TikTok Trends: How Rice Water Makes Hair Healthier And Shinier
By: Kenra Professional
July 2023
If you’ve been on HairTok (that’s hair-related TikTok), you’ve probably seen rice water touted as a way to make your hair longer, healthier, and shinier. Who’d have thought that the excess from our go-to dinner side could produce luscious locks? That’s right, the water leftover from rinsing your rice can work wonders for your hair. This natural solution has been used for centuries and continues to gain popularity today. In this post, we'll talk about the benefits of rice water and how you can incorporate it into your hair care routine for gorgeously glossy results.
What is Rice Water?
Rice water is the starchy liquid that remains after rinsing your rice. It’s been used for centuries in East Asian cultures, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea, as a natural beauty remedy. The water contains various vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that provide nourishment to the hair and scalp. If you’d prefer to skip the DIY of it all, you can find hydrolyzed rice protein already built-in to professional hair products like Kenra Platinum Simply Add Water Shampoo and Conditioner for at-home or travel-friendly care. In addition, rice extract (oryza sativa) can be found in Kenra Platinum Dry Shampoo to help absorb excess oils and impurities.
The Benefits of Rice Water for Hair
It Nourishes Your Hair Follicles
Rice water features nutrients vitamins B, C, and E, as well as amino acids, which nourish and strengthen the hair follicles. These vitamins help promote healthier hair growth while preventing breakage and split ends.
Increases Elasticity
The amino acids in rice water help to improve the elasticity of the hair strands. This reduces the chances of hair breakage, making your hair more resilient and less prone to damage.
Enhances Shine
Rice water has a natural compound called inositol, which helps repair and strengthen damaged hair. Regular use of rice water can add a beautiful shine to your hair, giving it a healthier and more vibrant appearance.
Soothes Your Scalp
Rice water has soothing properties that can help calm an irritated scalp and reduce inflammation. It can also help balance the scalp's pH levels, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth.
How to Use Rice Water for Hair
Fermenting your rice water is even more beneficial as it increases the concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. To make fermented rice water, follow these steps:
Rinse half a cup of rice to remove any impurities.
Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and cover it with water.
Let the rice soak for about 30 minutes.
Strain the rice and collect the water in a clean container.
Leave the water at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours, allowing it to ferment.
After fermentation, transfer your rice water to a bottle and refrigerate it, then dilute the fermented rice water with equal parts distilled water before using.
Rinsing Method Vs. The Soaking Method
There are two ways to incorporate rice water into your hair care routine: rinsing or soaking.
The Rinsing Method
After shampooing your hair, pour rice water over your hair, gently massaging it into your scalp and hair. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off with plain water.
The Soaking Method
Fill a bowl or your sink with rice water and immerse your clean hair into it. Let your hair soak for 10-15 minutes, allowing the nutrients to penetrate your hair. Rinse your hair with water after you’ve soaked it.
Rice water can do wonders! This age-old remedy is a natural, cost-effective solution for promoting healthier, longer, and more beautiful hair. Embrace the wisdom of ancient beauty secrets and unlock a hair transformation with ingredients in your cabinet. You can use rice water for your hair once or twice a week, depending on your hair's needs. Consistency is key when you’re using natural remedies—so make it a part of your regular hair care routine to see beautiful, gleaming results.
