Starch water or rice water is mostly thrown away after cooking the rice, which is the staple food in many countries and cultures. However, do you know that rice water, if used properly, can do wonders for your hair? Well, rice water for hair makes hair stronger, shinier and smoother. Back when science and technology had not advanced to the extent it has today, and hair spa was not a thing, rice water was used extensively by Chinese women. This was one of the ways by which they maintained those long locks.
Moreover, it is absolutely easy and hassle-free to prepare rice water. This can be done in three ways - you can either soak raw rice in water for 30 minutes and then drain the rice, store the water or boil rice and then follow the same procedure. Another method of using rice water for hair growth is to ferment the rice and then collect the water.
Let’s not waste any more time and quickly jump into how this rice water addresses hair needs and how to use rice water for hair.
Benefits of Rice Water in Adding Shine to Hair
Our hair is exposed to a lot of pollution these days, which ends up making it dull and dry. Well, a good rice water routine once in a while can help you restore the lost shine of your hair. This can be done in a few simple steps. Firstly, you must ensure that your hair is washed well and clean. If your scalp remains dirty or has deposits, you will not be able to notice rice water benefits for hair.
After you have cleansed your hair with your favourite shampoo (ensure that it is a mild shampoo,) apply rice water on your hair and scalp while your hair is still soaking wet. Start with light massages on the scalp and slowly lead the way to your ends. Continue this procedure for 20 minutes. Once done, wash your hair with normal running water and tap dry. Detangle once with a wide-toothed comb.
Benefits of Smoothening Hair and Detangling Knots
Women often wonder how to apply rice water to their hair if they have to smoothen their hair. Rice water is undoubtedly one of the best solutions for those stubborn knots. It acts as a natural conditioner for your hair. This is because fermented rice water is rich in minerals, amino acids and vitamins that contribute to adding elasticity and shine, strengthening hair and making them smooth and silky.
For this, you need to apply rice water on washed hair and let it stay for another 5-10 minutes. You can also comb your hair gently to ensure the rice water enters your hair follicles and provide them with the required nourishment. Wash later and detangle your hair. Voila! Silky smooth hair will follow the lead.
Benefits of Strengthening Hair
When we talk about hair products, tonics, or supplements for strengthening hair, there is no perfect remedy. You need to try to understand what suits you the best. However, some miracles have stood the test of time - one of them is rice water for hair. Scientists and experts have studied what makes rice water such an ideal solution for strengthening hair and have found that it is inositol.
This ingredient, found in rice water, helps in the deep nourishment of hair, penetrates damaged hair, and repairs it from the inside out. It even protects hair from future damage. Ferment some rice by soaking it for 30 minutes and then storing the rice water in a plastic container at room temperature for not more than 24 hours and at least 12 hours. Refrigerate the water until it is ready for use. You may store it in a container or spray bottle, depending on as much as you need. Use your regular shampoo and conditioner, and then apply some rice water to your hair. Rinse after 2-5 minutes.
Benefits of Thickening Hair Strands
Washing your hair with rice water at least once a week to thicken hair strands is one of the major rice water benefits for hair. However, unlike the routine mentioned above, you need not wash your hair first. Apply rice water on the scalp and hair ends and let it sit for 30 minutes. After this, you can wash your hair as per the routine. Rice water is known to hydrate and replenish your hair with the necessary nutrients contained in rice and thereby thicken your hair strands. Once your hair is naturally thick, it will also reduce hair breakage while combing and promote hair growth.
Benefits for Encouraging Healthy Growth
If you have come across hair products containing rice water for hair growth and are still finding it tough to figure out how rice water helps in hair growth, we have got you covered.
Hair experts associate the capability of rice water to aid hair growth with its capability to lower Dihydrotestosterone, an androgen whose excess causes male pattern baldness. Thus, those suffering from androgenetic alopecia, a form of hair loss, can benefit from the inositol found in rice water. Regular use of rice water in its boiled and cooled, soaked, or fermented form can slow down hair loss appreciably and moderate the excessive DHT levels found in this type of alopecia. While this form of baldness is found rarely in women, they can use rice water in the same way too.
If you have learned how to make rice water for hair growth but are concerned about the odour, you can add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus.
How to Apply Rice Water on Hair
Rice water will be most effective if you know how to use rice water on your hair. If you leave the water on for too long, your hair strands will get hard. If you do not let the goodness of rice infuse well in the water, it will not give you the desired results.
Soak four times as much water as rice for 30 minutes until you see froth on the top layer. If you are boiling rice and water, then boil rice until they are parboiled and then drain the water. However, allow the water to cool down completely in the latter case; do not apply hot or warm water to your hair as it dehydrates hair.
Rice water for hair growth works best if applied uniformly on the roots and ends. Do not pour it excessively if you are trying it out for the first time; use a spray bottle instead.
Expert Notes on Using Rice Water for Hair
Experts suggest that if you have serious hair problems, use rice water for your hair only after taking a dermatologist’s opinion. The reason is that he/she might recommend tests to determine which nutrients are lacking in your hair and which are in excess. If you unknowingly supply the excess nutrients to your hair through rice water while keeping the hair deprived of the deficient ones, it will not do you any good.
Experts also suggest that no matter how much you want to protect those precious locks, do not use rice water on your hair every day, as this means you will have to shampoo your hair daily. That, as a unanimous opinion, is not a good choice.
It is also a good practice to cover your hair with a plastic bag or shower cap if you are using rice water for hair growth.
Conclusion
Adapting to a new haircare regime takes time since your hair needs time to reflect the effects of any new thing introduced to them. Nonetheless, the positive effects of rice water have been long established. Whether it be hair loss, hair thickening, or hair strengthening, all your problems can be addressed by this single solution. You can safely resort to rice water benefits for hair as a remedy.
FAQs
Can rice water help reduce sun damage?
Rice water can help protect your hair from sun damage. Carry a rice water spray bottle handy when you leave home but use it in regulated quantities.
Why massaging rice water on the roots is important?
Massaging rice water helps in increasing the volume of the hair through routine use.
Can people with coloured hair use rice water?
People with coloured hair need to consult their hair specialist before using the rice water pack.