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If you’re looking for a natural and cost-effective way to improve the health and appearance of your hair, rice water might be the answer you’ve been searching for. In this article, we’ll explore the incredible benefits of using rice water on your hair and how you can incorporate it into your hair care routine for amazing results.
What Is Rice Water?
It turns out that the first people to utilize rice water on their manes were Japanese court ladies, not Cardi B (who knew?). According to legend, they washed their floor-length hair, or suberakashi, with rice-based water as part of their hair care regimen, which may have contributed to their amazing lengths.1.
International Journal of Science and Beauty.Abstracts: The Utilization of Rice Washing Rinse Water (YU-SU-RU) for Hair Treatment. 2010. Rice water may therefore be the solution to realizing your hair goals, whether they involve strengthening or growing your hair. If you need any further advantages, rice water for hair also helps to smooth and detangle strands, as well as to boost shine.
Benefits of Rice Water for Hair
Rice water has been used for centuries in various cultures, particularly in Asia, as a natural remedy for hair care. Here are some of the benefits of using rice water for hair:
Promotes Hair Growth: Rice water contains amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that nourish the hair follicles, promoting healthier and stronger hair growth.
Strengthens Hair: The proteins and amino acids present in rice water help strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage and split ends.
Improves Hair Texture: Regular use of rice water can make hair softer, smoother, and more manageable by improving its elasticity and texture.
Adds Shine: Rice water can impart a natural shine to hair, making it look healthier and more vibrant.
Balances pH Levels: Rice water has a pH level similar to that of our hair, which helps to balance the scalp’s natural pH. This can alleviate issues like dandruff and excess oiliness.
Reduces Frizz: The smoothing properties of rice water can help tame frizz and flyaways, resulting in smoother and more manageable hair.
Protects Hair: Rice water forms a protective barrier around the hair shaft, shielding it from damage caused by environmental factors such as pollution, UV radiation, and heat styling.
Conditions Scalp: Applying rice water to the scalp can help soothe irritation and inflammation, promoting a healthier scalp environment for hair growth.
Detangles Hair: The slippery texture of rice water can make detangling easier, reducing hair breakage during combing or brushing.
Cost-Effective: Rice water is a natural and inexpensive hair care remedy that can be easily prepared at home, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to improve their hair health.
Although rice water has many advantages for hair, it’s important to remember that every person’s experience will be different. Some people’s hair health may improve more than others. Furthermore, it’s critical to maintain general hair health through appropriate nutrition, hydration, and routine maintenance techniques. This includes including rice water in a comprehensive hair care routine.
Rice Water nutrition profile
Although the majority of rice water is made up of water, it also has some nutrients that are good for the health of the skin and hair. The precise nutritional makeup of rice water can change based on several variables, including the kind of rice used, how it’s prepared, and any extra items that are added. Nonetheless, the following provides a broad summary of the possible nutritious elements present in rice water:
- Carbohydrates: Rice water contains carbohydrates, primarily in the form of starch. These carbohydrates provide energy and may help condition the hair and skin.
- Proteins: Rice water contains small amounts of proteins, including amino acids such as proline, lysine, and glutamic acid. These proteins can help strengthen hair strands and promote hair growth.
- Vitamins: Rice water may contain trace amounts of vitamins, including B vitamins such as niacin (vitamin B3) and folate (vitamin B9). These vitamins are essential for maintaining healthy hair and skin.
- Minerals: Rice water may contain minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. These minerals can help nourish the scalp, improve hair texture, and promote overall hair health.
- Antioxidants: Rice water contains antioxidants such as ferulic acid and gamma-oryzanol, which help protect the hair and skin from damage caused by free radicals.
- Enzymes: Rice water may contain enzymes that can help cleanse the scalp and promote healthy hair growth.
It’s crucial to remember that the nutritional value of rice water can change based on several variables, including the kind of rice used (white, brown, black, etc.), how it’s prepared (fermented, boiled, etc.), and any extra ingredients (herbs or essential oils). Furthermore, although rice water has some nutritional benefits for skin and hair, its main impact is thought to come from its strengthening and conditioning qualities rather than its nutritional value.
How to Use Rice Water for Hair?
There are various ways you can attempt, and using rice water for hair is an easy approach. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to apply rice water to hair:
Prepare the Rice Water:
- Rinse 1/2 to 1 cup of rice (white, brown, or any type you prefer) to remove any impurities.
- Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and cover it with 2-3 cups of water.
- Let the rice soak for 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on your preference. Some people prefer shorter soaking times, while others opt for longer fermentation periods to enhance the nutrient content.
- After soaking, strain the rice, collecting the water in a clean container. This liquid is your rice water.
Optional: Fermentation (for enhanced benefits):
- To ferment the rice water, leave it at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. During fermentation, beneficial compounds such as antioxidants and vitamins may increase.
- After fermentation, strain the rice water again and discard the rice solids.
- Wash Your Hair:
- Before applying the rice water, wash your hair with a mild shampoo to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup.
