Gabriela Ada and Angelina Fransis, both students from the town of Södertälje, Sweden, set out to answer a question widely circulating online: does rice water actually strengthen hair, or is it just another viral myth?
Instead of relying on anecdotal claims, the two Swedish-Assyrian students designed a structured laboratory study to test the idea for themselves. Their project has since advanced to the finals of Sweden’s national young researchers competition, often referred to as the Research Championship.
The idea originated after the girls noticed repeated claims online suggesting that rice water could improve hair strength and shine. Rather than accepting the trend at face value, they decided to examine it scientifically.
Motivated in part by the high cost of commercial hair products, the students also wanted to explore whether a simple and affordable alternative could produce real results.
To conduct their research, they collected hair samples from several volunteers and carried out a series of controlled tests. Each sample underwent repeated measurements to determine both elasticity and strength before and after treatment with rice water.
Their findings showed a noticeable difference. Hair treated with rice water demonstrated increased elasticity and stretched significantly more than untreated strands.
Seeking further validation, the students went a step beyond their initial testing. With support from researchers, they gained access to advanced imaging equipment, including an electron microscope, allowing them to analyze changes in the hair structure.
What began as a classroom project has now developed into a nationally recognized scientific entry. The pair have qualified for the finals of Sweden’s largest science competition for high school students, where top projects from across the country compete for awards and recognition.
The competition highlights young talent in science, technology, and innovation, with finalists presenting their work at Södertälje Science Park.
Södertälje, south of the Swedish capital Stockholm, is widely known as a cultural hub for the Assyrian diaspora in Europe.
