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Rice water is the liquid left over after rinsing or soaking rice. The cloudier it appears the nutrients it contains.
Benefits of Rice Water
Rice water is rich, in minerals, vitamins and amino acids that provide benefits for your hair and scalp.
Here’s how it can help;
Promotes Hair Growth
- The amino acids found in rice water strengthen hair roots and support hair regeneration leading to overall growth.
- It also contains vitamins B, C and E that contribute to hair growth.
- Additionally there’s a carbohydrate called inositol that repairs damaged hair and prevents breakage.
Enhances Hair Shine
- Although seeing noticeable differences in hair growth may take time there are benefits to enjoy.
- The starch and proteins in rice water coat the hair strands, giving them an shinier appearance away.
Improves Hair Softness
- With use, over time you can expect cuticles, softer strands and reduced split ends.
Can Rice Water Make Your Hair Longer?
Just to be clear; While Rice water may give the impression of thicker hair it doesn’t necessarily accelerate growth. The proteins in rice water are too large to penetrate the hair strand. Instead form a layer around each one.
Many people associate rice water with enhanced growth due to this effect; “The protective layer reduces breakage allowing your natural growth to become more apparent—. It doesn’t expedite the growth process. Rice water can be particularly advantageous if you have scalp issues such, as dryness, itchiness, flakiness, irritation, sensitivity or oiliness—it can help alleviate these concerns.
“Massaging rice water into your scalp promotes scalp health and aids in encouraging hair growth.”
Are there any side effects of using rice water on your hair?
- Potentially yes, if you use it excessively or leave it on for long.
- Remember that longer exposure doesn’t equate to results.
- Always rinse out the rice water after a maximum of 20 minutes.
- Rice waters high protein content can lead to hair and scalp dryness if left on for long.
- This may pose a challenge, for individuals with eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.
Who Should Use Rice Water?
Fortunately most hair types, including color treated and natural hair seeking a protein boost can benefit from rice water treatment. It strengthens fine hair enhances shine adds elasticity to hair and promotes growth while thickening strands in damaged or thinning hair. However individuals, with low porosity hair should use rice water cautiously as the proteins may adhere to the strands than being absorbed. To determine your hair porosity level consider taking a test.
How to Use Rice Water on Hair?
When using rice water on hair ensure it is applied to wet or damp towel dried locks. For results incorporate rice water between shampooing and conditioning by saturating the strands and scalp before massaging it into the roots.
You could also try using rice water as a shampoo treatment. To do this simply apply the rice water to damp hair, like a hair mask before shampooing leave it in for 20 minutes and then rinse it off while showering.
If you apply rice water directly to hair the high starch content might make your hair look frizzy and fragile. Additionally dry hair could absorb protein from the rice water, which could block moisture and other essential nutrients from entering your hair ultimately defeating the purpose of the treatment.
Remember that using rice water doesn’t replace conditioner. Since it contains plenty of starch that may lead to dryness if not followed by a treatment.
How to Incorporate Rice Water into Your Haircare Routine
For results it is suggested applying rice water to washed, towel dried hair free from any buildup (you can even use it on dry strands). After allowing the treatment to sit for around 10 minutes (or following the instructions, on your product) rinse it out to avoid treating your hair. “Make sure to condition after using a rice water rinse ” she advises. “. Mix the rice water with your conditioner.”
Using a product, in between sessions is crucial as mentioned by her; “If you don’t remove the coating it can block moisture from reaching the hair strands core ” she cautions. “This can lead to protein overload causing stiff hair that’s prone to breakage.”
FAQs
How frequently should I apply rice water on my hair?
For results its recommended to use rice water on your hair twice a week rather than making it a daily routine. Using rice water frequently can leave residue on your hair weigh it down and make styling difficult while potentially drying out your hair.
What type of rice is best for rice water?
When it comes to making rice water for your hair any type of rice. Whether brown, jasmine, wild or organic. Works as long as there are no additives. It’s important to avoid rice since the proteins have already been removed which defeats the purpose of using rice water for hair treatment.
Should I leave rice water in my hair overnight?
Leaving rice water in your hair overnight is not advisable as it may lead to protein overload and result in hair. Its recommended to keep the treatment time under 20 minutes for results.
