Rice Water: The Ancient Secret for Hair Care
Have you ever noticed how much emphasis we place on our hair? It may be the first feature that attracts attention, whether it’s the length, texture, or sheen. However, with around 100,000 hair follicles on the average human head, hair loss is a common issue that everyone deals with daily, losing between 50 and 80 hairs naturally. This concern has led many to seek out remedies, including an age-old beauty trick: rice water. Used for centuries in Asian cultures, rice water claims to offer benefits from detangling to aiding hair growth, leading to a surge in interest on social media. But does it truly deliver?
Defining Rice Water
Rice water is the starchy liquid left behind after soaking or cooking rice, varying in starch content between ~60% to 90%, as explained by Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. While often discarded, this nutrient-dense water is rich in components may enhance hair health.
What Benefits Does Rice Water Offer?
Rice water contains inositol, known as a “hair rejuvenator”, which might accelerate hair growth while adding shine. The water also offers a nutritious mix of Vitamin B, Vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and fiber, with zinc playing a key role in the hair growth cycle. Khetarpal notes that the success of rice water is likely thanks to a blend of these factors, similar to the women from Huangluo village in China, who attribute their long hair to including rice water in their routines. In Eastern practices, its also serves as an effective natural detangler.
Making and Using Rice Water
Creating rice water is simple. After washing your rice, reserve the resulting water. “There’s no trick involved. You can soak the rice for about 30 minutes or boil it and use that water,” Khetarpal advises. Applying this liquid can vary—some opt for a spray bottle for direct application while others soak their hair for several hours or overnight for best results. While it’s safe for those with normal hair and scalp, Khetarpal cautions against its use for individuals with scalp issues such as psoriasis or eczema. Importantly, it may take 3 to 4 months to witness any effects as hair growth cycles fluctuate.
Ultimately, if someone is curious about trying rice water, Khetarpal says, “It certainly won’t cause harm, but its effectiveness may vary.”
Learn More
For further insights into health and beauty trends, explore more in our Just Curious section.
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