The Beauty in the Bowl: How Rice Water Transforms Hair 

Rice water treatment is one of the most amazing treatments for the hair due to the vitamins and amino acids that it contains. Its popularity spans a variety of countries. In India, it is often used in ayurveda, a system of traditional medicine. In Japan, Geishas would soak their faces in rice water, believing that it helped to brighten their skin, reduce the appearance of pores, and keep their hair shiny. The Yao people, an ethnic minority in China, have used rice water for generations. The Yao women are famous for their incredibly healthy, long hair – so long that, for many Yao women, it reaches the floor. Rice water has also been used in Chinese medicine to treat and soothe skin conditions such as acne, eczema and rosacea. 

WHY RICE WORKS 

This protein-heavy treatment helps with all kinds of hair problems because it contains antioxidants that provide elasticity to the hair and help promote scalp health. The starch in rice water provides lustrous shine and helps thicken and detangle the hair, while vitamins B, C, and E and amino acids contribute to faster growth, healthy cellular rejuvenation and blood circulation. 

The treatment also helps control hair loss in men due to the inositol – a component of the cell membrane that fortifies the hair – that penetrates the hair shaft. For oily hair, the fermented rice water with citrus elements helps regulate sebum production without compromising its natural oils. Rice water is particularly helpful for dry hair because it helps with itchiness and has anti-inflammatory properties.   

MAKING RICE WATER  

1. Thoroughly rinse white or brown rice.  

1. Add one cup of rice and five cups of water to a bowl. Mix. 

1. Allow the rice to sit for at least 30 minutes. 

1. Strain the water into a pot.   

1. Over medium heat, boil the rice water for 10 minutes.  

1. Allow the water to cool and pour into a jar for fermentation, which takes about three days. 

APPLY RICE WATER TO HAIR 

1. Shampoo hair as usual. 

1. Pour the rice water onto hair. Make sure that the ends are covered.  

1. Massage the scalp for a few minutes to stimulate circulation. 

1. Leave the rice water on for 30 minutes. The longer the better.  

1. Rinse it out. 

To make a conditioning mask, mix the fermented rice water with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. To stimulate hair growth, add one tablespoon of castor oil, spray onto the scalp and massage it. Rinse it off after 30 minutes. Cover hair with a shower cap to keep the mixture from transferring to other surfaces. 

 POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES 

The most common side effects of rice water treatment are dryness, breakage, and brittleness, which occur due to an overload of protein. Other risks include scalp irritation, build up from excess starch, and allergic reactions on sensitive scalps. People with eczema or psoriasis should consult with a professional before trying rice water treatments as they can aggravate skin conditions. To help prevent any adverse reactions, use rice water moderately, about one or two times a week. This keeps the hair’s natural oils from being stripped.  

By incorporating rice water into a regular routine, users can experience softer, more manageable and more resilient hair.   

With more than 20 years of experience in the beauty field, Anabel De La Vega is a certified licensed specialist, reflexologist, herbologist, crystal healer, instructor, and presenter. She has training and experience in Japanese and Chinese facials, Indian treatments, morpho-lymphatic drainage, and more. De La Vega has received education in China, Thailand, India, and the United States. In 2013, she received an aesthetician of the year award. De La Vega is the published author of Tao The Art of Relaxation and is also a guest speaker at the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa.