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Before you figure out how to use rice water for hair, let’s see what this magic ingredient is and how it benefits your tresses.
There are many ways to DIY your way to strong and healthy hair! From deep conditioning hair masks to hot oil treatments that are good for your roots, these at-home fixes can give you an advantage in haircare. One of these DIY treatments that add some extra TLC (and is so easy to do) is fermented rice water for hair! But how to use rice water for hair? It is actually a well-known practice in many cultures. But does it really work? And why is it so popular? Well, we are answering your most pressing questions about this age-old hair ritual now.
How to use rice water for hair: the basics
So the big question is how to use rice water for hair? Using rice water is in no way a recent discovery. Chinese, Japanese and South Asian women have been using it for centuries for hair upkeep. In fact, the use of rice water for hair goes way back to the Hein period (794 to 1185 CE) in Japan, where court women sported their floor-length hair as a sign of health and vitality. The secret? Bathing and conditioning their hair in rice water every single day! So how to use rice water for hair and make it work for us?
Tips on how to use rice water for hair
1. Add to curly hair routine
Have you finally jumped on the curly hair routine? Well, one of the ingredients that can make a world of difference in defining your curls and keeping your hair frizz-free is…you guessed it, fermented rice water. If you want a break from those chemicals in your curly hair routine, go for plant-based cleansers like the Love Beauty & Planet Rice Water & Angelica Seed Oil Shampoo and Conditioner. The rice water moisturises your curls while the angelica seed oil gives a fresh and floral fragrance to your hair. Formulated especially for curly and wavy hair, it is not only silicone free but is as safe as it can be - with no sulphates, no parabens and no dyes.
2. Create an entire rice water routine
Are you tired of finding different products for your hair care routine that is simple yet effective? Here’s another way on how to use rice water for hair by creating a whole routine made out of this ingredient. And yes, it is very much possible. The most basic of basic items you will need is a shampoo, conditioner, serum and mask. Well, good news, the Tresemme Pro Pure Damage Recovery range has it all while keeping it sulphate and paraben free. It works its magic purely with fermented rice water to boost the natural hair proteins of your hair. It also makes do with amino acids and vitamin E to strengthen your hair and make it healthy. If that wasn’t all, the coconut oil and sunflower seed oil in it keeps your hair smooth and frizz-free.
3. Make your own fermented rice water
So how to make rice water for hair? If you like DIY challenges, you can also make your own hair rinse. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare rice water.
Step 1: Clean your rice
It is important that you clean the rice to get rid of any dirt or impurities, they can ruin the rice water otherwise. Rinse and strain your rice until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Extract the water
After washing, it is time to extract the rice water. Mix the clean rice in a bowl with purified water and stir until the water turns cloudy. Strain the rice and use it however you see fit, it is the water that we need for our hair.
Step 3: Allow the rice water to ferment
Store the rice water in a glass container and cover it with a lid. Let it ferment at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. The fermentation process is what brings out all the vitamins and minerals that nourish your hair. Do not let it sit for more than 24 hours, as it can go bad.
Step 4: Apply
It is best to use your rice water right away for the desired results. If you do wish to store it, you can do it in an empty shampoo or spray bottle and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week to use the rice water for hair.
4. Different ways to use rice water
There are a couple of ways to use rice water for your hair. Make sure you are storing it in an easy-to-use air-tight container to get the most out of it. Use it as a rinse after you shampoo and condition your hair for a quick glossy texture. You can also use it as a hair mask by mixing aloe vera and a few drops of your favourite essential oil for added benefits. Some even like to spray rice water on their hair on a daily basis as a leave-in conditioner. So do what suits your hair routine best.
5. When to make a new batch
Using rice water on hair is free of any side effects. It is one of the easiest DIY ways to get strong, shiny hair without worrying about adverse effects. However, if you're wondering how to use rice water for hair growth overnight, there is one thing you need to be careful about. After all, you are fermenting the rice water before using it. The fermentation process alters the pH value of your scalp, so you have to make sure it is not ruined beyond safe use. Smell your batch of rice water before using it every single time. When a sour smell appears, it is time to discard it and make a fresh batch.
Benefits of using rice water for hair
Detangles hair
Infused with many vitamins, the slick texture of rice water helps soothe your strands and detangle them, making your hair more manageable and easier to brush without causing breakage.
Makes hair smoother
Rice water is known to have the beneficial properties of amino acids, which can bond with your hair strands and nourish them from within.
Shinier hair
Rich in vitamin E, rice water lends a shiny and glossy finish to frizzy and dull hair.
Fights free radicals
The antioxidants present in rice water help reverse age damage on your hair like premature greying and promotes cell regeneration from the inside. This also strengthens it to fight environmental damage from dust and pollution.
Aids hair growth
Regular use of rice water can supply your hair with growth minerals, resulting in envious lengths that are thick and strong.
FAQs about how to use rice water for hair care
Can I use rice water in my hair overnight?
Yes, you can use rice water as an overnight mask for your hair. But make sure you do not leave it on for more than 18 hours as there are chances of bacterial growth with rice water, which can lead to itching and flaking of the scalp.
Can I keep rice water in a spray bottle and use it daily?
Rice water can be stored for up to 24 hours at room temperature and for up to a week in the refrigerator. The batch will ferment and degrade after that time period. It is recommended to use rice water either on the same day or the next and not more than once a day.
Do you follow up on a rice water rinse with a conditioner?
No, if you're just rinsing the hair with rice water, there is no need for a conditioner after. But if you are using a rice water hair mask for more than 10 minutes, do follow it up with a deep hydration conditioner to introduce moisture back into your tresses.
And that’s how to use rice water for hair. Whether it is making DIY rinses or masks or simply using products that have rice water as an ingredient, it has never been easier to get the hair of your dreams.
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