How to prevent hair loss: 52p homemade solution can be used to ‘strengthen’ hair

New research by beauty and wellness site Fresha also found that search results for “rice water” on Pinterest have increased over the past six months.

In fact, searches for “how to make rice water” have increased by 148 percent worldwide over the past five years.

The highest search volume increase took place during the height of the coronavirus pandemic when hairstylists and professionals used platforms like TikTok to show their followers how to keep their hair healthy while salons were closed.

Since then, using rice water on hair to keep it healthy has gained popularity and influencers have taken to social media platforms to share their results.

Why rice water?

Using rice water on hair has a plethora of benefits; it can rejuvenate dull and dry strands of hair, reduce and eliminate dandruff, and make hair look and feel thicker, shinier and fuller.

The water is also great for all hair types and can give naturally curly hair more bounce and volume.

Rice water also contains lots of vitamins and minerals including vitamins B1, B6 and magnesium, as well as zinc, potassium and other fibrous elements.

Hairstylist and head of product development at hair care brand Goldie Locks, Devin Graciano, said rice water contains inositol which can help “prevent premature hair loss” as well as hair shedding.

He also told CNN it can help to “strengthen hair on the scalp” while delivering vitamins, minerals and amino acids to hair.

How to make rice water

You will need:

– half a cup of uncooked rice

– Three cups of water

Rice can be found in most supermarkets. Long grain rice can be bought from Asda for 52p and Sainsbury’s white rice also costs 52p.

Method:

1. Rinse the uncooked rice thoroughly.

2. Our the rice into a jug or bowl with three cups of water.

3. Allow it to soak for 24 hours.

4. Once soaked for the desired time, strain out the rice and pour it into a spray bottle for easy use on hair.

Apply rice water to hair for between 15-20 minutes, then wash it out. Repeat the method once a week.

A spokesperson for Fresha said: “The proven benefits of rice water are well and truly taking over the internet, and with the product being so easy to make, at a fraction of the price of some high-end products, there is no wonder why people are hopping on the trend and trying it themselves, in the comfort of their own homes.

“Although the trend gained most of its immediate interest during the pandemic, the increase in searches on platforms such as Pinterest proves its popularity.

“The fact that you can make something so healthy for your hair at a very low cost and see results in a matter of time is something that you can’t say no to.”