Rice water for hair: Does it really make a difference?

Image credit: rmine via Unsplash

Rice water has risen in popularity as a natural hair remedy, with enthusiasts claiming it can transform dry, brittle strands into smoother, stronger, and visibly thicker hair. Rooted in ancient beauty rituals from East Asia, this starchy liquid is rich in vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants that may help support hair strength and shine. There is some early research suggesting that rice water or rice bran extract may help improve hair strength and quality, and possibly support hair growth, but the evidence is still limited. For most people, it’s a low-risk option that might offer a modest benefit for overall hair health.

Source

Kim, Y. M., Kwon, S. J., Jang, H. J., & Seo, Y. K. (2017). Rice bran mineral extract increases the expression of anagen-related molecules in human dermal papilla through wnt/catenin pathway. Food & nutrition research, 61(1), 1412792. https://doi.org/10.1080/16546628.2017.1412792

Additional Reading

https://shopping.yahoo.com/beauty/hair/article/is-rice-water-the-secret-to-growing-healthier-thicker-hair-experts-weigh-in-191601796.html

https://med.umn.edu/news/top-story-does-rice-water-help-hair-growth-dermatologists-weigh-social-media-trend

https://www.today.com/shop/does-rice-water-have-benefits-hair-t122434

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