Rice water has been used for hair since ancient times. The benefits of fermented rice water for hair include healthy and long hair by repairing damaged hair cells. The fermented rice water acts on hair roots and gives smoother and softer hair. Apart from hair damage repair, fermented rice water also helps remove frizz, helps with hair growth, and reduces hair fall.
Use homemade fermented rice water to nourish your hair with antioxidants and Vitamins. The PH of fermented rice water is suitable for hair and helps in hair growth. Let's look at how.
What Is Fermented Rice Water?
Fermented rice water is an excellent hair growth and health remedy. How do you make it? Rinse a handful of rice, drain it and set it in a clean, dry bowl. Then add filtered water to the bowl and leave it covered with a lid for about 24 hours. Ensure to strain the water the following day, pour it over your roots to tips, and leave it in for about 30 minutes.
The fermentation process enhances the benefits of rice water. Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin B, and E- studies suggest it provides all essential nutrients to your scalp for thicker, lustrous hair.
Is Fermented Rice Water Good for Hair?
Fermented rice water for hair is considered to be the best remedy for hair fall, damaged cells, and several other problems. Rich in vitamins B, C and E and antioxidants, it helps get frizz-free hair. Also, fermented rice water has a well-regulated PH that helps nourish the hair to make it flexible and smoother.
What Does Fermented Rice Water Do?
The fermented rice water has the perfect PH levels that are good for hair growth and nourishment. The fermented rice water acts as a natural hair conditioner. Further, rice water benefits hair by supplying it with the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. It makes the hair roots and length more elastic by closing the hair cuticles.
How Similar Are Rice Water and Fermented Rice Water?
There is a notable difference between rice water and fermented rice water, as the latter contains antioxidants that help repair damaged hair. Further, there is also a difference in their preparation methods.
Rice water is made when you cook rice and remove the starch. On the other hand, fermented rice water is made when you set aside the rice water for some time as it turns sour, i.e., ferments. Also, fermented rice water has a more suitable PH for hair comparatively.
Fermented Rice Water Benefits
Fermented rice water benefits the hair in several ways by nourishing the hair roots and length. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. Some of the benefits of fermented rice water for hair include the following:
1. Helps Achieve Frizz-free Hair
The use of fermented rice water for hair helps prevent frizzy hair. Inositol, a carbohydrate present in fermented rice water, helps achieve this. As per a study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, the carbohydrate also helps achieve better elasticity and texture and lower friction and frizz.
2. Chemical-free Hair Cleanser
The fermented rice water is rich in vitamins and has quite suitable PH levels for the scalp. It also acts as a natural conditioner for hair.
3. Reduces Hair Fall
Fermented rice water for hair is a natural protein booster that helps nourish hair and reduces hair fall. It supplies keratin and protein to the hair, thereby increasing the hair growth rate. Also, it repairs damaged hair and strengthens them, resulting in soft, long, and shiny hair.
4. Suitable PH and Rich in Antioxidants
Rice water has a PH that is slightly harmful to hair health. However, when the same rice water is fermented, the PH becomes suitable for hair growth. It helps penetrate the right amounts of vitamins for nourishing hair.
Also, fermented rice water works best on damaged cells and strengthens the hair. It gives frizz-free hair and also delays hair greying. Also, fermented rice water makes your hair shinier and smoother.
How to Make Fermented Rice Water for Hair?
Fermented rice water benefits for hair include smoother, shinier, and stronger hair. It is also a natural hair conditioner. To make fermented rice water for hair, follow these steps:
- Take rice in a cup. Rinse and discard the water.
- Now take a bowl and soak the same rice in about two cups of water. Let it soak for about 20 minutes with occasional stirring.
- Strain this water out and transfer it to a separate container.
- Set it aside overnight.
- In the morning, it should have turned sour, i.e., started to ferment. Note that the warmer the temperature, the better the fermentation.
- Some people may use boiled water as per their preference.
This way, you can get fermented rice water for hair.
How to Use Fermented Rice Water for Hair?
Fermented rice water for hair is quite beneficial for hair health. It strengthens and nourishes them with vitamins B, C, and E, antioxidants, and nutrients. The right way to use fermented rice water for hair is quite easy.
Remember that the fermented rice water should not be too hot as it can damage the hair scalp and hair.
- Massage a mild shampoo on your scalp.
- Wash off the shampoo.
- Now massage the fermented rice water to your scalp and rinse through your hair length.
- Leave the fermented rice water for about 20 minutes.
- Now rinse it off with lukewarm water and cleanse your hair thoroughly.
This method is the most widely used method for applying fermented rice water to hair.
Fermented Rice Water for Hair: How Does It Work?
Hair fall, itchy scalp, frizzy hair, and split ends are common issues that people have. It's best to provide your hair with a boost to combat these issues by using fermented rice water. It's simple to make and can boost your hair from the comfort of your home.
Also read: Khadirarishta for your scalp
Can We Use Fermented Rice Water for Hair Growth?
As fermented rice water boosts essential vitamins and mineral levels when applied correctly, it nourishes hair follicles. Furthermore, healthy hair follicles ensure better hair growth. Fermented rice water conditions your hair from roots to tips.
Hence, as far as hair growth is concerned, protein-loaded fermented rice water is an excellent DIY option to encourage it.
The Bottom Line
Ensure not to leave fermented rice water in your hair for too long, as this can dry out your scalp. When used correctly, this home remedy is an easy-to-follow fix for dry, brittle and damaged hair!
Also read: Pumpkin seed oil and peppermint for hair growth
FAQs
Can We Drink Fermented Rice Water?
Yes, drinking fermented rice water once every day is alright. It helps improve gut health and also boosts immunity.
As per a study by the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) Bhubaneswar in July 2021, fermented rice water is a great source of SCFA - Short Chain Fatty Acids. Further, it also helps in digestion and conditions like diarrhoea and relieves constipation and food poisoning.
Can I Use Fermented Rice Water Daily?
No, experts recommend a maximum of once or twice a week usage of fermented rice water for hair. Also, do not leave the fermented rice water on for more than 20 minutes on the hair and scalp. The reason for this is that the protein in fermented rice water might make hair frizzy and over-dried, thereby damaging the hair and scalp. As a result, overexposure to fermented rice water to hair may cause more hair fall.
Which is Better, Boiled Rice Water or Fermented Rice Water?
Fermented rice water is comparatively a better choice. One of the reasons for this is that the fermentation of the rice water makes the PH more suitable for hair and scalp. This makes fermented rice water a natural hair conditioner, which helps cleanse and strengthen the hair. Also, it makes your hair smoother, softer, and shinier.
