Rice Water Is Healthier For Hair: Fact Or FAD?
It doesn’t get much simpler than that! Yes! As the name suggests, rice water is the water that remains after rice has been rinsed or boiled for consumption. To maximise its health benefits, rice water can be diluted, fermented, or concentrated. Rice water is a simple DIY hair and skin treatment that is supported by science, in contrast to many store-bought skin and hair products that contain more unnatural components than we can count!
When rice is cooked or soaked in water, a starchy liquid known as rice water is produced. Many of the nutrients and minerals for hair growth that make rice one of the most significant food sources in the world are present in this hazy mixture.
So, how this inexpensive and simple beauty treatment like rice water promote healthy hair growth, let’s discuss it in detail.
How to Make Rice Water?
Rice water can be made in a number of common ways, such as:
- Short soak. Clean a cup of rice. Add two to three cups of water and then soak the rice for 30 to 2 hours.
- By boiling. Add more water than usual and cook the rice as you normally would. Once the rice is cooked, strain it, leaving the water for your hair.
- A long soak of a day or more (2-3 days) to ferment the rice water that increases its antioxidants, vitamins, and mineral levels.
How Rice Water May Help Your Hair?
Rice water strengthens your hair in number of ways. These include:
- Rice water starch extract functions as a conditioner. It protects the hair follicles called cuticle and prevents them from rubbing against one another, fraying or breaking.
- Rice includes an antioxidant agent called inositol (a carbohydrate), which has been touted as a "hair growth agent."
- Rice is comprised of a range of vitamins and minerals, like vitamin B and E, magnesium, manganese, and zinc that shield hair from various damages.
- It maintains and balances hair pH. Fermented rice water is acidic, so rice water rinse restores and balances your hair pH.
Is Rice Water Hair Treatment Safe For Everyone?
Some individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation or allergic reactions, necessitating a patch test before widespread application.
Although rice water is regarded as a natural home cure, people with specific skin issues should exercise caution when using it, like:
1. Eczema or atopic dermatitis: This disorder causes inflammation and irritation because the skin cannot keep up a sufficient moisture barrier. A more methodical way is to test a tiny section of the scalp for a reaction before lathering the entire scalp, but this does not ensure that a person with this condition will react to rice water.
2. Any alopecia or hair loss: Exercise caution when thinking about using rice water as a first line of treatment for any alopecia or hair loss.
Also, applying too much rice water on hair could result in protein accumulation, which could cause stiffness and breakage. Therefore, use in moderation for better results.
Final Verdict: Benefits of Rice Water
Rice has been used for cosmetic purposes for centuries, and its benefits have been translated into modern-day skin care products. The following are the benefits of utilizing rice water:
- Reduce split ends and breakage
- Detangles hair
- Makes hair smooth
- Improves elasticity and increase hair volume
- Enhances lustre
- Strengthens hair
- Promotes hair growth
- Combat dandruff
We conclude that rice water fortified with amino acids and minerals not only reduces breakage but increases elasticity for stronger and healthier hair. The presence of inositol in rice water, repairs and protects hair from damage, reducing split ends and breakage. Plus, its ability to balance the scalp’s pH level aids in combating dandruff and promoting a healthier scalp.
Having said all the above, always remember that moderation and attention to specific skin and hair demands are essential, just like with any beauty solution. Also do consult a Dermatologist before beginning with any new regimen to know whether it will be suitable for your hair and skin. Rice water may be a transforming addition to a beauty routine when used carefully, releasing its nourishing power for beautiful skin and hair.
If you have any query related to your hair and skincare you can Ask a Specialist of your choice at Ask a Doctor 24x7 through chat, audio or video consultation. You may also send your questions to a doctor and get reply within minutes. Ask a Doctor facilitate online consultation - 24x7, so you can consult a doctor from anywhere and at any time on all health related matters. Ask now!
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Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is not intended to substitute for proper medical advice provided by your healthcare professional. This is only for informational purposes.
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