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If you have dull curls and slow hair growth, then you might benefit from the popular rice water treatment for curly hair. But what exactly is a rice water rinse, why would you want to use it on curly hair, and how would you go about making one? Continue reading to find out the answers to your questions.
What Is a Rice Water Rinse?
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A rice water rinse is a protein treatment that involves rinsing the hair with rice water. Rice water is a starchy liquid that is made from boiling or cooking rice. This liquid is loaded with antioxidants, amino acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. People with curly hair favor this treatment since it can maintain the overall health of their hair and promote hair growth.
Rice Water Benefits for Curly Hair
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The rice water rinse fad claims that this starchy liquid has a variety of benefits, including:
- Increases hair shine
- Smoothens hair
- Encourages the growth of thicker hair
- Reduces surface friction
- Removes dandruff
- Strengthens the hair shaft
- Calms a dry, irritable, flaky, and scaly scalp
- Detangles hair strands
- Increases the volume and definition of the curls
Rice water hair treatments can also have a mild cleansing effect and stimulate blood flow to the scalp. Additionally, the protein in the water coats the hair strand, protecting it from damage.
How to Make a Rice Water Rinse for Curly Hair
A rice water rinse can be made in three different ways: boiling, soaking and fermenting. To prevent harmful pesticides and poisons like arsenic, which are frequently included in processed rice, choose organic rice.
Soaking Method
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The rice water soak method is the simplest and quickest method to make your own rice water rinse. To make a rice water rinse using this technique, follow the steps below:
- In a large bowl, place 1/2 cup of uncooked rice grains.
- Rinse it thoroughly, then strain.
- After that, add 2-3 glasses of fresh water to the bowl with the grains.
- Give the rice 30 minutes to soak.
- Pour the liquid into another bowl after 30 minutes.
Boiling Method
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For this rice water method to work, the rice grains must be boiled. To make a rice water rinse using this technique, follow the steps below:
- In a large bowl, place 1/2 cup of uncooked rice grains.
- Rinse it thoroughly.
- Place the rice in a pot of boiling water.
- Cook the rice.
- Let the liquid cool after straining it through a sieve.
Fermentation Method
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According to a study, foods that have undergone fermentation contain higher antioxidants. To make a fermented rice water rinse, follow the steps below:
- In a large bowl, place 1/2 cup of uncooked rice grains.
- Rinse it thoroughly.
- Add 3 cups of water.
- Strain the rice.
- Let the rice water ferment for at least 48 hours.
How to Use a Rice Water Rinse
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Regardless of which method you used, using a rice water rinse is the same. To revitalize your curls using a rice water rinse, follow the steps below:
- Use regular shampoo to wash your hair.
- Pour a cup of rice water onto your dripping wet hair.
- Put a shower cap on your head and let it stay for up to 20 minutes.
- Rinse it out, condition your hair, as usual, then style it as desired.
As an alternative, you can mix the rice water rinse with a deep conditioner and wash as usual.
How Often Can You Use a Rice Water Rinse?
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You can use a rice water rinse once a month if your hair has low porosity. If your hair has medium or high porosity, you should use it once a week.
There are no set rules for how frequently you should rinse with rice water to maintain your curls. Pay attention to your hair's needs and adjust the rice water rinse as necessary. After the rice water rinse, you'll notice that your lifeless, drab curls come back to life.
Is It Safe to Let Rice Water Sit on Your Hair All Night?
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Since rice water is a very concentrated rinse, it doesn't take long to observe the effects after using it. Applying rice water as an overnight treatment is not necessary nor advised since it might cause hair loss and promote the growth of yeast.
Summary
If you have a curly girl method and routine, adding the rice water rinse to it is a great idea. Rice water rinses are easy, affordable, and provide a wealth of amazing benefits for your curls. If you haven't tried one yet, go ahead and do so!
