Types of Rice Water | Rice Water Benefits for Hair Growth | How to Use Rice Water for Hair
Hair is one of the features most noticed in us. It defines our image and our personality so much so that celebrities hire a full-time person just to style their hair and care for it. Haircare is as important as any other beauty regime. Rice water for hair is a very effective hair care ingredient and has been used for thousands of years in Asian countries for the many benefits of rice water on hair. Rice is rich in many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help in the overall nourishment and damage repair of hair. Washing hair with rice water has proven to give smooth, shiny, silky, long, and strong hair. Let us know more about this ancient wonder beauty ingredient.
Is Rice Water Good for Hair?
Rice water is the starchy, translucent water left behind by rice grains when they are soaked or boiled in water. This water is loaded with essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins, minerals like magnesium, iodine, potassium, manganese, zinc, selenium, amino acids, and antioxidants needed for overall haircare. These treasures of nutrients not only provide necessary nutrients for healthy hair and scalp but also improve the appearance of the hair significantly, making rice water hair treatment a very wise choice. Research finds that rice water contains a carbohydrate called inositol that plays a unique role in repairing damaged hair and shielding it from damage. With such properties, rice water for hair benefits in undeniable in many ways.
Types of Rice Water
Rice water is good for hair and is collected in three different methods – soaking, boiling, and fermenting. Each method has its own unique benefits. Let us find out more about the types of rice water and how to prepare them.
1. Soaked Rice Water:
Soaked rice water is the simplest and quickest method of making rice water. The vitamins and minerals of rice seep into the water in which it is soaked, making it a tonic for the hair. It is a very effective rice water treatment for hair growth.
Method of Preparation:
- Wash a half cup of uncooked rice to remove any impurities.
- Soak this washed rice in 3 cups of water for at least 20 minutes.
- Knead the rice in the water slightly until the water becomes faintly cloudy.
- Strain the rice and collect the water.
Storage and Use: You can use this water as a last rinse, hair mask, or conditioner. For later use, store the water in an airtight container, refrigerate and use within a week.
2. Boiled Rice Water:
Boiled rice water is the excess water left out when you strain boiled rice. And it is a concentrated liquid, so it is recommended that you dilute it before using, a 1:1 ratio is ideal. Boiled rice water for hair is rich in proteins and carbohydrates to nourish the hair well.
Method of Preparation:
- Wash a half cup of uncooked rice to remove any impurities.
- Take the washed rice in a pan and cook it in water. Add additional water than the amount required to cook the rice
- Once the rice is cooked, strain the boiled rice and collect the boiled rice water
Storage and Use: You can use this water as a last rinse, hair mask or conditioner. If you are suffering from oily hair, further dilution is advised, depending on the grease in hair and scalp. For later use, let the water cool down before storing it in an airtight container, refrigerate and use within a week.
3. Fermented Rice Water:
Fermented rice water is the soaked rice water allowed to ferment at room temperature. The fermented rice water for hair has more benefits as fermentation enhances the vitamins and minerals content. Also known as Yao rice water recipe as this is used by ancient Yao women and makes the hair look silky and lustrous.
Method of Preparation:
- Wash a half cup of uncooked rice to remove any impurities.
- Soak this washed rice in 3 cups of water for at least 20 minutes.
- Knead the rice in the water slightly until the water becomes faintly cloudy.
- Strain the rice and collect the water in an airtight container.
- Leave this container at room temperature for 24 hours to 48 hours, until it ferments and gives out a sour smell. If you live in warm areas, the fermentation will happen in 12 to 24 hours.
Storage and Use: You can use this water as a last rinse, hair mask or conditioner. It is a very potent liquid, so diluting it with water is recommended. For later use, store it in an airtight container, refrigerate and use within a week.
Benefits of Using Rice Water for Hair:
Let us look at the various important benefits of rice water to hair.
1. Hair Growth:
Use rice water and hair growth is guaranteed. High contents of vitamins and minerals make rice water improve hair growth. Rice water hair growth results are highly successful. The amino acids that are present in rice water help in hair regeneration. The carbohydrate, inositol, improves elasticity and strength of hair, thus treating hair breakage. Rice water for long hair has remarkable results.
