Do you know what is Asia’s best-kept beauty and hair care secret? It is fermented rice water. Yes, you heard that right. While the rest of the world has slept on rice water for so long, women in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia have used fermented rice water for generations. We often overlook the simple things in life and such is the case with fermented rice water for hair. A tumbler of rice water is all you need for gorgeous hair. Fermented rice water has been used for centuries to treat all hair problems. 

Fascinated by this simple hair care hack, scientists discovered that fermented rice water is rich in inositol which is the ingredient that can penetrate damaged hair and repair it from within. Therefore, you’re looking at the solution for all your hair problems. 

The best thing about fermented rice water is that it prevents your hair from future damage and it is very easy to make. In this article, we have covered everything you need to know about fermented rice water from how to make fermented rice water to how to use fermented rice water for hair. Read on to know all the hacks on how you can use something as basic as fermented rice water, normally deemed useless can turn out as medicine that can save your hair. 

What is Fermented Rice Water and How to Make Fermented Rice Water?

Fermented rice water is the starchy water that is left after the rice is cooked in it or left to soak for a few hours. It is believed that fermented rice water makes your hair smooth and shiny while preventing future damage by strengthening the roots.

There are several ways to make fermented rice water for hair care. Follow these steps to learn how to make fermented rice water for hair. 

• Soaking

The easiest way to make fermented rice water is through soaking. All you need to do is take half a cup of uncooked rice and rinse it thoroughly for a good few minutes. Now, place the rice water in a bowl with about two to three cups of fresh water. Leave it to soak for anywhere between 30 minutes to one hour. Now, strain the rice in a clean bowl and save the rice water for your hair. 

• Boiling

Another quick and effective way to make fermented rice water is through the boiling method. All you need to do is boil with half a cup of rice and double the amount of water (use typically what you use to make boiled rice). Now, cook the rice in the billing water and after it is done, strain the rice water in a clean bowl before use.

Fermented Rice Water Vs. Plain Rice Water

Studies have claimed that fermented rice water usually has more benefits for your hair than plain rice water. Fermented substances are known to have a higher amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to combat cell damage and that’s why it is popularly used in traditional beauty products. 

To make fermented rice water, follow the steps of the soaking method, and before straining, leave the rice water at room temperature for up to 2-3 days allowing it to ferment. Now, just strain the fermented rice water in a clean bowl before use. Now, that we have explored how to make fermented rice water for hair, let’s see why you should use it. 

Why should you use Fermented Rice Water for Hair?

You might be wondering why you should be using fermented rice water in the first place, well, let us tell you. Fermented rice water has amazing benefits for your hair. As you know, rice grains contain 50 percent to 70 percent starch. Starch is rich in vitamins and minerals that are good for your hair. These vitamins and minerals include amino acids, B vitamins, minerals, vitamin E along with antioxidants, etc. 

Fermented Rice Water has the following benefits for your hair

• It makes your hair smoother.
• It increases shine in your hair.
• It helps in detangling your hair.
• It promotes hair growth right from the roots.
• It makes your hair stronger from the roots.

How to Use Fermented Rice Water to promote Hair Growth?

There are several ways in which you can incorporate fermented rice water into your hair care routine. 

1. You can use fermented rice water as a mild cleanser. But to remove the build-up of rice water from your hair, you can’t use it as it is. It is always recommended to add a teaspoon of amla or shikakai to it. Amla and shikakai are natural clarifiers that help in removing any sort of build up in your hair.
2. You can also use fermented rice water as a hair rinse. Simply incorporate it into your hair wash routine by rinsing your hair with rice water after your usual shampoo and conditioner routine.
3. Another way to use fermented rice water for hair is to treat it like a natural and organic hair mask. Just massage your scalp and hair with fermented rice water for a good few minutes. After massaging, leave it on your scalp to rest for anywhere between 20 minutes to one hour. After that, just shampoo and condition your hair as usual.

Additional Tip: You can use green tea as an addition to rice water. Green tea reduces hair fall while making hair stronger and smoother. 

Also, read 7 Tips To Make Your Hair Appear Thicker

These were all the ways in which you could use fermented rice water for hair. However, remember that, while fermented rice water is amazing and can do wonders for your hair, it doesn’t smell as amazing. To counter the earthy smell of fermented rice water, add in a few drops of essential oils like lavender, avocado, sandalwood, jasmine, etc.