If you're struggling with increased hair breakage and thinning, this rice water hair growth spray is here to help! The combo of rice water, caffeine, rosemary, keratin, and vitamin B5 nourishes the scalp, reduces breakage, and strengthens the hair shaft.
As someone who has gobbled down countless hair growth supplements over the years, I can tell you this: getting long, thick locks is no easy feat. But with countless over-the-counter and homemade hair treatments out there, it's not impossible, either. If you've tried just about everything and haven't seen results, then you might want to give this homemade rice water hair growth spray a shot.
The amino acids in rice water may help strengthen the hair shaft and improve its elasticity, reducing breakage and split ends. And stronger hair is less likely to develop from split ends, premature breakage, and hair loss, which will leave you with longer, healthier hair.
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Ingredients
When combined in a hair growth spray, these ingredients can work synergistically to provide comprehensive care for your hair and scalp.
Rice water — This is the water left over from rinsing or boiling rice. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that can nourish the hair and scalp. The nutrients in rice water can also promote healthy hair growth by providing essential building blocks for the hair follicles.
Rice bran oil — Just like rice water, rice bran oil contains antioxidants that can improve scalp health and support hair growth. By nourishing the hair follicles and stimulating blood circulation to the scalp, it may encourage the growth of new hair.
Caffeine — Caffeine is said to help stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. It does this by blocking the effects of a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is associated with hair loss [source].
Rosemary — An herb that has been used traditionally for hair care, rosemary can help improve scalp circulation, which may stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. Rosemary also has antibacterial properties [source] that can help maintain a healthy scalp and reduce dandruff.
Keratin — Keratin is a protein that is a major component of hair. Using keratin in a hair growth spray can help strengthen and fortify the hair shaft [source]. Keratin can also improve the overall health and appearance of the hair, making it less prone to damage and breakage.
Vitamin B5 — Vitamin B5, or panthenol, is known for its moisturizing and conditioning properties. It can help hydrate the hair, which improves its elasticity and reduces breakage. Additionally, panthenol can add shine and smoothness, making the hair more manageable.
Polysorbate-20 — An emulsifier commonly used in beauty recipes, Polysorbate-20 helps blend oil- and water-based ingredients together to create a stable and uniform cosmetic product. Its purpose is to improve the texture and consistency of beauty formulations, ensuring that they remain well-mixed and easy to apply.
See the recipe card below for quantities.
How to Make a Rice Water Hair Growth Spray
Start by making the rice water. While you can slowly soak the rice in cold water for several hours or overnight, I like to reduce the time by boiling it. Simply boil 1 part rice in 3 parts water for 15–20 minutes, then strain out the rice and let the water cool for several minutes.
While the rice water is still slightly warm, add the keratin and vitamin B5 and stir the mixture well (this will help the vitamins dissolve completely in the rice water). Let the water finish cooling to room temperature.
Next, infuse the rice bran oil. Pour rice bran oil in a small saucepan and add the coffee and rosemary. Heat on low for 30 minutes, then strain out the solids and let the oil cool.
Combine the infused rice bran oil with rice water in a fine mister bottle. Add the polysorbate 20, an emulsifier that will blend the oil and water into a smooth milky mixture, and shake well.
Hint: The remaining rice bran oil would make a great facial oil cleanser or a deep conditioning mask for hair. It will also keep for several months in the refrigerator, so you could save it for future rice water sprays.
How to Use Hair Growth Spray
Wet or dry hair: Whether you'd prefer to start with clean, dry hair or freshly washed, damp hair is up to you. If you have long or thick hair, it's a good idea to divide it into sections. This will help ensure that you distribute the rice water evenly across your scalp and hair.
From there, here are some tips for getting the most out of your homemade hair growth spray:
Focus on the scalp: Hold the spray bottle about 6 to 8 inches away from your scalp and hair. Begin spraying the rice water onto your scalp, starting at the roots. Work your way from one section to the next until your entire scalp is covered.
Massage it in: After applying the rice water, gently massage your scalp for a few minutes using your fingertips. Massaging can help improve circulation and ensure that the rice water is evenly distributed.
Rinse after 15 minutes: Leave the rice water on your hair and scalp for about 10 to 15 minutes. Some people choose to leave it on longer, but this duration is a good starting point.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm or cool water. Make sure to remove all traces of rice water from your hair and scalp.
You can follow up with your regular shampoo and conditioner if you prefer. Some people find that rice water provides enough conditioning on its own, so you may not need the extra conditioner.
Style your hair as you normally would. You can use this treatment once or twice a week as part of your haircare routine.
You can also use homemade rice water to make a strengthening hair rinse or a nourishing shampoo.
FAQ
Results can vary from person to person. Rice water hair growth spray may work well for some individuals, especially those with damaged or brittle hair, but not everyone will experience significant hair growth. It's a good idea to manage your expectations and consider other factors like genetics, diet, and overall hair care routine.
You can use rice water hair growth spray 1 to 2 times a week, depending on your hair type and needs. Too frequent use may lead to protein overload, so it's essential to find the right balance for your hair.
If you leave it on too long, rice water may irritate the scalp. So it's best to leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, max.
Hair typically grows at an average rate of around half an inch (1.25 cm) per month, which can vary depending on factors like genetics, age, diet, and overall health. While rice water can contribute to healthier hair, it won't suddenly make your hair grow at an accelerated rate.
Covering your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap can create a warmer, more humid environment, which may help the rice water penetrate the hair shaft and provide deeper conditioning. If you choose this method, make sure the rice water is applied evenly and that your hair is well covered by the cap or wrap.
More Rice Water Recipes
Rice Water Hair Growth Spray
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Strainer or fine mesh sieve
- A bowl or container to collect the rice water
- 8-ounce mister bottle
Materials
Rice Water
- 1 cup rice (white, brown, or any type will work)
- 5 cups water
- 2 keratin capsules
- 1 vitamin B5 capsule
Infused Rice Bran Oil
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons ground coffee
- ½ cup rice bran oil
Rice Water Hair Growth Spray
- ¾ cup rice water
- 2 teaspoons infused rice bran oil
- 2 tablespoons polysorbate-20
Instructions
Make the rice water
- Bring the water and rice to a boil. Once the water boils, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let the rice cook for 10–15 minutes. Turn off the heat and carefully strain the rice over a bowl or container. Make sure to collect the liquid (rice water) in the bowl. You can discard the cooked rice or use it for your meal.While the rice water is still slightly warm, add the keratin and vitamin B5 and stir well (this will help the vitamins dissolve completely in the rice water). Let the water finish cooling.
Make the infused rice bran oil
- Combine the rice bran oil, rosemary, and coffee grounds in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool. Strain out the solids and transfer the infused oil to a glass amber bottle for long-term storage.
Make the rice water spray
- Combine 2 teaspoons of the infused rice bran oil with ¾ cup (6 ounces) rice water in an 8-ounce mister bottle. Add 2 tablespoons polysorbate-20 and shake to combine.
Notes
References
Bansal M, et al. Role of caffeine in the management of androgenetic alopecia. Int J Trichology. 2012.
Nieto G, et al. Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis, L.): a review. Medicines (Basel). 2018.
Basit A, et al. Health improvement of human hair and their reshaping using recombinant keratin K31. Biotechnol Rep (Amst). 2018.
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