Rice has been a staple for our everyday food, but do you know that rice water is important for your hair’s health? During the Heian-period of Japan, women would regularly bathe their hair in rice water and the hair would grow until it touched the floor. Geishas would rinse their hair with rice water before combing it. Now, people have continued this historic tradition to bring nutrients for their hair and grow it at substantial length.
According to hairstylist Jennifer Korab, rice water is filled with nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. She said, “The amino acids present in rice water strengthen hair roots and help in the regeneration of hair, aiding faster growth overall. Additionally, it contains vitamins B, C, and E, all of which help in hair growth.” This hair routine doesn’t go overnight – like any routine, it requires consistency and commitment. Yoram Harth, MD, board-certified dermatologist, said, “Over time, consistent use can strengthen cuticles, soften strands, and even minimize the appearance of split ends.” It would make it easier for women to detangle their long hair with rice water.
There is also a downside to using rice water if used too much. Although it does not create a large effect on the hair, there can be a potential protein and starch buildup on the scalp, slowing down the growth of hair. It’s better to rinse your hair from the rice water after 20 minutes.
Any type of hair can benefit from the rice water routine. People have used it for their color-treated hair to make it stronger and shinier.
To make your rice water for hair, do the following:
- Put 4 cups of water to 2 cups of rice.
- Pour everything into a glass bottle and let it sit at room temperature for 16 hours. The water will become foggy white.
- Get an empty container and separate the rice water and rice.
- The rice water will be good for up to 5 days. It can now be used for the 20-minute hair treatment.
Organic grain rice has been recommended for better hair growth. Hair expert Millicent Wambui of Trendy Hair Kenya makes it unforgettable that “Rice water is just like an essential protein treatment that easily works to penetrate damaged hair and repair it inside out.”
