Fermented Rice Water for Hair Growth
Rice water for hair growth has risen in popularity in the past few years. Many who are rice water on their hair swear it gives them longer and healthier locks.
Using rice water to make your hair grow faster, thicker and shinier may be a new popular thing to do, but using rice water on hair dates back to over 1,000 years ago in Japan.
Additionally, the women of the Red Yao tribe living in China’s Huangluo Yao Village are known for their long, luscious, 6-foot locks. Their lengthy tresses are often credited to the practice of cleansing their hair with fermented rice water.
A cosmetic scientist explained, “Rice water used as a hair care treatment may reduce surface friction and increase the elasticity of hair strands. This strengthens the inner cortex of the hair where protein exists and thus makes hair appear to be stronger.”
Rice contains a mix of amino proteins, B vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Rice water is primarily composed of the starchy substance left behind when rice is soaked or boiled. The nutritional properties of the rice give rice water its unique hair-strengthening properties.
Why Fermented Rice Water is Better
The pH level of plain rice is higher than your hair. The fermentation process decreases that pH level to the same level of hair, which leads to better protection of the hair.
Additionally, fermented rice water is rich in antioxidants, minerals, B vitamins, and traces of pitera, a by-product of the fermentation process, and is known to promote cell regeneration.
So what does fermented rice water do for your hair, and how do you use it? What exactly makes rice water such a phenomenal hair care product?
Rice water’s purported benefits include:
- Promotes Hair Growth
- Protects and Repairs Hair
- Increases Shine
- Detangles
Promotes Hair Growth
Rice water contains amino acids that aid hair regeneration. This, in combination with vitamins B, C, and E, promotes hair growth.
Protects Hair
Rice water contains inositol, a carbohydrate that can repair damaged hair. Additionally, the proteins in rice form a protective barrier on your hair that prevents breakage.
Increases Shine
The amino acids in rice water not only promote hair growth but also increase hair volume and make the hair smooth and shiny.
Detangles Hair
Rice water reduces surface friction, which helps prevent the hair from tangling.
How to Make Fermented Rice Water
Ingredients:
- ½ cup clean raw rice
- 2–3 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of Formula 43X
Directions:
Place rice in an air-tight container.
Add water and mix.
Seal with a lid and leave at room temperature for 1–2 days.
Strain rice out of the water.
Pour the water into a sprayer bottle.
Add Formula 43X essential oils.
Shake well.
Spray hair with rice water until drenched.
Store remaining water in the fridge to stop further fermentation.
How to Use Fermented Rice Water for Hair
As a Detangler
Almost instantly, rice water conditions the hair making it soft and easier to detangle.
Spray your hair with warm water until it’s damp (not wet).
Using a spray bottle, apply rice water generously.
Leave on for about 5 minutes.
Gently detangle your hair using your fingers.
Rinse and air dry.
As a Hair Rinse
When it comes to using rice water on hair, using it as a rinse is one of the more popular ways.
Shampoo your hair as normal.
Apply rice water to hair.
Leave on for about 10 minutes.
Rinse and air dry.
As a Leave-in Spray
An alternative way to use rice water is by mixing it with your hydrating leave-in spray. If you’re wearing a protective style like braids, rice water may be used weekly with a hydrating spray to strengthen your hair and fortify the scalp.
How Long to Leave It On?
Rice water should be left on your hair for at least 15 minutes. This allows the nutrients to be absorbed into the hair strands.
How long you leave rice water on depends on several factors such as the type of hair you have. You should experiment with your particular hair to find out what works best for you. If your hair starts to dry, leave it on for less time.