Apply Rice Water to Your Hair:
- Pour the rice water over your hair, ensuring that it covers your scalp and hair strands thoroughly.
- Gently massage your scalp for a few minutes to promote blood circulation and better absorption of nutrients.
- You can use a spray bottle or simply pour the rice water directly onto your hair. Some people prefer to dilute the rice water with additional water to make it easier to apply.
Leave It On:
Leave the rice water on your hair for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your preference and the condition of your hair. You can cover your hair with a shower cap or towel to prevent dripping and enhance absorption.
Rinse Out:
After the desired time has passed, thoroughly rinse your hair with lukewarm water to remove the rice water.
You can follow up with a conditioner if desired, although some people find that rice water provides enough conditioning on its own.
Style as Usual:
Once you’ve rinsed out the rice water, you can style your hair as usual using your preferred products and methods.
You can use rice water for hair once or twice a week, depending on your hair’s needs and how it responds to the treatment. Over time, you may notice improvements in hair texture, strength, and overall health.
Side effects of using rice water on your hair
All hair types can safely use rice water, but as with any beauty treatment, the outcomes may differ. Results will probably change for different types of hair. “I like to think of it as a unique ‘hair profile,'” explains St. Bernard.
Type, porosity, volume, and other individually distinctive qualities come together to form this combination, which defines the health of their hair, how it behaves in various settings, and how it responds to certain routines, products, and situations.
Learning more about ourselves and the best ways to take care of our requirements is an important element of each of our hair journeys. What may be beneficial for one person’s health may not be for another.
“Those with lower-porosity hair will see their hair less likely to fully absorb all of the nutrients into their hair cuticle, due to the nature of hair porosity,” St. Bernard says about rice water.
When using rice water excessively, it might have unintended consequences. St. Bernard points out that drying is one of the most common side effects, therefore people who already struggle with dry hair and scalp should use it sparingly. She suggests using rice water no more than twice a week because of its high vitamin content. “Protein overload brought on by overuse can lead to dry, frizzy, and brittle hair.”
Rice water hair products
Viori Shampoo Hair Bar
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Viori |
| Key Ingredients | Longsheng Rice, Red Yao Tea Infusion |
| Benefits | – Nourishes and strengthens hair <br> – Promotes hair growth <br> – Adds shine and volume |
| Suitable For | All hair types |
| Free From | Sulfates, Parabens, Silicones, Phthalates, Artificial Fragrances, Synthetic Preservatives |
| Sustainability | Plastic-free packaging, Environmentally conscious production |
| Usage | Multiple scents are available, including Bamboo, Citrus Yao, Flowerfall, Hidden Waterfall, and more |
| Size | Various sizes available |
| Scent Options | Multiple scents available, including Bamboo, Citrus Yao, Flowerfall, Hidden Waterfall, and more |
Shu Uemura Izumi Tonic Strengthening Rice Water Treatment
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Shu Uemura |
| Product Type | Hair Treatment |
| Key Ingredient | Rice Water Extract |
| Benefits | – Strengthens hair fibers <br> – Nourishes and hydrates <br> – Promotes healthier, shinier hair |
| Suitable For | All hair types |
| Usage | Apply to towel-dried hair, focusing on mid-lengths to ends. Do not rinse out. Can be used daily. |
| Packaging | Bottle or spray bottle |
| Scent | May have a light, refreshing scent or be fragrance-free |
| Size Options | Various sizes available |
| Free From | Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Artificial Colors, and Animal-derived Ingredients |
| Sustainability | Shu Uemura’s commitment to sustainable practices may vary. Check product details for specific info. |
Salon Yoshiko Signature Balanced Cleansing Shampoo
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Salon Yoshiko |
| Product Type | Shampoo |
| Key Ingredients | – Rice Water Extract <br> – Additional botanical extracts and essential oils |
| Benefits | – Cleanses hair and scalp effectively <br> – Maintains natural moisture balance <br> – Adds shine and volume |
| Suitable For | All hair types |
| Usage | Apply to wet hair, massage into scalp and hair, rinse thoroughly. Repeat if necessary. |
| Packaging | Bottle |
| Scent | May have a light, refreshing scent or be fragrance-free |
| Size Options | Various sizes available |
| Free From | Sulfates, Parabens, Silicones, Phthalates, Synthetic Fragrances |
| Sustainability | Salon Yoshiko’s commitment to sustainable practices may vary. Check product details for specific info. |
Prose Custom Shampoo and Conditioner
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Prose |
| Product Type | Shampoo and Conditioner |
| Key Ingredients | – Customized blend based on individual hair needs <br> – May include natural extracts, oils, and proteins |
| Benefits | – Tailored to address specific hair concerns <br> – Cleanses, nourishes, and hydrates hair <br> – Promotes hair health and manageability |
| Suitable For | All hair types |
| Customization Options | – Hair Type: Straight, Wavy, Curly <br> – Scalp Moisture Level: Dry, Normal, Oily <br> – Scalp Sensitivity: Yes/No <br> – Hair Texture: Fine, Medium, Coarse <br> – Hair Density: Thin, Medium, Thick <br> – Hair Goals: Volumize, Hydrate, Strengthen, Color Protection, etc. |
