Is rice water good for low porosity hair? Together we shall decipher the viral rice water trend and make a verdict on whether it’s worth the hype. Read on.
Rice water rinses are not a modern concept. Ancient ladies discovered its enhancing properties for the strength and length of their hair centuries ago.
In recent years, the hair remedy has gained an alluring upgrade in influence. No surprise. People are now more aware that chemicals do more harm than good, and that results in a rapid shift towards nature-based beauty practices.
One of the most popular uses of the liquid is to nourish hair from the inside. But like all hair treatments you may find, some might find it a cure for their bad hair day while others experience the opposite.
So, is rice water good for low porosity hair?
There would be a long way ahead if you try to chew on that question unassisted. So save yourself the pain of that multistep research and obtain your rice water know-how in our guide right here!
What Is Low Porosity Hair? How Do You Know If You Have Porosity Hair?
A Brief Definition Of Low Porosity Hair
In simple terms, porosity is all about how well the shaft absorbs and retains moisture. None of us share the same hair structure, so don’t expect it to be the same across the board.
High porosity, normal porosity, or low porosity, your hair could fall under any of these three categories. Gauging the penetration of oils and moistures into the shafts helps to figure out which one.
The higher the porosity level, the less your hair is likely to struggle with taking in nutrients in liquid form.
Following that same logic, low-porosity locks are no different from a brick wall, hardly letting any watery substances pass through the outermost layer into the core. It isn’t hard to understand as their cuticles have a tight, overlapping structure that hinders the nutrient flow.
The only good news is that their close to non-porous nature also allows for effortless retention of the moisture already inside your scalp.
4 Major Signs Of Low Porosity Hair
There are no mistaking traits of low hair porosity with any other conditions. You should learn about them to develop a suitable hair care routine and achieve the greatest shape for your hair.
- Repel water: It takes longer for your hair to get properly soaked or dried.
- Hair products show little effects: Their watery contents won’t be able to sink into your scalp for the goodness to kick in. Conditioner, sadly, is no exception.
- Greasy: The complex arrangement of the cuticles impedes the penetration of lotions and other liquid products, resulting in an oily look.
- No volume: The grease will weigh down your locks and press them into a shape flatter than usual.
- Dandruff: The said product buildup forms the ideal condition for those itchy flakes.
Is Rice Water Good For Low Porosity Hair?
Rice water delivers quality results to hair overall. You can easily figure that out when going through the list of hair-nourishing nutrients it’s chock-full of.
Amino acids, vitamin B and E, minerals, antioxidants, protein – hair needs them for an in-and-out transformation into that perfect look you crave for post-wash.
Low porosity hair is no exception. In fact, this is the case where the magic of rice water is most desired, as your locks are always in an unquenchable thirst for enhancing factors.
The protein makes it even more ideal as a beauty remedy. Your hair might reap the astounding benefits of a stronger, more resilient protective layer.
Be aware, though! Each hair shaft with little gaps between its cuticles absorbs the rice water at an incredibly slow pace, and the protein might pile up fast on your scalp when you keep repeating the treatment.
Moderate use only, or you’re inviting protein overload, and naturally brittle hair, into your life. Read on. We’ll let you in on a couple of doable tips to make the most out of this hair care solution.
Advantages Of Using Rice Water On Low Porosity Hair
Let’s get the part you have been eagerly waiting for out of the way. How exactly do the effects of rice water change your hair for the better?
Hair growth promotion
A rice water rinse may contribute to healthy hair growth in more ways than you think. Rich in vitamin B and vitamin E, some of them provide antioxidants that strengthen the scalp for extra energy in the new length department. You will see the before-after difference very soon.
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Hair Detangling
Some tender care in the form of cloudy rice water for each hair cuticle increases the softness in the outer layer. The nutrients they have weaved their way into the hair strand and nourished the core for more manageability – you need this to battle entanglements.
Hair of low porosity might lock in moisture and supplements. But the entryway is complex in structure, so sometimes the cuticles get caught in each other and cause knot formation.
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Hair Strengthening
It’s impossible for hair to stay damaged and weakened when protein (what constructs hair follicles) and vitamins have come into play. They repair what has gone wrong with the internal structure and gradually spread the treatment to the outer layer.
It also helps that rice water is known for containing inositol, an ingredient with strengthening properties that load more elasticity into your hair.
Shine Enhancement
Healthier hair is no more than the start. You can count on rice water to revitalize your dull hair and work extra shine into the lifeless hair shaft. The generous protein content is actually potent enough to build natural radiance after one wash or two.
How to Use Rice Water on Low Porosity Hair Properly
The hard and fast rule is to refrain from soaking your hair and its low porosity in too much rice water in one go. As long as you abide by that, you can integrate it into your hair care routine however you want.
As A Rinse
This is a tip from experts: rinse with rich rice water rinse when you have done shampooing your hair (we’ll tell you later why earlier usage is unwise).
