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how-women in china found that the water they soaked their rice in had good nutrients for the hair
why- there was a period in asia where long hair was symbolized as wealthy and royalty status because in japan the court women had very long hair.

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There's been a growing interest in natural beauty products for some time now, with the likes of honey, olive and coconut oil replacing conventional haircare. As we take a less chemical approach to maintaining the health of our hair and skin, the search for natural alternatives has taken the beauty pack to the Yao women of Asia, where they owe their famously long hair to a very natural method.

Before we get started, make sure you're subscribed to our YouTube channel for more top tips!
Editor's Note: This post was originally posted in November 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in October 2018.
Watch the video

Who are the Yao women?

The ancient Chinese village of Huangluo is actually nicknamed the 'Long Hair Village', as the Yao women in this autonomous region of Guangxi are known for their long, grey-less, shiny hair.

Most women in this area have hair longer than 1.4 metres, and have even made an appearance in the Guinness Book of Records.

For the Yao people, their long hair is their most prized possession, believing that long hair symbolises prosperity, longevity, wealth and good fortune. They wear their hair in different styles to represent landmarks in their life, such as marriage.

Yao women only cut their hair once in a lifetime, aged 18. The hair is gifted to a grandmother, and then returned to the girl after she is married to wear alongside her own hair, as a hairpiece - Some may say this was the original hair extension!
So, what's their secret to Rapunzel-esque long locks?
The secret to growing the longest hair in the world

Fermented rice water - yes really! Yao women have been using rice water for hair for years. (Rice water is the misty coloured liquid left from boiling rice, and fermenting it makes it even more beneficial for hair).

It's been the Yoa women's secret - as well as imperial princesses in the East - to long hair since ancient times.

More ways to grow long hair

If you'd like to learn more about hair growth, and see the rice water method in action, watch our YouTube video right now. Don't forget to subscribe!

Benefits of rice water

It turns out that murky, white liquid we pour down the drain after cooking rice is full of beneficial nutrients. Rice water can benefit hair in the following ways:

Encourages hair growth

In order for hair to grow, it needs nourishment. Amino acids are extremely important for hair growth as 18 of them are needed for the production of the protein, keratin, which requires 18 different types of amino acids.

Rice water contains an impressive 8 amino acids, so it's easy to see why it's so beneficial for hair growth.

Amino acids aside, rice water also contains Vitamins B - needed for strong hair - C - needed to produce sebum which keeps the scalp moisturised - and E - prevents hair loss.

Prevents split endsThe hefty amount of amino acids in rice water give your hair not just the best chance of growth, but also strength. The stronger and healthier your hair, the less likely it is to get split ends - another reason to use rice water for hair!

Makes hair shiny

Vitamin E is also extremely beneficial for the appearance of your hair. It's known to turn frizzy and damaged masses of hair into slick, sleek and shiny, healthy locks.

Cures dandruff

Dandruff can be caused by anything from stress to Parkinson's disease. Whilst it won't cause you any harm, it can be uncomfortable, and embarrassing too.

Fermenting rice water then using it on your hair could prove to be an effective way of managing it. Fermented rice water can fight the fungi which causes dandruff, and rid you off those white flakes.

Protects hair from damage

Inositol is a pretty special nutrient. This carbohydrate can both remedy and prevent damage to hair, by increasing elasticity and reducing surface friction.

Whether you use styling tools regularly, dye your hair or get perms, inositol could really help get it healthy again. Best of all, it needn't cost you a fortune - you can find it in rice water.

How to use rice water for hair

Want to get hair as long as the Yao women? Here's how to make your very own rice water or fermented rice water (even more nutritional) hair wash:

Rice water wash

1. Place a tumbler full of rice in a large amount of boiling water.

2. Boil the rice until cooked - you can use this for dinner!

3. Strain the excess water which should be cloudy in colour.

4. Wait until it's cooled to a comfortable temperature, then add a few optional drops of your favourite essential oils.

5. Shampoo your hair before pouring the rice water over it. Leave for at least 15 minutes whilst gently massaging your hair.

