Are hair rinses just a fad? Or they can work in miraculous ways for your gorgeous mane? We will let you in on the rice water secrets & where to find a packaged option!
Yes, rice water is literally the starchy water left behind once the rice is cooked or left to soak. It contains a wholesome amount of vitamins and minerals that the grain provides. Just an FYI, it wont work well if your primary concern is dryness.
Some Minerals, Vitamins & Anti Oxidants included:
- amino acids
- B vitamins
- vitamin E
- minerals
- Anti oxidants: phenolic and flavonoid compounds
- Fiber
- Magnesium.
- Manganese.
- Zinc.
Research Backed Capabilities
Scientific research suggests fermented rice water contains a compound called “inositol” which is a type of sugar molecule carrying free radical-fighting capabilities that are likely to help protect against hair breakage and damage. It also helps supporting hair growth, making your hair shinier, smoother and lush. Its also an effective liquid to rinse hair of impurities without over-dying it while detangling your strands and strengthening them against damage and split ends. But the main selling point for us it aiding hair growth!
A Power Ingredient As Old As Time
Turns out the Japanese have long been relishing the wonders of rice water. From using the water for skin, beverages to hair supplements. Historians share rice water was an integral element in the beauty regime of the Japanese women in the imperial court during the “Heian” period for long luscious locks. Their extravagantly long locks were called Kuro Kami.
Even in China, there is a village “Huangluo” which has earned the title of the “worlds longest haired village” in the Guinness Book Of World Records and guess what the town’s secret to that is? RICE WATER! The average length in the village is 6 feet of hair! The Yao women have also been said to use it for keeping their hair colour longer, as it begins to only get gray when nearing their 80’s. The Yao women credit the length and color of their hair to the fact that they bathe it in the grain’s left behind water.
Potential Side Effects, Are There Any?
Generally rice water is non-toxic and non-irritating and possibly suitable for those with sensitive scalp and skin but CAN trigger irritation or sensitivity among those who are allergic to rice.
To prevent an allergic reaction, don’t use products containing this ingredient if you have a known rice allergy. If in the case you notice side effects such as itching redness or increased irritation its better to refrain from using it.
How To Use It?
There are 3 main ways you can make your rice water at home:
- A short soak lasting 30 minutes to two hours.
- Boiling the rice-water combo.
- A long soak of a day or more to ferment the water.
If you want a DIY, here is where you can find one on our website. You can opt to use the rice water spray/rinse once or several times a week to give you optimum results. You can use rice water directly on your hair or skin and incorporate it into other products, such as shampoos and hair masks. Recently, there is an array of rice based products for hair and skin mostly from Korean beauty brands.
Want A Store Bought Option?
In the case that you are too lazy to be making your own batch, worry about storing it, being clumsy enough and spilling it – we have just the solution for you!
A local hair care brand, Barn&Island specifically catering to your hair needs make their own packaged rice water. Their rice water comes in a spray form that makes it super easy to A) store, B) apply to your locks anytime, anywhere and c)its spill-proof! So you cant still think of making more excuses to not take care of your hair.
Barn&Island is a natural and effective self care business inspired by nature. They are sulphate free, parabens and silicon free. They have all natural hand made rice water! They have a 250ml spray for Rs. 1850!
Will it be a magic potion to get Rapunzelesque hair? Maybe. Is there a chance it wont do much? Maybe but whats the harm in trying an all natural treatment!