Rub it evenly over your hair, don’t leave the scalp outside the coverage, and leave it there for 10 minutes at most.
Mix With Shampoo
If you’re used to pumping oils and other watery formulas into your shampoo for a less time-consuming wash, you might as well repeat it with rice water.
This allows you to fully enjoy the rice water benefits when dry scalp issues are giving you a hard time, and you don’t want any more buildup to add to the flaking.
See also: Top 6 Best Shampoo And Conditioners For Low Porosity Hair
As A Nourishing Treatment
Rice water does hold some anti-inflammation power which you can put into good use by a direct application to your scalp.
Follow the first step for the post-wash treatment, but let it sit for 15-20 minutes before gently rinsing your hair clean. That’s all!
How Often Should You Use Rice Water On Low Porosity Hair?
There is no straight answer, as the ideal usage frequency varies from person to person. But to avoid protein overload and put even more strain on your hair cuticles, you would want to limit it to once per week.
For extremely low porosity hair, once per week is still might be too much. If you ever find yourself in this situation, a little trial and error might be necessary.
Stretch the days between each rinse until all of them are about 8 weeks apart from each other. Still no desirable changes? Then start extending the period to 12 weeks or so; that usually turns things around.
There are other notices before actually getting the rice water near your hair. Whatever you do, never let the treatment sit on your head for over 20 minutes – the most important rule for first-timers. And don’t skip the test to ensure the rice water actually works in your favor.
The easiest way is to moisten a cotton pad with some and gently rub it on a hair section. Immediately wash it off if you detect unwanted dryness afterward.
It might not be the instant process you expect, but we’re certain that the results are worth the effort.
How To Make Rice Water
We’ll now reveal to you two effective methods to have quality rice water that translates into hair resurrection right at your home.
Soak Rice
- Step 1: Carefully rinse and strain the rice. You wouldn’t want the unclean parts of it to invade your precious tresses.
- Step 2: Put the rice in a medium-sized bowl and add 2 cups of water. Mix until the water is no longer clear but cloudy (or milk-looking)
- Step 3: Take the rice out (keep the water, of course)
- Step 4: Store your fresh rice water in a disclosed space (a plastic container, for example)
- Step 5: Keep it in the fridge until you decide it’s the right time for a rinse
Boil Rice
- Step 1: Carry out the first step of the soaking method.
- Step 2: Heat two cups of water on the stove (medium heat), then add the rice.
- Step 3: Let it boil for around 15 minutes (reduce the heat if it starts evaporating, or put a lid on top)
- Step 4: When the cloudy texture takes over the pot, turn off the stove and strain the content.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the water, and do whatever you want with the rice.
Note: Leave the rice water at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours for fermentation to begin. This will create the nourishment properties your hair loves. Don’t open the batch too late; you won’t be able to use it anymore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Side Effects Of Rice Water On Hair? How To Fix?
Rice water can be problematic sometimes as your hair might not be on good terms with what it has to offer. We have outlined some of the common side effects of the rinse and ways to counter them.
- Protein overload: The protein in the rice can’t easily enter your low porosity hair shaft, and its remains will form a thick coat on the outside over time. Instead of smooth and shiny hair, you’ll end up with a dry, brittle texture that’s, by all means, a living nightmare. The solution is to stay moderate during your rinses. Lengthen the period between each treatment, and you should be fine.
- Flaky scalp: You should also set a limit in the rice water application if you are trying to cope with a dry, flaky scalp. More dandruff after each treatment means you have to be more mindful about the dosage and the washing. The protein might still linger and would react with the yeast on your scalp.
- Unwanted smell: The typical pungent smell of rice water could be aggravating. Try adding a few droplets of essential oil. That should be enough to overwhelm the unpleasantness.
Should I Use Rice Water Before Or After Shampoo?
The rule of thumb is to apply your trusty hair treatment after shampooing, and rice water is no exception.
When your hair is thoroughly cleansed and free of all the dirt buildup accumulating during the day, the nourishing properties won’t have to struggle with entering the cuticles.
Consider using a protein-free shampoo.
Can You Use Rice Water On High Porosity Hair?
We see no reason not to. The truth is, high-porosity hair might be blessed by rice water the most, as its expansive structure leaves more room for the nutrients to flow away after absorption.
What Hair Type Should Not Use Rice Water?
As we have mentioned earlier, this is a hair care practice that might bless all hair types, so long as you apply incorrect amounts. There is no need to set a limitation.
But if you are dealing with a serious case of dry scalp, try not to rub the rice water on your head regularly. You might end up worsening the situation.
Conclusion
Is rice water good for low porosity hair? You have seen the answer for yourself, and that is a huge YES!
This versatile hair care remedy works as many reliable treatments. It can even replace your deep conditioner to increase the softening effects. If you’re already convinced, consider trying it right from today.
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