Rice water is the starchy water left over from washing rice or the water that is drained after boiling rice. It is cloudy and thick in appearance. Using rice water as a facial cleanser or hair rinse has been a traditional beauty practice in many Asian countries for centuries.
Rice water contains a complex mix of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are essential for hair health and growth. One notable component is inositol, a carbohydrate that repairs hair damage and strengthens hair from within. Inositol remains in the hair, providing long-lasting protection and reducing future damage. Rice water also has natural astringent properties that help balance the scalp’s pH levels and control excess oil production.
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Rice Water – A Nutrient-Rich Hair Treatment
The starch in rice water coats the hair strands and fortifies the outer protective layer, resulting in hair that appears fuller and more voluminous.
1. How to Properly Wash Your Hair with Rice Water
First, cleanse your hair with shampoo. Then, pour rice water over your hair and gently massage it into your scalp and hair. Leave it on for up to 20 minutes. Rinse your hair with water and then wrap it in a cotton towel to air dry.
2. Condition and Rinse Your Hair with Fermented Rice Water
– Mix 120ml of fermented rice water with 60ml of warm water.
– Apply the mixture to your hair from root to tip, massaging it into your scalp for about 5 minutes to ensure absorption and promote a healthy scalp.
– Leave it on for about 10 minutes, and then rinse your hair with cool water.
– For best results, use this conditioning treatment 2-3 times a week.
3. Washing Hair with Rice Water Porridge
– Start by shampooing your hair.
– Mix 100-120ml of rice porridge water with 60ml of warm water.
– Apply the mixture to sections of your hair, coating each strand from root to tip. Make sure to cover your entire head.
– Massage your scalp for 5 minutes. If your hair is on the drier side, apply more of the mixture as needed.
– Leave it on for about 10 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
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Inositol – The Hair Repairing Carbohydrate
Individuals with scalp conditions, such as eczema or allergic dermatitis, should exercise caution when using rice water as a hair rinse. It is advisable to perform a patch test by rinsing a small section of your hair with rice water and observing for any adverse reactions before applying it to your entire scalp.
Additionally, anyone with a sensitivity or allergy to rice should refrain from using rice water in their hair care routine.