Ever wondered what the secret behind the long tresses? Some women have long, thick and healthy hair. Take for instance the women from the Chinese village of Huangluo. While the secret was well guarded until now, it later came to light that one of the secret ingredients they used in their regimen was rice water for hair. Rice water can be stored for up to 24 hours at room temperature and for up to a week in the refrigerator when stored correctly. It can be used as a final rinse at least twice a week. If you have an itchy or dry scalp it is important to oil your hair at least once a week to reduce inflammation and itchiness from the scalp. A hair massage also promotes blood circulation and nourishes from the roots to the tips.
The right way to use rice water for hair is to use it after you shampoo and condition your hair. Pour some rice water on your hair and let it stay for 5 minutes before you rinse it completely. The other option is diluting the shampoo with rice water and applying the roots to the tips and gently massaging the hair. Leave it on for a few minutes, rinse and follow up with the conditioner. There are two ways of making the rice water; one is made with raw rice and the other version is straining the starch water from cooked rice.
Rice Water at Home:
Take a cup of raw/uncooked rice and wash it thoroughly till the water runs clear. In a glass bowl add the washed rice and double the quantity of clean water. Let it soak for 6 hours. Drain the water in a bottle and seal it in a glass bottle and store it in the fridge.
For rice water made from cooked rice, here’s a quick method. Take a cup of raw/uncooked rice and wash it thoroughly till the water runs clear. Add triple the quantity of water to the rice and let it cook. Drain the starch in a clean bowl and let it cool. Transfer to a glass bottle and store in the fridge. The cooked rice water is thicker in comparison to the uncooked rice water. Dilute it before use.
Benefits of using rice water for healthy hair
Here are some known benefits of using rice water on hair:
Promotes healthy tresses
Using rice water in your care regime promises healthy tresses that are always nourished and hydrated.
Packed with nourishment
Rice water is known to contain vitamins that include B and C, iodine, potassium, zinc, manganese and iodine.
Superfood for hair
Rice water contains nutrients that not only promotes good hair health but also nourishes damaged hair and repairs hair follicles.
Reduces frizz
Rice water is known to improve the elasticity of hair, improving the texture and reducing the frizz by making the hair manageable.
Maintains the pH balance
Rice water balances your scalp’s pH levels and keeps the natural oils found in the scalp intact. Mix and match a few essential oils with the rice water for hair to target hair concerns.
Get your hair care regime with the Rice Water Collection
Check out Mamaearth’s Rice Water Hair Care regime that consists of hair oil, shampoo and conditioner, hair mask and a detangler. Your hair will not just get back its bounce and shine, but will also thank you for including it in your regime. Let the magic of rice water work on your hair.
One of our favourites is the Rice Wonder Water which detangles your hair in 7 seconds. It’s actually surprising how in just 7 seconds, your hair can go from frizzy to silky smooth. It has been proven to reduce breakage and improve hair texture. You can explore their website and know more about this wonder product to experience the results for yourself.
If you have some extra time on your hands, you might want to mix up some rice water and give your locks a rinse to see how it goes. Paired with GRO Revitalizing Conditioner, this duo utilizes state-of-the-art, microencapsulation technology to deliver powerful phytoactive deep beneath the surface of the scalp (in only thirty seconds), promoting visibly thicker, fuller and stronger looking hair while leaving dry and damaged hair feeling luxuriously soft and silky. Plus you can use a VEGAMOUR discount code to save.
It’s fun to experiment with different products and DIY treatments, but remember there’s a bevy of hair wellness solutions available — no fermenting required. If you find that it works for you, then it could be a great addition to your routine, but be prepared to put the work in.
If you really just can’t go without shampoo (we get it!), look for a gentle shampoo that’s designed to support healthy hair, as GRO Revitalizing Shampoo fortified with vegan keratin.