6. Rinse with cool water.

Fermented rice water wash

1. Rinse a cup of rice to get rid of any dirt.

2. Place in a bowl and cover with water for 15 minutes - stirring occasionally.

3. Strain the water into a plastic bottle.

4. Leave it at room temperature for a day or until it turns slightly sour and starts to ferment.

5. Pour into a pan, boil it then allow to cool.

6. Add a few optional drops of tea tree, lavender or rosemary essential oils.

7. Use the water as an alternative to shampoo by gently massaging it into your scalp and through the length of your hair.

8. Rinse thoroughly.

How many times should you wash your hair with rice water?

If you want to reap the benefits of rice water, you need to stick at it! Thicker, shinier and more voluminous hair won't happen overnight and you'll need to use rice water regularly to really see a difference.

Try and make a habit of using rice water to wash your hair - rice is an extremely cheap and healthy food source, so this shouldn't be too much of a problem! Three or more times a week is desirable.

The longest hair in the World

According to the Guinness Book Of Records, Xie Quiping currently has the longest hair in the World. With 5.627 metres of long locks, she's somewhat of a real-life Repunzel. The record was set in 2004, when Quiping had been growing her hair for a total of 45 years!

Who's excited to try this easy-peasy hair growth remedy? Share your secret hair hacks with us in the comments below.

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Rice Water: The Cheap Secret To Growing The Longest Hair In The WORLD

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Want to grow the longest hair in the world? Find out about Yao women and the ancient Chinese secret to long hair! Learn how to make your own cheap and easy rice water hair wash for gorgeous long locks just like Rapunzel.

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Yao Rice Water Recipe | How To Make Rice Water At Home - Both Yao rice water and fermented rice water help repair and strengthen your hair cuticles leaving your hair soft and silky. They are loaded with nutrients that help promote new hair growth.

Rice water can be used by all hair types including colour treated hair.👍
PROTEIN OVERLOAD
If you have low porosity hair, instead of every 3 days, reduce the frequency of usage to once a week only. Also, you can dilute it with equal amount of water before each use if needed.

Contains Vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants
All natural & no side effects
Works as a shampoo & conditioner
Cleanses the scalp and hair of dirt and oil
Moisturises the scalp and hair
Leaves hair smoother, shiny and frizz free
Soothes itching and dandruff
Prevents mild scalp infections
Promotes faster hair growth
Reduces hair loss
Strengthens hair follicles
Repairs dry hair and damaged cuticles
Adds shine and lustre
Leaves a mild citrus fragrance on hair

Below you can find,

Video tutorial with results

Frequently asked questions

Yao women hair care routine

How to make rice water (Original Yao Women Recipe)

Alternative ingredients you can use

How i use rice water

My six month experience and results

VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

Scroll down for Photo Instructions and FAQ

📌 Hair mask with rice water and the peels. Use once week leaving it for an hour before rinsing it off.

📌 Natural Hair Cleanser with rice water, natural cleanser and pomelo/grape fruit peels. Use every three days for 20 minutes only.

Yao women do not use any kind of conditioner.
YAO WOMEN HAIRCARE TIPS
📌 Yao women flip the head upside down while combing their hair.

Flipping your head upside down does improve the blood flow to your scalp. This means, More oxygen and nutrients reach the scalp which encourages hair growth.

📌 Yao women protect their hair from the wind.

Wind causes cause damage to the outer cuticle layer which leads to tangles and split ends. It also reduces the moisture level of your hair.

📌 Yao women always use cold water to wash their hair.

Cold water helps close the hair cuticles preventing build up(Dirt, pollutants) in the hair follicles. As cold water does not strip the natural oils, the hair and scalp stays moisturised. This helps in reducing frizz.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YAO RICE WATER & FERMENTED RICE WATER

1.To make Yao rice water you have to use white rice.(Recipe 1 in the video) While the fermented rice water recipe can be prepared with other types of rice like, black rice and wild rice. (Recipe 2 in the video)

2. Yao rice water does not stink at all. To be honest, it smells amazing even after a month. The fermented rice in water does stink a bit.

