Buzz
Washing your hair with rice water is a simple, affordable, and effective way to boost the beauty and strength of your hair. Rice water contains a unique carbohydrate that is believed to reduce hair follicle damage and enhance shine, strength, and hair length. You can use rice water for hair care weekly, or simply to wash your hair. Whether you buy it from the store or make it at home, using this water for hair washing is incredibly easy!
Steps
Make rice water by soaking rice
Get some rice. Although all types of rice work, the most commonly used varieties are white rice or long-grain brown rice. You can use any type of rice you have at home!
- Measure ½ cup of rice and rinse it thoroughly to remove dust and impurities.
Place the rice and 2-3 cups of water in a bowl. Set the bowl on the kitchen counter and wait!
Soak the rice in water for about 15-30 minutes. You need to soak the rice until the water becomes slightly cloudy. The cloudy appearance indicates that the rice has released inositol into the water.
- Inositol is a carbohydrate that gives the rice water its cloudy appearance. Research shows that when used on hair, inositol helps protect and add shine to hair.
Stir the rice water a few times while soaking. Use a spoon or fork to help loosen the rice grains.
- Once the water has turned cloudy, you can stop soaking the rice.
Strain the rice water. Check to make sure there are no rice grains left in the water.
- Another method is to boil the rice and water mixture. You can follow the same steps as soaking, but add a bit more water and strain the rice water once it starts to boil. Let it cool to room temperature before using.
Transfer the rice water into a nice container suitable for your needs. You can start using the rice water right away!
Washing your hair with rice water
Use shampoo as usual. The key is to rinse the shampoo thoroughly with warm water. You may also use conditioner or apply rice water right after shampooing. Experiment to find the method that works best for you.
- If you don’t wash your hair daily or have dry hair, skip the shampoo step and go directly to using the rice water.
Pour the rice water onto your hair after rinsing out the shampoo. Use a cup or bottle with a nozzle to pour the rice water over your head. Then, massage the rice water into your scalp and ensure it wets all of your hair.
- You don’t need to be in the bathtub or shower when using rice water. In fact, many people wet their hair right over the sink. You can choose whatever method you prefer!
Leave the rice water on your hair for 20-30 minutes. This allows the inositol in the rice water to penetrate each hair strand. After rinsing out the rice water, your hair will be coated with a thin layer of inositol, helping to prevent damage and breakage.
Rinse the rice water out with cold water. Use a comb to gently detangle any knots or tangles in your hair. Now you’re ready to style your hair as you like!
Incorporate rice water into your hair care regimen. You can use rice water for your hair daily, every other day, or once a week. It depends on your personal preferences and the results you want to achieve.
- Many people find daily use of rice water too time-consuming and choose to reduce its frequency while still getting great results. Create a routine that works for you!
Make rice water through fermentation
Prepare the ingredients. You will need ½ cup of rice, 2-3 cups of water, and a bowl to hold everything.
- Be sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before using it.
Pour the rice and water into the bowl. Stir both ingredients together to ensure the rice does not clump together.
Soak the rice in water for about 15-30 minutes. The water should turn cloudy before it is ready for fermentation. Strain the rice to collect the water and set it aside.
Pour the rice water into a container. Leave the rice water at room temperature for about 24-48 hours to allow it to ferment.
- The fermentation process is believed to enhance the effectiveness of the rice water and help balance the pH level of dry or frizzy hair.
- When the rice water starts to develop a sour smell, the fermentation process is complete.
Transfer the rice water to your preferred container. Once the fermentation is complete, pour the rice water into a bottle or glass jar. A bottle with a narrow spout is also handy and convenient for pouring the rice water onto your hair!
- Unused rice water can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Add a few drops of lavender essential oil or other essential oils to give the rice water a pleasant fragrance!
