When meeting someone for the first time, the initial thing that catches your attention may vary. For some, it could be the hair – whether it’s the length, texture, color, or shine. An average human head contains around 100,000 hair follicles, yet hair loss is a common occurrence, with individuals shedding between 50 to 80 hairs daily.
An ancient beauty secret that has gained popularity is rice water, which has been used for centuries in different parts of the world, particularly in Asia, to promote healthy and lustrous hair. This nutrient-rich liquid has generated buzz on social media with claims of aiding in hair growth and frizz control. But does rice water truly live up to these claims?
Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, delves into the potential benefits and usage of rice water. Rice water is a starchy liquid obtained from soaking or cooking rice in water, with its starch content ranging from 60% to 90% depending on the rice type.
While many discard rice water after cooking, it can be repurposed for potential hair benefits. The use of rice water for hair health is not a recent trend, as it has been utilized in Asian traditions for skin and hair care remedies over thousands of years.
Rice water is rich in nutrients like Vitamin B, Vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and fiber, with zinc being crucial in the hair growth cycle. An antioxidant in rice water called inositol is believed to aid in hair growth, making hair healthier and shinier.
The village of Huangluo in China, known for women with long hair, attributes rice water as part of their hair care regimen. In Eastern cultures, rice water has been used as a natural detangler.
Making rice water at home is simple – after washing rice, save the water for use. There are various ways to apply rice water to the hair, including using it as a spray or soaking the hair in the liquid. Although Khetarpal does not explicitly endorse using rice water for hair health, she notes that it is unlikely to cause harm for those with normal, healthy hair and scalps. However, individuals with scalp psoriasis or eczema should avoid using rice water to prevent aggravating the condition.
It’s important to understand that hair growth typically follows a three to four-month cycle. Therefore, when incorporating rice water into your self-care routine, dermatologist Khetarpal advises giving it at least three to four months before determining its effectiveness.
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This article was originally published on USA TODAY, delving into the topic of rice water for hair. The dermatologist explains its benefits and offers guidance on how to utilize this natural remedy effectively.