3. No need to refrigerate Yao rice water up to a month. But fermented rice water has to be refrigerated within 72 hours.

4. You do not have to dilute Yao rice water. But the fermented rice water has to be diluted in a 1:1 ratio to prevent protein overload.

5. While Yao rice water can be used every 3 days, it is advisable to use fermented rice water only once or twice a month.

I did some research on Yao women and came to know that their rice water recipe was actually different from mine. And hence, i have been using their recipe for almost six months now and guess what, it works.

No need to shampoo afterwards too. And, my hair smells amazing. Isn't that Great?

The main ingredients of Yao rice water are White rice, Tea seed cake, And Pomelo peels. Each of these ingredients contribute to heathy hair in different ways.

RICE WATER

Rice water contains the vitamins B & E, amino acids, minerals and antioxidants in it.

The ingredient inositol present in rice water has the ability to penetrate into the hair and repair cuticle damage. This helps add shine and reduce frizz.

The amino acids in rice water help promote hair growth. Using rice water helps make your hair stronger, smoother and shinier. The healing properties of rice water help soothe the scalp in case of itching and other irritation.

BUT, those with low porosity hair may have trouble with protein build up. Just keep that in mind and use accordingly.

TEA SEED CAKE/POWDER

Tea seed cake is the meal left behind after extracting the oils from it. It is rich in protein which is highly beneficial for repairing as well as maintaining healthy hair.

Tea seed cake has antimicrobial properties and hence, it prevents scalp infections like seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff and itching. It also promotes blood circulation and activates follicle growth.

The tea saponins present in the tea seed helps cleanse both the hair and scalp thoroughly without drying it out.

The amino acids help new hair growth and also moisturises, conditions, and strengthens the hair strands. Amino acids also help repair cuticle damage which is the main reason for frizzy, lacklustre hair.

In short, it makes your hair stronger and thicker But also, super soft and silky.

POMELO PEELS

ALTERNATIVE - GRAPEFRUIT PEELS (I use whatever citrus fruit peels i have with me and it worked just fine. But it have pomelo/grapefruit peels, stick to the original recipe)

Pomelo peels contain antioxidants that help promote hair growth. It stimulates the scalp and encourages blood flow to the surface of the scalp. This simply means, more oxygen and nutrients reach the scalp thereby promoting hair growth.

The anti-septic, anti-allergic and anti-fungal properties of the pomelo peels treat mild dandruff and prevent scalp infections. It also soothes itchy irritated scalp. You do not have to worry about any kind of bacterial growth anymore.

Vitamin C helps neutralises and protects your hair against free radical damage and adds an invisible coating to your hair to prevent further damage.

The vitamins and minerals in pomelo helps repair the outer cuticle layer of the hair by sealing it properly. When the cuticles are sealed, it adds shine to your hair and leaves it frizz free.

If your are using styling products, using pomelo rice water may get rid of product build up. It is perfect for dull, dry lifeless hair.

Pomelo peels cleanses your scalp of sweat, dirt and cleans out clogged pores and thus, prevents dandruff, itching and other scalp infections.

It also prevents hair thinning.

You may not feel much difference in a single use BUT, eventually it will work and improve your hair quality. Now it makes perfect sense as to why YAO women have strong, soft, shiny and silky hair.

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Yao rice water. I have tried to answer them to the best of my knowledge.

If you cannot find your answer here, let me know in the comments section below.

WHAT DO YAO WOMEN USE FOR THEIR HAIR?

Yao women depend on natural hair treatments for their lustrous healthy hair like, natural hair cleansers and rice water conditioner.

Boiled and fermented rice water promotes hair growth and nourishes the scalp and conditions your hair too.

You don't even have to use shampoo or conditioner when using this recipe. This Huangluo Yao village hair serum cleanses and conditions your hair leaving it soft and frizz free.

HOW LONG DO THE YAO WOMEN FERMENT RICE WATER?

Traditionally, the rice water is boiled with two other ingredients and fermented for about two weeks to one month.

RICE WATER GROWNING MOLD🤔

Keep the glass/ceramic/wood jar tightly closed and in a cool dark place far away from moisture. Keep it away from areas like the kitchen and bathroom where humidity is high.