2. Protects from Hair Damage:
Rice water is very good at soothing the hair fibers and reducing the surface friction; it is very effective in detangling the hair. Inositol, present in rice water, is very effective in repairing damaged hair and protecting hair from damage. Rice water for white hair removes any vitamin deficiency in the scalp that causes premature greying.
3. Smooth and Shiny Hair:
Rice water is a very good natural conditioner that helps seal moisture in hair fibers making the hair smooth, shiny, and silky. Rice water rinse for curly hair helps reduce frizz significantly. It enhances the appearance of your hair by giving volume and bounce. Rice water for curly hair is the best for detangling hair and making it smooth.
4. Treats Split Ends:
Rice water for natural hair helps treat dry and dull hair prone to split ends by conditioning and moisturizing the hair. The antioxidants present in rice water removes toxins, dirt and other pollutants from the scalp. Rice water for black hair has remarkable results as the high amounts of protein help in enhancing pigmentation and development.
5. Treats Dandruff, Infestations and Fungal Infections:
Rice water for the scalp is very beneficial. Fermented rice water has high anti-fungal properties that ward off any fungal infections on the scalp. The high starch content in rice water also treats infestations on the scalp like lice and nits very effectively. Rice water for dandruff is a wonderful remedy as it treats dry hair very well, thus curing dandruff and flaky scalp issues.
How to Use Rice Water for Hair:
Let us look at the various methods to use rice water for hair:
1. Rice Water Shampoo for Hair Loss:
Rice water for hair fall is an ancient trusted tonic. And rice water as shampoo nourishes and strengthens the hair from root to tip, making it one of the best remedies for hair fall. It is rich in saponin, a natural cleanser loaded with anti-fungal properties that keeps the scalp clean and healthy. Rice water shampoo with fermented rice water improves the elasticity of hair very well. Rice water is rich in vitamins like vitamin B and vitamin E, which makes the hair strong, repairs hair damage, and prevents hair fall.
How to Prepare?:
- Take half cup of fermented rice water, one tablespoon of the mild herbal shampoo and a half cup of water.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly to form a mild cleanser.
How to Use?:
- Wet hair thoroughly.
- Use this mixture as a shampoo to wash your hair.
- Rinse thoroughly and condition if needed.
How Often to Use?: Twice a week.
2. Rice Water Rinse for Hair Growth:
Rice water remedy for hair growth is found to give very effective results. The proteins and amino acids in rice water nourish the hair from the root to tip and strengthen the hair strands very effectively. Rice water hair rinse is very effective due to the high content of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and proteins. Selenium and magnesium present in rice water help in strengthening hair follicles and improving hair growth.Fermented rice water benefits hair as it stimulates hair growth and increases the longevity of the hair.
How to Prepare?:
- Take half cup of fermented rice water or soaked rice water, and a half cup of water.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
How to Use?:
- Shampoo your hair and pat dry so that the hair is wet but not dripping.
- Apply the above mixture to the scalp, massaging it well.
- Leave the above on for at least 30 minutes and rinse with warm water.
How Often to Use?: Twice a week.
3. Rice Water Hair Spray:
Rice water hair spray is one of the best natural conditioners and moisturizers for the hair. It can be sprayed on hair as a leave-in conditioner to condition and nourish the hair. It can be used as a styling hair spray as it is very effective in locking the moisture content in the hair fibers. Rice water for hair growth results is very successful if used as a hair spray. Rice water benefits for hair are many; its high pH levels help in neutralizing the scalp of the acidic environment that causes dryness and brittleness.
How to Prepare?:
- Take half a cup of rice water and one cup of soaked rice water.
- Mix the ingredients, store in a spray bottle.
How to Use?:
- Spray the rice water on dry hair once in two days.
- Use this spray as an instant hair moisturizer for smooth, silky hair.
- This spray can also be used to wet hair before styling it.
How Often to Use?: Twice a week.
