Rice water for hair growth has been used as a hair treatment by women in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia for generations. Is there any scientific evidence that rice water has any cosmetic benefits? Rice water is the starchy liquid that remains after the rice has been cooked or soaked. It is said to make hair smooth, and lustrous and speed up hair growth. This article examines the cosmetic benefits of rice water hair treatments and if scientific evidence supports the claims.
Rice Water for Hair Growth
Rice water can improve the gloss, strength, and detangling of hair. Starch makes up 75–80% of rice grains. Rice water is the starchy liquid that remains after the rice has been soaked or cooked. Rice water is supposed to include many of the vitamins and minerals found in rice. Among them are:
- amino acids
- B vitamins
- vitamin E
- minerals
- antioxidants
History Using Rice Water for Hair Growth
Researchers claim that ladies in Japan during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) had floor-length hair that they kept healthy by washing in rice water. In China, a modern-day version of this narrative can be found. The Yao women of Huangluo, China, are known for their long hair, which can reach 6 feet in length. 
The Yao women’s hair is claimed to hold its color for longer, as they do not start to grow grey hair until they are in their 80s, in addition to its extraordinary length. The Yao women attribute their hair’s length and color to the fact that they wash it in rice water. Beauty advice websites and product creators have recognized this in recent years.
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What does the Research Say about using Rice Water for Hair Growth?
As the use of rice water for hair becomes more common, anecdotal evidence of its advantages grows. Are the claims, however, scientifically supported? On the surface, a 2010 study implies they are. Rice water, according to the authors, can reduce surface friction and promote hair flexibility. However, the study draws unjustified generalizations based on past precedents.
A Japanese research center has created an imaging technology that visualizes inositol’s hair-strengthening effect. Rice water is high in inositol. It’s worth noting that this study is published directly by a facility with possible commercial ties. The benefits of rice water for hair are yet to be demonstrated. More research is needed to back up the anecdotal findings..
Benefits of Using Rice Water for Hair Growth
Rice is one of the most widely consumed grains on the planet. Folate, a B-vitamin best recognized for treating various forms of anemia and necessary for the formation of the neural tube during pregnancy, is added. 2 What does this mean in terms of fostering healthier hair?
“The benefits of rice water are not entirely understood,” Chimento explains, “and the benefits of rice water remain unverified.” However, she adds that anecdotal evidence of its benefits is emerging (though more study is needed to back it up):
Increases Hair Strength:
Protein is a vital component of a well-balanced diet, and it also plays a role in preserving hair health. Rice water’s protein is thought to aid improve hair’s general condition. Consult with the best nutritionist in Pakistan.
Increases Shine:
According to anecdotal evidence from proponents of rice water, the starchy solution is thought to give drab locks lustre. Can aid hair growth: “Rice water includes amino acids that assist hair regeneration, which may help to encourage hair growth.
It also contains vitamins C, B, and E, all of which aid hair development. The hair shaft is strengthened by vitamins C, B, and E, and the stronger the shaft is, the longer the hair can grow “Chimento adds.
Hygral tiredness is Reversed:
While hair requires moisture to keep healthy, too much moisture can cause more harm than good. Try a protein therapy like rice water rinse to rebalance overly moistened locks (aka hygral exhaustion). Softens strands, making them easier to detangle. Proponents of rice water for hair claim that it softens strands, making them easier to detangle.
Also Read: Benefits of Rice Water in Urdu
Smooths the Hair:
Damaged and/or high porosity hair struggles to retain moisture, resulting in frizz and split ends. However, the nutritious proteins in rice water may help to counterbalance this, minimizing breakage and so increasing hair texture.
Conditioner:
Instead of using a conditioner, rinse your hair with rice water after shampooing. This will improve the texture of your hair by raising volume and adding suppleness. This will also help to smooth out unruly hair.
Hair Growth:
Rice water is excellent for reducing hair loss and promoting hair growth. It contains amino acids that aid in hair regeneration and promote faster hair growth. It also contains vitamins B, C, and E, all of which aid in hair development. Rinse your hair with it after a wash for the greatest results. At least twice a week, repeat the procedure.
Protects Hair From Damage
Rice water enhances elasticity and reduces surface friction. The inositol in it stays in your hair after you rinse it out, protecting it from further harm.
Dandruff Treatment
Fermented rice water contains antifungal qualities that aid in eliminating dandruff. To counteract this problem, apply it as a hair mask once or twice a week for a few hours. Adds luster and silkiness to hair. Simply apply rice water to your hair as a hair mask, keep it on for 20 minutes, and then rinse it out. After that, use shampoo and conditioner.
Read Also: Vitamin E Capsule for Hair
Hair Type Considerations
If you’re new to protein treatments or aren’t sure if your hair will benefit from one, color-treated, relaxed, heat-styled, and natural hair needs a protein boost. “Rice water is an excellent treatment for fine, dull hair because it is supposed to make hair shinier and stronger while also helping to keep knots at bay,” says Friese.
