How To Use Fermented Rice Water For Long And Healthy Hair

How you style your hair can change the shape of your face. And for many women, hair is also a source of pride and even identity.

Rice water has long been used in Asia for clear skin and long, luscious hair.

The Yao minority ethnic women from Huangluo Village, in Guangxi Province, in southern China, have one striking feature in common—their extraordinarily long hair that stays black until they are around 80 years old. via EpochTimes

With their average hair length of about 6 feet, the Yao ethnic women made it to the Guinness Book of World Records as the “world’s longest hair village.” Part of their secret

to having such long hair lies in washing it with fermented rice water.

What Can Rice Do For Your Skin and Hair?

This grain is rich in antioxidants, minerals, vitamin E, and traces of pitera, a substance produced during the fermentation process.

These nutrients in the rice water help to heal scars and reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and inflammation, leaving the skin with a healthy glow (1).

Rice also contains iron, zinc and B-complex vitamins (2) that are essential for hair growth (3).

How To Make Rice Water

It’s really easy to make and will last a long time!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup uncooked organic rice (brown works well)
• 2 cups water
• essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. 1. Rinse the rice to remove any dirt or impurities.
   2. Place the rice in a bowl and cover with water.
   3. Let the rice soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
   4. Swirl it around or lightly knead it until the water turns cloudy. This will help the vitamins and minerals seep into the water.
   5. Strain out the rice water into a clean bowl, discarding the rice.
   6. Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature for a day or so. It should start to smell slightly sour.
   7. Once it’s done, boil the water for a few minutes to stop the fermentation process.
   8. Let it cool and add a few drop of essential oil (rosemary or lavender works well!).
   9. Store in container with a lid and refrigerate for up to a week.

How To Use Rice Water

For skin:

1. To use as a facial cleanser, dip a cotton ball into the rice water.
2. Gently massaging it into your skin for a couple of minutes to promote blood flow.
3. Let your face air dry, to make sure it absorbs all of the good stuff.
4. Follow up with a natural moisturizer.

For hair :

1. Grab a large bowl or basin as well as a measuring cup.
2. After shampooing, place your head over the basin and slowly pour the rice water unto your scalp.
3. Massage your scalp to help the mix sink in.
4. You can also dip the tips of your hair in the rice water.
5. Collect the rice water leftover in the basin and refrigerate for future use.
6. Wrap your hair in a shower cap and leave in for 20-30 minute.
7. Rinse with cold water.
8. Shower as usual.

You can adjust potency of the rice water by adding more water if your hair is oily. Be patient, it may take a few tries to get the perfect potency for your hair type!

Don’t use this treatment more then once week or the rice will start to build up on your hair shafts.

Some people prefer to use the treatment before shampooing, so don’t be afraid to switch it up a little!