Once every 3-4 days, open the jar to let air circulate. Even if you skip this, the rice water will definitely ferment without fail. I have tried and tested it.

HOW DOES YAO WOMEN USE RICE WATER?

Huangluo yao village hair serum can be used by itself as it works as an All-In-One protein hair mask, cleanser, and conditioner.

The fermented rice water act as hair conditioners smoothing and closing the cuticles. The closed hair cuticles reflect the light that falls on them making your hair look dark, lustrous and shiny.

NO NEED TO DILUTE THE YAO RICE WATER, unless you have low porosity hair.

WHICH RICE DO YAO WOMEN USE?

White rice.

When you buy make sure the rice is organic and free from harmful pesticides. Basmati rice and rice that are grown in certain parts of the world like India, and Pakistan contain the least amount of pesticides and Arsenic in them.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR RICE WATER TO GROW YOUR HAIR?

You should be able to see noticeable difference in your hair length and texture in about a month's time. I am not sure about how long it would take on damaged hair though.

Within a month's time, my hair quality improved even without using a chemical shampoo or conditioner. My scalp looked healthy and moisturised rather than dry.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE RICE WATER?

Yao women use fermented rice water every three days.

In winters, they use it once a week.

CAN WE ADD ESSENTIAL OILS TO RICE WATER?

Yes, you can add tea tree oil or even Pomelo essential oil to the original rice water recipe.

HOW ABOUT ADDING MORINGA POWDER OR HIBISCUS?

I get asked this question a lot but honestly, i have never tried modifying the recipe.

While browsing the net, i came across an article that says Fermented moringa powder has more soluble proteins.

You can also add directly moringa powder to the fermented rice water to make an instant hair mask.

When trying new ingredients, Always make a small test batch first.

I would still recommend you to stick to the original Yao rice water recipe because it is a proven fool proof recipe for healthy hair.

HOW TO USE RICE WATER?

Shake the bottle before use

Pour the rice water all over your head and hair

Wait for 20 minutes

Massage for 2 minutes be rinsing

Rinse with cold water

Repeat every 3 days

Yao women use cold water to wash their hair even in the cold winters.

Take about a cup of organic white rice.

Rinse the rice to remove dirt and dust.

Throw out this water.

WATER - 3 CUPS

Add 3 cups of water to the cleaned raw rice.

Let it rest for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, rub the rice between your palms or fingers.

Continue to do until the water turns Milky White. This may take about 5 minutes

Drain the rice water.

POMELO PEELS

Here i have used sweet lemon peels of 2 whole lemons. You can use whichever is easily available to you. Yao women use Pomelo Fruit peels. (The closest thing to a pomelo fruit would be a Grapefruit)

TEA SEED POWDER/CAKE, 2-3 TABLESPOONS

You can boil it along with the pomelo peels or just add the powder after you switch off the gas stove.

Tea seeds powder does helps cleanse and moisturise the hair and scalp. It also promotes hair growth and combats dandruff and itching.

It is an amazing hair cleanser with many additional benefits.

ALTERNATIVE CHOICES

Boil the rice water for 5 minutes on medium flame.

Once the mixture cools down, transfer it to a clean glass jar.

In case you are using an air tight jar, make sure you open the lid every few days to let the air circulate. Why? Because oxygen is needed for fermentation.

Let the rice water ferment for 2 weeks to a month.

Shikakai Powder

Soap nut Powder (Reetha)- Best for colour treated/Chemical treated hair

Shikakai and Aloe Vera Powder for extremely dry hair

Shikakai and Hibiscus powder(Leaf/Flower) for extra conditioning

Two weeks later, You have your own 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner ready to use.

Yao rice water stays fresh up to 2 month without refrigeration.

YAO RICE WATER RECIPE

Boil rice water and the citrus peels for 5 minutes. Do not add the cleansing powder.

Once cooled, transfer it to a glass container. Let it ferment for 2 weeks.

Pour the rice water all over your hair and scalp.

Wait for one hour.

Shampoo and condition as usual.

