Many Eastern countries use rice for its "healing and nourishing perks" with rice water being hyped for its beauty benefits on facial skin like:
But how does the humble grain fare when it comes to hair?
I decided to test out this hair rinse on my daughter’s hair, to reignite her dry, dull hair. Because her hair type is 3B, thick, wavy, coarse hair, it has always been difficult to figure out a hair care routine and specific products that enhance her natural wave while adding softness and shine. It's a struggle for most women with this hair type, so hopefully this will be the new holy grail to my hair care routines. Let me tell you...the results were surprisingly impressive, and her hair was so soft and easy to comb! So, let’s take a deeper look at rice water.
History
According to researchers, women in the Heian period (794 to 1185 CE) in Japan had floor-length hair they kept healthy by bathing it in rice water.
A modern-day equivalent of this story can be found in China. The Yao women, who live in a village called Huangluo in China, are famed for having hair that averages 6 feet long.
In addition to its incredible length, the Yao women’s hair is said to keep its color for longer, as they do not begin to get gray hair until they reach their 80s.
The Yao women credit the length and color of their hair to the fact they bathe it in rice water. In recent years, beauty advice websites, YouTubers and product developers have caught on to this tradition. Now, the rice water trend is spreading.
Benefits
Supporters of using rice water for hair believe it:
As the popularity of using rice water for hair increases, there is growing unreliable evidence about its benefits. But are the claims scientifically proven?
At first glance, a 2010 paper suggests they may be. The authors note that rice water may reduce surface friction and increase hair elasticity. However, the study relies on historical examples to draw unsupported conclusions.
Elsewhere, a research facility in Japan has developed an imaging technique that visualizes the strengthening effect of inositol on hair. Inositol is contained in rice water.
It is important to note that this research is published directly by a facility that may have commercial interests.
To date, the benefits of rice water for hair remain unproven. More research is needed to support anecdotal evidence about the benefits of rice water for hair.
INGREDIENTS:
To use this method:
PREPARATION:
STEP 1 Gather a bowl, organic uncooked rice, and water. You can use any sort of rice (white, brown, jasmine, basmati etc.) as long as it is organic. I used organic brown rice.
STEP 2 Rinse the uncooked rice and drain. Then, add the clean rice to a bowl with of water. Let it sit for at least an hour, up to 24 hours. For this experiment, I let the rice sit for about 2 hours.
STEP 3 Strain the rice and save the water. You can actually save the rice for cooking as well. In fact, some studies have shown that eating soaked rice is healthier, reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
STEP 4 Wash your hair with shampoo, and rinse as normal. I do not use shampoo often at all, maybe 3-4 times a year, so I added moisture rich conditioner, combed her hair and then rinsed it out.
STEP 5 Next, take the rice water and massage it into your hair and scalp. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes to an hour. If you have thick hair, you may end up using all of it in one go, however, those with thinner hair may be able to get away with using half of the water and saving the rest in the fridge for next time (or for washing your face later). I left the rice water rinse in for about 30 min before washing off.
STEP 6
Rinse your hair again and admire!
Does rice water work for hair?
So...why does rice water have such great beauty benefits? Because rice grains have a high starch content (70-80%) and are packed with amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this goodness saturates the water when soaked. When massaged into your hair and scalp, these ingredients pack a potent punch of healthy and moisturizing properties seeping into the hair and the starch from the rice coats hair strands, giving the hair a thickening effect. This starchy coating can also be attributed for the extra body, shine, and de-frizzing effect that your hair will get after using the rice water rinse.
If you have color treated hair that is dull, dry, and brittle, rice water may be your ticket to healthier hair, as it also reduces friction, promotes elasticity, and closes the outer cuticle, leading to shinier, smoother hair.
As for hair growth? Any treatment stimulates blood flow to the scalp and clarifies dirt and buildup will eventually lead to longer hair. Whether it's a rice water rinse, aloe vera rinse or scalp scrub, healthy hair begins at the scalp.
Fermenting the rice water may provide even more nutritional benefits to your hair.
Fermented vs. plain rice water
Some rice water supporters claim fermented rice water has more benefits than plain rice water.
According to a 2012 study, fermented substances have a higher amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants may combat hair and skin cell damage, which is why they are typical ingredients in beauty products.
To ferment rice water, follow steps above of the soaking method. Before straining, leave the rice water to stand at room temperature for up to 2 days, allowing it to ferment. Strain the rice water into a clean bowl before use.
Another way to make rice water
Boiling
Cover ½ cup of rice with double the water typically used for cooking. Cook the rice in boiling water and strain the rice water into a clean bowl before use.
Other tips
Although the magical properties of rice water seem endless, there is one thing to look out for. Be sure to rinse off the rice water thoroughly, and not to overdo it, as the abundance of protein in the water may actually dry out your hair if not enough moisture is provided. Begin by only using the rice water twice a week and monitoring how your hair feels. If it's still feeling dry, cut down usage to once a week and add conditioner before the rice water for extra moisture. Increase usage slowly, until you find the right balance for your hair.
Skin benefits
In addition to its potential beauty benefits for the hair, rice water may also benefit the skin.
A 2002 study found that the starch in rice water helped damaged skin heal for people with dermatitis.
Takeaway rinsing
Hair and rice water is a traditional beauty treatment popular in many regions in Asia. Having gained attention online, this alternative beauty remedy is now popular across the world.
Many people find rice water to be a beneficial hair treatment. Historical examples and anecdotal evidence suggest rice water may improve the strength, texture, and growth of hair.
Most scientific evidence about the treatment is inconclusive, so more research is needed to prove the benefits of using rice water.
While its benefits for hair remain unproven, using a rice water hair rinse is safe to try at home and may also be used on the skin. It has been found to promote skin health in people with dermatitis.
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