| Packaging | Customized bottle design and labeling |
| Scent | Customizable scent options or fragrance-free |
| Size Options | Various sizes available |
| Free From | Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, Silicones, Synthetic Fragrances |
| Sustainability | Prose’s commitment to sustainable practices includes eco-friendly packaging options and ingredient sourcing. |
Hairfinity Rice Water Hair Mist
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Hairfinity |
| Product Type | Hair Mist |
| Key Ingredient(s) | Rice Water Extract |
| Benefits | – Nourishes and strengthens hair <br> – Promotes hair growth <br> – Adds shine and volume |
| Suitable For | All hair types |
| Usage | Spray onto damp or dry hair, focusing on mid-lengths to ends. Can be used daily or as needed. |
| Packaging | Spray bottle |
| Scent | May have a light, refreshing scent or be fragrance-free |
| Size Options | Various sizes available |
| Free From | Sulfates, Parabens, Silicones, Phthalates, Synthetic Fragrances |
| Sustainability | Hairfinity’s commitment to sustainable practices may vary. Check product details for specific info. |
Inala Reset Rinse
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Inala |
| Product Type | Hair Rinse |
| Key Ingredients | – Rice Water Extract <br> – Additional botanical extracts and essential oils |
| Benefits | – Removes buildup and impurities from hair and scalp <br> – Restores natural balance and shine |
| Suitable For | All hair types |
| Usage | Apply to wet hair after shampooing, focusing on scalp and roots. Leave on for 1-2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use as needed. |
| Packaging | Bottle |
| Scent | May have a light, refreshing scent or be fragrance-free |
| Size Options | Various sizes available |
| Free From | Sulfates, Parabens, Silicones, Phthalates, Synthetic Fragrances |
| Sustainability | Inala’s commitment to sustainable practices may vary. Check product details for specific info. |
Mielle Rice Water Split End Treatment
| Brand | Mielle Organics |
| Product Type | Split End Treatment |
| Key Ingredient(s) | Rice Water Extract, Biotin, Vegan Protein Complex |
| Benefits | – Targets split ends and breakage <br> – Strengthens hair <br> – Nourishes and moisturizes hair |
| Suitable For | All hair types |
| Usage | Apply to damp or dry hair, focusing on split ends. Do not rinse out. Can be used daily or as needed. |
| Packaging | Bottle or tube |
| Scent | May have a light, refreshing scent or be fragrance-free |
| Size Options | Various sizes available |
| Free From | Sulfates, Parabens, Silicones, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Artificial Colors |
| Sustainability | Mielle Organics is committed to using natural and organic ingredients and sustainable practices. |
Abyssian Hydrating Volumizing Shampoo
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Abyssian |
| Product Type | Shampoo |
| Key Ingredients | Abyssinian Oil, Rice Water Extract |
| Benefits | – Hydrates and nourishes hair <br> – Adds volume and thickness <br> – Strengthens hair strands |
| Suitable For | All hair types |
| Usage | Apply to wet hair, massage into scalp and hair, rinse thoroughly |
| Packaging | Bottle |
| Scent | May have a light, refreshing scent or be fragrance-free |
| Size Options | Various sizes available |
| Free From | Sulfates, Parabens, Silicones, Phthalates, Artificial Colors and Fragrances |
| Sustainability | Abyssian’s commitment to sustainability may vary. Check product details for specific info. |
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment
| Brand | Briogeo |
| Product Type | Strengthening Treatment |
| Key Ingredients | Rice Water, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Argan Oil, Almond Oil, Shea Butter |
| Benefits | – Strengthens and fortifies hair <br> – Repairs damage and prevents breakage <br> – Hydrates and moisturizes hair |
| Suitable For | All hair types |
| Usage | Apply to clean, damp hair after shampooing. Leave on for 10 minutes then rinse thoroughly. Can be used weekly. |
| Packaging | Tub or jar |
| Scent | May have a light, refreshing scent or be fragrance-free |
| Size Options | Various sizes available |
| Free From | Sulfates, Parabens, Silicones, Phthalates, Artificial Dyes, DEA, and Synthetic Fragrances |
| Sustainability | Briogeo is committed to sustainability and uses recycled packaging materials. |
Summary
Rice water hair rinses may have some benefits, although research is limited. According to anecdotal evidence, rice water increases hair strength and shine while also promoting hair development. You can prepare rice water at home to use on your hair or purchase a hair care product that includes it.
Rice water is most likely safe for most individuals, although those with scalp inflammation should exercise caution, and those allergic to rice should avoid it. If you have any concerns, see a healthcare provider.
FAQs
How long should I leave rice water in my hair?
Should I use rice water before or after shampoo?
Can I spray rice water on my hair every day?
Can I put rice water on dry hair?
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5727428/ Benefits of Rice Water for Hair
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24389480/ Benefits of Rice Water for Hair
- https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-rice-water-hair Rice Water nutrition
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35133117/ Side effects of using rice water on your hair
