“By now, it is highly likely that the rice water method has gained global recognition. So, what precisely is the rice water method, and does it truly yield effective results? My initial encounter with this technique dates back to 2018 when I experimented with it for approximately three weeks. However, like many fleeting hair trends, I soon moved on to the next one. At that juncture in my life, my focus primarily revolved around being a first-time mother to my daughter, leaving me with scarce personal time and little consistency in pursuing other endeavors. Recently, though, the rice water method has made a resurgence in my sphere. Discussions among friends and family have prompted inquiries about my experience with it. In the past, I watched countless videos on this method and attempted to replicate the approaches suggested by various individuals, yet I always felt that something was amiss. Consequently, I have conducted extensive research that delves into the historical aspects of rice water, aiming to address any queries you might have. I trust that you will find this article engaging and informative. Please feel free to leave a comment should you have any further questions or suggestions.”
What is Rice Water
Rice water is the translucent liquid obtained by soaking or cooking rice, characterized by its milky appearance. This starchy water is a byproduct of rice preparation, resulting from the process of rinsing or boiling rice. Rich in nutrients, rice water possesses the ability to promote scar healing, diminish wrinkles and fine lines, and alleviate inflammation, ultimately bestowing a radiant and healthy complexion upon the skin.
Rice water is rich in vitamins and minerals to include:
- amino acids
- B vitamins
- vitamin E
- minerals
- antioxidants
- and traces of pitera (a substance produced during the fermentation process).
History:
The secrets of rice water find their roots in the historical practices of Chinese (specifically Yao women), Japanese, and Southeast Asian cultures. For centuries, fermented rice water has remained a cherished beauty ritual among village women and esteemed imperial princesses in the East. This time-honored tradition, dating back to ancient times, has been attributed to the cultivation of beautiful hair.
The ancient village of Huangluo in China, also known as Long Hair Village, is renowned for its inhabitants’ exceptionally long and lustrous hair. The women of the Yao tribe, in particular, are celebrated for their average hair length of up to 6 feet and their absence of grey hair. This remarkable attribute is attributed to their practice of bathing in rice water. Within the Yao culture, hair holds immense value and is considered a prized possession, symbolizing prosperity, longevity, wealth, and good fortune. Additionally, the various hairstyles worn by the Yao women carry significant meaning, representing important life milestones such as marriage and other significant events.
According to research, in the period of 794 to 1185 CE, the Heian women of Japan attributed their floor hair length to bathing in rice water. In the Heian period, as early as the 9th century, women at the Japanese imperial court used fermented rice water to keep their hair long, healthy, and beautiful. The Heian era marked the peak of Buddhism, Taoism, and other Chinese influences in Japanese history.
As part of their tradition, Yao women engage in a significant hair ritual by cutting their hair only once in their lifetime, typically when they reach the age of 18 and are ready for marriage. This cherished custom involves gifting the cut hair to their grandmother. The grandmother carefully keeps the hair and later returns it to the owner, who wears it as a cherished hairpiece on her wedding day. This practice holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing the passing of wisdom, heritage, and familial connections from one generation to the next.
Benefits of Rice Water
Beyond imparting a lustrous shine, washing the hair with fermented rice water offers a multitude of benefits. It effectively nurtures the hair, rendering it soft, resilient, and healthy. Moreover, rice water extends its benefits beyond hair care and finds utility for the face and body as well. Cleansing the face with rice water is believed to promote skin softness, enhance complexion, firm the skin, and minimize pore size. By incorporating rice water into their skincare routine, individuals can experience its potential to rejuvenate and improve overall skin health.
Notable benefit of Rice water:
- detangles the hair
- makes hair smoother
- increases shine
- makes hair stronger
- helps hair grow long
Rice water has been found to be beneficial for individuals with dermatitis, a condition characterized by skin inflammation. Studies have shown that regular exposure to bath water containing rice starch can contribute to a significant improvement in the healing capacity of damaged skin. Specifically, engaging in 15-minute baths twice daily with rice-starch-containing water has resulted in a notable 20% enhancement in skin healing. This underscores the potential of rice water in promoting skin health and aiding in the recovery of damaged skin for individuals with dermatitis.
How to make Fermented Rice Water:
Soaking is a common method for preparing rice water, but boiling is also a viable alternative. Both methods have their advantages and can yield beneficial results. If you prefer the boiling process, it involves simmering the rice in water and then extracting the resulting starchy liquid. This boiling method can potentially enhance the concentration of nutrients in the rice water. Ultimately, the choice between soaking and boiling comes down to personal preference, as both methods have proven effective in harnessing the beneficial properties of rice water.
