HAIR growth is a goal for many of us.
Whether we’re trying to grow out a dodgy style or simply want a fuller head of tresses, there’s plenty of reasons to want to speed up the process.
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There’s thousands of products available (some costing hundreds of pounds) promising to bring our dream locks to fruition.
But according to one hair doctor, the secret to expediting hair growth lies in a 2p shower hack.
Abbey Yung is an expert in all things scalp health and hair, so we can trust her judgement.
She put the bargain method to the test over one month and showcased just how much her hair grew.
The hack is applying rice water to the scalp and hair once a week.
“I’ve officially been using rice water for a month,” she shared in an update on TikTok.
“It’s definitely grown quite a bit longer.
“And then aside from the growth, I feel like I’ve seen a lot of other benefits – like my hair is shinier and softer.
“It just feels overall healthier and more manageable.
“So, this is definitely a win for me and something I will keep doing in my weekly hair washing routine.”
Rice water has a rich history, with women in countries like China and Japan using it to maintain long and luscious locks.
It is rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids – including inositol, which is a carbohydrate that can repair and protect hair.
What’s more, inositol remains in the hair even after rinsing, providing ongoing protection.
Rice water also contains vitamins B, C and E, which are essential for hair health.
The 4 stages of the hair growth cycle
Hair experts at Philip Kingsley shared the four stages of the hair growtn cycle are: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen and Exogen
Anagen Phase: Also known as the ‘Growth Phase’ or ‘Active Phase’, is when the cells in the root of your hair are most rapidly dividing so more new hair is formed.
During the Anagen Phase, hair grows around half an inch a month [about six inches a year], and faster in the summer than in winter.
This phase of the hair growth cycle lasts an average of three to five years.
Catagen Phase: Following the Anagen Phase, your hair cycle enters a short transitional phase known as the Catagen Phase, which signals the end of active hair growth and cuts individual hairs off from the blood supply and from the cells that produce new hair.
Approximately three percent of all hairs are in this stage at any time and it lasts for around 10 days.
Telogen Phase: The third stage of your natural hair growth cycle is the Telogen Phase, a resting period when strands remain in their follicles but are not actively growing.
An estimate of 10-15 percent of your hairs are in the Telogen Phase at any given moment.
The Telogen Phase lasts around three months or 100 days.
Exogen Phase: The final stage of the Hair Growth Cycle, when individual hair strands are released from their follicles and fall out.
Now the whole process begins again.
These nutrients work together to strengthen the hair shaft, reduce breakage of strands and promote healthy hair growth when applied to the scalp.
How to create your own rice water
Creating your own rice water at home is simple and requires just some plain white rice and water.
Start by rinsing the rice to remove any dirt or impurities, and then soaking it in clean water for 30 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.
After soaking, strain the water into a clean bowl or jar, and discard the rice.
For added benefits, let the rice water sit at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours to ferment.
Once made or fermented, you should store it in the refrigerator and use it within a week.
How to use it
To get the most out of rice water, Abbey recommended drenching your hair in it once a week.
After shampooing, pour the rice water over your hair to cover your scalp and strands, and then massage your scalp for five minutes to promote blood flow.
For extra nourishment, you can leave it in your hair for 30 minutes.
Rinse the rice water out with cool water and then apply conditioner as you typically would.
Aim to use the 2p hack once a week, as overuse may lead to protein overload, making your hair stiff or dry.
