Rice water has amazing hair and skin benefits. A recent research has shown that rice water exhibit hair care effects, such as decreasing surface friction and improving hair elasticity. Rice water has inositol, a carbohydrate, that can repair damaged hair, as well as protect it from damage. Specialized imaging technique shows that inositol stays inside the hair even after rinsing, offering continuing hair protection and beautifying effects.
So, Rinsing or washing your hair with rice water will improve manageability and protect it from future damage. In addition, the amino acids in the rice water strengthen the hair roots, add volume and sheen and make hair silky smooth. These awesome benefits explains the 6 feet, healthy, long and beautiful hair of the Yao women.
Not limited to hair, rice water also has many skin benefits. Due to its cooling and soothing effects on skin, rice water is often prescribed by ayurvedic practitioners as an effective ointment to cool off inflamed skin.
Rice water also has moisturising, antioxidant, and healing properties that help to improve circulation, prevent or fade age related spots, and ease inflammation to give you healthy, better moisturised and clear skin. As long as it’s left on the skin, rice water is even believed to offer mild protection from the sun.
Rice Water for a Hair Rinse
Rice water – plain or fermented – is an excellent conditioner. It repairs and strengthens damaged hair shaft while providing elasticity and smoothness.
For extra nourishment, add a few drops of essential oils such as rosemary, lavender or chamomile.
After shampooing, pour the rice water on your hair. Gently massage your scalp and hair and leave it on for 4 to 5 minutes (or up to 20 minutes if you have time). Then rinse your hair thoroughly with plain water. Use it once a week as a last rinse.
Rice water shampoo
Rice water contains natural saponins, so it can also be used as a mild cleanser. For better cleansing add some lime peel powder, shikakai powder or orange peel powder to this water.
Some people also use rice water along with black/green tea, it helps add extra shine and strength to your hair. Plus, tea is also useful to reduce hair loss.
Rice Water as a Facial Cleanser or toner
This is one of the cheapest way to pamper your skin.
Using rice water to cleanse your face is as simple as dabbing a bit onto your face and gently massaging it into your skin for couple of minutes. With regular use you will notice your skin feeling soft, tight, and radiant.
You can also use rice water as a toner. Use like any other toner – apply to face after cleansing to minimize the appearance of pores and tighten skin.
Fresh Rice Bath Soak
Treat your skin to a fabulous DIY spa with rice bath and lavender soak. Take a small muslin bag and fill the bag with 1/2 cup rice and 2 tsp lavender flowers. Place the muslin bag into the water. Soak in the tub and relax fully.
Also, instead of lavender flowers try other skin beautifying ingredients such as orange peel, lemon peel, green tea, tulsi leaves (holy basil), neem leaves, and calendula petals.
DIY Ground Rice Body scrub
Do not throw away the left over rice, simply grind it to make a nourishing body scrub. You can also add other ingredients to this scrub based on your skin’s need. Example: for soft, smooth, and blemish free skin add couple of teaspoons of olive or coconut oil, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and/or few drop of essential oils (lavender, sweet orange) to the ground rice and combine thoroughly. Use this once a week or once every 15 days.
Which Rice To Use
Every type of rice has its own benefits to your hair and skin. Plus, the way rice water is obtained, rinsing, boiling, fermenting – will also change the nutrient content and pH of this water. So experiment freely and see what works best for your hair and skin.
