It’s tempting to reach for a bottle of complex formulas that contain
biotin,
keratin and/or
collagen when your hair needs a little treatment. But sometimes the solution for healthy, strong and long hair is far simpler than that.
Rice, or more specifically, a rice water rinse, is the newest old trick for boosting shine, increasing elasticity and strengthening hair for longer, healthier and more luscious locks.
So, before you toss out that bowl of cloudy water you’ve just used to boil your rice, take a look at all its potential hair benefits below!
What is rice water?
It’s simple: rice water is the water left behind from soaking or boiling rice. Indeed, that slimy, opaque liquid that doesn’t seem too appealing at first glance is your ticket to better hair.
Once that water sits over a period of time to ferment, it gains superpowers that can:
- Strengthen roots
- Increase shine
- Boost volume
- Smooth and detangle
What’s in rice water that’s good for hair?
There’s a reason rice water promises
all of the above. It creates a better hair-growth environment because of its:
- Low pH value
- High concentration of antioxidants and amino acids
- Powerful minerals (folate, zinc and magnesium) and vitamins (B, C and E)
But that’s not all. Modern beauty experts have discovered some of those complex, scientific-sounding ingredients that contribute to rice water's hair-boosting super powers, including:
- Inositol: a carbocyclic sugar that penetrates and repairs hair from the inside out (even after rice water has been rinsed out)
- Pitera: a yeast extract produced during fermentation that’s believed to promote cell regeneration
And, because of the starch in rice water, it coats each follicle, locking in moisture and nutrients – acting much like a protein treatment.
The 'lengthy' history of rice water for hair
Applying rice water to hair is no new idea.
During Japan’s famous Heian period, court ladies combed their hair with
Yu-Su-Ru (i.e: rinse water made from the washing of rice), and their hair spoke for itself. These women boasted unbelievable floor-length locks called
suberakashi that were thick, shiny and healthy.
Even today, women from the Red Yao Tribe in China feature similar hair lengths – and they too, practice
Yu-Su-Ru.
Regardless of these women’s personal experiences with
Yu-Su-Ru,
an abstract from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science reveals that this practice is indeed effective – if only because it increases hair elasticity and reduces surface friction (which directly helps to reduce breakage).
How to use rice water for hair
While you may not be seeking floor-length locks, rice water can still help you grow healthier and stronger hair – whatever length you’re aiming for!
First, spray or pour a generous amount of rice water onto your head and work through hair, from root to tips. Let sit for 3 to 5 minutes (depending on hair type; leave on longer for thicker hair, and shorter for fine hair). Rinse with regular water. The, use a deep
conditioner or apply a
leave-in conditioner.
There are even some products out there that already contain rice water, such as
SheaMoisture Extra Comforting Oat Milk & Rice Water Wash & Shampoo.
Ready to get rice-y? Let's get started!
Is Rice Water the Secret to Healthy Hair?
- Large bowl or pot (if boiling)
- Air-tight container
- Strainer
- Funnel
- Spray bottle or smaller container
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup rice (brown rice appears to contain more inositol)
Method without boiling water
- Rinse rice with cold water to remove dirt and other impurities.
- In large bowl, pour in rice with water and let sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain water into an air-tight container and leave uncovered at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours to ferment.
- Seal air-tight container and refrigerate.
- When ready to use, use funnel to pour a small amount into spray bottle.
Method with boiling water
- Rinse rice with cold water to remove dirt and other impurities. Transfer rice to bowl.
- In pot, boil water and pour onto rice. Let simmer while stirring until water becomes cloudy. Set aside until cool,
- Strain water into an air-tight container and leave uncovered at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours to ferment.
- Seal air-tight container and refrigerate.
- When ready to use, use funnel to pour a small amount into spray bottle.
How to use rice water rinse
- Spray or pour a generous amount of rice water onto your head and work through hair, from root to tips. Let sit for 3 to 5 minutes (depending on hair type; leave on longer for thicker hair, and shorter for fine hair).
- Rinse with regular water. The, use a deep conditioner or apply a leave-in conditioner.
- Use this rice water rinse as often as you like, but take note on how your hair is responding to it.
- You can use rice water for up to a week after you make it.