Rice water - 3 cups

Citrus peels - peels of 2 citrus fruits

Tea seed powder - 2 Tablespoon

Use once a week.

Hope that helps.

I always rinse my hair with a Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse to finish off.

Leave it for 3 minutes and rinse off. This does make my hair soft and frizz free while also preventing mineral deposit/product build up.

You can use your favourite conditioner here.

RESULTS

My hair smells like oranges which i love. It leaves such a refreshing smell behind.
NOTE
Rice water does promote new hair growth as i can see lot of tiny fly away hairs when i air dry my hair. 🙂 Using fermented rice water does not exactly stop hair fall but reduces it to an extent.

After six months, my hair thickness has increased so it can confidently assure you that this rice water recipe works.

I can see that my hair has become softer, blacker and shinier than before. It has less tangles too.

Another thing i noticed is that, when i use rice water it cools down my hot head. My head is usually hotter than the rest of my body. Am i the only one like this i wonder? But because of this, my grandma always used to give me an oil bath to cool my body. Childhood memories.😇

In short, The rice water recipe has slowly but surely improved the quality of my hair. And i am super impressed with the results.👍👍👍I can certainly see myself using this for a long long time.

Try this recipe and let me know if you have any doubts. Share your experience below as that really helps the community.

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Yao Rice Water Recipe | The Secret Chinese Recipe For Long, Healthy Hair - Peppy Blog

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Yao Rice Water Recipe | How To Make Rice Water At Home - Both Yao rice water and fermented rice water help repair and strengthen your hair cuticles leaving your hair soft and silky. They are loaded with nutrients that help promote new hair growth.

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Rice has 75-80% starch content in its grain form.

hair doesn’t lose the colour till the ripe age of 80
Amino acids aside, rice water also contains Vitamins B - needed for strong hair - C - needed to produce sebum which keeps the scalp moisturised - and E - prevents hair loss.

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some of the women use fermented rice water that is left for a month before use.

The Yao women wash their hair by lowering their heads into the rice water. A wooden comb is used to spread the solution from the roots to the tips of the hair.

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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

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Rice is a staple food you'll find across the world, especially in Asia. While cooking rice, it is soaked in water, and most times the water is thrown away. But what you did not know that rice water for hair is very beneficial. Using rice water for hair will make it lustrous, smooth and fast-growing. While it hasn't been too popular in recent years, using rice water for hair is an age-old technique to ensure good hair health. If you want to know about the benefits of rice water for hair, read on. You will find out about the history of using rice water for hair, the many benefits of it and how you can make rice water for hair care.

HISTORY

Rice has 75-80% starch content in its grain form. When it gets soaked in the water, the starch gets absorbed into the water. Rice water, as it is called, contains many minerals and vitamins. These include amino acids, vitamin B, vitamin E, antioxidants and many different minerals.

It is not just a beauty trick shared by the traditional word-of-mouth; it has researchers looking into it. In 2010, a study was carried out and published in the Journal of Cosmetic Chemists about using rice water for hair, and its many benefits. In the Heian Period of Japanese history - 794 to 1185 CE, the court ladies had beautiful long hair that was floor-length. They were said to use rice water for hair daily. In China, the Huangluo village's Red Yao tribe women use rice water for hair. The village is called 'Land of Rapunzels' because of the long hair that the tribe's women have. It is also certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the 'world's longest hair village'. The women have an average of six feet long hair. Another reason for the Yao women's use of rice water for hair is the fact that their hair doesn't lose the colour till the ripe age of 80 or more! With such glowing recommendations, don't you think rice water for hair is super-beneficial?

The 2010 study mentioned that using rice water for hair decreases surface friction and increases hair elasticity. A Japanese research facility is looking at creating an imaging technique that will visualise the strengthening effect of inositol - that can be found in rice water - on hair.
Tip: Use rice water for hair if you want to have long shiny hair. The benefits of rice water for hair are multiple. Here are the main ones.
BENEFITS

Rice water for hair: Strength

If you're looking for strong hair, then make sure to use rice water for hair. The amino acids in rice strengthen the hair roots. It also has inositol, which is a carbohydrate that helps to strengthen the hair. The rice water makes it easy to detangle hair which leads to less hair breakage.

