Viori Shampoo + Conditioner Bars | Benefits of Rice in Haircare

My favorite haircare of 2020 and up until now has been the shampoo and conditioner bars made by Viori. I’ve been using them since last March (1yr) and I still can’t seem to get enough. It's made washing my hair a little less of a chore. I can’t really think of anything that I don’t like about the haircare duo. Viori checks the box for me for a multitude of reasons from the experience to the production, ingredients and the rich cultural history of the ancient Yao Tribe. These shampoo/conditioner bars are real gems and I’m excited to share the details with you. *All products were purchased by me and all opinions are my own.

Below you’ll find information about my experience using the products, more about Viori, history of the Yao Tribe women and a segment about the benefits of rice on hair.

1. About Viori & The Red Yao Women
2. Review of Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
3. The Benefits of Rice Water on Hair
4. Ingredients & Product Break Down for All Shampoo/Conditioner 

All Viori shampoo and conditioner bars are made with rice sourced exclusively from the Longsheng Mountains. That means before it’s crafted into luxurious bars it’s first harvested directly by the Red Yao women

- sharing the secrets of their ancestors passed onto them by their mothers in a long line of maternal lineage. It’s sustainable, eco friendly and more importantly it contributes to the economy of Huangluo Yao. They're all natural, vegan and cruelty free. The whole experience has

fit seamlessly into my mindful beauty routine.

The Red Yao women have lived in a remote little village known as Huangluo Yao for 2,000 years. Along the banks of the Jinsha River in China nestled amid the magnificent Longji Rice Terraces lies an enormous country about 1,000 miles south of Beijing (Guilin) in China’s Guangxi Region. The mystic village is so remote that it was almost unreachable until 2002 although it had been previously discovered about 700

years ago by the Chinese Government. Their small tribe is composed of about 300 members/ 78 families. These famous women are known for their long hair that can be up to 5 feet long and on average weigh about 2 lbs. There are a few ladies with 6 ft hair and the longest hair ever recorded in the village was 7 ft long in 2004. Their hair is not only long but it’s also dark, shiny and extremely healthy. Shockingly, many of the women live up to eighty yrs old without a single gray hair!

Their hair is only cut once in their lifetime. When a tribe member turns eighteen a public ceremony is held to cut the becoming woman's hair up to her ears to signify that she’s ready for marriage. Traditionally, they are known to wear their hair in distinctive ways to signify their social status. Unmarried women wear their hair in a black scarf, married women with children wear it in a circle wrapped on the head and married women with no children wear a bun at the front of their head. However in present times many of the young Yao women leave the town to attend school and when they do so they cut off their hair. Surprisingly the elders of the tribe are very open-minded and believe that it should be an individual's choice if they’d like to follow the ancient Yao hair rituals.

“Their secret to healthy, vibrant hair lies in the special, simple way they wash it - a tradition that has been passed from mother to daughter for centuries.” - Viori

A Red Yao hair bath day routine consists of a rice water rinse combined with a few other organic ingredients. After the mixture is prepared in a boiling pot it’s poured into an enamel bowl. The hair is then lowered in a barrel and a wooden comb is used to methodically work the solution into the hair from tip to root. This is said to be the secret to their hair’s preternatural shine, luster and the reason why their hair remains pitch black for many years.

Additional Facts and Legends:

Local lore warned that unmarried girls with their hair down were not permitted to be seen by a man with her hair down. If a man did see an unmarried girl with her hair down he would be punished by serving the girls family for three years. These ancient traditions were still in effect up until the 1980s. In the present day everyone including tourists are able to admire the long luxurious locks without any consequences. Due to the popularity of their long hair tourists are able to visit a local theatre where residents dress in traditional costumes, perform traditional dances, sing folk songs and share their hair routines for all to see. The sale of tickets and locally made rice hair products has created an economy for the small village that they otherwise wouldn't be able to produce if it weren't for tourism.

My experience using Viori products has been very enjoyable. Using the duo seemed to improve the elasticity/strength of my hair, softened the texture and made it appear shinier. My hair type is oily and it seemed much more regulated over time thus making it much more manageable. I believe this is due to the perfect pH balance of the products. I also found that the conditioner didn't weight down my hair like some tend to do. So far I've used every shampoo/ conditioner bar in the collection and I will say that I didn’t see a huge difference in the oily to normal vs normal to dry options offered. However, I still would suggest purchasing the recommended bars per hair type.

The price point is reasonable for the quality and amount of washes you can get from the shampoo bar. On average one shampoo bar lasts me a month and sometimes longer. I wash my hair 2-3 times a week and each time I wash my hair I usually wash 2 times depending on how dirty my hair was feeling on that particular day. I read on the website that on average the bar can last from 30 - 60 washes depending on how much you need. However, my hair is extremely thick in diameter and density... so I'd say it lasts me about 15 washes which is about a 1 1/2 months. I was really surprised I could get so much out of them as I usually go through 6oz bottles of liquid shampoo within a months time. The shampoo bar rubs off easily on my palm and rinses off as a rich milky white water. I was pleasantly surprised when I found that it still bubbled the way it did even without sulfates and makes feels squeaky clean without being too drying.

