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I am a big lover of using natural alternatives where possible for almost anything, whether that’s the food I eat, my skincare regime and what I put on my hair, so I was very intrigued about using rice water to speed up hair growth.
It’s only in recent years that the hype of rice water has gained popularity in the West, with many DIY tutorial videos popping up on Youtube showing you how to make this milky elixir.
Although, this ‘rapunzel’ hack has ancient roots traced back to Asian civilisations and has been used as an effective hair treatment ever since.
Image | Red Yao Women
In fact, according to a 2010 study from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Japanese women of the Heian Period (794 to 1185 AD), combed their hair with Yu-Su-Ru (rinse water obtained from the washing of rice) which gave them beautiful long hair, reaching down to the floor, the study concluded that using rice water had two main benefits, it increases the elasticity of the hair and reduces surface friction.
In addition, Red Yao women from Huangluo Yao Village in China are known for their long, luscious, 6-foot locks. Fermented rice water is credited with their lengthy tresses.
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Rice water promotes hair growth and elasticity in a number of ways. Rice has a powerful combination of amino proteins, antioxidants, vitamin E, B vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
According to Healthline, “these nutritional properties of the rice give rice water its unique hair-strengthening properties”.
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Both conventional and organic rice will contain some amounts of fertilisers and pesticides!
So if you want to avoid that exposure altogether, Mielle Organics suggests using Basmati rice, “It’s imported from countries like India and Pakistan, and they don’t have the arsenic problem.”
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While you’ll find many people who swear by the positive effects of rice water, there are just as many who have had less than favourable experiences with rice water including dryness, protein overload and flaky buildup on the scalp and some breakage.
This is due to the heavy starch component in rice, and usually affects those with low porosity hair. This doesn’t mean you can’t use rice water, but it should be limited to just once a week.
How To Make Rice Water For Fast Hair Growth | Step-By-Step Guide
STEP 1: Rinse the rice
Take 1/2 a cup of rice and rinse with water to remove impurities such as dirt and dust. You can use a strainer for this.
STEP 2: Soak the rice
Using two to three cups of water, stir the rice in a bowl and leave to soak for 30 minutes until the water becomes cloudy (but it can be left for up to 24 hours).
STEP 3: Strain the rice
After you’ve allowed your rice to soak, strain it and keep the water in either a plastic container or mason jar.
STEP 4: Shampoo
Next, shampoo your hair. You may want to try using a sulphate-free shampoo if you suffer from dryness or have colour-treated hair.
STEP 5: Apply the rice water
When you’ve rinsed out the shampoo, apply the rice water (as you would conditioner) massaging it gently into your scalp and hair strands. Leave it on for 20 minutes.
STEP 6: Finish with a conditioner
After you’ve thoroughly rinsed your hair, complete this routine with a good hair conditioner of your choice.
Our Top Picks For Alternative Rice-Water-Based Products
As mentioned before, rice water is not for everyone, but you don’t have to feel left out! There are specially formulated hair treatments that include rice water ingredients out there and we’ve rounded up 5 of the best.
1. Shea Moisture Strength + Color Care Shampoo
If you have colour-treated hair you may find that it has become brittle. Purple Rice Water Strength + Color Care Shampoo restores hair to a more vital, healthier state.
This mineral-rich cleanser with rice extract, wild orchid and sweet violet extract will remove residue and restore shine and strength to hair. This rich blend includes certified organic Shea Butter, Argan Oil, and Jojoba Oil for extra luxurious moisturising.
2. Mielle Rice Water Moisturizing Milk
Daily use of this moisturiser will revive dry hair, as well as strengthen and add shine to your hair.
As well as rice water, safflower oil, yuzu, castor oil, and coconut oil, safflower oil helps lock in moisture.
3. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!™ Megastrength+ Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment
Don’t Despair, Repair!™ from Briogeo has a balanced combination of rice water protein and moisture which is incorporated into this dual-action formula for healthy hair.
In addition to protecting your hair from future damage, the rice protein complex hydrates it deeply to nurture dry, brittle hair and maintain elasticity.
Natural ingredients make up 98% of the formula and it has been scientifically proven to strengthen hair up to 2x after just one use.
4. Replenhair Rice Water Hair Moisturiser Spray
With all the amino acids, minerals, and vitamins included in Replenhair’s Rice Water Moisturising Spray you can expect healthy hair and growth. It is also free from sulfates, parabens, and SLS.
Rich in antioxidants that help provide protein for promoting hair growth, this spray will strengthen hair, and add elasticity & shine.
5. Bosley BosRevive Non Color-Treated Hair Nourishing Shampoo
This sulphate-free and paraben-free shampoo is perfect for colour-treated hair.
A combination of rice amino acids, pumpkin seed extract and saw palmetto helps to remove build-up, such as DHT from the scalp, increase scalp circulation, and promote healthy hair growth whilst keeping the hair clean and fresh.
I had never heard of using rice water for hair growth! So interesting. Thank you for sharing!
Such a great tip. Thanks! Do you have a favorite vendor?
This is so helpful! From someone currently trying to grow out long healthy hair I will try this
thank you for this post, had never heard of this before great source of information
I am desperate to grow my hair ! Going to try this . Thank you .