How to Make and Use Rice Water for Hair Growth

You’ve probably heard about rice water as a natural hair treatment, and it’s true that many people swear by it for stronger, shinier, and faster-growing hair. In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make and use rice water at home, covering the different preparation methods and what to expect from your routine.

Whether you’re new to DIY hair care or just curious about this ancient practice, I’ve got the step-by-step details you need to try it safely and effectively.

What Is Rice Water and How Does It Benefit Hair?

Rice water is the starchy liquid left after soaking or boiling rice. It is rich in amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin E, minerals, and antioxidants. These components can strengthen hair, improve elasticity, add shine, and aid in growth by repairing damaged strands from the inside out. The practice originated with the Yao women of Huangluo Village in China, known for their exceptionally long and healthy hair.

Gather Your Supplies for Making Rice Water

You need only a few items, and you likely have most of them at home.

• Uncooked rice: Any type works, white, brown, basmati, or jasmine.
• Clean water: For both rinsing the rice and making the rice water.
• Bowl: For the initial rinsing step.
• Sealed container: A mason jar or Tupperware for fermenting and storing.
• Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth: To separate the liquid from the grains completely.
• Spray bottle or applicator bottle: For easy, even application to your hair.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making and Using Rice Water

Follow this method for consistent results, based on a popular video tutorial.

1. Measure the rice: Measure 1/2 to 1 cup of any type of rice into a bowl.
2. Rinse the rice: Add water to the bowl, gently scrub the rice with your hand, and drain the dirty water. Repeat this twice to remove impurities.
3. Transfer to a container: Carefully move the rinsed rice into a sealed container like a mason jar or Tupperware. A funnel makes this easier.
4. Add water: Fill the container with clean water about 3/4 of the way full.
5. Shake vigorously: Seal the lid tightly and shake the container hard to help extract nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the rice into the water.
6. Ferment or use immediately: For fermented rice water, let the sealed container sit on your counter for 12 to 24 hours. For plain rice water, skip this step and use it right away.
7. Strain into a spray bottle: After fermentation (or immediately for plain), pour the rice water through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a spray bottle.
8. Section and spray: Section your hair and spray the rice water onto the roots first, then the hair shaft, ensuring even coverage.
9. Massage your scalp: Gently massage your scalp to help the rice water absorb into the hair follicles and scalp, and to increase circulation.
10. Repeat for all sections: Keep spraying and massaging until every section and strand of your hair is covered.
11. Pour remaining water: Slowly pour any leftover rice water over your hair.
12. Let it sit: Leave the rice water in your hair for 15 minutes.
13. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the rice water out of your hair thoroughly with plain water.

Tip: Using jasmine rice or adding orange peels or a few drops of essential oils to the container before shaking can help mask the funky smell of fermented rice water.

Here is the method in action: Audrey Victoria demonstrates it in about 10 minutes. The how-to part starts at 1:14.

Understanding Fermented Versus Plain Rice Water

Both types offer benefits, but they differ in potency and preparation time.

Fermented Rice Water

• Believed to be more potent due to increased antioxidant levels and a lower pH, closer to that of healthy hair.
• The fermentation process enhances nutrients and introduces ‘Pitera,’ which aids in cell rejuvenation.
• Requires 12-24 hours of sitting at room temperature before use.

Plain Rice Water

• Simpler to prepare and can be used immediately after shaking.
• Offers the same core nutrients and benefits without the wait or stronger smell.
• Less concentrated, so it is gentler on hair and scalp.

My tip: If you are new to rice water, start with plain to see how your hair reacts before trying fermented.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Rice Water

Not rinsing thoroughly: Leaving too much starch on your hair can cause residue and stiffness. Rinse gently but completely after treatment.

Using it too frequently: Overuse, especially of fermented rice water, can lead to protein overload, making hair brittle. Start with once every 2-3 weeks, or once a month for low porosity hair.

Improper storage: Spoilage and bacterial growth happen if stored incorrectly. Refrigerate unused rice water for up to a week.

Leaving it in too long: Leaving rice water in until your next wash, particularly fermented, can be too intense and irritate your hair.

Shampooing and conditioning before: This can dry out your hair. Instead, use a co-wash followed by conditioner before applying rice water.

Pro Tips for Best Rice Water Results

Mask the smell: Fermented rice water can have a funky smell. Use jasmine rice or add orange peels or a few drops of essential oils to mask it.

Dilute fermented rice water: If you have a sensitive scalp or fine hair, dilute fermented rice water with plain water before use to avoid over-concentration.

Consistency is key: Natural remedies take time. Use rice water once a week at most, and expect to see noticeable improvements after several weeks or months of regular use.

Experiment with methods: Try soaking, boiling, or fermenting to discover what works best for your hair type and desired results.

How Long Until You See Results and What’s the Cost?

Timeline: Results vary, but consistent use once every 2-3 weeks for several weeks to months often shows noticeable improvements in hair strength, shine, and growth.

Frequency: Start with once every 2-3 weeks, then adjust based on how your hair responds. For low porosity hair, once a month may be enough to avoid protein overload.

Cost: Making rice water at home costs almost nothing. The only expense is the rice, which is very inexpensive, making this a budget-friendly hair treatment.

When to Consult a Professional About Hair Concerns

If you experience persistent scalp irritation, dryness, or increased hair breakage after using rice water, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.

If you have underlying scalp conditions or significant hair loss, seek advice from a medical professional before trying new home remedies.

For severe hair damage or chronic hair problems, a professional stylist or trichologist can offer tailored solutions and treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I use rice water on my hair?

Start with once every 2-3 weeks and adjust based on how your hair reacts. For low porosity hair, once a month may be enough to avoid protein overload. If you notice stiffness or dryness, reduce the frequency.

Can I use rice water on color-treated hair?

Yes, rice water is generally safe for color-treated hair. However, the protein-like effect from the starch can sometimes affect how color adheres, so do a patch test on a small strand first. If your hair feels dry after treatment, dilute the rice water more or use it less often.

What if my hair feels stiff after using rice water?

Stiffness usually means you left too much starch on your hair or used the treatment too often. Rinse more thoroughly next time, and consider diluting fermented rice water with plain water. If the problem persists, take a break from rice water for a few weeks.

Is plain or fermented rice water better for hair?

Both have benefits. Fermented rice water is believed to be more potent due to a lower pH and increased antioxidants, but it can be stronger and may require dilution. Plain rice water is gentler and a good starting point. Try both to see which your hair prefers.

How long does rice water last in the fridge?

Store unused rice water in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If it develops a foul odor or mold, discard it immediately. For best results, use it within a few days.

Final Thoughts

My tip: Start with the plain soaking method and use it once every 2-3 weeks to see how your hair responds before moving to fermented rice water. Consistent use over several weeks to a few months is key to noticing improvements in strength and shine, so don’t expect overnight results. With a little patience and the right technique, rice water can become a simple, low-cost addition to your hair care routine.