Is Rice Water Good for Hair Growth? ATH Investigates
It's time finally achieve the shiny and strong hair you've always wanted.
Every so often, a new ingredient becomes very popular in the hair care world, and we start seeing it show up everywhere. The latest buzz-worthy ingredient? Rice water. Rice water is the starchy liquid that is left over after you cook, boil, or soak rice. From the benefits of hair growth to shinier and stronger strands, there is plenty to gain from this latest buzz-worthy ingredient, rice water for hair.
Rice Water for Hair
Keep scrolling to find out why this water is gaining so much popularity from your favorite hair influencers and how you can start using it for hair growth.
Where did rice water for hair come from?
It is said that rice water originated in Japan between the years 794 and 1185 CE. Women in Japan had floor-length hair, and this was known to be their secret for maintaining the length and health of their hair.
Fast forward to today, and we see a similar story in the village of Huangluo in China. The Yao women who live in this village are known for their extremely long hair, which is an average of six feet long. Can you imagine having hair that long?! Just like the women in Japan, the Yao women say their secret is rice water for hair growth. So, we can’t help but want to get in on this secret too!
How to Use Rice Water for Hair Growth
Since the mixture is made with just two simple ingredients, one cup of rice and one cup of water, it’s easy and inexpensive to make yourself at home. Here’s how to make it:
- Rinse 1 cup of rice to remove any dirt.
- Mix together both ingredients until the mixture becomes cloudy.
- Strain the rice and store it to use later or cook it!
- Put the rice water into a plastic container, cover it, and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours to ferment. You don’t want to let the water sit longer than 24 hours because it’ll go bad.
- After it has sat out, refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
- For easy application, put the rice water into a travel shampoo container or squeeze bottle.
Rice Water for Hair Growth
This is probably the moment you’ve been waiting for: actually using this ingredient.
When it comes to using water, it’s very easy to do! Simply shampoo and condition your hair like normal; once your conditioner is rinsed out, apply the rice water all over your hair. Make sure to focus on your scalp too. Let the mixture sit on your hair for 2-5 minutes and then rinse it out.
You can use your rice water how often you’d like; there’s no right or wrong way. We think it’s easiest to use the mixture on days you wash your hair, but you could use it once a week or every day if you want to. It all depends on your preference.
Immediately you’ll notice a little bit of a difference in how your hair feels. As you use it more, the benefits will become more noticeable!
Benefits of Rice Water for Hair
What exactly are the benefits of this miracle ingredient? Keep reading:
How the Ingredient Benefits Your Hair
So you know that this type of water can help with hair growth, but we bet you’re wondering how else it can benefit your hair. In addition to this, it is also believed to help increase the strength and shine of your strands, make your hair smoother, and help detangle it. With all of those benefits, it’s no surprise why this ingredient has grabbed the attention of so many people.
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.
Rice water is an easy D.I.Y hair care product that can help promote hair growth, shine, and stronger strands. It’s easy and inexpensive to create at home, and it’s practically foolproof to use. What are you waiting for? It’s time to head to the kitchen and start making the mixture.
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