There was a time when you were 10, your mother would oil your hair, and it would shine bright. Back then, you believed your hair would always stay that way. But then adulting happened and now your days are spent researching countless ways to regrow your hair and bring back that lost shine. One such hack you recently came across on Google is rice water for hair growth. In this blog, let’s find out whether this popular hair hack actually works or not.
What Is Rice Water?
As the name suggests, rice water is basically the starchy liquid left behind after you soak rice in water. The water that is released is packed with nutrients and has been used for centuries to create better health for your hair, especially by the Yao women of China; they are famously known for their long, strong, and glossy hair. This is all because they use rice water benefits for hair.
The Science Behind Rice Water for Hair Growth
Key Nutrients in Rice Water
When we use rice water for hair growth, it contains a lot of nutrients beneficial to hair health, like amino acids, vitamins B and E, minerals like magnesium and zinc, and which act as a powerful antioxidant. When we use these nutrients together, they act as a great way to add strength to hair, nourish the hair follicles and give structure to your hair.
Studies Supporting Rice Water for Hair
Over the years, many studies have supported the use of rice water for hair. As this article states, “Yao women, who live in a village called Huangluo in China, are famed for having hair that averages 6 feet long.” An interesting study in 2010 states that rice water contains inositol, a known carbohydrate that helps repair damaged hair and protects it from further damage. While anecdotal evidence strongly supports the effectiveness of rice water, scientific studies that were conducted later also say that these claims are valid.
Benefits of Rice Water for Hair
When you compare the benefits of rice water vs hair growth products, rice water has always excited their benefits. Let’s find out the benefits of rice water for hair.
Promotes Hair Growth
When you start applying rice water to your hair, you will start seeing the difference. Rice water for hair loss is a great remedy. It helps promote hair growth, strengthen roots, and reduce breakage. Overall, it is a great way to promote hair growth. All you need to do is apply rice water and hair rinse regularly to see a difference.
Improves Hair Elasticity & Shine
Rice water helps smooth hair cuticles, increasing elasticity and natural shine. This leads to an increase in healthier, stronger, and lustre hair.
Reduces Frizz & Tangles
If you are someone like me whose hair is constantly tangled, fizzy and really not looking like it has been taken care of, then use rice water.
How to Make Rice Water for Hair
1. Soaking Method
When you are using a soaking method to make rice water, rinse half a cup of rice thoroughly. Soak in two cups of water for 30 minutes and strain to use the water in your hair.
2. Fermented Rice Water
Allow the soaking rice water to ferment into water for 20-40 hours and dilute with water before use. Once the fermented rice water is enhanced, use it on your hair to penetrate your hair follicle.
3. Boiled Rice Water
Boil half a cup of rice in two cups of water and strain the rice. Once cooked. Now, allow the water to get cold and apply gently to your hair.
How to Use Rice Water for the Best Results
1. As a Rinse
You can use the rice water as a rinse where you simply shampoo your hair, apply rice water from roots to tips and massage the scalp. Leave for a few minutes and rinse through.
2. As a Leave-In Spray or Hair Mask
Allow the soaking rice water to ferment into water for 20-40 hours and dilute with water before use. Once the fermented rice water is enhanced, use it on your hair to penetrate your hair follicle.
Frequency of use
You can use rice water twice a week to see a difference; that is its ideal range to repair your hair without any damage.
Potential Side Effect and Precautions
While rice water is perfect, it could be a lot for your hair, like protein in rice water and the smell of rice water. If you are overloaded with protein in your hair, you can lose your hair, so ensure that you adjust the amount of time you use rice water. To change the smell of rice water, add rosemary oil to it to make it better.
Rice Water v/s Commercial Hair Growth Products
Compared to other chemical alternatives, rice water is a better solution for hair rather than any random product filled with chemicals.
FAQ’s
Can rice water regrow lost hair?
Rice water can strengthen your current hair and minimise breakage rather than regrowing hair from dormant follicles.
How long before I see results?
You have to be consistent to see results in your scalp. You can see noticeable improvement within 4-6 weeks. Patience and regular application are key.
Can I use rice water daily?
Daily use is generally not recommended, so please avoid using it daily. But you can use it 2-3 times in a week.
Final Verdict: Is Rice Water Worth It?
It is important to know that rice water is a great addition to your hair care routine. You can use it twice a week for best results but do not use it daily. So, rice water is excellent for your hair if it suits you. It is worth all the efforts you put in.
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