Sunday, May 5, 2024

Rice Water for Hair: Science-Backed Benefits and How to Use It

what does rice water do for your hair

That isn’t to say that this traditional ingredient isn’t great — it may be great for your hair, and there’s probably a reason lots of different cultures have made use of this stuff! — but we’d love to see some double-blind studies before making this claim. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

what does rice water do for your hair

SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength & Color Care Shampoo

However, as previously mentioned, there aren't many studies on the benefits of rice water to begin with. Nai'vasha added that rice water is great for damaged and thin hair. "Studies have found that inositol found in rice water helps hair follicles to produce new hair," she explained.

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Posted: Thu, 11 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Increases elasticity to reduce breakage

If you’re not into the whole D.I.Y hair care products and would rather use products infused with this type of water, we recommend trying out SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength & Color Care Shampoo and Conditioner. This set is infused with a combination of Purple Rice, Wild Orchid, and Sweet Violet Extract. Together, these ingredients help restore the strength and shine of your hair while removing dulling residue. Plus, it’s safe to use on color-treated hair, especially blonde hues because it will help neutralize any brassiness.

Do rice water hair treatments work?

Kayla Blanton is a freelance writer-editor who covers health, nutrition, and lifestyle topics for various publications including Prevention, Everyday Health, SELF, People, and more. She’s always open to conversations about fueling up with flavorful dishes, busting beauty standards, and finding new, gentle ways to care for our bodies. Leave the solution on your scalp for at least 30 minutes or overnight for more intense treatment. You can then rinse it out with water or, if desired, wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Rice water is also said to help repair damage and fortify strands by infusing them with depleted vitamins and minerals. Hair care products are not considered medication and, therefore, do not need Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval.

However, the study relies on historical examples to draw unsupported conclusions. In recent years, beauty advice websites and product developers have caught on to this tradition. Most online instructions for making rice water call for rinsing the rice before starting the process and straining the final product.

Mix rice water with natural ingredients like matcha, honey, yogurt, or aloe vera gel to create a hydrating face mask. Apply it to your face, leave it on for minutes, and then rinse off for a brighter complexion. "As rice water is highly concentrated in starch, too much rice water can dry your hair out," he said. "Deep condition your hair for 15 to 30 minutes and hydrate your hair and scalp with essential oils." Beyond promoting hair growth, rice water is believed to wield additional benefits for those looking to land commercial-worthy tresses (more on those ahead). But how do you use rice water, and who is most likely to benefit from incorporating it into their haircare routine?

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Dr. Zeichner recommends thinking of rice water as a primer for your hair. “After washing your hair, rub rice water into your hair and scalp and allow it to sit for five to 10 minutes,” he says. “Then apply your regular conditioner afterward if you need to.” Dr. Garshick explains that, in some cases, rice water may be incorporated into a specific product, such as a shampoo and conditioner, and should be used as directed on the label. Beyoncé’s new hair-care line, Cécred, features a Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual made with hydrolyzed rice protein that’s reactivated when you mix it with water, allowing you to reap the benefits of fresh rice water without the hassle. But brands like Briogeo and R+Co carry great products for a DIY-free option.

Rice Water Hair Treatment: Are There Benefits?

If you find that it makes your hair look or feel worse, then scrap it and go back to your tried-and-true beauty products. The flax seed in the gel will provide a natural hold and help your hair stay in place without feeling stiff or sticky. Additionally, the rice water and aloe vera will add moisture and nourishment to your hair, promoting its health and shine. Rice water has been shown to increase the elasticity of hair strands, which, in turn, reduces static and breakage from brushing [source].

More Natural Haircare Recipes + Tutorials

Try this treatment once or twice per week; any more frequently and you run the risk of the proteins in the rice water creating buildup on the scalp. For example, vitamin B5 (also known as panthenol) can help soften hair,  while fiber might theoretically coat your strands and make them feel thicker. You’ve likely seen rice water listed as an ingredient on a product label. However, you know very little about this powerhouse ingredient and are unsure if it should become a regular in your beauty arsenal.

what does rice water do for your hair

Some rice water devotees believe that allowing soaked rice water to ferment for two to three days increases the antioxidants and vitamins and minerals. The question here isn't “when,” but more like “if”—know what I mean? One of the first lessons in cooking rice in many cultures is to wash the grains. This step rinses the rice of the excess starch on its surface, leaving behind a cloudy water full of nutrients. While it's common practice to discard this water, you may just want to add it to your hair care routine.

It’s the core ingredient in some beloved Korean skin care products, including this excellent, cost-effective Face Shop double-cleansing duo. Or, if you want to learn how to make rice water in a way that’s a little less messy than the method described above, try this DIY kit. We would love to see more controlled studies on the benefits of rice water for skin, but there have been some promising early studies regarding how beneficial this time-honored ingredient can be in a clean beauty routine. So long as you don’t overuse it—and you’re not allergic to it—there really are no downsides to trying a rice water rinse for your hair. But it’s a cheap, easy DIY treatment that has the potential to make your hair look and feel better. Many people find rice water to be a beneficial hair treatment.

People with most hair types can safely try a rice water rinse, but those with thin hair may want to tread lightly, as the proteins might weigh it down, Reslan warns. On the other hand, Dorram says rice water is a gentle, effective treatment for those with highly porous, bleached, or damaged strands that are looking to bring their manes back to life. Although it may seem as though rice water came out of nowhere, it’s actually an ancient haircare method with a long history in Asia. For centuries, Japanese women used rice water to keep their floor-length hair healthy and thick [source]. And women in China have been known to use it to keep the gray away until well into their 80s.

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Rice Water for Hair Benefits and How to Use It

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