Rice water for hair: Shine, smooth and lustre

Using rice water for hair is an easy way to ensure the hair look shiny and full of lustre. As the rice water adds a layer of protection especially against the pollution in the air, heat-inducing electronic hair appliances, chemicals in hair care products, etc. These make the hair lose its shine, and the rice water ensures that the hair remains smooth and shiny. Rice water is a natural conditioner that gives the hair a good bounce.

Rice water for hair: Hair growth

Another important reason to use rice water for hair is the fact that it helps hair growth, and you can see the increase in a short span itself! As the rice water helps protect the hair from damage, the hair remains healthy. The protein boost that the rice water gives to the hair helps it grow fast.

Rice water for hair: To eliminate dandruff and flakes
Tip: When treating your hair for dandruff, it might come back if you stop using rice water for hair. Ensure you use it regularly.
Fermented rice water - especially that made from red rice - inhibits the growth of Malassezia, a fungus that causes dandruff. So using rice water for hair will take care of the dandruff problem. It also gives a moisturising boost to the scalp and the hair, ensuring that the dry skin - which in turn causes flakes on the skin - is taken care of. Using rice water for hair weekly will keep dandruff and the flakes at bay.
There are many ways one can make rice water. There are different methods - soaking, boiling and fermenting.
HOW TO MAKE

Making rice water for hair by soaking

For this, you need to take half a cup of uncooked rice. You can use any type of rice for this. Wash the rice in flowing water to remove any impurities it might have. Then keep this washed rice in a big bowl and add two to three cups of clean water to the bowl. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Knead the rice after the time; the water will become cloudy. This is a sign that the minerals and vitamins in the rice have seeped into the water. Take another bowl and pour the water into it, straining out the rice.

Making rice water for hair by boiling

Take a bowl of rice for this in a utensil, and add the amount of water the rice will require for it to cook. Then add a cup or more extra water to this. After the rice is cooked, strain out any excess water into a separate bowl.
Tip: Don't use fermented rice water directly. Dilute it to be usable for hair and skin.
Making rice water for hair by fermentation

Take the rice as you would as mentioned in the soaking method. Once you have strained out the rice, store the water that remains in a closed glass jar in the open. Once there is a sour smell coming from the bottle, transfer this to the refrigerator. This is very potent rice water.

HOW TO USE

By using either the soaked, boiled or fermented rice water for hair, you can repair and strengthen damaged hair shaft while providing shine, elasticity and smoothness to the hair. There are a couple of ways to use rice water for hair as a rinse. Here are some of the different ways.

As a last rinse

After you shampoo and condition your hair, use the rice water for hair as the last rinse. Take one cup of fermented rice water, one cup of regular water and add five drops of lavender or rosemary oil to this. Pour it over your hair and massage it into the scalp and each strand of hair till the tips. Keep on for five minutes before rinsing it off.

As a pre-conditioner

After shampooing the hair, use the rice water for hair. Pour it over your hair and massage it into your scalp and hair. You can use fermented rice water with a few drops of essential oil that have beneficial properties for hair. Keep this in your hair for five to seven minutes before you wash off, and then follow it up with a deep conditioner. You could also apply the conditioner before rinsing the rice water for hair off.

As a hair mask

There are two ways you can use rice water for hair mask. One is using plain rice water; another is by making a paste to apply as a hair mask. The first way is where you need to first cleanse your hair with a mild shampoo. Then, apply the rice water all over your hair and scalp, and massage it in thoroughly. Cover your hair with a shower cap and keep it on for 15 minutes. Then wash it off using plain water.

In the second method, you need to use fermented rice water and add mustard powder to make a paste. Add some olive oil to the paste and mix well. Apply this paste to your scalp. Keep it for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off.

As a shampoo
Tip: Find the way that works for you the best, and use it for good hair.
You can make a home-made shampoo using rice water. Take one cup of rice water and add one teaspoon of shikakai powder to it. Add one-fourth cup of aloe vera juice to this. Add one to two tablespoons of castile soap or baby shampoo to the mix. Mix it all well, and store it in a secure bottle. This lasts for a week in the refrigerator. To use it, use it like the way you would use a regular shampoo.

