The best natural protein Hair treatments & why not to use rice Water

The hot trend of using rice water for a strengthening protein hair growth treatment is taking over the internet.  What's less commonly discussed are the reasons NOT to use rice water on the hair and body, and what can be used as a natural hair strengthening treatment. 

Reason's Not to use rice water

1. Using rice water can cause arsenic poisoning
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Arsenic is a natural element found in nature. Arsenic is naturally found in many fruits and vegetables, in the soil, water, and air.  Its also in a lot of man made products.  There is natural and unnatural arsenic. A lot of the rice grown in the USA has been found to have high unnatural arsenic levels.

Long-term exposure to low doses of arsenic can change the way the cells in your bodies function. Scientific studies show that arsenic can contribute to several diseases like diabetes, different types of cancers, heart disease, and lung disease. You can do more research on this if you'd like. I only want to touch on it briefly. The Dr's also discusses arsenic in rice in the video below. 

Soaking rice removes some of the arsenic from the rice, so the rice will be healthier to eat. When you apply rice water to your body for beauty treatments, you are applying the arsenic to your body. ​

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2: There is live bacteria in fermented rice 

When rice is fermented, it is growing live bacteria. So when using fermented rice, bacteria is being applied to the the skin. There are people using fermented rice water on their scalp, their face, for eyelash growth, and for bathing.  This can be dangerous. For example, applying bacteria to eye are can easily cause an eye infection. 

If you must insist on using rice water,  use a rice that grown more naturally from a country outside of the United States. Also try using the left over water from cooked rice, and using the water before it ferments.

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Alternative hair strengthening treatments

1. Quinoa 
There is a long list of high protein grains that are good to eat, and that can be soaked or cooked in water, in place of rice. Quinoa protein is often found as the protein in over the counter hair products. ​

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​2. Henna

There are several herbs like Henna or amla that are well known for strengthening the hair.  Herbs like this are also great for protein sensitive hair. If the traditional way of applying henna is to complicated for you, try a henna gloss! Just add a  scoop of henna powder to your favorite deep conditioner. You can leave the henna gloss in your hair a bit longer than usual to maximize the henna benefits. Rinse out the conditioner as usual.

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3. Tea or Coffee 

Aloe Vera Powder, Green tea, black tea, and even coffee are well know for their hair strengthening properties. Try using a tea rinse as the last step after  cleansing your hair. You can also add coffee or tea to your favorite deep conditioner

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​4. Over the Counter Conditioners

There are also a lot of great conditioners on the market that already have protein in them.  Please always remember to keep your hair balanced with protein and moisture. Be sure to do your research and use what works best for your hair.  Here are some of our favorites.

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