The Benefits of Rice Water for Hair
Rice water rinsing has become a popular method used for hair growth purposes.
Its origin dates back to ancient times, when Chinese women introduced the water in which they soaked the rice into their beauty routines. More specifically, the Yao women from Huangluo village in the province of Guangxi use fermented rice water to wash their strikingly long black shiny hair.
Rice Benefits
Rice has a lot of benefits, whether it’s integrated into your diet or your beauty routine. It’s filled with amino acids, vitamins B and E, minerals, and antioxidants.
The Science Behind it
Rice water creates a protective coat that reduces friction and increases hair elasticity. Fermentation lowers the pH of the water which is better for the hair as it smoothes down the cuticles just like apple cider vinegar, or the Balancing Conditioner. There are different methods for making fermented rice water at home. The most popular recipe is to soak the rice in water for 24h and then strain the rice before storing it in the refrigerator for better conservation.
How to implement a rice water co-wash into your hair washing routine:
- First, do a gentle clean with a Balancing Shampoo, focusing only on your roots. Rinse well.
- There are two ways to application methods: either soak the ends in a bowl with the fermented rice water and then pour the rest on your roots, or pour the rice water into a spray bottle and then spray it all over your hair.
- Leave it on for 15-20 min.
- Rinse it off and “seal the deal” with a Balancing Conditioner.
Rice Water for Hair Growth
There is not enough evidence to prove that fermented rice water promotes hair growth, but it helps protect and smooth the hair strands. Nowadays we can find hair care products that include ingredients that give similar or more benefits. Nevertheless, it’s interesting to learn more about the natural methods and ingredients used by cultures around the world. More often than not, they're are the foundation for the effective hair care methods used nowadays.
The Hair Routine is based on the popular Brazilian hair care method that states that hair only needs three components to grow healthy: water, oil, and protein. Brazilian women learn from a young age to identify when and how to replenish their hair with Moisture, Nurture or Repair treatments; and how often to rotate between those three. Complete this test to receive your Hair Routine or keep on reading more about it HERE.
*Cover image credit: Pinterest
