From vampire facials to lasers and microdermabrasion, a lot goes into Kim Kardashian West's regimen. While she's been known to indulge in the most luxurious and cutting-edge treatments in the name of beauty, her everyday routine has affordable and easy beauty tips you can steal. Recently Kourtney Kardashian revealed Kim's secret to strong, healthy strands on her website, Poosh, and it's the simplest DIY trick: rice water. Kim shared her trick for “thick, shiny, and strong hair” which has caused a “noticeable difference in growth.”
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It makes sense, because rice is a very common ingredient in beauty (particularly in Korean and Japanese formulas). When applied on the skin, it is able to help even out skin tone and promote a healthy glow, making it a component of toners, cleansers and exfoliants. For the hair, rice water works differently. It has a thickening effect, as it creates a layer of starch on the hair shaft that actually increases the body and volume. It boasts folic acid which helps strengthen and thicken hair, as well as niacin, which contains Vitamin B3, to strengthens tresses and prevent dullness.
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To make it at home, Kardashian West suggests rinsing uncooked rice grains, and then soaking them in water. Then, strain the rice out and massage the water onto the scalp (after shampooing it once) and let it sit. Finish by rinsing it out well. For recipes that require fermented rice water, the grains can be soaked in water for two-three days till it has a pungent smell.
Here's how you can use rice water in your haircare and skincare DIY recipes like Kim Kardashian West
Due to the presence of a carbohydrate called inositol, rice water can strengthen, maintain elasticity and reduce surface friction in hair. For hair that is coloured or bleached, a rice water and avocado mask works to moisturise and prevent breakage. The latter is rich in Vitamin B and E, which reduces oxidative stress to the scalp too.
Crush neem leaves into the rice water to create a thick paste and create a one-two punch against dandruff-prone hair. Rice water is rich in selenium, which reduces flakes and promotes hair growth. Neem is anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory, making it the perfect flake fighter.
Rice water reduces friction, increases elasticity, and closes the hair cuticle, so it leaves hair looking smooth and shiny. Mix a few drops of apple cider vinegar into the rice water to help balance the pH on the scalp, as well as improve lustre by breaking down and sweeping away all buildup and impurities.
Rice contains many nutrients and antioxidants, such as Vitamins B1, C and E and ferulic acid, all of which help balance and brighten the skin. You can use it as a hydrating toner by mixing it with aloe vera gel. Both ingredients are able to soothe the skin.
Also read:
5 DIY haircare mistakes that could end up harming your scalp and hair
5 DIY hair masks you can whip up at home to fight dry hair issues
6 ways to get bouncy, shiny hair before your next video call
