What if you were told that there was a staple food in your cupboard or pantry that could improve hair quality and promote hair growth; would you be convinced? If you are anything like me, then probably not. I mean, you would have to come with receipts to try to convince me, and even then, that would not suffice.
In any case, the staple food I am referring to is rice. Rice is the most widely consumed food around the world, especially in continents like Africa and Asia, and has been used as a key element in hair treatments to restore healthy hair and increase hair growth — based on anecdotal evidence (not scientifically proven).
What is Rice Water for Hair ?
Rice water is plainly starch extracted from rice that has been boiled or left to soak.
Rice water has been used as a hair care practice for centuries. For example, in the ancient China era, Chinese women, specifically those of the Red Yao ethnic group of Huangluo village (also known as, “The Long Hair Village”), used rice water as a hair treatment to promote growth, maintain black hair, and increase shine.
Red Yao Women Hair Characteristics
The Red Yao women’s long hair is known to be their prized possession; similarly to when some of us say, “our hair is our crown and glory.” However, for women of the Red Yao ethnic group, it is tradition to retain and maintain long hair, as it signifies longevity, prosperity, wealth and good fortune.
Some characteristics of a Red Yao woman’s hair are: exceptionally long (an average length of 6ft — Guinness Book of World Record as the “World’s Longest Hair Village” ), healthy, strong, thick, luscious, soft, shiny, and richly melanated (prevents and/or slows down process of graying hair well into old age).
Benefits of Rice Water for Hair
Rice water offers many beneficial properties to improve the overall health of the hair. Studies show that rice water contains a key component called inositol, a carbohydrate that can penetrate to repair and strengthen damaged hair, while acting as a barrier to protect the hair from further damage. In addition, inositol increases and improves hair elasticity, and reduces surface friction on the hair strands.
Other benefits included:
- The many vitamins and minerals contained (amino acids, B Vitamins, Vitamin E, antioxidants, etc.)
- Increases shine
- Aids in the detangling process
- Reduces split-ends
- Thickens hair and promotes hair growth* there is no reliable scientific evidence that rice water promotes hair growth — more so anecdotal evidence
- Softens hair
- Treats and controls dandruff
How To Make Fermented Rice Water
There are multiple methods used to prepare rice water; however, the method I have decided to try is fermented rice water. Some have claimed fermented water contains more benefits than plain water; therefore, being the most effective.
What You’ll Need:
- ½c of uncooked rice
- 2c of water
- Strainer
- Jar
- Thoroughly rinse the rice to remove any debris or impurities
- Soak the rice in water for a maximum of 30 minutes
- Extract the water by straining the rice
- Pour liquid into a jar, covered and left out for a day or two at room temperature
Note: Discontinue fermentation when it starts to smell sour, and place the jar in the fridge to preserve beneficial properties. - *Optional* Add a few drops of your choice of essential oil
- *Optional* Due to potency: it is recommended that the rice water is diluted before use
Benefits of Fermented Rice Water for Hair
As stated above, some have claimed fermented water contains more benefits than plain water when used to prepare the rice water treatment. This is due to the fact that during the fermentation process, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are infused into the rice water; to nourish the hair with essential nutrients.
Furthermore, fermented water has a lower pH level compared to plain water. When a substance maintains a low pH reading of 0 to 6.9, it is considered acidic; therefore, it acts as a barrier and prevents fungi and bacteria from growing in the hair and scalp, keeping the cuticles closed tightly and thriving. Healthy hair and skin pH range between 4 to 5.5.
How To Use: Rice Water (Fermented) Application
Note: Due to potency: it is recommended to dilute rice water before use. However, I plan to apply the rice water just as it is.
The rice water treatment should be applied after shampooing and before applying a rinse-out conditioner or a deep conditioner. Using an applicator bottle or spray bottle concentrate the rice water on the scalp; massaging it in and distributing it evenly to the hair. Leave the treatment in for 5-20 minutes, and rinse and proceed with the rest of your wash day routine.
Storage directions: The rice water should be stored in a fridge for up to a week after use.
Rice Water Treatment Challenge:
Although rice water has been a popular beauty secret for centuries, it was not until 2016 that I discovered YouTuber, Maryam Hampton’s video on rice water video for hair growth. Even though it was a well-informed video, I was still not convinced it would work for me and my hair (may I also add, I was still trying to figure out my hair needs and what worked for me because you know, “what may work for others may not necessarily work for you”).
Why Now?
Fast forward to this year, (if you personally know me, you know I LOVE rice), I went to the grocery store; purchased two bags of rice, got home, unpacked my groceries, and later on that evening I decided to prepare rice for dinner. The rice was taking longer to prepare than usual, so I looked at the package and I realized I picked up the wrong type of rice. Yes, I could have easily exchanged it – at least one of the bags, but I never got around to it.
And here we are today, with two bags of rice in the cupboard which I might as well make use of. Having said that, now that I have established a hair regimen that works for me along with products; I have decided to give it a shot. I have witnessed so many positive results on YouTube of individuals who have incorporated rice water in their hair care regimen. However, all hair is not made equal.
By the time this post is published, I would have already commenced (July 30, 2020) the Rice Water challenge.
Look forward to future posts on my experience and results after I have completed this challenge!
In The Comments Below…
Let me know in the comments below if you have experimented with rice water and if the results were positive or negative. I would love to know. And if you have not experimented with rice water and would like to, please join me in this challenge.
*In the meantime check out my previous post: Hair Care Tips: 7 Ways to Minimize Single-Strand Knots*
I’ve used rice water before for my skin but not my hair, but I’m plain on trying it for sure
Thanks for sharing this
I would love to know what you think! xo