Rice and Shine! How to Grow Stunning Natural Hair

TikTok trends strike again (and for good reason this time). You’ve probably seen creators making rice water mixtures on your For You page, claiming healthy hair benefits, amongst many others. Run to your pantry, because the rumors are true. In this article, we’ll reveal more gains from the grains and explore ways to help you achieve your ultimate hair goals with rice water. 

Rice Water and its Benefits

Rice water is the milky starch water left behind from boiling or soaking rice in water. Some of its incredible hair benefits include: 

1. Increasing Hair Shine and Luster

Dull hair days? The vitamins and antioxidants in rice water can boost the natural shine and luster of your hair. With regular use, you can expect to see your hair looking glossier and more vibrant.

2. Strengthening Hair Strands

Rich in nutrients like amino acids, minerals, and potassium, rice water helps strengthen your hair from root to tip.

3. Reducing Split Ends

If you’ve been battling split ends and brittle hair, you might’ve found your savior. Rice water can significantly minimize breakage, preserving the length of your hair.

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4. Improving Softness and Texture

Proteins in rice water help improve the texture and softness of your hair, making it more manageable and leaving it feeling smooth to the touch.

5. Enhancing Scalp Health

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Rice water can help maintain a healthy scalp by balancing its pH levels and reducing oil buildup. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also soothe common scalp issues like itchiness and dandruff. 

6. Achieving Thicker, Longer Hair 

If longer hair is your goal, rice water can help you inch closer to it. Loaded with vitamins, one of the most sought-after benefits of using rice water is its ability to promote length and volume. 

How to Prepare Rice Water

Notice how whenever a new beauty ingredient is trending, you start seeing it on every product label on the shelves? Here are a few ways to make rice water at home :   

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Soaking Method 

• Take half a cup of any uncooked rice (organic, if possible) and rinse it thoroughly to remove impurities.
• Put the rinsed rice in a container or bowl, add two to three cups of water, and allow it to soak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
• Strain the rice water into a clean spray bottle or container for use. 

  You can apply this diluted rice water directly to your hair or use it as a final rinse after shampooing.

Boiling Method

• After rinsing the rice, instead of soaking, bring the rice and water to a boil.
• Once boiled, strain the rice water into a clean spray bottle or container for use.

Fermentation Method (Recommended)

• This requires the same steps as the soaking method, except the rice and water need to soak in a jar with a lid for at least two days until fermented.

This method increases potency and antioxidants, enhancing its benefits. Note that fermented rice water will have a sour smell, so it is optional to add your favorite oils or lemon peels to improve the scent. You can also dilute it with water before applying it to your hair. 

Customizing Your Routine

To make the most of rice water for your hair, you can customize your routine based on your hair type. For example, if you have:

• Dry or damaged hair: consider adding a few drops of essential oils like argan or jojoba oil to the rice water.
• Thick or coarse hair: use rice water as a pre-shampoo treatment or as a deep conditioner 
• Fine, curly hair: Mix rice water with a natural hair conditioner or include it with your final rinse.

Be sure to rinse the rice water out of your hair. It is recommended not to exceed 20 minutes, no more than twice a week, to avoid protein overload. Moisturize your hair after each use or use a leave-in conditioner. Results may vary based on hair type.

The advantages of rice water are hard to ignore. Add it to your hair care routine and experience stunning results for yourself!