Introduction
When I was young, I did not worry much about my curls. Like how do they look? Or which products should I apply? And this resulted in my dry and frizzy curls. As I grew up, I became more careful towards my curls and believed in the magic of my curly hair.
I started to research about the ways to keep your curls healthy and defined. That’s when I came across a news- Did you know that women in ancient China and Japan have been using a simple kitchen staple to achieve enviably long, strong, and healthy hair for centuries?
I was stunned by the amazing, inexpensive and easy to use method, which the women of Japan and China have been using since ages to keep their hair healthy and defined- Rice Water Rinse.
Yes, Rice water rinse for curly hair is a great DIY method that not only makes your curls healthy but also give them a great shine and strength.
Let’s understand more about Rice Water rinse through my experience-
What do you mean by Rice Water Rinse?
Rice water rinse is exactly what it sounds like. Rinsing your hair with rice water.
But the question which arises is which type of rice to use and what is the difference?
Rice water is nothing but the starchy milky colored water, which is left after the rice is soaked or cooked.
There are three types of rice which can be used for rice water rinse-
- Red Rice– Rich in selenium, which helps to reduce the hair fall and also help in PCOS.
- Black Rice– This rice is rich in antioxidants and it helps to strengthen your hair.
- White Rice- Most popular type of rice. It has less protein and helps in making hair smooth.
A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that inositol, a carbohydrate in rice water, can penetrate damaged hair and repair it from the inside out. Additionally, the amino acids in rice water can help strengthen hair strands and promote hair growth.
What are the benefits of Rice Water Rinse?
Enough, of the science, now let’s cut to the good part. The amazing benefits of this miraculous DIY home remedy-
1. Strengthens Hair-
The nutrients in the rice water like amino acid and vitamins are helpful for curly hair and helps to make them strong.
2. Detangles Curls-
Rice water helps to define curls and also enhances the curl pattern. The benefit which every curly haired person needs it.
3. Treats dry and itchy scalp-
The goodness of rice water also helps to treat dry and itchy scalp. It reduces the scalp irritation and also the dandruff.
4. Promotes hair growth–
Rice water also helps in promoting hair growth. As it makes the curls healthy, the curls grow properly.
5. Increases hair elasticity-
The Inositol found in rice water penetrates in the hair strands and improves the hair elasticity, reducing the hair breakage.
How to make Rice Water Rinse for Curly Hair?
Seeing above, you can understand that Rice water is actually good for curly hair. The main thing, that every curl need is immense hydration and nutrients that helps to keep them defined and healthy and Rice water helps in this.
Now, let’s see how to make rice water rinse. There are three ways to make rice water rinse-
1. Soaked Rice Water-
- Take ½ cup of uncooked rice and wash it properly.
- Place the rice in 2-3 cups of water.
- Let the rice be soaked for 30 minutes.
- You will see water has turned milky in color.
- Now, strain out the water and store it in glass jar.
- Use this rice water rinse on your hair.
- You can keep this water stored in glass jar for a week in fridge.
Time: 30-40 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
2. Boiled Rice Water-
If you don’t have time to wait for the rice to be soaked and you are in hurry, then this boiled rice water method is perfect for you.
- Take ½ cup of rice and rinse it off.
- Place rice in a pot and add 2-3 cups of water.
- Let the rice boil for 15 minutes.
- To get more nutrients in the water, you can press the rice while cooking.
- After the rice is cooked, strain out the excess water from the rice.
Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty Level: Medium
In this method, you need to keep checking on the rice and also on the water level.
3. Fermented Rice Water-
This method takes the longest but is the best method when it comes to rice water rinse. In this method, all the nutrients are being stored in the water and helps our curls in improving texture.
- Take ½ cup of rice and rinse it.
- Now, add 2 cups of water in it.
- Let the mixture stay still for around 2 days in a glass bowl.
- Keep aside the mixture undisturbed.
- In these 2 days, the water will get ferment.
- Strain out the water in clean bowl.
- Whenever, you use this rice water always dilute it first.
Time: 2-3 days
Difficulty Level: High
Fermented Rice Water method is one of the best but the gross method to use, due to the pungent smell of fermentation, many people avoid using this method.
How to use Rice Water Rinse on Curly Hair?
You can choose any of the above method to make your Rice water rinse. Now, the wait is over, it’s time to use rice water rinse on curly hair and make them healthy and strong.
- Wet your hair.
- Apply your sulfate-free, hydrating shampoo on your scalp.
- Massage for 2 minutes.
- Wash off the shampoo with lukewarm water.
- Now, turn for the hydrating and moisturizing conditioner.
- Apply the conditioner on your hair strands.
- Keep it for 5 minutes.
- Wash it off with cold water.
- Now, use the rice water on your hair.
- Massage it for a minute and let it stay for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse it off with cold water.
To modify it a little bit, you can add any of your fav. essential oil in rice water to keep your hair hydrated and moisturized.
Bonus Tips
Some of the tips to remember, while using rice water are-
- Always keep rice water in the fridge to use it for long time.
- If you feel that while using rice water, your hair becomes dry, it will be good to add some amount of deep conditioner in rice water to keep hair moisturized.
- For best results, use rice water once in 15 days.
- You can try all the above three methods of rice water rinse to choose from the best.
- If you experience buildup, clarify your hair and reduce the frequency of rice water treatments.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While rice water is generally safe, some people may experience:
- Protein overload, leading to dry, brittle hair
- Buildup on the scalp
- Increased porosity in low porosity hair
- Always patch test and introduce rice water gradually into your routine.
Conclusion
So, above is the whole idea of using rice water rinse for curly hair. I have personally used fermented method on my curls, as it was most effective. Being a type 3 curly haired girl, all my curls need was the moisturization and hydration. Rice water has proven effective in making my curls healthy and defined.
This is me after using rice water rinse on my curly hair. Super confident.
Have you ever tried rice water rinse on your hair? Give it a try you won’t regret.
FAQ
1. Does Rice Water work on all types of hair?
Yes, Rice water can potentially benefit all types of hair. But their results can vary according to the hair type. Each hair has different characteristics and needs, and all this can affect the result of rice water.
Coarse, high porosity hair often responds well to rice water, while fine or low porosity hair might need to use it more sparingly to avoid buildup.
2. Is rice water really effective?
The effectiveness of rice water can vary from person to person. While there’s historical and anecdotal evidence supporting its benefits, scientific research is still limited. It’s worth trying, but remember that what works for one person may not work for another. Pay attention to how your hair responds and adjust accordingly.
The Yao woman who lives in China has been using this rice water rinse and her hair are an average of 6 ft. long.
Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on individual hair type, texture, and overall hair health. Always perform a patch test before trying new hair treatments.
