Is Rice Water the Key to Stronger, Healthier Hair?

Since ancient times, people have admired the use of rice water for hair growth. The Chinese, Japanese, and other Southeast Asian women admired the rice water benefits and used them regularly. The benefits of rice water for hair are due to the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that strengthen the hair and promote hair growth. The present blog gives a detailed explanation of how to use rice water for hair and its benefits.  

What is rice water?

Rice water is the starchy water that is obtained after cooking or rinsing. It can be easily made at home using simple ingredients. Ayurveda defines rice water as a remedy for hair due to its intense nutrient-rich formula. If you want to know how to prepare rice water for hair growth, then follow these steps:

• Soak the grains: Rice water can be prepared by simply soaking the rice grains. Wash 1 cup of rice water thoroughly to remove impurities. Then, soak these grains in 2-3 cups of water for half an hour. After some time, take the water and apply it to your hair.  
• The prepared water can be used directly or fermented for a day or two to enhance its antioxidant properties, as the antioxidant effect of the fermented water can be very effective on the hair.  
• Boiling: Boiling rice with water can also be used as rice water for hair growth by adding two cups of water to a single cup of rice. Then, the combination is boiled for some time until the rice is cooked. Later, the excess water is removed and kept aside. The rice water for hair can be used directly after it cools or diluted based on the requirement.  

Components of rice water:

What makes rice water so wonderful and a magic wand for hair is its amazing nutrients. They are:

• The rice water we use for hair is packed with amino acids such as arginine, glycine, and glutamine.  
• Vitamins such as thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, and vitamin E are adequately present in rice water and help nourish the hair.  
• Minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and iron are also present in rice water, which are essential for hair growth.  

Applications of rice water for hair growth:

The various uses of rice water for hair growth include the following:

• Rice water strengthens the hair by repairing the hair fibers, reducing hair breakage and split ends.  
• The benefits of rice water for hair are due to the amino acids that increase hair strength by improving elasticity, strengthening the shaft, and promoting the growth of hair follicles.  
• Rice water improves the structural integrity of the hair due to its amino acid composition, making it grow longer and healthier.  
• Another use of rice water for hair is due to the vitamins in it. Vitamins promote circulation to the scalp, keep the hair follicles healthy by nourishing them, and promote faster and stronger hair growth. These also increase hair density and give a thicker and fuller hair on the scalp.  
• B vitamins abundant in rice water balance the oil production and maintain the scalp's health.  
• Vitamin E also reduces oxidative stress on the hair follicles by stimulating growth and circulation.  
• Rice water is a natural conditioner for the hair due to the presence of starch that smoothens the hair, reduces friction, and gives softness to the hair.  
• Starch in rice water can lock in moisture in the hair, keeping the hair soft and manageable.  
• Magnesium in the rice water strengthens and protects the hair from damage
• Zinc is an important component of rice water that regulates oil production and reduces hair loss due to scalp imbalance.  
• Iron provides oxygenation to the scalp and nourishes the hair follicles.  
• By addressing dandruff, dryness, and scalp irritation, rice water for hair reduces inflammation, provides nourishment to the scalp, and creates a better environment for hair growth.  
• By regular use of rice water for hair and scalp, the pH can be restored, which prevents excess oil deposition and dryness.  
• Rice water can restore hair damaged by heat, chemicals, or environmental damage.  
• Rice water replenishes moisture, restores elasticity, and improves overall strength.

When to use rice water:

If you do not know how to use rice water for hair after preparing it. Then, the water can be used either before or after the shampooing.  

• If you plan to use it as a pre-shampoo application, then wet the hair and apply the rice water to the hair roots in the scalp and also the entire length of the hair.  
• Massage the scalp as you apply the rice water to the scalp. Leave it on your hair for about half an hour.  
• Then rinse the hair with water and regular shampoo.  
• The rice water benefits can also be obtained by using it as a post-shampoo application.
• Once hair is washed with shampoo and the conditioner is applied, apply the rice water to the scalp and the entire hair length.  
• Massage the rice water onto the hair shaft and the scalp, leave the water for some time, and wash it off with cool water to lock in the hair.  

Rice water and Ayurveda:

Ayurveda has mentioned the application of rice water for hair for a long time. Due to its hair and skin benefits, ayurveda has recognized rice water as a purifying and nourishing agent due to its many benefits.  

• Nourishing of the hair follicles  
• Strengthening the hair fibers  
• Promoting the growth of hair follicles  
• Prevents excessive stretching and improves elasticity  
• Increases the shine and smoothness and reduces the tangles  
• Balances and nourishes the pH of the scalp.  

How many times should rice water be used?

The use of rice water for hair depends on the hair type and the intended need.  

• Individuals with oily hair can use it twice or thrice a week, as rice water benefits them by balancing the oil production and strengthening.  
• For those with dry, brittle, and damaged hair, rice water benefits them by restoring moisture. It can be used once a week to restore moisture and strength.  
• Individuals with normal hair can also use it once a week to replenish hair nutrients without any protein overload.  
• For thin and fine hair, one can do it every week or every alternate week based on the response of the hair.  

Rice water and its multiple variations:

The benefits of rice water for hair growth can be obtained by using multiple varieties.  

Fermented rice water is a normal rice water variant that has multiple advantages, such as enhanced nutrient absorption, increased antioxidants, hair strengthening, and the appropriate pH needed for proper hair growth.  

Additional essential oils can also be added to the rice water for hair growth to promote circulation, reduce scalp irritation, and support overall hair growth.  

Rice water can be used in various forms for hair strengthening, growth, hair shine, and luster. The immense presence of vitamins and amino acids improved the growth of hair follicles. For those suffering from hair thinning and hair loss, rice water is an easily available option.