Rinsing hair in rice water is a traditional beauty treatment popular in many regions in Asia.
HOW TO MAKE RICE WATER
Soaking is the quickest way to make rice water.
To use this method:
- take ½ cup of uncooked rice
- rinse thoroughly
- place rice in a bowl with 2–3 cups of water
- leave to soak for 30 minutes
- strain the rice water into a clean bowl
Fermented vs. plain rice water
Some rice water advocates claim fermented rice water has more benefits than plain rice water.
According to a 2012 study, fermented substances have a higher amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants may combat hair and skin cell damage, which is why they are typical ingredients in beauty products.
To ferment rice water, follow steps 1–4 of the soaking method. Before straining, leave the rice water to stand at room temperature for up to 2 days, allowing it to ferment. Strain the rice water into a clean bowl before use.
Boiling
Another way to make rice water is by boiling the rice.
Cover ½ cup of rice with double the water typically used for cooking. Cook the rice in boiling water and strain the rice water into a clean bowl before use.
How to use rice water
Rice water can replace a commercial conditioner. To do this, a person should:
- wash hair with shampoo
- rinse thoroughly with water from the tap
- pour rice water onto their hair
- massage the rice water into the hair and scalp
- leave on for up to 20 minutes
- rinse hair thoroughly using warm water from the tap
Read more uses (for skin) here: