If you like to stay up to date on the newest trends and techniques in the natural hair community, chances are you’ve heard about the resurgence of this popular hair growth product: rice water. Although it may sound eccentric to some, rice water is thought to contain several vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E and magnesium that make hair shiny and promote rapid growth.
And similarly to a lot of trends, it’s been done before! It’s actually an ancient hair and skin product that has been used by women in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia for hundreds of years. Interested in the history and specific benefits of rice water? Check out this article.
While there isn’t much in the way of scientific research to prove the benefits of rice water, the natural and curly community have been raving over it, with some people experiencing a noticeable difference in hair growth and overall quality within a very short period of time.
Convinced you need to give this method a try? Here are 5 Youtube tutorials to get you started:
1. Lana Summer
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI_X44qgeqs&t=118s
Lana Summer shows you an easy way to prepare rice water 2 ways: plain and fermented. The biggest difference between the results of plain vs. fermented rice water is the potency of the rice water. All of the vitamins and nutrients available in rice water are enhanced through the fermentation process. If you’re concerned about the sour smell (and there will be one”>, she recommends adding a bit of orange peel and lavender essence. Also, find out the difference between boiling and not boiling the rice and why Lana chooses not to use boiled rice water.
2. Maryam Hampton
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQIllsjXFoc&list=WL&index=11&t=0s
Overnight rice water spray? Yes, please. Maryam Hampton, who has been using rice water for over two years, shares her tips for using fermented rice water as a leave-in and a detangler, conveniently applied with a spray bottle. A perfect method for stretched styles.
3. IAMTRAEH
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76c-TcKpkeo&list=WL&index=8
For those curlies looking to get straight to the point, IAMTRAEH’s quick video explains the basics of rice water and the essentials of everything you need to know on how to make it, in just two minutes.
4. WillOnAWhim
Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLwyap8u2Mw&list=WL&index=11
WillOnAWhim hilariously documents his first time using rice water, and drops some knowledge about the science behind the fermentation process as well as why sealing your rice water in some sort of container or jar is important. Find out what the end results were on his low porosity hair and be thoroughly entertained in the process.
5. Lookintomylife
Embedded content: https://youtu.be/7QUsthnRW90&list=WL&index=7
Looking to use rice water as more of a refresher? Lookintomylife uses her rice water to help moisturize and detangle her type 4 hair as well as restyle her braidout.
Have you tried incorporating rice water into your regimen? If not, are you feeling inspired yet? Let us know in the comments and look here for more rice-related hair hacks.
