Today we will be talking about a trending topic in the Natural Hair Care Community…Rice Water  

A while ago it was a trending thing to use Rice Water in your wash day routine for fast hair growth. This was becoming a really big thing. I was seeing it all over my different feeds, on YouTube, Instagram, EVERYWHERE. I’m not a huge fan of fads or trends but after watching all of the tutorials and testimonials I started to think that maybe this trend could be legit. I know is sounds weird, just two ingredients : Rice and regular-degular tap water, is the secret to longer and stronger hair ? But entertain me for a second.

Sis What Even Is Rice Water ?

Well, i’m glad you asked…

Rice water is the starchy water left over after rice is cooked or left to soak. It is thought to make the hair smooth and shiny, as well as help it grow faster. Soaking is the easiest 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

Girl Why Though ?

Rice water is thought to contain many of the vitamins and minerals contained in rice. These include:

• amino acids
• B vitamins
• vitamin E
• minerals
• antioxidants

According to a 2010 study from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, Japanese women from the Heian Period (in 794 to 1185 AD) combed their floor-length hair with Yu-Su-Ru, or rinse water, from the washing of rice. Rice, according to the study, is widely known as an essential food in the Japanese diet, and “Yu-Su-Ru exhibited haircare effects, such as reducing surface friction and increasing hair elasticity.” 

How We Feelin ?

While its benefits for hair remain unproven, using a rice water hair rinse is safe to try at home and may also be used on the skin. So, why not try it out? There are countless testimonials about the benefits of using rice water, and also just as many bad reviews. I guess it all really depends on you and your hair. I think that this is an interesting hair hack for my naturals on a budget trying to grow longer hair.