If, like us, you spend a lot of time on social media following hair trends, you've probably heard about rice water.

Before we get into the heart of the matter, a little general knowledge! The rice water trend is directly inspired by the Yao , a Chinese ethnic group whose particularity is to only cut their hair once in their life: when they reach adulthood. To maintain their beautiful, long hair, these women wash their hair with rice cooking water.

Through these lines, we will explain what rice water is , what its derivatives are but also the promise of this trend on your hair. Of course, you will also find several opinions and feedback on our experiences with rice water and rice cream after having integrated them into our hair routine for 3 weeks!

What is rice water?

The rice water trend actually includes several derivatives that promise different results. For example, there's rice cooking water, fermented rice water, and even rice cream !

Regarding rice cooking water, this is the technique used by Yao women. As its name suggests, rice cooking water is simply the water in which you have cooked your rice. Simply apply the rice water to your hair after washing it. Rice water is to be used as a rinse water; it will act as a conditioner. You can leave it on your hair, or rinse it out, as you prefer.

Regarding fermented rice water , this technique will allow you to release more of the rice starch present in the water. To prepare fermented rice water, ideally put ¾ tablespoons of rice in ⅘ volumes of water then let your rice water sit for two days at room temperature. You can keep it for a week in the refrigerator.

Finally, to avoid an unpleasant odor, don't hesitate to add a few mint leaves . Filter your rice water before using it and then use it as rinse water.

Several studies highlight the benefits of fermented rice water. Fermented substances contain a higher amount of antioxidants , which will help fight damage to the hair and scalp.

Finally, regarding rice cream , this technique is used more as a moisturizing mask for the hair. To prepare your rice cream, 2 tablespoons of rice will be enough to have a very thick cream. Simply boil your rice for 20 to 25 minutes then mix the solution to obtain a substance similar to rice semolina. Once your preparation is ready, simply apply your rice cream to your hair like a mask. Let it sit for 1 hour then rinse with clean, cool water.

Which rice water derivative(s) are good for my hair?

After several trials between the different treatments based on rice water, we recommend using rice water, fermented or not, for hair that tends to be oily while we recommend using rice cream for dry or curly hair.

Rice water will not affect the nature of your hair , meaning it will not make your hair less oily or less dry. However, you can count on rice water to have shinier and more hydrated hair!

The benefits of rice water and its derivatives

To get reliable information, we did our research to understand why there was all this hype around rice water, and especially if these facts were scientifically proven!

First, several scientific authors have noted that rice water can, on the one hand, reduce friction between the hairs and, on the other hand, increase the elasticity of the hair and make it smoother . Studies have also shown that rice water contains inositol , an ingredient capable of penetrating the hair to protect it. Some researchers have proven the effectiveness of inositol since it continues to act even after the rice water is rinsed. A research center in Japan has even implemented an imaging technique that demonstrates the strengthening effect of inositol on the hair. However, these results should be taken with a grain of salt because there may be a commercial interest behind this study, carried out for a brand.

Secondly, rice water is said to have properties that strengthen and protect hair by giving volume , shine and brilliance, particularly through the vitamins and minerals contained in rice, such as amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin E and antioxidants.

Finally, there is no scientific evidence that rice water increases hair growth. However, what is certain is that healthy hair grows faster than unhealthy hair, and as you can see, rice water promises to maintain hair in optimal health.

At LAO we are used to talking about hair, but we must admit that rice water also has very interesting properties for the skin ! Rice water will bring radiance and softness to your skin while keeping it hydrated .

The effects of rice water: myth or reality?

So we've been testing rice water for 3 weeks now and we have to admit that if we didn't stop testing earlier, it's because rice water convinced us! It's mainly because of the softness it brought to our hair that we joined it! However, in the space of 3 weeks, we can't say that our hair has grown faster than usual or that there is a miraculous effect.

For our part, we preferred to use rice cream with rice water, but it depends on the expectations of each person.

Our little tip: add a few drops of your favorite oil to the rice cream to make your hair even shinier !

To provide you with more answers about the effectiveness of rice water and its derivatives, we've gathered numerous opinions (thank you!) and testimonials about this trend. Feel free to share your own experience with us in the comments below!

After reading all your reviews and testimonials, we'd say this trend is one to follow and try ! Indeed, many of you have told us about the positive effects of rice water on your hair. We haven't had any negative feedback about this trend. What's even more convincing is that it works for all hair types !

You can find some reviews about rice water below:

Léna. L: “ The rice cream is just amazing ! I had very dry hair and in 2/3 treatments my hair was repaired and above all was very soft !”

Lisa. C: “I rarely use rice water (because I simply rarely have any) but when I do use it I love it!”

Edith. D: “I started using the rice water treatment three weeks ago. Well, I also mix it with castor oil and a little cornstarch . And I noticed a shine in my hair .”

Julie. V: “I was able to try the rice water, which I loved! The next day my hair was as soft as if I had used conditioner or a mask!”

Cloé. N: “I do it often! My hair looks amazing afterward, I love it!”

Kahyna. K: “I incorporated rice water into my hair cream. My hair is loving it. ”

Béa. J: “I've already used rice cream in my protein mask and I'm delighted with it.”

Sources:

- Medical News Today: "Rice water for hair Benefits and how to use it". November 2018. Available online: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321353#how-to-make

- Healthline: “ Can Rice Water Make Your Hair Stronger and Shinier?” September 2017. Available online: https://www.healthline.com/health/rice-water#Final-thoughts

- Development of hair-care products from rice water. (nd). Available online: : spring8.or.jp/pdf/en/indu_appli/p10-11.pd : note, this study may have been published for commercial purposes.