Rice Water for Hair Growth on 4c Hair & Side effects of rice water on Hair

This article on rice water for hair growth first appeared on Igbocurls.com

Hi, lovelies!

Over the past few months, I got a number of requests and questions about rice water spray for hair growth, so I decided to give it a shot and this video is about 2 ways to make rice water for massive hair growth on my type 4 natural hair and also to test if it works.

This is my experience.

You can find more DIY’s that will be beneficial for your hair journey here.

Rice water has its history from the ancient Heian period in Japan where the women there had long super flowing hair that they attributed to rice water.

Benefits of Rice Water for Hair Growth

There are several benefits of rice water which include:

1. Removes dandruff
2. Strengthens Strands
3. Stimulates Hair Growth
4. Helps improve the overall appearance of Hair

Rice water is also said to be rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that prevent hair loss and premature greying.

Rice water also contains inositol which some studies have found to be an ingredient that can penetrate into the hair shaft to repair damaged hair.

What You Need to Make Rice Water for Hair Growth

To make rice water for supposedly massive or overnight hair growth as we have seen, you will need the following.

• Rice
• Water
• Strainer
• Jar or Bottle

How To Make Rice Water for Hair Growth

Rice Water can be prepared in 3 ways:

1. Boiling
2. Soaked
3. Fermented

Fermented is usually best as it allows all the nutrients in the rice to be released in the water.

I purchase my rice locally to support the economy and they usually come in 100kg bags but because of this, it comes really dirty and sometimes with stones.

I have to take care to wash it properly before preparing a meal with it.

2 Ways to Make Fermented Rice Water Spray

The First Way

The first regular way to make fermented rice water spray is to pour a cup of rice into a container and fill it with 2 cups of water. Allow it to soak for 30minutes if you want it quickly or 24hrs if you want it fermented.

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

The Second Way

The second is to take another cup of rice and pour 2cups of water then blend it! I prefer this method because it instantly releases all the nutrients of the rice into the water.

STEP 1

Step 2

Step 3

Please note. I don’t blend the rice till it turns to a paste. I only allowed it to blend till it broke the rice down into smaller pieces.

The blender I used in the video is called the NutriBullet and it can be found in all major stores around the world.

Step 4

I proceed to filter the rice from the water and allow it to sit in a spray bottle for 24hours.

This is what it looks like the next day.

As you can see, the blended and fermented rice water is more concentrated than the unblended but soaked rice water.

The rice water can last for 7 days in the fridge but please pour it in the drain if you notice it has any foul odour.

The best way to use this treatment is as a rinse after you deep condition because from my experience, the amino acids within the rice present in rice water leaves my hair feeling hard.

In other words, you can use rice water as a DIY protein treatment.

How Fast Does Rice Water Grow Hair

From my experience, due to the presence of amino acids (protein) in rice water, continuous use of rice water as a last rinse after deep conditioning will lead to;

• Less Breakage &
• Less Shedding

thereby causing more length retention which would look like increased hair growth.

Let me explain further.

Rice water does not directly influence the growth of your natural hair in my opinion but used in conjuction with a healthy hair routine as a protein treatment, you will experience less breakage and more hair retention.

Side Effects of Rice Water on Hair and Skin

I have sensitive skin and when I used rice water on my natural hair, my skin began to itch immediately. I had red tiny bumps all over and it was so itchy! Like yam peels when they touch your skin.

I am still unsure why my skin reacted this way but this also serves as a word of caution to anyone trying to use rice water.

Please make sure to do a patch test before use so you don’t end up with any allergic reactions on your scalp or skin. Especially if you are pregnant, taking medication or you are just not sure how your body may react.

If you have used rice water, please share your experience below in the comment section and any contributions you may have.

Also, you can get natural hair growth tips here in my new book, 50 Tips & Tricks for Long Natural Hair.