Rice Water for Your Hair

How can your rice water be beneficial for your hair?

Women in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia have used rice water as a hair treatment for centuries. But do the scientifically proven beauty benefits of rice water really exist? Rice water is starchy water that remains after rice is cooked or left to soak. It is thought to help hair grow faster as well as making it smooth and shiny.
The content of this article aims to take a look at the beauty benefits of rice water hair treatments and examine whether scientific research supports the claimed results.
Use of rice water for hair
Rice water can increase the shine of hair, make it stronger and detangle them.
Rice grains contain 75-80 percent starch.
Rice water is starchy water left over after soaking or cooking rice.
Rice water is thought to contain many of the vitamins and minerals found in rice. These include:

        .      Amino acids
        .      B vitamins
        ·      Vitamin E
        .      Minerals
        .      Antioxidants
 

History

In recent years, beauty advice websites and product developers have embraced this tradition. Now, the rice water trend is spreading.
According to researchers, during the Heian period in Japan (794 - 1185 AD), women had hair down to the floor, which they kept healthy by washing them in rice water.
A modern equivalent of this story can be found in China. Yao women, who live in a village called Huangluo in China, are famous for their hair, which is an average of 1.5 meters long.
In addition to its incredible length, Yao women are said to keep their hair color longer because they don't start going white until they're in their 80s.
Yao women owe the length and color of their hair to washing it in rice water.

Benefits

Proponents of using rice water for hair believe this:

       ·    Detangles hair
       .    Makes hair smoother
       .    Increases brightness
       .    Strengthens hair
       .    Helps hair growth

What does the research say?

As the popularity of using rice water for hair grows, there is growing anecdotal evidence of its benefits. But are the claims scientifically proven?
At first glance, a 2010 document suggests they could be real. The authors note that rice water can reduce surface friction and increase hair elasticity.
Elsewhere, a research thesis in Japan has developed an imaging technique that visualizes the strengthening effect of inositol on hair. Inositol is abundant in rice water.
However, it is important to note that this research was published by a facility that may have direct commercial interests.
To date, the benefits of rice water for hair have not been proven. More research is needed to support the anecdotal evidence about the benefits of rice water for hair.

How is rice water made?

There are several different ways to make rice water.
Rinsing the rice thoroughly is part of the soaking process.
Soaking is the fastest way to make rice water.

To use this method:

       1.   Take ½ cup of uncooked rice
       2.   Rinse thoroughly
       3.   Put the rice in a bowl with 2-3 glasses of water
       4.   Let it soak for 30 minutes
       5.   Strain the rice water into a clean bowl

Difference between fermented and plain rice water

Some rice water advocates claim that fermented rice water has more benefits than plain rice water.
According to a 2012 study, fermented items contain higher amounts of antioxidants. Antioxidants can combat hair and skin cell damage, which is why they're typical ingredients in beauty products.
Follow steps 1-4 of the soaking method to ferment the rice water. Before straining, leave the rice water at room temperature for 2 days to allow it to ferment. Strain the rice water into a clean container before use.

Boil

Another way to make rice water is to boil the rice.
Boil ½ cup of rice with twice the water typically used for cooking and strain the rice water into a clean container before using it.

How to use rice water?

Rice water can replace a commercial conditioner. To do this, a person must:

         1.     Wash your hair with shampoo
         2.     Rinse thoroughly
         3.     Pour rice water on your hair
         4.     Massage the hair and scalp with rice water
         5.     Let dry for up to 20 minutes
         6.     Rinse hair thoroughly again with lukewarm water from the tap

Benefits to the skin

In addition to its potential beauty benefits for hair, rice water can also benefit the skin.
A 2002 study found that the starch in rice water helped heal damaged skin in people with dermatitis.
Rinsing hair in rice water is a traditional beauty treatment popular in many parts of Asia.
Many people may find rice water a beneficial hair treatment. Historical examples and anecdotal evidence suggest that rice water can improve hair strength, texture, and growth.
Most scientific evidence on treatment is inconclusive, so more research is needed to prove the benefits of rice water.
While its benefits for hair have not been proven, rice water is safe to try at home using it as a hair rinse and can be used on the skin as well. It has been found to support skin health in people with dermatitis.
This alternative beauty remedy, which has attracted attention on the Internet, is now popular worldwide.