It has been over three months since I challenged myself to experiment with applying rice water to my natural hair. I wanted to share my thoughts and my results with you so that you gain better insight on how this rice water treatment performed for me.
Disclaimer
Before anything else, I am going to be completely frank with you: I failed miserably with regards to documenting my hair progress since incorporating rice water into my wash day routine.
I attempted to take my hair measurements and before pictures prior to starting the challenge, but it was a struggle and I was over it.
In any event, I do apologize if you were expecting a more elaborate update from me. I plan to do more hair challenge content on my platform in the future, and with the right assistance, rest assured, you will get quality from me.
The Purpose of the RiceWater Challenge
If you haven’t read my previous post, Rice Water for Natural Hair Growth: Everything You Need to Know, I shared useful information and the intent behind the why I decided to participate in this hair challenge. Essentially, I wanted to determine if rice water truly improves hair quality and promotes rapid growth.
How it Started
I officially commenced my rice water challenge on July 30, 2020. My main goal was to achieve noticeable hair growth and thickness over a total duration of three months (90 days).
Application:
I applied the rice water treatment on my wash days, which typically happen once every two weeks.
Using a spray bottle, I would mist the treatment directly onto my scalp and throughout the length of my hair after shampooing. I let it sit uncovered for about 20 minutes before rinsing it out thoroughly. Afterward, I proceeded with my wash day routine as normal.
How it Ended
I concluded the challenge with my final rice water rinse on November 7, 2020.
Results Noticed:
Since I applied the treatment once every two weeks, I used it about eight times total throughout the 90-day period.
First and foremost, there was absolutely nothing luxurious about this treatment. The smell was horrendous, and it most certainly did not improve after each use—but I digress.
Like with any challenges, there were advantages and disadvantages. Truth be told, I had experienced a fair share of both.
Advantages:
I was quite astonished by how my hair felt after the first few uses of the treatment. Surprisingly, it softened my hair for easy manageability, which made the detangling process so much more efficient. Additionally, I noticed an immediate boost in shine and curl definition the moment the treatment was applied and after.
Disadvantages:
Apart from the awful stench—which subsides the moment you carry on with your regular wash day styling products. As I continued to apply the treatment during my scheduled wash days, I noticed a change in how my hair felt. It began to feel stiff, dry and brittle.
Based on my observations, I believe I was experiencing protein overload. This happens when there is a moisture-to-protein imbalance in the hair. When your strands get coated in too much protein, they begin to feel dry and straw-like, making it more susceptible to shedding and breakage. I started experiencing more shedding than usual, and the products that conventionally worked for me on any regular wash day were suddenly not effective at all. However, we move!
Before and After (Pictures)
Final Thoughts
In short, based on my personal experience, I do not think the rice water treatment aided much—if at all—to my actual hair growth. Yet, it probably would have helped if I had taken my hair measurements. In any case, I did notice slight increase in thickness, shine, and that my hair shade appeared rich in colour.
Do I intend to keep incorporating rice water into my wash days? Probably not. If so, maybe once every 6 to 8 weeks to use as a protein treatment.
It is important to note that there are many factors that influence hair growth such as nutrition, genetics, age, and the products you use. Do not be alarmed or discouraged if you tried this treatment and achieved different or no results.
My hair goal after the 90 days was to achieve 3″ inches of growth, but that was a fail. Hey, at least I can say I experimented with rice water, learned what my hair likes, and proved it did not necessarily work for me in terms of length. And that is expected because, at the end of the day, what works for others might not work for you!
In the Comments Below
Let me know if you have experimented with rice water for your natural hair? What were your expectations? And were they attainable? If you have not tried it yet, would you ever give it a shot after reading this?
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