Rice Water for Hair Loss and Alopecia: Everything You Need to Know

Do you know that rice serves various purposes beyond being a meal staple? Indeed, its water has been used as an elixir for anti-aging, lightning scars, and soothing sunburn. However, there’s one lesser-known benefit that might surprise you: Rice water can help tackle hair loss! Yes, that has been true for thousands of years but …

How exactly does rice water work for hair health?
Does rice water have any side effects?
How do you make rice water for maximum hair benefits?

We know there could be a lot of questions popping up in your head. Don’t worry, we will answer them all!

In this blog, Lordhair will unravel everything about using rice water for hair loss and alopecia. By the end, all your questions will be answered and you’ll feel confident deciding whether or not this natural remedy is right for you.

Let’s dive in!

What Is the Connection Between Rice Water and Hair Growth?

Before we delve into the sudden popularity of this viral hack for hair care, let’s first understand how it is obtained. Rice water is a milky liquid derived by soaking or boiling rice in water to extract its nutrient-rich essence. This process yields starchy water dense in antioxidants. This DIY hair treatment can be easily prepared as a by-product of cooking rice for consumption.

Using rice water to promote hair growth has indeed become a modern-day trend. Thousands of TikTok videos showcase the transformative effects of homemade rice water. Even female celebs like Kim Kardashian have joined this trend. But do you know that its origin can be traced back to Asian cultures?

Yes, you read it right! If you are Asian, your grandma or her grandma probably used this hair hack long before it gained attention through social media. Want to go deeper? During the Heian period in Japan, the court’s ladies maintained exceptionally long hair using Yu-Su-Ru. That is called leftover rinse water from washing rice in English.

Even in Huangluo village (located in the Guangxi province of China), the Yao women are renowned for their lustrous hair. They only cut it once in a lifetime. A key element of their hair care routine involves washing their hair using rice water.

rice water for hair loss

Is Rice Water Really That Good for Overcoming Hair Loss?

Here comes the moment of truth! Yes, rice water indeed offers tangible benefits for overcoming hair fall and promoting overall hair health. It’s not just a trend propagated by TikTok videos. The water is composed of rich nutrients which make it a valuable addition to your hair care routine.

According to some dermatologists, this simple remedy serves as an excellent medium to harness the nutrients present in rice. The varieties of rice available encompass a spectrum of nutrients like vitamin B, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, amino acids, and more.

Not to mention, rice water has one key component called amino acids. For those unaware, these are building blocks of proteins and play an essential role in the structure and function of our bodies. And since hair is primarily composed of proteins, incorporating them into your hair care routine can foster stronger, healthier strands.

Talking about the vitamins in rice water, well, they can further contribute to rice water’s effectiveness in supporting hair regeneration. For instance, vitamin B1 (thiamine) lowers blood vessel constriction. This improves blood flow and oxygen circulation which helps transfer key nutrients to hair follicles for healthy strands growth. Vitamin C, another pivotal component, contributes to collagen production. It maintains the structure of hair and prevents breakage.

Phosphorus, on the other hand, plays a role in enhancing hair texture and strength. Put simply, the comprehensive range of nutrients found in rice water makes it a holistic solution for addressing various aspects of hair health.

So, whether you're dealing with hair loss or alopecia, dullness, or lack of vitality, using rice water will help you witness a noticeable improvement.

What Changes Can Happen After Using Rice Water on Hair?

The following transformations are usually observed after incorporating rice water into your hair care routine:

Better growth: As we said earlier, rice water is a powerhouse of nutrients. These essential elements penetrate the hair shaft and strengthen it from within, reducing the likelihood of breakage. Improved hair strength contributes to a healthier foundation for growth, promoting longer and more resilient strands over time.

Shine and luster: The presence of inositol (a carbohydrate) in rice water acts as a natural conditioning agent. It improves the shine and luster of your locks by repairing damaged hair and creating a protective barrier around them. This prevents environmental factors from dulling your strands’ natural radiance.

Balances scalp health: This is one of the biggest differences you’ll notice after using rice water to overcome hair loss and alopecia. This natural remedy helps maintain the optimal pH balance of the scalp and creates an environment conducive to hair health.

Dermatologists also claim that this balance is important for preventing common scalp issues like dandruff, itchiness, and excess oil production.

Softens and conditions: The proteins found in rice water have a softening and conditioning effect on hair. These proteins fill in gaps and damaged areas along the hair shaft, resulting in smoother and more manageable locks. Put simply, regular application of rice water as a natural conditioner can transform dry, brittle hair into a softer, more supple texture.

rice water for hair fall

Prevents split ends: Another remarkable benefit of using rice water on hair is that it has the ability to prevent split ends. By strengthening the hair shaft and promoting overall hair health, rice water minimizes the occurrence of split ends. This contributes to the maintenance of a neat and well-groomed appearance, supporting the longevity of the hair strands.