To ferment rice water, begin by thoroughly rinsing uncooked rice to ensure that any dirt or impurities are removed. Next, place the cleaned rice in a bowl or a container with a lid, and add fresh and clean water. It is important to have a larger quantity of water compared to rice since the rice will expand. To counteract the natural odor of the fermenting rice water, you can add one or two pieces of orange, lime, or lemon peel. Allow the rice water to sit at room temperature, away from direct light, for approximately 24 to 48 hours, allowing it to undergo fermentation. Once the fermentation process is complete, strain the rice water into a clean container or a spray bottle. At this point, it is ready for use.
What type of rice to use?
Indeed, when preparing rice water for various recipes, you have the flexibility to use different types of rice. Whether it is white, brown, jasmine, basmati, or any other variety, the choice is based on personal preference. Each type of rice may impart a slightly different fragrance or texture to the resulting rice water, so you can select the one that aligns with your taste and desired outcome. Feel free to experiment with different rice varieties to find the one that best suits your preferences and needs.
Boiling process:
To prepare rice water using the boiling method, follow these steps:
- Begin by rinsing the rice thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities or dirt.
- Once the rice is cleaned, transfer it to a pot.
- Add a significant amount of water to the pot, ensuring that you use a ratio of at least four times more water than rice. For example, if you use half a cup of rice, add two cups of water.
- Place the pot on the stovetop and bring the water and rice to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the rice cook in the water for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the grains are fully cooked and soft.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and strain the rice water into a clean container or bowl.
- Allow the rice water to cool down before using it on your hair, face, or body.
After the cool-down period, strain the rice water into a bowl, then you can add about two to three drops essential oils: tea tree, lavender, or rosemary. Adding essential oils will help keep the scent of the rice water fresh and not sour.
Following these steps will allow you to create rice water using the boiling method, ensuring that you have a clean and concentrated liquid for your desired application.
How to use Rice Water:
After shampooing your hair, rice water can indeed serve as a substitute for the conditioning stage. Once you have thoroughly rinsed out the shampoo or co-wash from your hair, you can proceed to apply the rice water. Here’s a step-by-step process:
- Ensure that your hair is properly rinsed and free of any residual shampoo.
- Pour the rice water onto your hair, starting from the scalp and working it through the ends of your hair.
- Massage the rice water gently into your scalp, ensuring that it is evenly distributed.
- You can choose to leave the rice water on your hair for 20 minutes or even several hours, depending on personal preference and hair needs.
- After the desired duration, rinse out the rice water thoroughly with water.
- Some individuals prefer leaving the rice water in their hair for an extended period, even up to a week, before shampooing it out on their next wash day. This is a personal choice and can be adjusted based on your hair’s response and your own preferences.
- If you choose to leave the rice water in your hair for an extended period, it’s important to monitor the condition of your hair and scalp to ensure it remains healthy.
By following these steps, you can effectively utilize rice water as a conditioning treatment for your hair, tailoring the duration and frequency based on your individual needs and preferences.
Where to store rice water
To maintain the freshness and prevent further fermentation of rice water, it is advisable to store it in the refrigerator. The cold temperature of the refrigerator helps to slow down the fermentation process and keep the rice water preserved for a longer period. It is recommended to transfer the rice water into a clean and airtight container before refrigerating it. This way, you can ensure its longevity and maintain its effectiveness when you use it for your hair or skincare routine. Remember to discard any rice water that shows signs of spoilage or an unpleasant odor.
Does Rice Water REALLY WORK???
While there is anecdotal evidence suggesting that rice water can reduce surface friction and enhance hair elasticity, the true value and effectiveness of rice water as a hair regimen have been passed down through generations in the ancient practices of the village people of Huangluo and Yao. These communities have cherished rice water as a sacred haircare tradition for centuries. The testimonials and experiences of these individuals carry immense weight, as their long-standing dedication to using rice water reinforces its perceived benefits and significance. The cultural heritage and longstanding traditions surrounding the use of rice water in these communities underscore its deep-rooted importance and the belief in its positive effects on hair health.
Source
De Paepe, K., Hachem, J. P., Vanpee, E., Roseeuw, D., & Rogiers, V. (2002). Effect of rice starch as a bath additive on the barrier function of healthy but SLS-damaged skin and skin of atopic patients [Abstract]. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 82(3), 184–186
