Rice is a staple food in many countries, particularly in Asia. Rice is soaked in water and then cooked. Most often, this water is thrown away. But, did you know this leftover rice water has so many benefits in enhancing your hair growth? Rinsing your hair with rice water not only improves your hair texture but also increases its length.
Rice water for hair is an old technique for maintaining good hair health. The starch content of rice’s grain forms is between 75 and 80%. The starch is absorbed into the water when it is soaked. It is also known as vitamin water. These include vitamins B, E, antioxidants, amino acids, and many other minerals. These nutrients can help to strengthen hair follicles and improve hair density.
They also make hair look shiny and healthy. Rice water is an Ayurvedic treatment to treat eczema in India. It has also been used in many Asian countries for centuries to treat hair and skin issues. In addition to practising this, you can also begin consuming biotin gummies that have also been proven to enhance hair growth by improving its health.
How Does Rice Water Aid in Hair Growth?
Many vitamins and antioxidants are good for hair growth and health. Inositol, folic acid and niacin are just a few of the nutrients found in rice water that could benefit your hair. It also contains an amino acid that can be used to strengthen and protect your hair. Rice water can even be used to reverse the damage caused to your hair by stress and other health issues. A healthy scalp will result in the growth of shinier and healthier hair.
Here’s how the vitamins and minerals found in rice can affect your hair:
- Selenium, Vitamin B3(Niacin), and Vitamin B9(Folic Acid) are vital for cell turnover and the overall health of hair follicles and scalp. They boost growth, thicken, and strengthen hair too.
- Allantoin and Vitamin B3 improve the strength and flexibility of the hair follicles and reduce inflammation by increasing blood circulation within the scalp.
- Magnesium helps in dissolving the calcium buildup in hair due to hard water and revitalises hair follicles.
- Vitamin B8 (Inositol) can be found in many foods such as fruits, grains, vegetables, and legumes. To make inositol, your body uses the stored carbohydrates. This nutrient improves hair strength by increasing hair elasticity.
Preparation of Rice Water
1. Preparing Rice Water by Soaking it:
Rice water can be made by simply combining two ingredients and allowing them to ferment. Here is the procedure to do so:
- Rinse the Rice: The rice has to be washed in order to get rid of the impurities Any type of rice can be used, but you should rinse the rice a few times more if it’s not organic.
- Allow it to Ferment: Although you can use water from rice that has not been fermented yet, it has been observed that fermented rice water is more potent as the fermentation process produces Pitaria which is a byproduct of the rice fermentation process. It contains all the nutrients and antioxidants found in rice. One cup of rice, and two to three cups of water. Allow rice water to ferment for at least one day. Fermented rice water has to be refrigerated for about 24 hours. It should then be used within three working days. Throw it out after that.
- Natural fragrances can be added to fermented rice water. Fermented rice water has a strong smell. To enhance the fragrance, you can add some essential oils or herbal tea to the rice water. It could also be flavoured with orange or lemon peels.
2. Making Rice Water by Boiling:
This will be done by putting a bowl of rice in a container. Then add the water in which it will be cooked. Add another cup of water to the rice. Once the rice has been cooked, drain the extra water into a separate bowl.
Transfer the leftover water into a spray bottle and let it rest. Once you find a sour smell coming out of it, keep this bottle in the refrigerator. Add some water to the bottle too as dilute fermented water should not be used directly on your skin and hair.
Usage of Rice Water on Hair
You can use either boiled, fermented, or soaked rice water to repair damaged hair strands and give your hair shine, smoothness, and elasticity. Rice water can be used as a hair rinse in a variety of ways. Let us start then:
1. As a last rinse
Use the rice water hair rinse after you have shampooed and conditioned your hair. One cup of fermented rice water mixed with one cup of regular water. Add five drops of rosemary or lavender oil. Massage the oil into your hair, concentrating on the scalp. Continue to massage it for five minutes, then rinse it off.
2. As a Shampoo
Rice water can be used to make your shampoo. One cup of rice water is enough. Add one teaspoon of shikakai powder to it. To this, add one-fourth cup of aloe vera gel. Mix in one to two tablespoons of castile soap or baby shampoo. Combine everything and place it in a sealed container. You need to keep it for one week in the fridge. It can be used in the same way as regular shampoo.
3. As a hair mask
Rice water can be used as a hair mask. To make this, you can use plain rice water or make a paste for your hair. First, wash your hair with a mild shampoo. Apply the rice water to your hair and scalp and massage it well. Put a shower cap on your hair and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Wash your hair with plain water.
In Summary
Rice water is one of the ancient treatments used for growing your hair and enhancing your hair health. Using it one to two times a week can gradually show an improvement in your hair length. Hair loss and thinning can even be prevented by applying this water. Furthermore, you can go on consuming biotin-rich hair gummies which have also been known to boost the health of your scalp and hair.
The “Gorgeous Hair & Nails” gummies can be chosen over here. These rabbit-shaped gummies have mixed berries flavour and even contain Biotin, Vitamins A-E, and Zinc! Commence chewing just two of these wonderful gummies and see an improvement in your hair as well as nail health.