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Rice Water: The Chinese Secret for Long and Strong Hair

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Helsinki chapter.

From nutritional supplements to scalp scrubs and moisturizing oils, there are countless products you can try to see your hair grow healthy and strong. But there is one secret that has stood the test of time and that EVERYONE is googling right now (searches have increased by 300%): Rice water – the ancient Chinese elixir which gives awe-inspiring results. Here’s everything you need to know about it, from its beneficial properties to how to make it at home.

 

A secret with ancient history

 

Rice water is nothing new. It is said that hair treatment with rice water began in a Chinese village where for many years Yao women, known for their shiny long hair, washed their lengths in a mixture of rice, water, pomelo peel, tea bran, roots, and ginger.

 

Rice water for hair: What are its beneficial properties?

 

Thanks to the high levels of protein, starch, amino acids and vitamins B and E, rice water deeply nourishes the hair and reduces “knots” and split ends while giving an irresistible shine. Even though millions of women swear by it, there is not much research to prove its positive effects on hair. 

 

How to make rice water for hair:

 

  1. Take a cup of raw rice and rinse it well.
  2. Put it in a bowl and add 2-3 cups of water.
  3. Leave it for half an hour and then strain it by storing the water in a jug.

 

How to use rice water for hair:

 

Start by washing your hair. Then, after rinsing the shampoo, pour the rice water onto your hair. Gently massage it into the scalp and leave on for 20 minutes. Afterwards, rinse your hair as you usually would. You can use rice water every time you wash your hair! 

Maria Printezi

Helsinki '24

I am a student of English Philology and Linguistics at the University of Helsinki.
Helsinki Contributor