Rice protein has become increasingly popular for hair care purposes due to the benefits it offers. It is known to nourish the hair, making it more voluminous and healthier. In this article, we’ll explain how rice protein can be beneficial for hair and how to use it.
What is rice protein?
Rice protein is a protein isolate that is made by separating carbohydrates from protein in rice.
This way, the isolate contains only protein. It contains a lot of amino acids and other vital nutrients that help nourish the skin and hair.
These properties make it a key ingredient in the hair and skincare industry.
But rice protein has other uses as well.
It can be made into protein powder to be used as a workout supplement. It can also be added to juices and shakes that can be taken as part of a pre-workout meal.
This is because rice protein has the ability to help grow and strengthen muscles, as well as relieve soreness and help with muscle repair.
benefits of rice protein for hair
There are many reasons why you should include rice protein in your haircare routine. These include:
Rice Protein Is Rich In Nutrients
Rice protein contains lots of other nutrients besides amino acids that help nourish your hair. These include vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.
And since rice protein is a naturally derived ingredient, it is ultimately better than other hair care product that contains artificial ingredients.
Creates Volume
Research shows that rice protein can improve hair volume by up to 32%. This is due to the fact that protein is the main building block of hair, and contains both cationic and anionic charges.
As these are opposing charges, they will repel each other and thus help to make hair more voluminous.
Rice protein helps hydrate hair
The amino acids present in rice protein help nourish and moisturize hair.
Essentially, the protein aids the scalp in binding and absorbing moisture which results in hydrated and healthier hair.
Adds natural shine
The healthier and more moisturized your hair becomes, the shiner and glossy it will be.
Protein will help repair any damage that may have been caused by heat damage or chemical processes like coloring or bleach.
As the protein works its magic, the hair will be strengthened, restore its shine and gain back its elasticity.
allergies are uncommon
It is very rare for someone to have a rice allergy and most people who are allergic to rice will outgrow it.
You may also simply be intolorant to rice instead of actually being allergic. if this is the case, the main symptom would be inflamation.
Rice protein is also lactose and gluten-free.
Easy to digest
Rice protein is fairly easy to digest and doesn’t cause conditions such as bloating.
It can also be used in many recipes to add more nutritional value to food.
Signs you could benefit from rice proteins
If you suffer from any of the following conditions, you may be able to benefit from adding rice proteins to your haircare routine:
- Your hair has lost its elasticity
- Frizzy hair
- Your hair is drier than usual
- Hair is stringy or limp
- You have high porosity hair
- Your hair feels gummy
- You’ve recently colored your hair
How to use rice protein for hair
This method walks you through the preparation and application of rice water.
Some variations of the method exist that use fermented or boiled rice instead of uncooked rice but you can use either.
What you’ll need
- 2-3 cups of uncooked rice
- 2 clean bowls
Method
- Soak the rice in a bowl of water for about half an hour.
- Drain the rice water into another clean bowl.
- Wash your hair with shampoo and rinse it thoroughly.
- Then apply rice water to your hair either using your hands or pouring it over your head slowly and evenly.
- Massage your scalp thoroughly so that the rice water reaches the roots of your hair.
- Leave it on for about 30 minutes, then rinse with water. You can also use a conditioner after rinsing if you want.
Does rice protein help you get rid of dandruff?
The answer is yes. Rice protein treatment is a good method to help combat dandruff.
Dandruff can be a nightmare for everybody. It makes your scalp itchy, and flaky, and can even cause redness and soreness in bad cases.
Dry weather can make it even worse, and it can be really difficult to get rid of.
Rice protein can help you get rid of dandruff since it has anti-fungal properties and hydrating properties, it is an effective anti-dandruff weapon.
Rice protein also contains antioxidants that can help relieve an itchy and flaky scalp.
What are some problems associated with using rice protein?
Since rice contains a lot of protein, applying too much rice protein to your hair can lead to a condition known as protein overload.
This causes the accumulation of an unusually large amount of protein and can adversely affect your hair. It can make your hair dry, brittle, and more vulnerable to breakage.
To avoid an excessive build-up of protein in your hair, restrict the rice protein treatment to about once a week only, as a general rule.
What are some of the best rice protein products to buy?
If you can’t make a rice protein mixture at home, you might perhaps want to check out store-bought options that are based on rice protein.
Here we’ve compiled a list of some of the best of those options available, along with a list of the primary ingredients they’re based on.
- Mielle Organics Rice Water Moisturizing Milk (rice water, coconut oil)
- Aveda Brilliant Emollient Finishing Gloss (fermented rice)
- OWA Haircare Moondust Unscented Hair Wash (rice protein, aloe vera, coconut oil)
- Shea Moisture Purple Rice Water Shampoo (rice water)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Hair loss conditions such as alopecia can be caused by several factors such as aging or hormonal changes. Rice protein doesn’t actually help stop alopecia, but it does nourish and strengthen your hair, giving it a thicker texture.
A conditioner should be normally used after you’re done rinsing your hair with rice protein. Don’t wait too long before you apply the conditioner. Leaving rice protein for too long may cause hair damage.
This depends on the condition of your hair. Generally, rinsing once or twice a week is best for most individuals. It’s also a good idea to consult a dermatologist to work out a routine for your hair. Rinsing with rice protein too often can make your hair dull, brittle, and dry.
References
Isolate vs Concentrate: What protein is better?
https://www.gainful.com/blog/isolate-vs-concentrate/
Amino Acids
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22243-amino-acids
The Science Behind How Protein Treatments Work To Repair Hair
https://naturalandproud.com/the-science-behind-how-protein-treatments-work-to-repair-hair/
Rice Allergy
https://www.nyallergy.com/rice-allergy
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