RICE WATER- THE SECRET IS OUT
History of Rice Water
According to researchers, women in the Heian period (794 to 1185 CE) in Japan had floor-length hair they kept healthy by bathing it in rice water.
A modern-day equivalent of this story can be found in China. The Yao women, who live in a village called Huangluo in China, are famed for having hair that averages 6 feet long.
Yao Women wash their hair, lowered, really—into rice water that has been combined with a few other organic ingredients that they work into the hair from tip to root.
In addition to its incredible length, the Yao women's hair is said to keep its color for longer, as they do not begin to get gray hair until they reach their 80s.
The Yao women credit the length and color of their hair to the fact they bathe it in rice water.
Rice Water Around The World
Rice water has been used in India as a traditional part of Ayurvedic medicine, often to help fight eczema, as a gentle body wash for those with sensitive skin, and to soften the skin.
As part of a Korean skin care routine, rice water has been used to maintainyouthfulness and make hair appear more lustrous.
As a clean beauty ingredient, rice water is now used globally to brighten sensitive skin
Benefits of Rice Water On Hair
Rice water contains all the perks to keep your hair healthy. According to Dr. Zeichner, it’s rich in starches that can coat the surface of the hair to add strength and moisture as well as provide hydration to the scalp.
Additionally, one of the core components found in rice water is inositol. It’s a carbohydrate that repairs and protects while staying in your hair to work its magic even after rinsing. Amino acids also work to strengthen roots, increase hair volume and keep
hair shiny and smooth. The mix of vitamins A and E and minerals can improve hair texture, tame frizz and keep hair feeling (and looking!) healthy.
Vitamins and minerals contained in rice includes:
- amino acids
- B vitamins
- vitamin E
- minerals
- antioxidants
What The Research Says
Here is a look at some Evidenced Based Research from the International Journal of Cosmetics: The study found that rice water reduces surface friction and improves hair elasticity which means that rice water makes combing and detangling of hair easier. This will be a great advantage for those with curly hair. Fermented Rice Water also contains inositol, a carbohydrate, which can repair damaged hair and stays inside the hair even after rinsing, offering continuing hair protection.
Elsewhere, a research facility in Japan has developed an imaging technique that visualizes the strengthening effect of inositol on hair.
A 2010 paper suggests that rice water may reduce surface friction and increase hair elasticity.
Bottom Line
If you weren't already convinced, rice water also works to reduce, rescue and repair split ends; all you need to do is soak them in rice water for 15 to 20 minutes on a weekly basis. What's more, the treatment helps with dandruff (with regular use, it can help combat the issue and stop fungus from spreading) and even removes and kills lice.
Our Happy Growing Fermented Rice Water and Happy Growing Fermented Black Rice Water can help work some magic into your hair.
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321353#history
https://www.vogue.com/projects/13548460/women-of-huang-luo-china-long-hair-tradition/
