The Magic Elixir: Your Rice Water and Rice Protein Clean Beauty Shampoo! Beyond being a staple in dishes around the globe, rice holds miraculous benefits for your hair. Rice water, the starchy water left after rice is cooked or left to soak, is packed with nutrients. Meanwhile, rice protein, extracted during the rice flour-making process, is a superstar ingredient for hair strength and volume.

Imagine rice water and rice protein as the unsung heroes of hair care. They’re rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, providing your hair with the nourishment it craves for shine, elasticity, and growth.

The Roots of Rice in Beauty

Let me tell you, the use of rice water for hair care isn’t a new fad! It goes back centuries to the Heian period in Japan, where court ladies boasted floor-length hair that gleamed like black silk. These ladies owed their luscious locks to Yu-Su-Ru, the rinse water from washing rice! 

In case you like history or are curious like myself:

• The Heian period is a part of Japan’s history (from 794 to 1185). During this time, the capital of Japan was moved Kyoto. 
• The Heian period is famous for its literature, like “The Tale of Genji” by Murasaki Shikibu, which is often considered the world’s first novel.
• During this time Japan develops its writing system, as women at the court started using hiragana, a simpler form of writing compared to the Chinese characters that were previously used.

Options: Spotlight on a Rice-Infused Clean Beauty Shampoo

Ok, now I will give you some choices for you to try out and I will share with you why I like these options!

Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar for Hair Growth 

• It’s made in the USA
• It’s paraben, sulfate and artificial fragrances/dyes free 
• It has a pH balanced

Wait! What’s a pH balanced shampoo and why should I care?

A pH balanced shampoo is designed to match the natural pH level of your scalp and hair, which is typically around 4.5 to 5.5. This is slightly acidic. The purpose is to help maintain the health of your hair and scalp, keeping the cuticle, which is the outer layer of the hair, smooth and closed. This can lead to hair that looks shinier, is less prone to tangling, and feels softer.

A disrupted pH balance can lead to a lot of well-known hair problems like: dryness, oiliness, frizz, irritation, or even dandruff. 

Viori

They have a wide selections of shampoo bars that are:

• Vegan
• Sulfate, paraben free
• Cruelty free
• Products are ethically sourced
• pH balanced (see above why this is important!)
• Viori Citrus for oily scalp and hair
• Viori Terrace Garden Shampoo Bar for dry hair
• Viori Hidden Waterfall Shampoo Bar for “normal” all hair types

INNERSENSE Organic Beauty – Natural Pure Harmony Hair Bath Shampoo

• Gentle Cleansing Shampoo -not for coarse hair
• This one is full of: quinoa, rice extracts, shea butter (read more about shea butter here) + Coconut (read this) + Avocado Oils 
• Ingredients are: Grown Organically Without Chemicals and Ethically Harvested 
• Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Gluten-Free, Cruelty-Free

DIY Rice Water Shampoo Recipe

Why not bring the rice power into your home with a simple DIY rice water shampoo?

Here’s how to whip up your own batch:

1. Rice Water Base: Rinse ½ cup of uncooked organic rice to remove impurities. Soak in 2 cups of water for 24 hours at room temperature. Strain and keep the water.
2. The Mix: To your rice water, add ¼ cup of liquid Castile soap and 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil (for moisture and shine).
3. Scent It: Add a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil for a calming scent. 
4. Bottle It: Pour your concoction into a reusable shampoo bottle.

That’s it. This DIY shampoo is like a love letter to your hair.

FAQs: Unraveling Rice Mysteries

• How often should I use rice water or protein shampoos? Like indulging in your favorite dessert, moderation is key. Start with once a week and adjust based on how your hair responds. It’s all about listening to your hair’s needs.
• Can rice water and protein weigh down fine hair? Not at all! Think of rice protein as that friend who’s always uplifting; it helps add volume and body without the heaviness, making it ideal for fine hair types.
• Are there any hair types that shouldn’t use rice-infused products? Rice water and protein are incredibly inclusive, welcoming all hair types to the party. However, if you have protein-sensitive hair, start slowly to see how your hair reacts. It’s like introducing a new friend into your circle; you want to make sure everyone gets along.
• How long does DIY rice water shampoo last? Your homemade concoction is best used fresh. Store it in the fridge and try to use it within a week. Think of it as fresh produce; it’s best when it’s fresh out of the “garden.”

So, there you have it, a journey into the world of rice and its transformative powers in hair care. 

Next time you’re about to cook rice for dinner, remember that your pantry staple is also a beauty powerhouse but most importantly keep the water and make your clean beauty shampoo. 

Here’s to embracing ancient wisdom, one rice grain at a time, for hair that’s as strong and beautiful as you are. Cheers to that!

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