The conditioner bar lasted longer which is very normal for me. This could of course vary depending on your hair type or texture. I try to leave the conditioner on anywhere from 5 - 20 minutes as I shave or have a bath at least once a week to get the most out of it because of the benefits rice has on hair for several reasons (see the benefits of rice water below).

Scent - The natural essential oils that are infused into each bar smell amazing. I really appreciate that my hair smells fresh until my next wash. They’re strong but not overwhelming and I think it has to do with the fact that it’s made with essential oils instead of a parfum. Again, my skin type is very sensitive to fragrances as well as my senses but I haven't experienced any adverse reactions. Sometimes, I do like to mix and match unscented shampoo paired with scented conditioner.

Professional Recommendations when purchasing: You might want to mix and match to products to your favor. In example if you have a really oil scalp/dry ends you could order the Citrus Yao made for normal to oily hair types and a conditioner bar for dry to normal hair types such as the Terrace Garden or Hidden Waterfall. *If you aren't of fan of scented products or have extreme sensitivities to essential oils I suggest using the unscented bars which are just as good as the others.

Final Thoughts: Viori shampoo and conditioner bars have been a huge win for me. My hair looks and feels healthier than it was prior to using the duo. I don’t have anything bad to say about the bars. I’ve been searching for something I really love for years now, so it's such a relief to have discovered Viori. I don't see myself switching for a long time or at least a while. I’m the type of person that likes to stick to something when it works.

*They're also really great to gift to family and friends.

* I highly recommend purchasing the bamboo shampoo holders. They're sold separately for $10 a piece and very much worth the price. It helps to drain, dry and store the bars in between usage. I bought a few that I stack on top of eachother. They could also come in handy for any type of soap bar in the future not just for the Viori bars alone. I'm a HUGE fan of them and I think you'll love them too!

Bonus: Another great part about using rice based shampoo bars is the fact that rice is great for skin as well as your hair (see next segment to read about the effects of rice on hair). One of my biggest concerns aside from my hair has been the effect of conventional shampoos on my skin. I invest a considerable amount of effort on my skincare products and I really want to make sure that anything that touches my face is gentle and doesn’t interfere with all the care I put into my skin on a daily basis.

Protein Overload Disclaimer: Rice on hair can also cause a protein overload depending on your hair type. This is based on many factors, but most often it has to do with the porosity of your hair. The effects of a protein overload will make your hair appear dull and feel dry. Often times it'll feel straw like and break easier.

* Keep in mind that this can happen with any hair product but I wanted to add a note about this in case you're currently experiencing it or if it occurs after using this product on a regular basis.

Benefits of Rice Water Rice water contains a mix of amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. The mix of all of these vitamins and minerals can help improve luster/shine, texture, tame frizz, and improve elasticity by strengthening the roots/lengths of your hair.

Although there isn’t any solid scientific evidence of hair growth abilities there is evidence found in the rich starches that penetrate the shaft and lengths of the hair. It can help reduce damage by rescuing and repairing split ends by flattening/sealing the cuticle. While also reducing excess flakes by hydrating and soothing the scalp. I've found that the reduction of flakes on the scalp promotes a healthier environment for new hair to grow by eliminating debris that are otherwise a breeding ground for bacteria and clogs the pores. Furthermore, a core component of rice water known as Inositol has been scientifically linked to stronger hair. Inositol is a carbohydrate found in your body. There are many forms of this molecule and each of them has a chemical structure similar to the main sugar found in your blood glucose. When examined using infrared synchrotron radiation subtle differences were found between the interiors of healthy and damaged hair that were applied with inositol. The results found indicated that chemical bonds specific to inositol were stronger near the surface and decreased towards the center. Additionally, other tests indicated that inositol stays inside the hair once penetrated. This means that it’s a carbohydrate that repairs and protects even after rinsing. Along with that the amino acids found in inositol contribute to different types of proteins found in hair. Keratin is the main source of protein that constitutes the primary fiber found in hair therefore when replenished it can help maintain overall health of the hair. If that isn't enough inositol is also rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, ferulic acid and allantoin. All of these benefits when used in your weekly haircare regimen can increase the likelihood of having longer and well kept hair over a period of time while also enhancing the health of your skin.