As a co-conditioner

Another way to use rice water for hair is to add it to the hair conditioner. Take a tablespoon of conditioner and a tablespoon of rice water and use this as a conditioner.

RICE WATER FOR HAIR: FAQS

Q. When to use rice water for hair?

A. If your hair is looking dry and damaged and lustre-less, using rice water for hair will help you immensely. If your hair has , and are slow in growth, rice water for hair will help take care of those problems.

Q. Which method of making rice water for hair is better?

A. Soaking is the safest method, and boiling is also an easy way. But the fermented rice water is more potent and is richer in minerals, antioxidants and . Another reason for fermented water being better is the amount of pH levels in fermented rice water. In plain rice water, the pH level is higher than that of the hair; fermentation brings down those levels and aid in closing the cuticles and in turn, helping to protect the hair.

Q. Which rice to use for making rice water for hair?

A. You can actually use any type of rice - white rice, brown rice, basmati rice, short grain rice, jasmine rice, organic rice, etc.

Q. How long can one store rice water?

A. You can store rice water in the refrigerator for quite a while. Keeping it outside leads to it getting more fermented than what you might have wanted. So even if you're making fermented rice water, after keeping it out for two to three days, you should store it in the fridge.

Q. Can you add anything else to the rice water when using it?

A.Yes. You can use some drops of essential oils to add their goodness to the rice water for hair care. Also, you can add coconut or olive oil.

Q. How long can one keep rice water in the hair?

A. If you're using rice water for hair for the first time, start with five minutes. Depending on the purpose, and how your hair handles it, you can go up to 20 minutes.

Q. Are there any disadvantages of using rice water?

A. Keeping it in hair for too long can cause protein overload which can cause hair breakage. Using it often can lead to rice water build-up on hair and scalp if you're using hard water. Add shikakai, amla or lime or a natural clarifier that suits your hair to the hair rinse to ensure that the build-up is taken care off.

Q. Can I leave rice water in my hair overnight?

A. Don't overdo the use of rice water for hair. Keep it on for not more than 20 minutes.

Q. Can I consume rice water?

A. Yes, as this is a natural ingredient, it is consumable internally also. You can just drink it as is, or use it while cooking regular food.

Q. Can I use rice directly as is available in the market?

A. It is suggested that you wash the rice before making rice water to remove any chemicals, or dirt in the rice.

Q. Does rice water work for everyone?

A. Technically, yes. But if you could have an allergic reaction to some ingredient in the rice water. So before you use any product - natural or store-bought - always do a test before.

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Use Rice Water For Hair For A Beautiful Mane

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Rice is a staple food you'll find across the world, especially in Asia. While cooking rice, it is soaked in water, and most times the water is thrown away. But what you did not know that rice water for hair is very beneficial . Using rice water for hair will make it lustrous, smooth and fast-growing.

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For this, you need to take half a cup of uncooked rice. You can use any type of rice for this. Wash the rice in flowing water to remove any impurities it might have. Then keep this washed rice in a big bowl and add two to three cups of clean water to the bowl. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Knead the rice after the time; the water will become cloudy. This is a sign that the minerals and vitamins in the rice have seeped into the water. Take another bowl and pour the water into it, straining out the rice.

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Women in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia have used rice water as a hair treatment for centuries. But does rice water have any scientifically proven beauty benefits?

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.

This article looks at the beauty benefits of rice water hair treatments and whether scientific research backs up the purported results.

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Rice water may increase the shine of hair, make it stronger, and detangle it.

Rice grains contain 75-80 percent starch.

Rice water is the starchy water that remains after soaking or cooking rice.

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

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.

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.

In recent years, beauty advice websites and product developers have caught on to this tradition. Now, the rice water trend is spreading.

Advocates of using rice water for hair believe it:

detangles the hair

makes hair smoother

increases shine

makes hair stronger

helps hair grow long

As the popularity of using rice water for hair increases, there is growing anecdotal evidence about its benefits. But are the claims scientifically proven?

