I grew my hair WAY …
Hair growth is a goal for many of us.
Whether you’re looking to grow out a weird style or just want fuller hair, there are plenty of reasons to want to speed up the process.
There are thousands of products available (some costing hundreds of dollars) that promise to make our dream locks a reality.
But according to a hair doctor, the secret to speeding up hair growth lies in a 2p shower trick.
Abbey Yung is an expert in scalp and hair health, so we can trust her judgment.
She tested the bargain method for a month and showed how much her hair grew.
The trick is to apply 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.
“He’s definitely grown a lot taller.
“And besides the growth, I feel like I’ve seen a lot more benefits. My hair is shinier and softer.
“It just feels healthier and more manageable.
“So this is definitely a win for me and something I will continue to do in my weekly hair washing routine.”
Rice water has a rich history. Women in countries like China and Japan use it to maintain long, luscious hair.
It is rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, including inositol, a carbohydrate that can repair and protect hair.
In addition, inositol remains in the hair even after rinsing, thus providing lasting protection.
Rice water also contains vitamins B, C and E, which are essential for healthy hair.
The 4 Phases of the Hair Growth Cycle
Hair experts at Philip Kingsley shared the four stages of the hair growth cycle: Anagen, Catagen, Telogen and Exogen
Anagen phase:Also called the ‘growth phase’ or ‘active phase’, is the phase in which the cells in the hair root divide most rapidly, causing more new hair to be formed.
During the Anagen Phase, hair grows about half an inch per month [about six inches a year]and faster in summer than in winter.
This phase of the hair growth cycle lasts an average of three to five years.
Catagen phase:After the anagen phase, your hair cycle enters a short transition phase called the catagen phase. This phase marks the end of active hair growth and separates individual hairs from the blood supply and the cells that produce new hair.
About three percent of all hairs are in this stage at any one time and it lasts about 10 days.
Telogen phase:The third phase of your natural hair growth cycle is the telogen phase, a resting period during which hairs remain in their follicles but are not actively growing.
It is estimated that 10-15 percent of your hair is in the telogen phase at any given time.
The telogen phase lasts about three months or 100 days.
Exogenous phase:The final stage of the hair growth cycle, when individual hair strands release from their follicles and fall out.
Now the whole process starts again.
These nutrients work together to strengthen the hair shaft, reduce breakage and promote healthy hair growth when applied to the scalp.
How to make your own rice water
Making your own rice water at home is easy and only requires some white rice and water.
Start by rinsing the rice to remove dirt and impurities. Then soak the rice in clean water for 30 minutes to an hour. Stir occasionally.
After soaking, pour the water into a clean bowl or jar and discard the rice.
For added benefits, you can let the rice water sit at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours to ferment.
Once you make or ferment it, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator and use it within a week.
How to use
To get the most out of rice water, Abbey recommends soaking your hair in it once a week.
After washing, pour the rice water over your hair, covering your scalp and locks. Then massage your scalp for five minutes to promote blood circulation.
For extra nourishment, you can leave it in your hair for 30 minutes.
Rinse the rice water with cold water and then apply conditioner as you normally would.
Try to use the 2p hack once a week, as overuse can lead to a protein overdose, leaving your hair stiff or dry.