Rice water, as effective as it has proven to be over the years, is one of those reliable remedies which may be commonly applied on the human hair but which does not go for use without its own side effects.
As it is said that ‘the use of rice water is an anecdotal but long-living beauty ritual in ancient Asian culture’, the history of the use of rice water on hair dates back to a very long time ago, and according to the proofs of history, to date, this traditional standard popular among the common people has never outworn its fame and usefulness.
Rice water is the starchy water left over after rice is cooked or left to soak since rice grains contain 75–80 percent starch. It is thought to make the hair smooth and shiny, as well as help it grow faster. The following are some of the good advantages of rice water on human hair:
- detangles the hair
- makes hair smoother
- increases shine
- makes hair stronger
- helps hair grow long
Side Effects of Rice Water on Hair.
Although you might find tons of people in favor of using rice water for hair, you will find just as many who’ve experienced less than positive results. The side effects of rice water on hair can be marked as:
Hair Breakage
Rice water has a heavy starch component that can lead to brittleness and breakage over time. It is number on the list of side effects of rice water on hair.
Hair Dryness
One of the most common mistakes people do while applying rice water in their hairs is that they let it be for a long period sometimes the whole night. This can cause extreme dryness and damage fast the human hair.
Scaly Buildup on the Scalp
Consistent use of rice scalp on hair may give the side effects of building up scales on the scalp and this may come in excess. The buildup of flakes on the scalp is also one of the side effects of rice water on hair.
Adds Arsenic to the Hair
Arsenic is basically a chemical which is sprayed in cotton fields with insecticides to prevent insects from harming the crop. Thus, it can equally damage the hair than make it stronger and healthier.
Excessive Protein on Hair Skin
As nutrient-filled as rice water is, it also can be quite damaging to your hair due to the amount of protein that the water absorbs. Too much protein and not enough moisture can cause hair to look and feel very dry and brittle. If you happen to have low porosity hairs, then the proteins will become an extra layer on your scalp rather than getting absorbed in the body, and then this is harmful and problematic.
Bad Smell of the hair
Rice water has many health benefits but it can also give side effects on hair. Fermented rice water can actually create a lot of smell in your hairs and this may cause some social challenges for you. It should also be noted that brown rice absorbs more arsenic than white rice.
