Rice water is a popular and accessible treatment believed to promote hair growth and improve hair health. The good news is you can use any type of rice that you have on hand or at the grocery to make rice water ([Part of a video titled Rice Water for Hair Growth | Healthy Hair Routine - YouTube]()). Here's a breakdown of how to prepare it using different methods:
Methods for Preparing Rice Water
There are primarily two methods for preparing rice water: rinsing (or the soaking method) and boiling.
1. Rinsing/Soaking Method
This is the simplest and quickest method.
- Rinse the rice: Begin by rinsing 1/2 cup of uncooked rice (any type) to remove dirt and impurities.
- Soak the rice: Place the rinsed rice in a bowl with 2-3 cups of water.
- Let it sit: Allow the rice to soak for 30 minutes to 24 hours. The longer it soaks, the more potent the rice water will be.
- Strain the rice water: After soaking, strain the rice water into a clean bowl or container.
- Use or Store: The rice water is now ready to use. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
2. Boiling Method
This method involves boiling the rice and collecting the excess water.
- Boil the rice: Cook rice as you normally would, using more water than usual (e.g., 4 cups of water for 1 cup of rice).
- Collect the water: After the rice is cooked, strain the rice water into a separate container before you eat the rice.
- Cool and Store: Allow the rice water to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator.
How to Use Rice Water on Your Hair
- Shampoo your hair: Wash your hair as usual with shampoo.
- Apply rice water: Pour the rice water onto your hair, ensuring it covers your hair from root to tip.
- Massage and wait: Gently massage your scalp and hair for a few minutes. Leave the rice water on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water.
- Condition (optional): You can follow up with your regular conditioner if desired.
Important Considerations
- Fermentation: Some people prefer to ferment the rice water for added benefits. To do this, leave the soaked or boiled rice water at room temperature for 24-48 hours before refrigerating. Fermented rice water has a sour smell.
- Frequency: Use rice water 1-2 times per week for best results.
- Dilution: Rice water can be quite potent. If you experience dryness or stiffness, dilute it with plain water before using it.
- Experimentation: Feel free to experiment with both methods to find what works best for your hair type.
