Benefits of Rice water for hair

Solid and thick hair is every woman's dream. But, unfortunately, hair fall is a pretty common occurrence nowadays due to our stressful lifestyle. Even heat and chemical damage from the tons of styling creams and oils we use daily damage our hair strands. So, what can we do to reverse this damage? The answer is to look for natural solutions like rice water for hair.

Surprised? Well, don't be. East Asian princesses have used rice water for centuries for long and thick hair. Do you know that an autonomous Chinese village called Huanglu was named the "Long Haired Village"? The traditional Yao women are famous for their Rapunzel-like hair, which is nearing 1.4m! Sounds crazy, right? The Guinness record for the most extended hair globally is currently held by Xie Quipping, whose long tresses are about 1.6m! 

Who would have thought that the murky white liquid that we always used to drain out is an excellent solution for healthy hair! Read on to know more about the benefits of rice water for hair.

History of rice water as a beauty ingredient

Several studies have shown that rice water was widely used by empresses and court ladies in East Asia in the ancient days. In fact, during the Heian period(794-1185 CE, Japan), women had floor-length hair that they maintained by bathing it in rice water. Likewise, in the modern-day Yao tribe, women of China are known to use rice water as shampoo. In addition to several skin benefits, rice water contains many essential nutrients that maintain the health of our scalp and hair.

Several organic brands around the world are now incorporating this age-old traditional recipe.

What are the rice water benefits?

Rice water for hair growth- Our hair comprises a protein called keratin which helps strengthen and maintain the hair texture. Eighteen amino acids are needed to form this protein. Surprisingly, rice water contains 8 of these essential amino acids. So, you know why it is beneficial for your hair. Besides that, rice water is also rich in Vitamins B, C and E. Vitamin B helps strengthen your hair, while Vitamin C helps produce sebum to moisturise your hair. Vitamin E, on the other hand, helps prevent hair loss.

Prevents split ends- Still not convinced? What if we say this amino acid-rich magic potion can repair and prevent split ends? Amino acids make your hair strong and thick. The stronger your hair, the less the chance of nasty split ends! 

Provides shine- Vitamin E primarily alters the appearance of your hair. Are you suffering from damaged and frizzy hair? Use rice water for one month and see the difference! Several studies have found that rice water contains inositol, an ingredient that can penetrate damaged hair strands and repair them from the inside. Regular use will protect your hair from future damage.

Say bye-bye to dandruff- Dandruff is a common problem that affects women and men of all ages. Their cause can be varied, ranging from lifestyle choices to product build-ups on your scalp. Yes, they might not harm you, but they can cause you significant embarrassments. Imagine showing up to an office meeting with white flakes on your dark blazer! Fermented rice water helps fight the fungi that cause dandruff and eliminate itchy and dry scalp. They also help maintain the pH level of the scalp, which can get messed up for various reasons. Do check out these 7 home remedies for treating dandruff naturally!

Gives damage protection- Who doesn't use styling tools and products nowadays? Blow drying and ironing can cause heat damage and dry out your hair. Investing in a heat protection serum can be costly. And most importantly, why invest in more chemical stuff to combat chemical and heat damage? Rice water contains carbohydrates that act as a damage protector. It helps reduce surface friction and improves the elasticity of your hair. Use it before styling your hair, and it will thank you!

What kind of rice water is preferred by Yao women?

Yao women's rice water recipe involves usage of organic rice-the white variety. You can use any organic white rice from your kitchen.

Now that we are aware of the benefits let's look at how to prepare this water at home.

Yao women rice water Recipe

Follow these steps to prepare pure homemade rice water:

• Firstly collect two cups of pure white rice(organic).
• Wash the rice thoroughly in water. Make sure all the dirt and impurities are removed and then discard the dirty water.
• Add around four cups of clean water to this rice. You can cover this mixture with a lid and let it be.
• You must leave it like this for at least a few hours. The best is to keep it overnight.
• Next morning check if this mixture has cloudy/milky white colour. If yes, your rice water is ready!.
• Strain this cloudy mixture and store the water into an airtight container.
• You can add a few drops of your favourite essential oil for added benefits.

Now, you can add some Vitamin C twist to this traditional recipe. Vitamin C helps regrow your hair and adds lustre to your strands. Add some grapefruit or orange peels to this concoction, and your enriched rice water is ready!

Do you know the Yao women used tea seed powder and rice water to cleanse their hair naturally? It has microbial properties that clean the scalp and protects against infections. Don't fret if you can't find it here in India. We have another equally helpful DIY hack for you! You can use Shikakai, Amla, Reetha or Aloe vera powder along with organic rice water to make your natural shampoo! All these ingredients are incredibly beneficial, and regular use will quickly improve your overall hair health.

Here is a recipe:

1. Fill half a bowl with water.
2. Add shikakai, amla and aloe vera powder to this mixture. Read more about the benefits of aloe vera for hair here!
3. Heat this mixture and then boil this for a minute.
4. Let this mixture cool down and strain it.
5. Your natural shampoo is ready to use!

Different ways to use rice water for hair

• If you use the natural rice water shampoo, you can pour the mixture and massage it thoroughly on your scalp. This will help clean the dirt and impurities from your scalp and hair.
• You can also use it as a hair wash after cleansing and conditioning your hair. Just pour the rice water and gently massage working your fingers from the scalp to the outer lengths of your hair.
• Another way to use it is to take a cotton pad and soak it in rice water. Then apply it all around your scalp and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

Just remember to take your bottle with you into the bathroom, and you are set!

How frequently should I use rice water?

There are no such rules as to how frequently you should apply it. However, using it thrice a week minimum should be able to give you significant results. Follow this regime for a month, and you will find your hair much more substantial and soft to touch.

Now, DIY rice water is cool and all. But the real question is, do we have time to do this religiously? The simple answer is no. Purplle, India's one-stop shop for all your skincare needs, have the best rice water shampoos in India all under one roof. Here are our top recommendations.

1)WishCare Fermented Rice Water Shampoo (300ml)- This shampoo contains rice water along with the alluring scent of rosemary extracts. Gently cleanses your scalp and effectively revitalises dull and brittle hair by strengthening it from within. It also contains almond oil and coconut oil, which naturally moisturises the scalp.

2)Spantra Rice Water Shampoo and Conditioner(300ml)- You can use this shampoo and conditioner combo if you have limp and brittle hair. The shampoo is infused with natural amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants that help to clean your scalp gently without drying your hair. Instead, it promotes healthy hair growth. Follow it up with the Spectra Conditioner for silky soft hair.

3) Globus Naturals Revitalizing Rice Water Shampoo(250ml)- This shampoo is formulated with organic herbs infused with rice water. This shampoo is free from sulphates and parabens that do not harm your hair at all. Use daily for strong and thick hair.

As we can see, rice water is indeed an effective natural cleanser and conditioner for the hair. Rice water for hair is very beneficial, and it is very much recommended if you are suffering from hair issues such as dandruff and damaged hair. Now you can shop for different rice water shampoos from Purplle at attractive prices. We promise you timely delivery anywhere in India. So go, pamper your hair now!

Read also: Benefits of Argan Oil for you hair.