Have you ever heard of using rice water for your hair? I hadn’t either until a friend recommended it. After two weeks of using it, I can’t believe how much better my hair looks. At first, I was hesitant; I thought it wouldn’t work, but I was shocked.
In this article, I’ll share with you how and the process I followed to achieve shinier, healthier, and stronger hair.
Why Rice Water?
You may wonder why something as simple as rice water is getting so much attention for hair care. Well, here’s my experience: when I first heard about it, I thought it was just another trend. But then I saw some of my friends, who swear by it, flaunting shinier, healthier hair.
They had used rice water for a few weeks, and their hair looked incredible. Curious, I thought, “Why not give it a try?”
So, I started making rice water at home and adding it to my routine. The results were nothing short of amazing. I was shocked at how much healthier my scalp felt, and my hair felt stronger, smoother, and shinier. But there’s more to it than just that.
Rice water is packed with nutrients that help your hair grow and stay healthy. It has amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that feed your hair and scalp. It’s simple, natural, and can be done at home without spending money.
Plain vs. Fermented Rice Water: What’s the Difference?
So, I made the rice water, and guess what? I didn’t ferment it! I didn’t think it would make a huge difference. But trust me, once I learned the difference between plain and fermented rice water, I kicked myself for not giving it the extra time.
The fermentation process activates even more goodness in the rice water. It makes the nutrients break down better, which helps your hair absorb them quicker.
When I finally fermented the rice water, the results were so much better! The rice water was smoother, and it felt like it did more for my hair. The best part? It wasn’t hard to do. Just let it sit for a day or two, and you have supercharged rice water that will make your hair thrive.
What Happens After Two Weeks of Using Rice Water?
I know it sounds like I’m exagerating, but after using rice water consistently for about two weeks, I saw real changes. Here’s what I noticed:
1. Hair That Shines
My hair had this beautiful, natural shine to it. It wasn’t greasy, just soft and glowing. It looked healthy.
2. My Scalp Felt Healthier
The best part for me was how my scalp felt. No more itching, no more dry flakes, and no more irritation. It felt clean and balanced. I never thought rice water would help with that, but it did.
3. Less Breakage, Stronger Hair
I was always dealing with split ends and hair that broke easily. After two weeks of using rice water, my hair felt stronger and less fragile. I noticed fewer strands falling out during my routine, which made me feel like it was finally getting the care it needed.
4. Growth: It’s Happening!
I didn’t expect a miracle, but after two weeks, I could see that my hair was growing. It wasn’t drastic, but the difference was enough to get me excited. The rice water really seemed to support healthy hair growth.
How to Make Fermented Rice Water
Making rice water is easy, but getting it right is what matters. Here’s how I make it at home.
1. Clean Your Rice
Start by washing the rice. You don’t want all that excess starch and dirt in your water. Give it a good rinse until the water runs clear. You’ll be surprised at how much dirt comes off!
2. Soak the Rice
Once it’s clean, place it in a bowl and add water to it. I usually use about 2 cups of rice and 4 cups of water. Let it sit for a couple of hours, and then strain it. This is your base rice water.
3. Ferment It!
Take that strained rice water and leave it in a jar or bowl at room temperature for 24-48 hours. You’ll start to smell a slight fermentation odor, and that’s when you know it’s ready. This is the step that takes the rice water from “good” to “amazing.”
4. Store It
Once it’s fermented, store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. It can last for about a week, but make sure you use it regularly for the best results.
How to Apply Rice Water
Here’s how to get the most out of your rice water:
- Pour the rice water onto your scalp and hair. I like to do this in the shower so it’s easy to rinse off afterward.
- Gently massage it into your scalp for a few minutes. This helps the nutrients soak in.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. If you can, wrap your hair in a towel for a deep treatment.
- Rinse it out with cool water. You’ll notice your hair feels softer right away.
Extra Tips: Using Rice Water on Your Skin
Rice water is not just for your hair! It can be a toner for your skin, too. I tried it one day, and it left my skin feeling soft and refreshed. The antioxidants and vitamins in rice water can help improve your skin texture, brighten dark spots, and fight acne.
To use it on your face, just soak a cotton pad in the rice water and gently wipe it over your face after cleansing. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water. You’ll feel like you’ve just had a spa day.
Mistakes to Avoid
Like most natural remedies, there are some common mistakes that can mess with your results. I made some of them myself.
- Not fermenting the rice water – If you skip this step, you’re missing out on the full benefits.
- Using it too often – Too much rice water can dry out your hair. Stick to once or twice a week.
- Not rinsing properly – Don’t leave rice water in your hair for too long. Always rinse it out.
| Common Mistakes | Do’s | Don’ts |
Fermentation Process | Let the water sit for 24-48 hours to ferment. | Skip the waiting period. |
| Frequency of Use | Apply the rice water once or twice a week. | Use it too often. |
| Application Technique | Massage gently into the scalp and hair. | Rub harshly or rush the process. Rinsing Off |
| Rinsing Off | Rinse thoroughly after 15-20 minutes. Leave it in for too long. Storage | Leave it in for too long. Storage |
| Storage | Keep the fermented water in the fridge. | Store it in warm places. |
Final Thoughts
Rice water is simple but effective. After using it regularly, I saw real improvements in the health of my hair and scalp. It doesn’t take much effort, and it’s all natural, which is what I love most.
Give it a try for yourself, and you might be surprised at how much it can improve your hair. Just make sure to take your time with the fermentation process, and you’ll see the benefits.
