Rice water: Your one-stop natural haircare remedy!

Yes, you are reading it right. Rice water can actually be your one-stop solution for hair care woes, be it frizziness, split ends, or a never-ending hairfall. The most common and ever-existing problems with everyone that never seem to leave. Rice water is not a recent trend or just an influencer thing put out on the Internet. Despite limited scientific evidence for these beliefs, rice water has been used since ancient times for hair and skin care as a natural remedy. Countries in the east, including China and Japan, have been using rice water, which is a little misty, with a milky texture, to wash the hair and add nourishment to the scalp. This simplest liquid is made after boiling or soaking rice, and keeps the hair thick, long, and shiny, protects it from breaking, and promotes overall hair health. With time, its popularity and use have only grown, with hair care brands introducing rice-based masks, shampoos, and conditioners. 

Fermented rice water is a blend of nutrition, enriched with proteins, vitamins, minerals, and various amino acids that provide nourishment to hair and follicles. The concentration of proteins and amino acids can help in strengthening hair, improving volume, and texture. 

Inositol, present in rice water, plays an important role in hair health. It is a carbohydrate that strengthens tresses, providing them with elasticity. 

Rice water is readily available in your kitchen and is a very convenient choice to opt for. This natural hair care secret has to be put to use for hair. Here is how: 

Start with taking a cup or half of rice. Wash it thoroughly to remove all the dirt and other unwanted particles. Rinse it off and add fresh water. 

Now, boil it or keep the rice soaked in it for a while, until it turns cloudy or misty. 

All this while, the essential vitamins and minerals present in rice are released in the water. 

After this, it is time for fermentation. Let the water ferment at room temperature for a day or two, i.e., for 24 to 48 hours. 

Rice water will be ready now. Apply it to the hair and gently massage your scalp for a few minutes with it. 

The massage movement distributes the rice water evenly on the hair, and also helps with blood circulation. 

Let it be for about 20 to 30 minutes, so that the nutrients get absorbed into the hair. After this, you can rinse it off. 

Rice water can be used even after shampooing. 

Rice water has no fixed rule to apply. However, it is recommended to apply it once or twice a week for effective results. 

It is not that rice water suits all. But it can be really beneficial for some hair types. Still, the quantity and use play a key role. Make sure you do not apply excessively. And, if there is any kind of sensitivity or irritation on the scalp, better to consult an expert or seek advice after a patch test. Happy hair care, all!