Long before rice water went viral on TikTok and YouTube and found its way onto Kardashian blogs, the practice of beauty had been used by women in Asia for centuries. According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Chemists, court ladies during the Heian period in Japan (794 to 1185 CE) used Yu-Su-Ru (a.k.a. water left over from washing rice) on their short hair. ground.
The method was later popularized by a Chinese village called Huangluo. The Yao women, who live in the city, are famous for their long hair, which averages six feet long. According to Medical News Today, Yao women attribute their strong locks and dark color to washing in rice water.
While many proof for the effectiveness of rice water is limited to history and tradition, there is scientific reasoning behind its benefits.
To explore this question further, ELLE.com called on two hairdressing professionals, Dr Jenny Liu, board-certified dermatologist, and Richy Kandasamy, colorist and member of the R + Co collective, to explain the benefits of rice water – and how you can make rice water at home.
What Are the Benefits of Rice Water?
Will rice water turn you into Rapunzel? Not exactly. But it has properties that restore and promote hair growth. Kandasamy says, “Scientifically, 18 amino acids must be brought together to create the protein necessary for hair growth. Rice water contains eight of these amino acids.” “So when rice water is used on the hair, you feel more hair regeneration. The rice water vitamins (B, C and E) also stimulate hair growth. Although there is limited scientific evidence that proves hair growth.
Dr Liu echoes the importance of these acids. She adds, “We have limited studies, but some in South Korea show that in men, it can help fight hair loss.” “In particular, rice bran, contains a lot of fatty acids – linoleic acid and oleic acid which have been proposed to possibly inhibit the enzyme 5-a-reductase which is the cause of hair loss in people. men.”
How to make rice water?
Washing your hair with rice water is easy to do at home. All you need is a cup of uncooked rice, a large pot or bowl, and a filter.
- Put water in a bowl and use a colander to rinse your rice. You want to make sure that all the grain impurities are removed. Some videos suggest rinsing several times, until the water is clear.
- Fill your pot or bowl with a cup of water and add the clean rice. Stir the rice in the bowl. If you have a pot, you can lock the lid and shake the rice. The water should have a milky appearance.
- Let the mixture sit for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, separate the liquid from the rice. Store the liquid in a container, jar, or empty shampoo bottle.
How to apply rice water?
Treat the rice water like your typical mask or hair treatment. Kandasamy says, “With rice water, you need to wet your hair first especially your scalp, and for five minutes, massage it.” “This step targets your hair, which stimulates growth and strengthens them.”
Wait five minutes and wash off the rice water with your favorite shampoo.
Is rice water safe for all hair types?
The short answer is yes. Rice water will work on different types of hair, but be aware of the porosity of your hair before using it. “Structurally, all hair types are the same, including African, Asian, and European, but all absorb moisture in different ways,” says Kandasamy. “It is high in amino acids which add shine to the hair, make it smooth and silky and strengthen the hair roots. It also contains a carbohydrate known as inositol, which repairs damaged hair and also protects them from further damage. Since it is a natural remedy, it is safe and there are no side effects of rice water on the hair.”
Hair offers more room for experimentation and testing than our skin. Dr. Liu adds, “In common, I would say yes, [for all hair types, rice water is safe]. It’s not like moisturizers where oily moisturizers are less perfect for oily skin.”
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