As social distancing continues, so do our DIY beauty adventures. If you’ve been experimenting with your hair, whether by cutting your bangs or dyeing your hair a striking color, you’re not alone. But if you've been considering how to grow out your hair instead, Kim Kardashian may have the answer for you.
Recently Kourtney Kardashian revealed Kim’s secret to long, healthy hair on her blog, Poosh, and it’s nothing more than a simple DIY trick: rice water. According to the post, Kim shared her trick for “thick, shiny, and strong hair” with Kourt not long ago, but the sisters claim that the strengthening benefits of the vitamins and minerals in rice water have caused a “noticeable difference in growth.”
The process seems simple and easy. All you need is a bowl, organic rice, and water. Then follow this six-step procedure: Rinse the uncooked grains and then drain the water; place the clean rice in a bowl and add 1 to 1-1/2 cups of water; let it soak for at least an hour; strain the rice and save the water.
After that, shampoo and rinse your hair (as you normally would), and then massage the rice water into your hair and scalp. Per the Kardashians, you should let the rice water sit on your hair for at least 20 minutes, up to an hour. Afterward you can finally rinse your hair for good, rounding off the six-step routine.
Kim doesn’t just claim hair growth with this all-natural DIY trick, but also thickness, and that’s what those looking to grow out their hair are looking for, especially now.
According to Poosh, “many eastern countries have used the all-natural recipe for years, reaping its healing and nourishing perks.” Rice is a common ingredient in beauty, and it can be found in an array of products, including face toners and cleansers. J-beauty brand Tatcha sells an exfoliating rice polish, a super gentle exfoliator made of pure Japanese ingredients. Personally, the nonstripping product has done wonders for my skin and helps to even out my complexion while maintaining radiant skin. But can the rice water the Kardashians promote work magic on hair too?
"Rice water has a thickening effect on [the] hair shaft," New York City dermatologist Misbah Khan tells Teen Vogue. "It creates a layer of starch on the hair shaft that increases the diameter of the hair, adds shine and a bit of glamour to the hair by increasing its body. Having an extra layer of protection will allow the hair to withstand high heat from styling and also air pollution, and it tames frizz as well."
Khan confirms rice (and rice water) is indeed rich in vitamins, but it isn't the only ingredient you can find in your kitchen to help with hair growth. "Any DIY treatments that will increase the scalp blood flow are helpful to keep your hair stronger," Khan says. These include, for instance, diluted vinegar soaks that will help cleanse the scalp of any buildup.
If you're looking for hair growth, you should always start at the roots — so take care of your scalp and the rest will follow.
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