much later on in their lifetime. Aged Yao women in their 60s, 70s and 80s are noted for still rocking jet-black, healthy hair, which is free of grey hair. Their hair keeps its colour for way longer. This means that they do not have to opt for hair dyes, unlike other women from the rest of the world.

The traditional custom of rice water for hair care has been passed on from generation to generation. This is, in a bid to maintain their kept secret of healthy and long locks.

In the past few years, beauty vloggers, specialists and product developers seem to catch up on the ancient Asian secret. All of a sudden, the rice water trend is spreading all over the world.

Is rice water good for your hair?

As a hair treatment, rice water is extremely beneficial for hair care. Most industry insiders, including professional hairstylists, agree that you can expect to look forward to stronger, softer, and shinier with frequent usage.

Studies show that rice water has numerous benefits for your hair. Aside from the faster and thicker hair growth, the benefits include that rice water:

• Minimises friction
• Increases elasticity
• Strengthens hair roots
• Improves the overall look and smoothens Hair
• Repairs damaged Hair
• Soothes and treats Scalp, leading to better skin hydration
• Less dandruff and flakes
• Gets rid of lice
• Eliminates dandruff
• Nourishes Hair follicles
• Easier to detangle Hair

Rice water is rich in various vitamins, including vitamin E and vitamin B. Also, important nutrients, such as antioxidants, minerals, amino acids, and inositol are contained in it. Each of these is very beneficial for your hair, including the various hair types. Inositol, for example, is a carbohydrate, which is known to improve and strengthen dry and damaged hair. It restores the hair from the inside out.

Rice proteins and the good nutrients loaded in rice water penetrate and remain in the hair and scalp. This happens, even though you wash it off after the rice water hair treatment. When washing or combing the hair with rice water, the hair immediately absorbs the nutrients. This stimulates hair growth while nourishing and strengthening the hair strands. Rice water protects the hair against damage, which prevents hair breakage, controls hair fall and surface friction. It keeps your hair follicles strong and healthy.

For gorgeous and healthy hair with faster new hair growth, we surely recommend rice water treatment. As rice water is a natural product, there are no side effects when used with caution. It is a safe and affordable hair treatment that everyone can try at home.

Rice Water Side Effects – Can using rice water to grow hair damage it?

Undoubtedly, rice water can grow hair faster and healthier. While rice water is a natural remedy, please be aware that it should not be taken lightly. It has not been scientifically proven to show whether there are any negative or unpleasant reactions. Rice water is effective for hair care and many people experience positive outcomes. However, you will find that not everybody gets good results. So, we advise that you use rice water for hair care with caution.

Rice water may have a drying effect. This may arise, as a result of protein overload. Excessive use of rice water could cause hair breakage and make it brittle. Thus, people with a dry scalp condition, light hair or even curly hair should tread lightly, if utilising rice water as a hair treatment. In this regard, leaving rice water on the hair for 15 to 30 minutes is the best. This time frame is sufficient for the hair and scalp to absorb the rice water nutrients immediately. In doing so, the exact adequate rice water will be saturated in your hair.

It is also important to thoroughly rinse the hair completely. In addition to this, it is not recommended to use this hair treatment beyond more than once to twice a week.

As rice water can dry out the hair, it is essential to moisturize your hair afterwards. After the rice water hair treatment, make sure that you use products that help hydrate your hair and scalp. You can also get more positive effects when you add some drops of green tea, apple cider vinegar or essential oils in the rice water, such as tea tree essential oils. By adding such all-natural materials, you can benefit from additional medicinal benefits that come with them.

Is Rice Water Good for your Skin?

Have you ever thought of including rice water in your skincare routine? Rice water appears to have beauty benefits for the skin. As explained earlier, it contains many powerful properties and nutrients. These are all good for the skin.

Researchers found that the starchy water residue is extremely beneficial for people suffering from dermatitis. The 2002 study from the Vrije University in Brussel notes that individuals improved their skin condition by bathing in it twice daily. This is because rice water has skin healing properties and repairs damaged skin.

The nutrients in Rice water have anti-ageing effects. Thus, it prevents and decreases fine lines and wrinkles. It is an ideal option for those seeking to delay the signs of ageing, as it increases skin collagen. Rice water also appears to reduce pores, tighten the skin, and help smoothen a rough texture.

Rice water also makes a good facial cleanser, as it is effective at clearing your skin from sebum naturally. The result of this is reduced blemishes and acne. This is a perfect choice for those struggling with oily skin. It encourages a brighter and rejuvenated complexion. Not only that, but it also has soothing properties, which can aid in treating skin inflammation. Also, rice water can soothe skin rashes, itchiness, sunburns, eczema, and other skin issues.

How to make rice water for Hair

There are various methods to make rice water. All the preparation techniques are quick and simple to make. The three most popular methods are: The fermentation method, rice boiling method and rice soaking method.

The Fermentation method:

To use this method;

• Take two cups of rice;
• Rinse rice under water for a short amount of time (to get rid of debris and dirt);
• Add extra distilled water;
• Shake it;
• Put the rice water in an air-tight sealed jar or glass bottle at room temperature;
• Let it sit overnight or for 24 to 48 hour, allowing it to ferment;
• As soon as a sour smell arises, stop the fermentation process;
• Consider adding some drops of essential oil to help with the smell (Optional);
• Put it in a fridge to retain the maximum amount of available nutrients for your hair;
• Apply to hair;

The fermentation technique minimises the pH level of rice water and matches it to your hair’s and scalp’s pH level. Fermented rice contains more antioxidants than non-fermented rice. It has a more nourishing effect because it penetrates deep and the hair and scalp easily absorb it. Therefore, it will give you the most improvement in the condition of your hair.

Rice Boiling method:

• Take ½ cup of rice;
• Pour water inside;
• Let it cook for approximately 5 minutes in boiling water;
• Strain the rice water into a clean bowl or spray bottle with a plastic funnel for use;

This method is the easiest and quickest way to make rice water.

Rice Soaking method:

• Take ½ cup of rice;
• Rinse it rigorously;
• Pour rice inside a bowl of water;
• Let it soak for at least 1/2 hour;
• Strain the rice into a clean bowl;

The rice water soaking method is also one of the fastest ways to prepare the hair treatment.

After you have collected the fresh rice water, you can rinse it in your hair. You can also comb your hair with it so that your hair can soak in all the beneficial nutrients. If you prefer, you can even mix it into your regular shampoo.

Concerning your skin, you can use rice water as a skin cleanser or skin toner. Ensure that you thoroughly massage it into your skin and leave it for a few minutes. You may also like to turn the rice water into a face mask using a thick sheet of tissue paper or combining it with your regular mask.

With regular use of rice water, you will notice a lot of improvements in your hair, including faster hair growth. Also, it will benefit your skin, giving you a smoother and clearer complexion. So, whenever you boil rice, do not abandon, and dispose of the starchy water. It is a natural and effective remedy, which brings wonders to both your hair and skin that enhances your beauty.