Want to know how to use a rice water rinse for curly hair? Want to know the secret ingredient for getting SUPERCHARGED growth from your rice water? Keep reading to find out!
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It may surprise you to learn that you can use rice on your hair, but trust me, it totally works! Once you try it, it just might be your favorite DIY hair growth method ever.
You may feel like your hair is stuck at a certain length (it’s shoulder length, isn’t it? I’ve been there too), and you just aren’t getting the length and hair strength you want.
If you want to boost your hair growth, you have to try rice water rinses! Rice is full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids to help nourish the hair and scalp, and strengthen your strands to reduce breakage.
Whether you want to stimulate hair growth, increase protection against breakage, or increase elasticity, this DIY hair treatment is for you. Keep reading to find out how to use a rice water rinse for curly hair, with a special ingredient!
How to Make Rice Water Rinses for Curly Hair
Rice water is the water that’s left over after rice has been left to soak in it. Rice water has been used for hundreds of years by women in Asia to promote healthy hair growth, strengthen the hair, and make the hair shiny.
It’s most popularly known to us in North America because of its use by the Yao women in China. Their method takes several ingredients and a lot of time, as it’s often left to ferment for up to a month.
The recipe below is a less time-intensive method, and this is what I find has given me rapid hair growth, so I swear by it!
So…here’s the special ingredient for extra potent rice water for super fast, healthy hair growth: black rice!
Black rice is amazing to use for hair rinses because it contains more protein and vitamin e than white rice, and is rich in minerals and antioxidants. It’s SO good for encouraging hair growth and a healthy scalp.
If you don’t have black rice, that’s totally fine – you can use regular white rice and still get benefits! Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of black rice
- 32 oz glass jar
- Water
- Large mixing bowl
- Towel
- Plastic cap
In this recipe you can see that I’m using two kinds of rice. I used 1/4 cup of black rice and 1/4 cup of wild rice because I’m extra, but you can stick with 1/2 cup of black rice.
BONUS TIP: Add in a few drops of essential oil to stimulate the scalp, and help with any flakes or dryness. Read this post to find out about how great spearmint oil is for hair health!
Directions:
- Wash your rice by rinsing it with water (the water should run clear)
- Add the rice to the jar, and fill to the top with water
- Let sit for 24 hours (or leave it to ferment for up to a week)
NOTE: If you’re leaving the rice water to ferment for more than a day or two, the smell of fermentation can be quite strong. Check out this post for an easy solution:
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- When ready to use, strain the rice from the water
- With your head positioned over the mixing bowl, slowly pour the rice water over your hair
- Reuse the water that is caught in the bowl as many times as needed to soak your entire head and scalp
- Gently squeeze out the excess water, and secure your hair in a bun or clip
- Cover your shoulders with a towel to catch any drips, and cover your hair with a shower cap
- Leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse
NOTE: If your hair has product buildup, shampoo beforehand, and use the rice water on damp hair.
That is how to make and use a super potent rice water rinse for curly hair. Use this treatment weekly, and watch your hair growth take off!
When using black rice, the water quickly turns dark. Don’t worry, it doesn’t stain your skin or hair.
Rice Water Rinse + Curly Hair: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Stimulates hair growth
- Increases elasticity which helps prevent breakage
- Strengthens damaged hair and increases hair’s resistance to environmental damage
- Gently cleanses the hair and scalp
- Prevents hair loss and shedding
- Reduces scalp flakes, itching and dandruff
- Increases shine
- Rice is easy to find and low cost
Cons:
- It takes several hours for the rice water rinse to be ready, so be sure to set a reminder ahead of your next wash day
- Using rice water too often can make the hair feel brittle – be sure to regularly use moisturizing hair masks or deep conditioners
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Rice Water Rinse for Curly Hair FAQ’s
How Often Should I Use Rice Water On My Hair?
Curly hair often tends to be on the dry side, so start with using it once a week at most and see how your hair feels.
Ensure that you are balancing rice water with moisturizing treatments, like shea butter. For a super nourishing easy shea butter and oil hair treatment, check out this post!
Who Shouldn’t Use Rice Water Rinses?
Hair that has already been treated with too much protein and as a result is brittle and in need of moisture. Of course, those with a rice allergy should avoid this treatment.
Can This Damage My Hair?
The side effects of using rice water are pretty mild, and it’s unlikely you’ll experience damage. To avoid brittleness, start slowly with using the rice rinse every 2 weeks.
Black rice water rinses are an amazing DIY hair growth treatment for curly hair. Add this recipe to your hair routine and watch how fast your hair grows!
Don’t forget to Pin this post to save the recipe for later!
