Врачи опровергли миф о чудодейственных свойствах рисовой воды для роста волос

Rice water has become one of the latest social media hair trends, promising to accelerate hair growth, reduce hair loss, and improve the overall condition of the hair. However, despite being deeply rooted in traditional Asian beauty culture, the ability of rice water to transform your hair is overestimated. Dermatologists agree that hair health is primarily dictated by the diet, and the amount of protein consumed daily has a much more significant effect on the state of the hair than topically applied treatments. Hair is primarily composed of keratin, a protein that is synthesised in the hair follicles by specialised cells. The follicles themselves require a constant supply of nutrients to produce keratin and support the growth of hair strands. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet that provides the body with all the required nutrients. While rice is a good source of carbohydrates, it does not provide the body with proteins or the minerals needed for keratin synthesis. Thus, it is not possible to improve hair condition by simply adding rice to the diet. The topical application of rice water is largely ineffective, with very few studies providing conclusive evidence of its ability to accelerate hair growth or prevent hair loss. Rice water contains a variety of nutrients and antioxidants needed to improve the condition of the hair, such as amino acids and inositol. The latter is particularly beneficial for the hair as it is able to penetrate the hair shaft and reduce damage. However, despite rice water’s beneficial effects, most dermatologists do not recommend using it as a treatment for hair loss. How can rice water be utilised for hair care? In terms of hair care, rice water can be used as a deep conditioning treatment. It makes the hair smoother, shinier, and easier to manage, while also detangling it. However, frequent use of rice water can lead to the accumulation of starch on the hair shaft, which can make the hair brittle and prone to breakage. In addition, rice water can irritate the scalp, especially in people with sensitive skin. Therefore, it is better to use rice water sparingly as an occasional treatment and consult a dermatologist before using it regularly. The effects of rice water on hair are largely superficial and provide only mild improvement to the condition of the hair. Healthy hair starts with a balanced diet and proper hair care. While rice water can be a useful addition to one’s hair care routine, it cannot replace the established medical treatments for hair loss and damage. (The author is a consultant dermatologist, hair transplant surgeon & dermato-surgeon) The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.