Rice has a popular usage in japan and china for centuries. It is surprisingly beneficial to hair as it contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids which are the important elements needed for hair growth.
Rice water looks like a milky liquid because of the starch left behind from the rice. Rice water tightens your skin and improves the health of your hair.
It enhances blood circulation in your body and aids skin cell growth which keeps your skin young. Rice water contains inositol which is a carbohydrate that repairs damaged hair.
This inositol sticks to the hair even after the rice water is washed off which acts as a shield and protects your hair from damage. Rice water also contains amino acids that strengthen the hair roots and increases the hair volume.
It makes your hair shiny and smooth. Since this is a natural process there is no side effect and it’s completely safe.
Plain vs Fermented Rice Water
Rice water sounds like a simple thing. But can be made into few variations such as fermented rice water. I’ll tell you which is better.
Plain rice water’s PH is slightly higher than your hair’s PH. Fermentation brings down the pH levels of the rice water as same as your hair to help it close the cuticles. This protects your hair.
Fermenting rice water enhances the existing vitamins and nutrients levels in your hair by nourishing the hair follicles. It promotes healthy hair growth and improves the overall condition of your hair.
A substance called pitera is produced due to fermentation. This is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Pitera promotes cell regeneration and maintains healthy hair.
Fermented rice water is acidic. When you rinse your hair with it. The supplement in it tends to restore and balance the pH of your hair.
Fermented rice water enhances the benefits of plain rice water. But according to me, both are equal in action. You can use anything according to your preference.
Benefits of Rice Water
It Increases the hair elasticity and bounciness of your hair. Rice water strengthens and thickens your hair. It adds volume, softness with definition and shine.
The rice water smoothens your hair cuticle. It is effective in reducing dandruff. Rice water promotes hair growth than most of the products.
It helps dissolve hard water build-up from your hair. Rice water reduces hair loss. It relieves you from dry, irritated, itchy scalp.
Rice water penetrates through the hair shaft and repairs the hair from within. It contains moisturizing, antioxidant and repairing properties.
Rice water improves the manageability of your hair. Rice water prevents your hair from future damage. It is a gentle and mild cleanser.
Rice water improves the overall condition of your hair. It stimulates blood flow to the scalp and nourishes hair follicles from the root.
How to Prepare Rice Water
Most people tend to do rice water rinse using creamy or cloudy rice water. I’ll tell you a modification which gives you better results.
Use one bowl to pour the rice water on to your hair and another to catch the rice water to use it again. You should choose a good conditioner to follow this method.
You need to leave the rinse in your hair for a period that longer than just rinsing it through so you should need a protein-free deep conditioner.
There are 3 ways to do it. boil, soak or ferment the rice water. I prefer boiling my rice water. If you choose to ferment your rice avoid using a deep conditioner.
Ingredients needed
- Rice
- A bowl of water
- Vessel to boil it
- Deep conditioner
- Essential oils (optional)
Preparation
How to Boil the Rice
- Take a glass and fill it with rice. It can be of any kind.
- Fill the vessel with more water than you usually use to cook.
- Boil the rice for some time.
- Take the excess water that comes on to the top layer or wait till the rice is cooked.
- Strain the excess water from the vessel.
- This is the rice water with a highly concentrated cloudy liquid.
How to Use it on Your Hair
- Take a cup of boiled rice water and add the deep conditioner to it.
- Shampoo your hair and pour the rice water over it.
- Leave it on for about 20 minutes.
- Gently massage your hair and scalp thoroughly.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly with regular water.
