Fermented Rice Water for Radiant and Healthy Hair

When it comes to beauty, it’s often the simple things that work magic. One such ancient mystical secret is DIY Fermented rice water in haircare. Women in Asian countries credit this for their beautiful long mane. 

Do you know The Guinness Book of World Records has declared Huangluo village in China as “the world’s longest hair village?” And do you know what’s the secret of their long tresses? 

They wash their hair with fermented rice water!

And it’s not a new invention!

According to researchers, Japanese women in the Heian period had floor-length hair. And that’s not it. In addition to their jaw-dropping tress length, their hair did not start greying until the age of 80.

Ancient Japanese books revealed that they used to bathe in rice water.

But it’s not just some tell-tale from an age-old dusty book. Beauty researchers are also agreeing to the potential benefits of fermented rice water in hair care. The nutrients in rice water can work wonders for your hair and skin. 

Studies have found that rice water contains a compound called inositol. This compound penetrates through damaged hair and repairs it from the inside out. It can also protect your hair from future damage.

Also Read: DIY Rice Scrub for Skincare

What is Fermented Rice Water?

The water you use to wash the rice, keep it aside for a day to ferment and it becomes fermented rice water. This water has anti-dandruff and anti-hair fall properties. It also restores the oil balance in your scalp. 

Many women say fermented rice water is the secret of their shiny black and silky soft hair.

Rice contains 75–80 percent starch. Fermented rice water is starchy which is super softening. It is nutrient-dense and contains eight crucial amino acids. This gives your hair nourishment to grow. Along with the amino acids, it also contains high levels of vitamins E, B, and C.

Vitamin E and B boost blood flow to the scalp. This supplies hair follicles with the nutrients it needs to grow. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant, which fights against oxidative stress. This protects your scalp against dryness and irritation. 

In addition, vitamin C is vital for the production of collagen. 

Also Read: Best Ayurvedic Remedies for Premature Greying of Hair

Fermented rice water vs. Plain rice water

Many say fermented rice water is better than plain rice water. A 2012 study revealed that fermented rice water has higher amounts of antioxidants. Some studies say fermented rice water enhances the benefits of plain rice water. 

Here’s why –

Plain rice water’s pH is higher than your hair’s natural pH. Fermentation brings down the pH levels thus making it suitable for your hair. It closes your hair cuticles and promotes healthy hair growth. 

Fermenting rice water enhances the vitamins and nutrients present in plain rice water. This nourishes your hair follicles, promotes healthy hair growth, and improves the overall condition of your hair.

Fermentation produces a substance called ‘pitera’. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and organic acids. This helps promote cell regeneration and keep your hair healthy.

Fermented rice water is acidic, and when you rinse your hair with it, it restores and balances the pH of your hair.

Fermented Rice Water in Haircare: Benefits

1. It’s the best DIY conditioner!

Rice water works quite well as a natural conditioner. It repairs your hair, strengthens it, and enhances elasticity. Rice water penetrates deep and gives a silky coating to your hair. This not only helps with detangling your hair but also makes it soft, smooth, and shiny.

It’s natural, effective, and free!

How to use fermented rice water for conditioning?

Rinse your hair with fermented rice water after shampooing. This will improve the texture of your hair by adding elasticity and volume. Rice water also tames your frizzy hair and makes your tress smooth and silky.

Also Read: 5 DIY Natural Hair Conditioners

2. It can help your hair grow

Fermented rice water is a great remedy for hair fall. Rice water contains 8 amino acids that help in the regeneration and faster growth of your hair. The fermented water also contains Vitamins B, C, and E, which further help in hair growth.

How to use fermented rice water for hair growth?

Rinse your hair with fermented rice water after washing it with shampoo. Repeat this at least twice a week for best results.

Also Read: How to grow hair naturally?

3. It protects your hair against damage and aging

Fermented rice water decreases surface friction and improves the elasticity of your hair. It also contains a compound called ‘inositol’ that shields your hair against damage. This compound remains in your hair even after rinsing off the water. 

Fermented rice water is also rich in antioxidants that fight the free radicals that damage your hair. This protects your hair against hair fall and greying. Plus, it’s able to penetrate, nourish, and condition our hair and scalp.

Fermented rice water is especially beneficial for color, chemical, and heat-damaged hair.

Also Read: How to apply henna for hair dye?

4. It can wash away your dirty Dandruff 

Fermented rice water has antifungal and antidandruff properties. It inhibits the growth of the fungus that causes dandruff. Thus, rinsing your hair with this water can help solve your dandruff problems. 

It moisturizes your scalp and can further kill your lice and nits. Thus, rice water can relieve itching and scratching.

How to use Fermented Rice Water for dandruff?

Pour the fermented rice water on your hair and massage your scalp gently using your fingers. Use this hair mask once or twice a week for best results. You can spray fermented rice water on your hair frequently for quicker results. 

Also Read: Ayurvedic Treatment for Dandruff

5. Say bye to your split ends forever!

Split ends occur because of a lack of protein, bad maintenance, or pollution. The amino acids in rice water help in repairing your hair damage. Fermented rice water can strengthen hair strands and seal split ends.

This cooling and nourishing natural serum soothe and balance the pH of the scalp. 

How to use Fermented Rice Water for split ends?

Soak your split ends in rice water for 20 minutes and then wash your hair. It’s that simple!

How to use fermented rice water in hair care?

• Take ½ cup of uncooked rice and rinse thoroughly.
• Place the rice in a bowl with 2–3 cups of water.
• Leave to soak for 30 minutes so that the water turns milky.
• Now strain the rice water into a clean bowl.
• Leave it for 12 to 24 hours to ferment.
• Pour the rice water onto your hair after shampooing.
• Massage the water into your hair and scalp.
• Leave it for max 20 minutes.
• Rinse your hair thoroughly.
• You can put the remaining rice water in a closed-lid jar in the refrigerator. 

You can use any type of rice – white, brown, basmati, short-grain rice, jasmine rice, or organic rice.  Store the excess water in a refrigerator and this shall last for a week. Some also add essential oils or olive oil to their rice water hair mask.

Cautions!

• Don’t let the water ferment for more than 24 hours.
• If you are using it for the first time, start with five minutes.
• Don’t leave it on overnight, and don’t exceed the 20-minute limit.
• Keeping it for too long can cause protein overload which can cause hair breakage.
• If you have a dry and sensitive scalp then avoid overuse of rice water.
• For protein-sensitive hair, avoid overusing it. It may turn your hair dry, stiff, and brittle.
• Don’t go for chemical-laden rice water shampoos, make it yourself for free.

Fermented Rice Water for Hair Care: It Works!

Centuries after centuries many people have reported the benefits of using fermented rice water for hair care. They testified that rice water improves the growth, texture, and growth of hair. The Rapunzels on this earth credit rice water for their floor-length hair. 

Though there is not much research backing these benefits of rice water, I am sure it’s just a matter of time. As the world whirls its way back to home remedies and natural hacks, researchers will soon pick rice water too!

Also, rice is a staple in this country. So, it won’t be such a task to keep the water aside. 

With so many benefits and such an easy procedure, it’s a must-try. There is one thing you should know though, that fermented water has a distinct smell. But that’s a little price to pay!