At first glance, a suggests they may be. The authors note that rice water may reduce surface friction and increase hair elasticity. However, the study relies on historical examples to draw unsupported conclusions.

Elsewhere, a research facility in Japan has developed an imaging technique that visualizes the strengthening effect of inositol on hair. Inositol is contained in rice water.

It is important to note that this research is published directly by a facility that may have commercial interests.

To date, the benefits of rice water for hair remain unproven. More research is needed to support anecdotal evidence about the benefits of rice water for hair.

There are several different ways to make rice water, including

Soaking

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.

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

In addition to its potential beauty benefits for the hair, rice water may also benefit the skin.

A found that the starch in rice water helped damaged skin heal for people with dermatitis.

Rinsing hair in rice water is a traditional beauty treatment popular in many regions in Asia.

Having gained attention online, this alternative beauty remedy is now popular across the world.

Many people find rice water to be a beneficial hair treatment. Historical examples and anecdotal evidence suggest rice water may improve the strength, texture, and growth of hair.

Most scientific evidence about the treatment is inconclusive, so more research is needed to prove the benefits of using rice water.

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. It has been found to promote skin health in people with dermatitis.

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Rice water for hair: Benefits and how to use it

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Rice water has been used as a traditional beauty treatment for centuries. It is said to make the hair strong, smooth, and shiny. It may also help it grow longer without split ends. In this article, we look at the scientific evidence behind these claims to find out whether rice water is an effective beauty treatment.

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live in a village called Huangluo in China, are famed for having hair that averages 6 feet long.

Huangluo village’s Red Yao tribe women use rice water for hair. The village is called ‘Land of Rapunzels’ because of the long hair that the tribe’s women have. It is also certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘world’s longest hair village’. The women have an average of six feet long hair.

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Have you ever wished you had long silky hair? Because I do every day. I am also trying to grow my bangs out faster because they are so annoying. This is how rice water benefits your hair.
Rice water has vitamins B, C, and E. These vitamins are excellent for your hair because they make the hair less prone to breakage, make your scalp more moisturized, and prevent hair loss. It can even help to keep your hair from graying as you get older.
But now, you're probably wondering who came up with this hair treatment. The people who practice this hair treatment very often and have been for more than 1,000 years are the women from the Huanglou tribe in China. They hold the Guinness World Record for the longest hair in the world, which is 1.4 meters. In their culture, their hair means a lot to them. It represents wealth, good health, and fortune. Now, if you are watching this I am guessing you have not been using rice water on your hair your entire life as they have been, so I cannot guarantee you too will break the world record. your hair will become healthier and grow faster though so that's good.
So, the women actually use fermented rice water but if you're too lazy to take that much time to make it, I will show you an easier way in a minute. Basically, they add all these extra ingredients to their water such as fleece flower root, tea bran, pomelo peels, and ginger. they then wash the rice, boil it, add their ingredients, and then they add it to a sealed jar for 4-5 days or even a month. It will then turn sour. They then wash their hair with the water, use a wooden brush to distribute it evenly, and rinse it off in river water. So if you have a clean river in your backyard, you're pretty lucky.
Here is a way easier option that is more manageable: You will need:
1/2 cup of white rice
2 or 3 cups of water
grapefruit slices
olive oil
Take the rice and clean it like normal. After, strain the rice and then put it into a bowl with 2-3 cups of water. Add the grapefruit slices and olive oil if you want to. cover the bowl and let it sit out for 30 minutes. Once it's done sitting and the minerals have been soaking in the water, strain the water into a bowl.
To actually put it in your hair, you are going to shampoo your hair normally. let your hair soak in the bowl while you massage it into your scalp. Then, leave it on for 15-20 minutes. rinse with warm water and condition. Some people have experienced protein overload from this, so be careful and ease your hair into this routine slowly.

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The 2010 study mentioned that using rice water for hair decreases surface friction and increases hair elasticity. A Japanese research facility is looking at creating an imaging technique that will visualise the strengthening effect of inositol – that can be found in rice water – on hair.