Rice Water For Hair: Benefits, Instructions & More

Published on February 27, 2023

The rich and famous swear by it, and there's been a lot of buzz on platforms like TikTok boasting about the benefits of using rice water for hair.

According to many, this DIY viral hair tip claims to keep your barnet longer, stronger, and shinier—something we all strive for.

Hair thinning and loss can be a real pain point, particularly if you've been used to a life with thick hair. Although some embrace the aesthetics of a hairless head, for others, hair loss feels like losing a part of your identity.

If you're looking for a solution, you might wonder if rice water can help your hair look healthy and grow. Read on to discover the benefits of rice water for hair.

The History of Using Rice Water For Hair

So how effective is rice water for hair growth? Historically, Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian women have used rice water as part of their hair treatment regime for centuries. No one can argue with how thick, shiny and healthy their hair looks.

The main staple of the Asian diet is rice. The starchy water that's left over after cooking rice is thought to make hair smooth and shiny. It also helps to make hair grow faster.

Read more: Hair Loss in Shower: How Much Is Normal?

9 Benefits of Rice Water For Hair

What does rice water do for your hair? The benefits are based on science, and studies show that rice water is filled with nutrients that are beneficial to hair health. These include:

1. amino acids and minerals
2. E and B vitamins
3. antioxidants

Here are nine benefits of using rice water for hair:

1. It smoothens the hair follicles
2. It helps to detangle hair
3. Enhances the glossiness of hair
4. Makes hair stronger
5. It helps prevent "hygral fatigue" from overly moisturized hair
6. Encourages hair growth
7. It can be made at home
8. It's very affordable
9. It's toxin-free, so you won't get a chemical build-up

Read more: The Truth About Hats and Hair Loss: Are You At Risk?

Which Hair Types Should Try Rinsing With Rice Water?

One of the best things about rice water is its suitability for all hair types. Rice water is mild, so it's safe even on the most sensitive skin. It's even good to use on colour-treated hair as it doesn't contain harsh chemicals that will strip the hair colour.

Read more: Chemotherapy Hair Loss: Is It Preventable?

What Ingredients to Add to Rice Water

Thankfully, you don't need a whole shopping list to make rice water. It needs just two basic ingredients. Rice and water.

Read more: Low Iron and Hair Loss: Top Foods That Can Help

Fermented vs. Plain Rice Water

When it comes to choosing the type of rice, you might want to consider using fermented rice water for hair. This is down to the fact that fermented rice water has a higher amount of antioxidants, which help to combat hair damage. Although regular rice will still have benefits, opt for fermented rice water instead if you have the choice.

Read more: How To Stop Alopecia Areata From Spreading Naturally

How Do You Wash Your Hair With Rice Water?

You might be wondering how to use rice water for hair. The process is fairly straightforward and can be incorporated into your regular routine. Here's how to wash hair using rice water:

1. Wash your hair normally with shampoo to remove grease and old hair products
2. Rinse out your hair thoroughly with clean water
3. Pour or spray your prepared rice water over your hair
4. Massage the rice water into your hair and scalp
5. Set a timer and leave the rice water in your hair for up to 20 minutes
6. Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean water

Read more: Fine Hair vs. Thin Hair: What’s the Difference?

FAQs on Using Rice Water For Hair Growth

Hopefully, we've already covered everything you need to know about using rice water. However, these are the answers to the most common questions we hear about using rice water.