Rice Water Vs Onion Water: Which Is Better For Hair?

Rice Water Vs Onion Water For Hair: When it comes to natural hair care, two home remedies often come first in conversations - rice water and onion water. Both are affordable, easy to prepare at home, and packed with nutrients that claim to improve hair health. But which one is better for your hair? Take a look at the breakdown given below and which is better for hair:

What Is Rice Water?

Rice water is the cloudy water left after washing or soaking rice. It has been used for hair care for centuries, especially in East Asia, where long, strong hair was common. National Institutes of Health (NIH), highlights, “According to traditional knowledge, rice washed water is used in various skin care, hair care, and other adjuvant for various ailments.” People traditionally applied rice water to hair for smoothness, shine and strength.

Benefits of Rice Water

• Strengthens hair strands: Rice water contains amino acids, vitamins and inositol that may help reduce breakage and make hair feel stronger.

• Adds shine and smoothness: Many users find their hair looks glossier and feels softer after using rice water.

• Detangles hair: The starchy liquid can help reduce friction in tangled hair, making combing easier. 

• Can improve scalp health: Gentle rinsing with rice water may refresh the scalp and help maintain balance.

Rice Water Cons

Rice water isn’t perfect for everyone. It is high in starch and some protein, which can build up on the hair and scalp if used too often. Overuse might make hair brittle, dry or heavy, particularly for those with fine hair.

What Is Onion Water?

Onion water is made by extracting liquid from chopped onions or soaking onions in water. While the smell can be strong, some people swear by its benefits for hair and scalp health. Onion water for hair, rich in sulfur, helps strengthen hair, boost collagen, and improve scalp circulation, potentially reducing hair loss and promoting growth by nourishing keratin and reviving dormant follicles, according to various studies.

Benefits of Onion Water

• Sulfur-rich nutrients: Onions are high in sulphur, a mineral linked to hair keratin production, the protein that gives hair its structure. 

• May support hair growth: A small clinical study found that applying onion juice to the scalp helped people with patchy hair loss (alopecia areata) regrow hair over six weeks. 

• Improves scalp circulation: Massaging onion water into the scalp might increase blood flow to the hair roots, potentially encouraging a healthy environment for growth. 

• Antioxidant and antimicrobial action: Some compounds in onions may help protect the scalp and maintain hygiene.

Onion Water Cons

The strong onion smell is one of the biggest complaints. Onion water or juice can also irritate sensitive skin or cause itching if not diluted properly. Always do a patch test first. 

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Which Is Better For Hair?

• If you want stronger, shinier, smoother hair with low risk of irritation, rice water can be a gentle first choice.

• If your main concern is hair thinning or weak growth, then onion water or juice might help more, especially when used regularly over several weeks.

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Things To Keep In Mind: 

1. Patch test first to check for irritation.

2. Use treatments once or twice a week - moderation matters.

3. Always rinse thoroughly and follow with a conditioner if hair feels dry.

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Image credit: Freepik