Additional Information about the bars found on the website:

 Citrus Yao Shampoo and Conditioner Bar
A fresh, citrus-scented shampoo bar straight from the baskets of the Red Yao fruit stands. They are handcrafted with the same Longsheng Rice, natural ingredients, and beauty rituals used by the Red Yao for centuries. Viori™ shampoo bars are sulfate-free, paraben-free,  phthalates-free, pH balanced, natural, 100% vegan, plastic-free, sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced. Bamboo holders sold separately. Best for normal to oily hair.

Ingredients Explanations
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Longsheng Rice Water, Cocoa Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Stearic Acid, Rice Bran Oil, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Vitamin B8, Vitamin B5, Bamboo Extract, Broccoli Seed Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Sodium Lactate, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E Acetate, *Fragrance

This fragrance oil is infused with natural essential oils, including grapefruit, orange, lemon, mandarin, peach, and vanilla. This fragrance is made with natural and/or natural equivalent ingredients. Our fragrances are 100% free from parabens, phthalates, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, mutagens, organ toxins, acute toxins, prop 65 chemicals, and any other potentially hazardous chemicals often found in fragrance.

Ingredients explained:
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: a natural cleanser derived from coconut. Behentrimonium Methosulfate: a sulfate-free, vegetable-source conditioner derived from the colza plant. Cetyl Alcohol: plant-source fatty alcohol. Stearic Acid: plant-source fatty alcohol. Sodium Lactate: derived from the natural fermentation of sugars found in corn and beets.

Natural Benefits
Moisturizes • Strengthens • Regrows • Volumizes •Increases Natural Shine • Repairs • Reduces All Types of Scalp Irritation

Natural Ingredients and their Function:
Longsheng Rice: growth, regeneration, repairs. Cocoa Butter: conditions, softens, moisturizes. Shea Butter: conditions, reduces scalp irritation. Rice Bran Oil & Hydrolyzed Rice Protein: increases volume and shine, strengthens. Aloe Vera: Growth, repairs, conditions, smooths, increases shine, reduces dandruff. Bamboo: growth, repairs, conditions, smooths, increases shine, reduces dandruff.


Terrace Garden Shampoo and Conditioner Bar
Natural, green, floral-scented conditioner bar reminiscent of wandering the bamboo trails of the Longsheng mountains. They are handcrafted with the same Longsheng Rice, natural ingredients, and beauty rituals used by the Red Yao for centuries. Viori™ conditioner bars are sulfate-free, paraben-free,  phthalate-free, pH balanced, natural, 100% vegan, plastic-free, sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced. Bamboo holders sold separately.
Best for dry to normal hair. For more product information, see the information tabs above or the information below.
Shampoo:

Conditioner Ingredients:
Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cocoa Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Longsheng Rice Water, Shea Butter, Stearic Acid, Rice Bran Oil, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Vitamin B8, Vitamin B5, Bamboo Extract, Broccoli Seed Oil, Aloe Vera, Vitamin, *Fragrance
*This fragrance is infused with natural essential oils, including ylang-ylang, lily of the valley, green leaves, pear, lilac, rose, jasmine, vanilla, and carnation. This fragrance is made with natural and/or natural equivalent ingredients.


Hidden Waterfall Shampoo And Conditioner

A musky, sweet, vanilla-scented shampoo bar reminiscent of the amber aroma found along the forested paths to hidden Longsheng waterfalls. They are handcrafted with the same Longsheng Rice, natural ingredients, and beauty rituals used by the Red Yao for centuries. Viori™ shampoo bars are sulfate-free, paraben-free,  phthalates-free, pH balanced, natural, 100% vegan, plastic-free, sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced. Bamboo holders sold separately.
Best for dry to normal hair. For more product information, see the information tabs above or the information below.
Shampoo

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Longsheng Rice Water, Cocoa Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Stearic Acid, Rice Bran Oil, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Vitamin B8, Vitamin B5, Bamboo Extract, Broccoli Seed Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Sodium Lactate, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E Acetate, *Fragrance
*This fragrance is infused with natural essential oils, including cedarwood oil, mandarin, jasmine, sandalwood, and amber. This fragrance is made with natural and/or natural equivalent ingredients. Our fragrances are 100% free from parabens, phthalates, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, mutagens, organ toxins, acute toxins, prop 65 chemicals, and any other potentially hazardous chemicals often found in fragrance.

Ingredient Explanation:
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: a natural cleanser derived from coconut. Behentrimonium Methosulfate: a sulfate-free, vegetable-source conditioner derived from the colza plant. Cetyl Alcohol: plant-source fatty alcohol. Stearic Acid: plant-source fatty alcohol. Sodium Lactate: derived from the natural fermentation of sugars found in corn and beets.

Conditioner
Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cocoa Butter, Cetyl Alcohol, Longsheng Rice Water, Shea Butter, Stearic Acid, Rice Bran Oil, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Vitamin B8, Vitamin B5, Bamboo Extract, Broccoli Seed Oil, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E Acetate, *Fragrance