“Those with dry, brittle, curly hair may benefit since the protein in rice water enhances hair condition and helps make it bouncy,” Chimento says. “Those who desire to improve and reinforce the condition of the hair cuticle, as well as boost shine, may benefit.” “Those with low porosity hair may want to use it in moderation because the proteins may adhere to your hair instead of your hair absorbing them,” Chimento warns.
Read Also: Flaxseed Oil Benefits For Hair
How to Make Rice Water for Hair Growth?
Rice water can be made in a variety of methods, including
1. Soaking
The soaking method includes properly rinsing the grains. The quickest technique to produce rice water is to soak it.
How to Apply this Technique?
- 12 cup uncooked rice
- carefully rinsed
- placed in a basin with 2–3 cups water
- soaked for 30 minutes
- strained rice water into a clean bowl
2. Boiling
Rice water can also be made simply boiling the rice. Cover 12 cup of rice with twice the amount of water normally used to cook it. Before using, cook the rice in boiling water and pour the water into a clean bowl.
How to Use Rice Water for Hair Growth?
A commercial conditioner can be replaced with rice water. To accomplish this, one should:
- shampoo hair
- rinse well with tap water
- sprinkle rice water on their hair
- massage rice water into their hair and scalp
- leave on for up to 20 minutes
- rinse hair thoroughly with warm tap water
Fermented Rice Water For Hair Growth
Fermented rice water boosts the vitamins and nutrients in plain rice water, improving its health benefits. It can be used in place of the standard version. It helps manage oil on the scalp and has anti-dandruff, anti-itch, and anti-hair fall effects.
Huangluo hamlet in China has been dubbed “the world’s longest hair village” by the Guinness Book of World Records because its Yao women are famed for their long, grey-free, lustrous hair. As a shampoo, these women use fermented rice water. Their beautiful black and silky soft hair are due to this natural shampoo.
Read Also: Cardamom Benefits For Hair
How does It work?
Fermentation lowers the pH of the rice water, which restores and balances the pH of your hair when used as a rinse. A material called ‘pitera’ occurs in the rice water during fermentation, and it is high in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and organic acids. Pitera is known for promoting cell regeneration and maintaining the health of your skin and hair.
How to Make Fermented Rice Water for Hair Growth?
Take 2 cups of rice; add 2 times more water to it and leave the rice to soak for 20-30 minutes
Pour the water into a glass bottle, seal it and leave in a dark place at room temperature for 2 days
When a sour smell appears, stop fermentation and put it in the fridge to preserve it.
Fermented vs. Plain rice water
Some rice water proponents argue that fermented rice water is healthier than ordinary rice water. Fermented foods have more antioxidants, according to a 2012 study antioxidants may help to prevent hair and skin cell damage, which is why they are used in cosmetics. Follow steps 1–4 of the soaking method to ferment rice water. Allow the rice water to sit at room temperature for up to 2 days before filtering to allow it to ferment. Before using, strain the rice water into a clean bowl.
Final Notes
Rinsing hair in rice water is a popular beauty therapy in several Asian countries. This natural beauty cure has gone viral after gaining popularity on the internet. Rice water is often regarded as an effective hair treatment. Rice water may increase the strength, texture, and development of hair, according to historical instances and anecdotal evidence.
Because the majority of scientific information on the treatment is unclear, further research is needed to prove the benefits of rice water use. While the benefits of rice water hair rinse for hair are unknown, it is safe to test at home and can even be used on the skin. It has been discovered to help persons with dermatitis maintain good skin health.
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FAQ’s
Are there any side effects to using rice water for hair?
According to Chimento, “those who have tried rice water believe negative effects may include protein overload, making a dry scalp worse, and breaking.”
Can rice water make my hair smell bad?
Rice water that has been soaked or boiled and chilled before use (for up to 24 hours or a week, respectively) should not stink. However, because fermented rice water has a strong odour, we recommend mixing it with an essential oil like lavender or peppermint.
How do I know if my hair will benefit from using rice water?
Rice water is beneficial to all hair types, especially those in need of protein. Healthy hair should bounce back to its original length if you gently stretch a strand of hair and then release it. Hair that stretches and breaks, on the other hand, may be lacking in protein.
How long does it take for rice water to grow your hair?
Rice water is high in vitamins and minerals, which nourish the hair and scalp while also promoting growth. Allow one cup of rice to ferment in two to three cups of water for one day to prepare it. You should expect effects in a few weeks or months if you use it one to two times per week.
How often to use rice water on hair?
You won’t have to adjust your washing routine to accommodate your rice water rinse; simply use it after shampooing and conditioning, whether once a day or once a week.
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