An Ancient Secret to Healthy Curly Hair: 5 Amazing Things to Know About Rice Water

Every curly-haired individual knows the hunt for perfect curls can be quite the journey. From managing frizz to maintaining moisture, it often feels like a never-ending battle. But what if we told you there’s a hidden gem in your kitchen that could be the secret to those luscious, healthy curls? Enter rice water, a centuries-old beauty secret that’s making a comeback. In this article, we’ll unravel five great things you should know about rice water and its potential to transform your curly hair into a crown of natural beauty.

Historical Elegance

Rice water isn’t a new discovery. It has a rich history in the beauty regimens of ancient cultures, including the Yao women of China and the Heian-era court ladies in Japan. These cultures prized rice water for its ability to nurture and strengthen hair, leaving it silky, smooth, and radiant.

Asia is also the place where women used bamboo as a hairpin as accessories, today this is still a thing but we can do so much more with bamboo.

Nutrient-Rich Elixir

Rice water is a powerhouse of nutrients for your hair. It contains vitamins like A, C, and E, and antioxidants. It’s like giving your curls a power boost. Curly hair can be prone to breakage, especially when dry or damaged. Rice water’s amino acids, such as inositol, can help repair and strengthen your hair, reducing the risk of breakage and promoting growth. 

Natural Conditioner and Detangler

One of the most unique qualities of rice water is its natural conditioning and detangling powers. The proteins in rice water help to silk smoothen the hair cuticle, reducing friction and making your curls more manageable. No more struggling with knots and tangles, it’s a curly-haired dream come true!

Promotes Growth

Rice water for hair growth has risen in popularity in the last few years. Woman who have their natural 4c or coily hair swear it gives them longer and healthier locks. As said before rice water contains amino acids that benefit hair regeneration. This, in combination with vitamins B, C, and E, promotes hair growth.

Versatile Application

Rice water can be included into your hair care routine in diverse ways. Personally I use it just as a rinse. I don’t use shampoo or conditioner after it. But you can use it as a pre-shampoo, a conditioner, or even a leave-in spray. Experiment with different methods to discover what works best for your unique curl pattern and hair needs. 

How to Make Rice Water for Your Curls

Making rice water is simple:

1. Rinse: Begin by rinsing a cup of rice (any type will do) to remove any impurities.
2. Soak: Place the rinsed rice in a bowl and add two to three cups of water. Let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes.
3. Strain: After soaking, strain the rice water into a clean container.
4. Apply: Use the rice water as a hair rinse or incorporate it into your favorite hair care routine.

OR just keep all the water when rinsing the rice your cooking

OR keep it fermenting for 1 or 2 days.

Remember, you can adjust the concentration of your rice water depending on your hair’s needs. Including rice water into your hair care routine can be a game-changer for your curly locks. 

Attention: don’t overdo it either! Keep it in your hair for a maximum 20 minutes for about once or twice a week. There have been reviews that it can cause reversed results! 

So, the next time you’re cooking up a batch of rice, don’t let that water go to waste. Instead, let it be the secret ingredient to your curly hair’s triumph.