4. Rice Water Hair Conditioner:
Soaked rice water is a very effective natural hair conditioner. Rice water hair conditioner has properties that control sebum production on the scalp and moisturizing hair and scalp well. The cooling properties of rice water hydrate the hair strands and scalp very well and locks the moisture in hair fibers, thereby making the hair soft, smooth, and lustrous.
How to Prepare?
- If you are using soaked rice water, take half a cup of soaked rice water.
- And if you are using fermented rice water, take half cup of fermented rice water and dilute it in one cup of plain water.
- If you are using boiled rice water, take half a cup of boiled rice water and dilute it in two cups of plain water.
How to Use?
- Shampoo your hair and pat dry until it stops dripping.
- Apply the rice water on the scalp with gentle massages. Also, apply to the hair strands covering from root to tip.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse with warm water.
How often to Use?: Twice a week
5. Rice Water and Onion Juice for Hair Regrowth:
Onions are rich in flavonoids and Sulfur, which help in boosting hair growth by giving it strength and elasticity. Rice water and onion juice for hair provide various nutritional benefits for the hair to grow fast and also provide the necessary nutrition, blood flow and strength for the scalp to enable hair regrowth. This mixture is very effective for treating hair loss and bald spots.
How to Prepare?
- Take three onions and blend them nicely in a blender. Strain the pulp and collect the extracted juice.
- Mix 1/4 cup of onion juice, half cup of fermented rice water and one cup of water.
How to Use?
- Wash your hair with a shampoo and pat dry until it stops dripping.
- Apply the onion and rice water mixture on the wet scalp massaging well. Also, make sure to apply it on the hair strands from root to tip.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse with warm water.
How Often to Use?: Twice a week.
6. Rice Water and Shikakai Hair Wash:
Shikakai is rich in saponins, a mild natural cleanser, and is very effective in eliminating fungal and bacterial infections from the scalp. This rice water shampoo for hair growth mixed with Shikakai is excellent for hair development. Rice water and Shikakai mix help in reducing hair fall, dry hair, and dandruff. This hair wash makes the hair strong, smooth, silky, and healthy.
How to Prepare?:
- Take one cup of soaked or fermented rice water, one tablespoon shikakai water and one cup hot plain water.
- Mix shikakai in hot water and soak it overnight.
- The next morning, add rice water to this shikakai and water mixture and stir well.
How to Use?:
- Wet hair and apply this mixture to the scalp by gently massaging the scalp. Also, apply it to the hair and slightly rub the hair with this mixture.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse it with warm water.
How Often to Use?: Twice a week.
7. Rice Water and Aloe Vera Hair Pack:
Aloe Vera is a great remedy for balancing the oil secretion on the scalp. Its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties keep the scalp healthy. Rice water is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that provide all nourishment to the scalp and hair for better development and growth. This rice water for hair recipe makes a great hair pack for overall scalp and hair health. It helps reduce hair fall, dandruff, dry and dull hair, and other scalp irritations.
How to Prepare?:
- Take one cup of fermented or soaked rice water and a half cup of Aloe Vera gel.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly to form a mixture.
How to Use?:
- Wash your hair with a shampoo and pat dry until it stops dripping.
- Apply the aloe vera and rice water mixture on the wet scalp massaging well. Also, make sure to apply it on the hair strands from root to tip.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse with warm water.
How often to Use?: Twice a week.
Is Rice Water Have Any Side Effects on Hair?
Side effects for rice water on hair have found to be none whatsoever. Rice water is a safe, natural hair remedy being used for many centuries. Though rice water for hair side effects is zero, it is always advisable to limit the usage to twice a week, because rice water is very rich in protein and using rice water too frequently may make the hair brittle.
Final Thoughts:
The benefits of rice water for hair care numerous. The simplicity and ease of use, make rice water treatment for hair one of the best hair care remedies of all time. This ancient Asian hair tonic has many generations vouching for it as an effective remedy that helps in overall hair development and beauty enhancement. Adding rice water to your regular hair care regimen is sure to make you happy and satisfied with long, voluminous and lustrous hair.
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