Thursday, May 31, 2018

Guest Post :: 7 Hidden Secrets of Using Fermented Rice Water Shampoo

2018 seems to be the year of getting back to the basics or hair in order to achieve healthier and thicker hair. I for one have become such a fan of heatless curls – it is such a time saver in the morning and it is amazing how well heatless curls techniques work. Another hair trend that has come to surface is tea tree shampoo and charcoal shampoo {sounds scary but it’s amazing!} and a new-to-me back to basic shampoo is fermented rice water shampoo. I was quite intrigued with the idea of rice shampoo when I first heard about it. Today on the blog Indie has written a guest post on not only the benefits of fermented rice water shampoo, but also a DIY so you can even make your very own rice shampoo to use!
People who eat rice as part of their normal dish realize that it has numerous benefits. For most countries, it is viewed as a staple food that is served 3 times every day. The truth is, rice can offer more than what others could think about. A good example would be the use of fermented rice water shampoo not just for the hair but also for the skin.

Do you feel like I am kidding? Well, rethink that idea. Rice is shown to add shine and softness to your hair when used as shampoo. In fact, for centuries now, Asian women have been using fermented rice water shampoo. This is why the majority of Asian women have long and beautiful hair.

So, how much do you suppose will it cost you? What if I reveal that the price is free because it is a DIY or do it yourself shampoo. Read along because this article will show you how. Without further ado, let's begin.


What you would need:
The process is quite simple and easy. It is all about utilizing the proper amount of ingredient.

* 1 cup organic rice (no matter what kind of rice you have)
* 2 cups of warm water
* 1 chamomile tea (ideal for blonde)
* 1 cup shikakai tea (ideal for dark hair)
* 1/4 cup aloe vera juice (thickens hair and can be useful for hair loss)
* Lavender oil (scent)
* 1 cup liquid castile soap (good for skin)

Directions
Step 1 - Put rice in a container and rinse to eliminate dirt and other toxins. Only clean water needs to be used to rinse the water that is without any toxins.

Step 2 - Stir first after incorporating warm water before covering with a lid. In measurements, proportions are not that precise. This will depend on the level of rice and water that you used. Allow 30 minutes for the water to soak. Be sure to swirl to penetrate the minerals and vitamins and get a great rinse.

Step 3 - Strain the water and put the rice in a clean bowl. At room temperature, let it sit for 24-48 hours or until it ferments or became a bit sour. The duration of fermentation process will depend on the room temperature. It could be quicker if the room is warmer. If you will let the water sit in water, you can reduce fermentation time. Strain it when fermented.

Step 4 - There are others who would rather let the fermented rice to boil. This will depend on your hair requirements. To know which one works well, it's best to try the two options. As an added benefit and more fragrance, you may want to put castile soap, chamomile/shikakai tea, aloe vera, and drops of lavender oil.

The other approach is the use of cooked rice and extract the water. Because of this technique, you should increase the amount of water. Once the rice is completely cooked, remove the excess water from it. Here, you may use more concentrated water as compared to uncooked rice. Having said that, you have to dilute and let it stay covered to ferment.

Note: With fermented rice water, one can guarantee there is no additive. Even inside the fridge, it won't last for long. To get its optimum benefit, it needs to be consumed within 5 - 6 days.
What Are the Benefits of Using Fermented Rice Water Shampoo?

Would you like to find out why it is best to use it? The effects of rice water for your hair could be enhanced through fermentation. With the minerals and vitamins that it has like vitamin B, vitamin E, antioxidants, minerals, and contains traces of pitera, cell regeneration is promoted for youthful skin.


How You Can Use Fermented Rice Water Shampoo for Hair and Skin

Massage the fermented rice water shampoo in your scalp carefully and leave for around 5 minutes and rinse fully with plain water. Use once per week for superior results.

Additionally, you can use it as a total substitute for your regular shampoo. In this instance, you may add some rice flour for better cleansing power. It's suggested to apply fermented rice water on wet hair.

Note: Results are more obvious after 3 to 4 weeks of use. A blow dryer may no longer be needed while this is in use. All you need is to wait around for your hair to dry the natural way.

Advantages of Fermented Rice Water Shampoo for Hair

Fermented rice water shampoo has benefits to offer, both for the skin and hair. The benefits are supported by science.


1. Faster Hair Growth
With the amino acids and vitamins that rice water contains, it can help in hair regeneration. This can help decrease falling out of hair.

2. Split Ends is Reduced
Split ends can be difficult to handle. With the protein content of rice water, you could decrease having split ends. You may get this by soaking it on the split ends.

3. Great Hair Rinse
Change your shampoo to rice water. It would boost the hair texture and add volume as well. In addition, this makes the hair strong, smooth, and healthy.

4. Tones up Hair Roots
Like what was mentioned before, amino acids can be found in rice water. It is responsible for toning up the roots, adding shine, and making the hair look and feel silky smooth.

