Our family doesn’t typically consume a lot of rice and grains, but they’ve got some cool uses. For instance, rice water for hair care is currently a hot topic on TikTok, but it’s actually a remedy that’s been used for ages. Here’s an easy way to harness this timeless technique for stronger, healthier hair.
Rice water is just what it sounds like: water in which rice has been soaked. The Yao women from Huangluo village in China have mixed rice with herbs for hair care for thousands of years. This Asian tradition remains popular today. The women of this tribe traditionally refrain from cutting their hair as adults, maintaining long, dark hair even as they age.
Recently, this practice has become a tourist draw, with locals showing off their hair care routine at a local theater. Visitors can even buy a bottle of rice shampoo to take home.
While rice water likely isn’t the only factor contributing to their stunning hair, traditional diets rich in nutrients supported healthy teeth, hair, and bodies. Environmental factors also play a role in overall and hair health. Nonetheless, rice water seems to offer notable benefits.
Rice is packed with amino acids, antioxidants, inositol, vitamin E, vitamin C, and other nutrients that promote hair health. These nutrients in rice water work to make hair softer, stronger, and shinier. For instance, one study showed that rice bran extract increased collagen production in hair follicles and helped to reduce inflammation, which can support hair growth and reduce hair loss.
A 2022 review indicated that research on rice water’s effect on hair is expanding. Findings show that rice water can increase growth factor expressions, sustain hair in its active growth phase, and reduce scalp inflammation.
There are additional benefits to using a rice water hair rinse. With only two natural ingredients—rice and water—it’s generally safe to use. Rice water has been a reliable method for hair growth and health for many years, though some hair types may experience fewer benefits.
Not sure about your hair’s porosity? Here’s a quick test: place a strand of your hair in a glass of water. If it floats, it has low porosity; the quicker it sinks, the higher the porosity.
Be mindful that overusing rice water can result in protein buildup, leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage. Usage frequency hinges on hair type, but it’s generally recommended 1-2 times a week. If your hair feels frizzy or crunchy, it might indicate overuse or leaving the rinse on too long.
There are several ways to make DIY rice water, such as boiling, soaking, or fermenting the rice. Fermenting is considered the most effective and beneficial for hair since fermentation can help release more nutrients. The exact ratio of rice to water isn’t crucial, as long as the rice is fully submerged.
Feel free to enhance your rice water rinse with other beneficial herbs. Prepare a strong herbal tea and mix it with fermented rice water. Chamomile, lavender, sage, or rosemary are excellent choices. There are recipes available that explore different herbs and their hair benefits.
For those who prefer a ready-to-use option, there are healthy rice hair products on the market that harness rice’s benefits with added ingredients.
As a note, this content has been medically reviewed by Dr. Madiha Saeed, a board-certified family physician. Remember, this isn’t personalized medical advice, so it’s always best to consult your doctor.
Have you ever tried a hair rinse? Any favorites? Share your thoughts!