How to Make Rice Water at Home

We bet that by now, you recognize the significance and advantages of utilizing rice water to address hair loss and alopecia. Now, the next question is, “How to prepare this magic rice water potion at home?” Rest assured, creating rice water at home is a straightforward process that simply entails infusing water with rice.

First, let's take into account the nutrient profiles of various rice varieties. For instance, black rice boasts high levels of antioxidants. This makes it particularly suited to align with your specific hair requirements. But regardless of the rice type chosen, the steps for crafting DIY rice water remain the same. It can be prepared using two methods: the basic soaking method and the fermentation method.

Let's begin by exploring the steps for the former:

Use 1/2 cup of uncooked rice.
Thoroughly rinse the rice.
Place the rinsed rice in a bowl with 3 cups of water.
Allow it to soak for 30 minutes or more.
Strain the infused water into a new bowl, jar, or spray bottle.

Advanced fermentation method:

The procedure for fermenting rice water is straightforward as well. All you need to do first is to adhere to the basic soaking steps. However, extend the soaking time. Subsequently, take note of the following steps:

Opt for fermentation by letting the rice and water sit together for at least 24 hours.
Look for a slightly sour smell. This will indicate that rice starches have converted into acids.
Fermented rice water will not only enhance the benefits but lower the rinse pH. It will promote nutrient retention within the hair.

Pro tip: Store your homemade rice water in a jar or spray bottle. You can place it in your fridge for up to a week.

rice water for alopecia

Are There Any Side Effects of Using Rice Water for Hair Loss or Alopecia?

No hair recovery method, be it medicinal or natural, comes without its share of potential side effects. Rice water, therefore, despite its growing popularity for promoting hair health, is no exception. It's pivotal to explore potential drawbacks.

#1 Results vary depending on hair type

Much like each of us, our hair possesses its distinctive characteristics. Your hair profile is represented by hair type, porosity, volume, and many other factors. The interplay of these elements defines the state of one's hair, its overall health, and how it responds to different environments, products, and routines.

Though rice water is generally safe for all hair types, its effectiveness may vary. While some may experience rapid improvements, others might observe gradual to no changes at all.

#2 Porosity matters

Porosity is a measurement of how well your scalp hair can absorb and retain moisture. Hair porosity also plays an important part in determining the effectiveness of rice water. Hair cuticles with lower-porosity strands may find it challenging to fully absorb the nutrients present in this natural remedy.

#3 Dryness

Overusing rice water can lead to unwanted dryness. This problem can often be seen in men and women who apply rice water more than twice a week. The nutrient-rich nature of rice water, when used excessively, may contribute to protein overload. This overload, in turn, can result in dryness, increased frizz, and hair becoming more brittle.

#4 Caution for certain skin conditions

While rice water is considered a natural home remedy, individuals with specific skin conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis should exercise caution. Why, you ask? Because they may have difficulty maintaining a moisture barrier in their skin. You should approach and use rice water strategically. Test a small area for reactions before applying it to the entire scalp.

If the problem persists, consider consulting a dermatologist. They can guide you on whether or not to proceed with using this hair recovery solution.

Above are some known side effects that individuals may experience after using rice water for hair loss or alopecia. If you're contemplating this natural remedy as an initial treatment, let us tell you that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Various types of hair loss exist. While it may be effective for some, others may not experience the desired results.

What Is the Best Remedy for Aggressive Hair Loss?

The effects of rice water on hair recovery are not immediate. That means visible changes on the scalp may take months to manifest. In case your hair loss has already left major damage in the form of big bald patches, rice water won’t cut it. In fact, most hair remedies and medicinal treatments won’t help.

So, the question is, “Which hair recovery alternative is the safest to get a full head of hair?”

*Enter hair systems*

Men and women who prefer versatility in their looks or are seeking an immediate solution to overcome alopecia should consider hair systems. Unlike medical treatments or some remedies that carry the risk of side effects, these non-surgical hair recovery solutions provide a hyper-realistic look. Hair systems - also known as toupees, wigs, hairpieces, and toppers - are made using real human hair attached to a high-quality base that blends into your scalp.

They offer an effective cosmetic solution without compromising your existing hair or causing adverse reactions. Comfortable and durable, hair systems allow individuals to enjoy a diverse range of hairstyles while addressing hair loss challenges instantly. Both men and women can choose from partial hairpieces or full-head hairpieces that come in various hair colors.

Check out how amazing Juha looks after buying a premium hair system from Lordhair:

Rice Water for Hair Fall and Alopecia: Final Words

We've addressed nearly all crucial questions related to using rice water to combat hair loss on the scalp. Remember, finding the right solution for your hair concerns involves exploring various options. While rice water may offer benefits for some, individual responses vary.

If you're seeking a quick and pain-free solution for hair loss, consider exploring our extensive catalog at Lordhair. We offer a wide range of high-quality men’s hairpieces and women’s wigs. Our products are crafted to meet diverse needs, ensuring that you find the perfect fit for your unique hair requirements. Embrace the journey to healthier hair!

Got any queries? Contact us today and have them answered by our hair experts.