When it comes to hair care, many natural products, ingredients, and techniques can promote healthy and strong hair growth. One of those highly beneficial ingredients is rice. You may have seen the trend for rice water recipes for hair growth blow up all over social media. However, this is not a trend but an ancient technique used for centuries across Asia to nourish, condition, and grow long, healthy hair!
Rice is rich in vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help strengthen and nourish the scalp and hair and can lead to the healthy growth of long, beautiful hair; it is also used to thicken thinning hair by feeding and stimulating the hair follicles.
The Best Varieties Of Rice To Make Rice Water.
If you want to jump on the rice water bandwagon, you will see many different types of rice out there, so which one is the best for hair growth?
The answer is quite simple. Any rice will work as long as it’s organic and unrefined. Long-grain white rice is the most commonly used type for making rice water for hair growth because it is the most accessible and affordable option.
White rice is also easy to process, making it ideal for extracting beneficial nutrients for hair growth. Long-grain white rice is also rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins essential for healthy hair.
While white rice is traditionally associated with rice water, other rice varieties are more nutritionally dense and can deliver more elevated results. Some of the most popular are;
- White rice is one of the gentlest for the hair.
- Brown rice is nutritionally denser than white rice
- Red rice is rich in antioxidants and protein
- Black rice contains the most antioxidants and nutrients.
- Wild Rice protects the hair from damage.
- Basmati Rice is gluten-free, promoting growth and thickness.
- Jasmine Rice is beneficial for scalp conditions
Is White Rice Best For Hair Growth?
Most people start their rice water hair journey with white rice. However, it is famous for making rice water because its light and fluffy texture makes it easy to extract nutrients. However, white rice is processed by removing the husk, bran, and germ, removing the most beneficial nutrients, plant compounds, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
White rice has fewer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than other types of rice; if you want a gentle hair treatment, use this. White rice water is still believed to be beneficial for hair growth as it contains vitamin B3, which helps stimulate hair growth and makes it thicker and healthier.
If you infuse your hair with the full spectrum of nutrients rice can offer, opt for another variety.
If you want to use White rice, it should be organic, free of pesticides, and high quality.
Rice Water is easy to make and is as simple as using the water that rice is rinsed in before it is eaten or after it has been cooked. You can also ferment rice water to make it stronger. Please read this post on the three best ways to make rice water.
If you are soaking your rice in water, don’t forget you can also blend the rice. Or use any leftover rice you may have cooked into a nutritious creamy hair treatment. Recipe here!
Brown Rice For Hair Growth.
Brown rice is one of the best rice varieties for hair growth. Brown rice is high in protein and vitamins; it is rich in vitamin B6, which helps to boost hair growth, minerals, and amino acids, which benefit hair growth.
This rice also contains selenium, an essential trace mineral for healthy hair. Brown rice also contains magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron, which can help nourish the scalp and hair.
Brown rice is whole-grain rice. You may consider making rice water with brown rice as it has the hull removed [ the protective outer shell], but it still contains the bran layer and the germ, something white rice doesn’t.
The bran layer and the germ contain many extra nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to benefit the hair and promote strength and growth.
Look for brown rice that is 100% whole grain, gluten-free, non-GMO, and USDA-certified organic.
Red Rice For Hair Growth.
Red Rice contains more protein than either white or brown rice, so if you want a protein treatment for your hair, consider this variety.
Red rice has a vibrant red pigment and contains an impressive list of nutrients and plant compounds, including anti-oxidant-rich flavonoids that fight free radical damage and are incredibly beneficial to the hair.
Flavonoids are anti-inflammatory, so this type of rice could be helpful for scalp issues, which often hinder healthy hair growth.
Is Black Rice The Best For Hair Growth?
Black rice has a rich, deep color; the resulting rice water is almost deep purple. Research studies conclude that his rice contains more antioxidants than any other variety.
Try black rice if you haven’t seen great results from using rice water in your hair. The antioxidants present, especially anthocyanins, make black rice excellent for infusing your hair with vital nutrients that fight free radical damage and inflammation and also help protect the hair from environmental damage.
Black rice is also rich in amino acids and other essential nutrients that help improve hair’s overall health.
Black rice, known as the forbidden rice, was only served to members of the imperial court. Ladies of the imperial court were known for their floor-length hair, so who knows!
Make a black rice hair mask for growth and thickness with this recipe!
The Benefits Of Basmati Rice For Hair Growth.
Another great variety of rice for hair growth is Basmati rice.
Basmati rice is a long-grain variety with a unique nutty flavor and aroma. It is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, proteins, minerals, and vitamins, contributing to healthy hair. Basmati rice water is gluten-free and believed to be especially effective for promoting hair growth and thickness.
The Benefits Of Wild Rice To Grow Hair.
Wild rice is an ancient grain with a nutty flavor and a chewy texture. It is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, protein, iron, zinc, and magnesium, which are all helpful for hair growth. Wild rice water also contains vitamin B2, which helps to keep hair healthy and strong.
Wild rice’s protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids make it perfect for nourishing the scalp and hair. It also contains lignans, compounds that can help protect the hair from damage.
The Benefits Of Jasmine Rice for Hair.
Jasmine rice is a fragrant variety of long-grain rice. It is a good source of B vitamins, essential for healthy hair, and vitamin A, which helps reduce hair loss. Jasmine rice water is also believed to be an effective treatment for scalp conditions such as psoriasis.
Conclusion.
No matter which variety of rice you choose, rice water can be an effective treatment for promoting healthy hair growth. Rice water is easy to make, and it is inexpensive and natural.
Use filtered water and fresh, high-quality, non-GMO organic rice for the best results!
If DIY is not your thing, try these fantastic natural ingredient rice water spays to infuse your hair with growth nutrients!!
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