5. Hair is Protected against Damage
Fermented rice water shampoo helps improve the elasticity of hair because it can minimize surface friction. It can enable fast and easy combing since it de-tangle the hair. With less breakage, long or curly hair will surely love it. With its inositol content, you can be sure that it will help restore damaged hair. The good thing is, even after rinsing, it still stays on the hair. Hair is protected with continued usage.

6. Removes Dandruff
Regular use of fermented rice water helps reduce dandruff. You can then forget about getting embarrassed because of too much dandruff.

7. Lice Free Naturally
The starch present in rice water gets rid of lice right away. This is the answer to manage and control the lice.

The skin could also benefit so much from rice water. It's a great moisturizer and beneficial ointment to cool off inflamed skin. This leaves your skin soft, smooth, and radiant.

Conclusion
Like what was mentioned, it is apparent that fermented rice water shampoo is simply a great option. It's not just natural and safe but also very economical. With the potent effect on the skin and hair, it is time to make the switch. If you would like the history of rice water, then check out my website at https://indienikole.com/

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Beauty Sleep

Lately I have not been sleeping well at all, partly because I have the worst bedtime routine ever right now that definitely needs to change. I’ve been on my computer and phone answering emails and such well after my night time shower, watching Netflix instead of reading {FYI, Super Girl is actually a super good show!}, and if the first two weren’t bad enough I’ve been eating chocolate here and there right before I go to bed and not working out as much as I usually do… Bad, I know. Luckily, it is always the right time to make a few healthy changes.

For todays post I thought I would share a few tips I use when I am on a good/healthy bed time routine and I would love to hear your bedtime tips and tricks in the comments!
Workout// working out has so many added benefits aside from the obvious one of helping you stay in shape. It always seems to make me a bit more mentally focused, happier, and be able to sleep better at the end of the day.

Drink plenty of water// Everybody has their vice and mine is coke… I am always falling on and off the wagon of drinking what I consider a healthy amount of coke a week {which is maybe 2-3 8oz bottles for me}. Caffeine always has the ability to make me so wound up and it always seems to kick in a few hours after the fact, just in time for bedtime. Water like working out has a ridiculous amount of benefits: great skin, more energy, clear mind, and a better nights sleep.

Baths// sometimes after a long day I will take a nice long bath with the lights dimmed and just space out and try to let go of everything that had happened during the day.

Facemasks//sometimes pampering yourself is one of the best things you can do to relax and short of a massage, what better way to pamper yourself than with a cooling facemask. Plus, your skin will look great in the morning.

Unplug// When I am being healthy and am on a great bedtime routine I put my laptop away and plug my phone in the charger before I hop in the shower. Looking at my phone, emails, and watching Netflix right before I go to bed is one of the worst things I do for myself, because I have the hardest time going to bed.

Read// I am convinced that I will never be able to read enough books. I have found that climbing into bed with a great book after a shower is the best and most relaxing way to end the day.

Monday, May 28, 2018

Memorial Day Sales

Memorial Day Weekend = the official start of summer and Memorial Day Sales. It might be hard to believe but there are so many sales out there this year that are even better than last Memorial Day. So shop while you can and stock up on a few summer staples!
Abercrombie// 40% off everything
Ann Taylor// 40% off with code SOREADY
Anthropologie// 40% off sale, discount applied in cart
Banana Republic// 40% off entire purchase and free shipping on $100 or more with code BRSHIP
Bloomingdales// Save up to 20-50% and save an extra 40-50% off already reduced items
Brooks Brothers// Additional 25% off sale
Club Monaco// 25%off purchase with code WARMWELCOME
Free People// 25% off all sale styles
Jack Rogers// Up to 50% off
 J. Crew// 40% off your entire purchase plus up to 50% off women’s swim, shorts, tees, and more with code GETAWAY
J. Crew Factory// 50% off everything and an extra 50% off clearance with code WINWIN
J. McLaughlin// Up to 50% off
Kate Spade// Additional 30% off sale items with code GREATFIND
Kiel James Patrick// Extra 25% off your order
L.L. Bean// 20% off your order with code SUMMER20
LOFT// 40% off everything with code LONGWKND
Madewell// 20% off dresses with code PRETTYPLEASE
Mark and Graham// 20% off sitewide with code PRETTYPLEASE
Nordstrom// Half-Yearly Sale, up to 40% off everything
Pottery Barn// Save up to 30% with code SAVEMORE
Ralph Lauren// Extra 30% off select styles with code MEMDAY
Restoration Hardware// Early Summer Sale, save up to 70%
Sakes Fifth Avenue// 40% off designer selection
Shopbop// Up to 40% off
Talbots// Extra 40% off one item and 50% off two or more items
Tory Burch// Up to 40% off
Tuckernuck// 50% off sale selection
Vineyard Vines// Up to 50% off
West Elm// Up to 30% off with code SAVEMORE
Williams-Sonoma// Up to 75% off clearance