kamila-maciejewska-b2bXKspL5MY-unsplash.jpg

Benefits of Rice Water

As a salon owner I hear all the buzz on the latest trends for hair and skin. One of the more recent topics buzzing around is the benefits of Rice Water for skin and hair. When I overhear some of these buzzing topics, I know they’re silly off the cuff, though Rice Water for skin and hair was something I needed to find out more about.

I know that women in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia have used rice water as a hair treatment for centuries, though I never realized the scientifically proven beauty benefits! Rice water is thought to contain a plethora of vitamins and minerals contained in the rice including:

  • Amino Acids

  • B Vitamins

  • E Vitamins

  • Minerals

  • Antioxidants

Rice water is believed to provide the following benefits:

For Hair:

  • Detangles the hair

  • Makes hair smoother

  • Increases shine

  • Makes hair stronger

  • Helps hair grow long

For Skin:

  • Soothes the Skin

  • Acts as a Natural Sunscreen

  • Brightens and Lengthens

  • Anti-Aging Elixir

  • Minimize The Pores

  • Soothes Sunburn

How and When to Use Rice Water

For Hair: This process can be used in place of conditioner by following the steps below.

  • Step 1: Wash hair with shampoo

  • Step 2: Rinse thoroughly with water from the tap

  • Step 3: Pour rice water onto their hair

  • Step 4: Massage the rice water into the hair and scalp

  • Step 5: leave on for up to 20 minutes

  • Step 6: rinse hair thoroughly using warm water from the tap

For Skin:

  • As a Cleanser

    • Step 1: Cleanse your face prior to utilizing the rice water

    • Step 2: Soak a cotton ball and apply gently across your face

    • Step 3: Massage into the skin and let it sit for 10-15 minutes

    • Step 4: Rinse with cool water and pat your face dry

  • As a Toner

    • Step 1: Mix ½ cup rice water and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar and transfer to a spray bottle. Apple cider vinegar is an antibacterial ingredient which regulates pH of skin, helping to tighten facial pores while boosting blood circulation.

    • Step 2: Spray on your skin/face whenever you desire to help with breakouts, blemishes and discoloration.

Make your own Rice Water: There are two variations of creating your own rice water — soaking and boiling. Soaking is the quickest way to make rice water.

After trying both methods, I find I favor the boiling method. I’ve been utilizing this method for 3 months as a toner under my moisturizer and I’ve found myself feeling a much more dewy glow through this process.

Soaking Method:

  • Step 1: Take ½ cup of uncooked rice

  • Step 2: Rinse thoroughly

  • Step 3: Place rice in a bowl with 2–3 cups of water

  • Step 4: Leave to soak for 30 minutes

  • Step 5: Strain the rice water into a clean bowl

Boiling Method:

  • Step 1: Take ½ cup of uncooked rice

  • Step 2: Place rice in a bowl with 2–3 cups of water

  • Step 3: Cook the rice in boiling water and strain the rice water into a clean bowl for use