Most women would agree that their hair is their source of beauty and that they like to pamper and nourish this natural crown.

But did you know that for centuries, women in China, Japan, and South Asia (including some parts of India too) have been using rice water for hair to keep them healthy and shining?

Rice Water is an age-old ingredient and the secret to having healthy, shinier, and smoother hair.

What is rice water?

Rice water is the starchy water that remains after the rice has been cooked or soaked. It makes hair smoother, more lustrous and helps in the growth of new hair from the scalp.

Most of the vitamins and minerals which are found in rice are also present in rice water. So, to tell you more, it contains Vitamin E, Antioxidants, Amino Acids, Vitamins B, and minerals like Magnesium, Manganese & Zinc.

Rice water is a natural hair treatment with minimal risks. However, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for all hair types. If you experience any hair buildup, you must discontinue its use.

Rice water boosts the health of your hair and tightens your skin. It also improves your body’s blood circulation, promotes skin cell renewal, and keeps your skin looking young and revitalized.

Benefits of Rice Water for hair?

1. Keeps the scalp healthy – rice water for hair

A healthy scalp is a foundation for the growth of healthy hair. You can use rice water on the hair scalp too (and not just on the hair) as it helps to treat the scalp and provide it with necessary minerals and vitamins.

2. Enhances your hair shine – rice water for hair

Since its rich in Vitamin E, rice water gives a shiny look to the otherwise dull hair.

3. Helps in treating split ends – rice water for hair

The amino acids bind with the hair and help in the reduction of split ends.

4. Makes your hair strong – rice water for hair

Rice water retains the elasticity of the hair and makes them strong and soft.

5. Detangles your hair – rice water for hair

Rice water detangles your hair strands and makes them look smooth and manageable.

6. Prevents graying of hair – rice water for hair

Graying hair is mostly natural but sometimes it is due to environmental damage or stress. It is believed that the antioxidants present in rice water can reverse the graying of hair.

7. Rice Water for hair growth – rice water for hair

Rice water nourishes and strengthens the hair follicles which helps in the growth of new hair. Regular use of rice water makes your hair thick and strong.

Fermented v/s Plain Rice water for hair

Some users believe that fermented rice water offers greater advantages over boiled rice water. However, you can use either one depending on your needs for healing and rejuvenation.

Ideally, the antioxidants are more abundant in fermented foods. These antioxidants protect hair and skin cells from damage, which is why they’re common in cosmetic products. It encourages healthy hair development and improves your hair’s overall condition.

Methods of preparing Rice water for hair

Understanding your hair’s condition, you can decide which type of rice water you would like to try on your hair i.e. boiled rice water or fermented rice water. I am now going to tell you the basic and easy ways to make rice water for hair all by yourself.

How to make Boiled Rice water for hair

Step 1 – Take half a cup of uncooked rice and rinse it thoroughly

Step 2 – Pour rice into a dish with 2–3 cups of water and soak it for 30 minutes

Step 3 – Cook the rice, preferably in a pressure cooker

Step 4 – Once the rice is cooked, take the boiled rice water out and store it in a jar

Step 5 – Your boiled rice water is ready to be used

How to make Fermented Rice water for hair

Rice water that has been fermented before usage is known as fermented rice water.

Step 1 – Take half a cup of uncooked rice and rinse it thoroughly

Step 2 – Pour rice into a dish with 2–3 cups of water and soak it for 30 minutes

Step 3 – Cook the rice for a while, preferably in a pressure cooker

Step 4 – Once the rice is cooked, take the boiled rice water out and store it in a jar

Step 5 – Keep the jar aside at room temperature for a day or two to start the fermentation of water.

Step 6 – Stop the fermentation after 2 days and keep the jar in the fridge when you notice a sour smell coming from the jar.

Step 7 – Your fermented rice water is ready to be used.

Please bear in mind that is fermented rice water is quite strong and should not be used directly. It is recommended to take some of it and dilute it with a cup or two of warm water before using it. Use the fermented rice water a maximum of 2 times and then prepare fresh rice water again.

How to use rice water for hair

Now that the rice water is ready, let us see how to use it to condition our hair. Here we go –

Step 1

Take the boiled rice water in a mug and add a few drops of any essential hair oils you like.

If you are using fermented rice water, then fill 1/4th of the mug with it and add warm water on top of it along with a few drops of your preferred essential hair oil

Step 2

Shampoo your hair as you normally do. After shampooing your hair, pour the rice water over it. Depending on how much time you have in hand, leave it applied and gently massage your hair and scalp for 10 to 20 minutes.

Step 3

After you’ve finished massaging, wash your hair with normal water.

Use it at least once a week to observe significant changes in your hair’s health and texture.

Some Interesting Facts about Rice Water from the World

Rice water has been used by Asian women for ages. Even today, there is a tribe called the Yao tribe in China, where the women use fermented rice water for hair conditioning. The regular usage of rice water allows their hair to grow up to 6 feet in length without showing signs of graying up until 70 years of age.

Final thoughts from CityMom

I hope by now we know a little age-old secret of keeping the hair happy and healthy.

Rice water for hair is one of the most effective, DIY hair conditioners available for ages. Give it an attempt for some time and don’t forget to take rice water with you into the shower next time.

Besides trying rice water for hair also try these natural hair conditioners that keep your hair healthy and strong.

References

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov | jitir.org and many others!