Rice starch, a byproduct of rice processing, isn't directly used in rice water for hair, but rather, the starch within the rice water contributes to its benefits. Rice water itself contains many beneficial components, including starch. Therefore, the question should be rephrased as "How do you make rice water for hair, utilizing the starch within the rice?".
Making Rice Water for Hair: Harnessing the Starch
To make effective rice water for your hair, focusing on maximizing the starch content, follow these steps:
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Choose Your Rice: Use white rice; brown rice contains more fiber which can be harder to rinse out of hair.
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Rinse and Cook: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess starch or debris. Then, cook the rice as you normally would, following package instructions.
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Fermentation (Optional): Some methods suggest fermenting the rice water for 2 days. This is believed to increase the beneficial properties, including the impact of the starches. This step is optional.
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Soak and Strain: Once the rice is cooked, add the cooked rice to water (using a ratio of roughly 1:2, rice to water) and let it soak. This allows the starches and other nutrients to leach from the rice into the water. After a few hours, strain the liquid to separate the water from the rice grains. This liquid is your rice water.
Understanding the Role of Starch in Rice Water
The starch present in rice water is believed to contribute to several hair benefits:
- Shine and Smoothness: The fine starch particles coat the hair shaft, adding shine and reducing frizz.
- Volume: The starch can provide a temporary volumizing effect.
Note that while the starch contributes, it's not the sole beneficial component. Rice water contains other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that also impact hair health.
Using Rice Water for Hair
Once prepared, apply the rice water to your hair after shampooing. You can massage it into your scalp or simply coat your hair with it, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing.
