From ancient ritual to modern mane magic, rice water for hair has become the symbol of lustrous, long, healthy and strong locks. In the Asian countries, rice water is an ancient hair care method. In Japan, court women use rice water to keep their floor–length mane. Chinese women also use rice water to keep away gray hair. In Asian countries, the use of rice water for making shiny and strong hair is well known secret. So, this modern social media trend of using rice water for hair is an ancient hair care hack that we all need to know. Now, western countries are also following this social media trend and making their hair healthy and strong. 

Rice water is the starchy left-over water after cooking, fermenting or soaking rice. It is obtained by soaking washed raw rice or by draining cooked or boiled rice or by fermenting raw rice for 24 to 48 hours (about 2 days). The water that is collected is cloudy in color and its consistency is a little bit sticky.  

This leftover liquid (rice water) is rich in minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, polysaccharides and amino acids that are beneficial for the overall health of your skin and hair. 

Rice water has been a popular hair care remedy for centuries. While proper scientific research on this topic is still limited. The anecdotal evidence and potential benefits based on its components are intriguing. 

This natural hair care treatment of using rice water offers some benefits to your hair. Some of these are  

1. Strengthens hair strands

Rice water contains starch, and proteins that coat the hair cuticles and thus protects it from heat, sunlight and other environmental stresses. Research shows that fermented rice water contains inositol that protects your hair and helps in hair strengthening. 

2. Adds luster to hair

If you consistently use rice water, then you will notice a visible difference in your hair shaft as it becomes thick. This is because it closes the hair cuticle and when your cuticle is closed then it will no longer become frizzy and dry. Also, it contains starch, due to which it adds shine to your locks and makes them non-frizzy. 

3. Detangles and deep condition

In older times, rice water was used to improve hair elasticity. However, there is no proper scientific evidence that supports this claim. 

 People who used rice water on their hair have noticed that it makes their hair non-frizzy and deeply conditions them. In this way, hair becomes soft and detangles with ease. 

4. Supports hair growth

Rice water contains vitamin B6 and E, inositol and amino acids due to which it promotes healthy hair growth. Along with this, it aids in faster hair growth. 

5. Reduces hair breakage

 It contains antioxidants like phenolic and flavonoids compounds that react against the free radicals damaging our hair follicles. This is why it reduces hair breakage and split ends. 

6. Repairs hair damage

Rice water contains pitera, that is produced during the fermentation process. It is also known as Saccharomycopsis Ferment filtrate, a natural by-product of yeast fermentation containing amino acids, vitamins, minerals and organic acids. This fermented rice water promotes hair growth, overall hair density and repair hair damage. 

Rice water’s potential benefits for hair are exciting, but how do we harness this natural remedy? Here’s a breakdown of three simple methods for making rice water at home. These are 

1. Soaking Method 
2. Fermenting Method 
3. Boiling Method 

• Rinse

For the soaking method, the first step is to rinse 1 cup of uncooked rice. This will remove any impurities and debris from the rice. 

• Soak

The second step is to transfer the rinsed rice to a clean bowl, and then fill it with 2 cups of water. Soak the rice for 1-2 hours, so that the nutrients, vitamins and minerals from the rice leach into the water. 

• Strain 

After soaking, use a cheese cloth or a fine-mesh sieve to strain the rice water into a clean container. 

• Rinse

Begin by thoroughly rinsing 1 cup of uncooked rice under clean water. This will remove any dirt from the rice. 

• Allow to ferment

• Now, soak the rinsed rice in 2 cups of water and leave it for 12-24 hours at room temperature. This allows the rice water to ferment and increase its potency. 

• Store

Once it has reached your desired level of fermentation, then strain it with cheese cloth or fine-mesh sieve and store it in the refrigerator to halt the fermentation process. 

• Boil

In the boiling method, take half cup of uncooked rice and rinse them properly to remove any dirt and impurity. Then, in a clean container, add rinsed rice and then add double the amount of water that is normally required for boiling. Let the water boil. 

• Simmer it down

Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the water to absorb all the nutrients from the rice and turn cloudy. 

• Cool and strain

Turn off the flame and let the rice water cool completely. In the end, strain the cooled rice water using a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth.