Rice Water for Hair: Science-Backed Benefits and How to Use It

Although it may seem as though rice water came out of nowhere, it’s actually an ancient haircare method with a long history in Asia. For centuries, Japanese women used rice water to keep their floor-length hair healthy and thick [source]. And women in China have been known to use it to keep the gray away until well into their 80s. So, it’s no surprise that rice water for hair finally caught on in the West. Read on to learn how to make your own rice water treatments at home.

Rice water is right up there with jade rollers and hemp oil—it appears to be having a moment in the spotlight. It’s a magical elixir that can, when used correctly, prevent breakage and strengthen strands to help your limp locks grow long and thick. You can make your own rice water, but what do you do with it?! Here are six way to use rice water for stronger, fuller hair.

Jump to:

• Rice Water Benefits for Hair
• 1. Seals cuticle to strengthen strands
• 2. Deep conditions to soften and detangle
• 3. Increases elasticity to reduce breakage
• 4. Reduces friction to increase shine
• 5. Fortifies strands to repair damaged hair
• Rice Water Hair Recipes
• 1. Rice Water Shampoo
• 2. Strengthening Hair Rinse
• 3. Conditioner Bar
• 4. Leave-In Conditioner
• 5. Hair Growth Spray
• 6. Braid Gel
• FAQ

Rice Water Benefits for Hair

The scientific research on rice water is sparse, but a few studies have shown its ingredients have beneficial properties. It contains starch, which carries skin benefits [source], and antioxidants from the rice grains [source] have been clearly associated with skin anti-aging effects [source].

Plus, there’s a lot of anecdotal evidence—and centuries of experience—singing rice water’s praises. Hair experts recommend adding it to your hair care regimen for these reasons:

1. Seals cuticle to strengthen strands

“Closing the cuticle will make the hair stronger because it is all closed together,” explains New York City-based hairstylist Kim Bonondona. “It will also protect the hair against the elements, including sun, heat, smoke, and minerals in the water.”

2. Deep conditions to soften and detangle

“Rice water acts as a deep conditioner, which leaves the hair soft and easy for you to comb through and detangle,” explains Bonondona.

3. Increases elasticity to reduce breakage

Rice water has been shown to increase the elasticity of hair strands, which, in turn, reduces static and breakage from brushing [source]. It’s also loaded with starch that helps strengthen hair so it can grow longer and thicker without breaking.

4. Reduces friction to increase shine

Closing the cuticle and conditioning hair also reduces hair friction. “Because rice water closes the cuticle, the hair is left looking shiny and not frizzy,” notes Bonondona. “When the cuticle is open, that is when the hair looks very frizzy, dry, and unhealthy.”

5. Fortifies strands to repair damaged hair

Rice water is also said to help repair damage and fortify strands by infusing them with depleted vitamins and minerals.

Rice Water Hair Recipes

Whether your hair is thick, thin, curly, or straight, it can benefit from a rice water treatment. However, those with color-treated, relaxed, damaged,or high porosity hair types benefit most, according to celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. Here are a few ways to add rice water to your routine:

1. Rice Water Shampoo

Rice water shampoo is one of the best ways to harness the power of rice water’s antioxidant magic for your hair. It clarifies, strengthens, reduces dandruff, and leaves you with shiny, flexible strands.

2. Strengthening Hair Rinse

A rice water rinse extends the benefits of rice water shampoo with the addition of aloe vera and apple cider vinegar to normalize the hair’s pH and provide a soothing and conditioning final step. 

3. Conditioner Bar

Creating a rice water conditioner bar is a fantastic way to get the nourishing properties of rice in a convenient and eco-friendly form.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups filtered water
• ¼ cup shea butter
• ¼ cup cocoa butter
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ¼ cup beeswax pellets
• 1 tablespoon rice bran oil (or any other carrier oil of your choice)
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional, as a natural preservative)
• 10–20 drops of your preferred essential oil for fragrance (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove any impurities.
2. In a clean bowl, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of filtered water.
3. Allow the rice to soak in the water for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. This will allow its nutrients to be infused into the water.
4. After soaking, strain the rice water into a clean container, discarding the rice.
5. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, melt the shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and beeswax pellets. Stir the mixture until everything is fully melted and combined.
6. Remove the bowl from the heat and let it cool down slightly.
7. Add the strained rice water and rice bran oil to the melted butter and wax mixture. Stir well to ensure all the ingredients are incorporated.
8. If using, add the vitamin E oil and essential oils for added benefits and fragrance. Mix well.
9. Pour the mixture into silicone molds or a shallow rectangular container lined with parchment paper.
10. Let the mixture cool and solidify at room temperature, or place it in the refrigerator for faster cooling.
11. Once completely solidified, remove the conditioner bars from the molds or container.

How to use:

After shampooing your hair, take the rice water conditioner bar and rub it directly onto your wet hair, focusing on the ends and mid-lengths. Massage the conditioner into your hair with your hands for a few seconds, allowing it to coat your strands.

Leave the conditioner on your hair for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water.

Tips:

• Store the rice water conditioner bars in a cool and dry place to prevent them from melting.
• You can customize the fragrance by using different essential oils based on your preference.

4. Leave-In Conditioner

Making a rice water leave-in conditioner for your hair is a simple and effective way to nourish hair and improve its texture.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup uncooked rice (white or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel
• 1–2 drops of essential oil (such as lavender, rosemary, or chamomile) for fragrance (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove any impurities.
2. In a clean bowl, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of filtered water.
3. Allow the rice to soak in the water for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. This will allow its nutrients to be infused into the water.
4. After soaking, strain the rice water into a clean container, discarding the rice.
5. Add the aloe vera gel to the rice water and mix well. Aloe vera provides additional moisturizing and conditioning properties for your hair.
6. If desired, add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to the mixture for a pleasant fragrance. Essential oils like lavender or rosemary also offer added benefits for the hair.
7. Transfer the rice water leave-in conditioner to a clean and empty spray bottle or a container with a nozzle for easy application.

How to use:

After shampooing and conditioning your hair, towel dry it to remove excess water. Then, spritz or apply the rice water leave-in conditioner to your damp hair, focusing on the ends and avoiding the scalp.

Gently comb through your hair to ensure even distribution of the conditioner. You can leave it in your hair without rinsing, allowing your hair to absorb the nutrients.

Style your hair as usual, and enjoy the nourishing benefits of the rice water leave-in conditioner throughout the day.

Tips:

• Store any leftover rice water conditioner in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Adjust the amount of aloe vera gel or essential oils based on your hair's length and thickness.
• Perform a patch test before applying the rice water leave-in conditioner to your entire hair, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.

5. Hair Growth Spray

Creating a rice water hair growth spray with biotin, rosemary, and rice bran oil can be a powerful combination to nourish your scalp and promote hair growth.

Leave the solution on your scalp for at least 30 minutes or overnight for more intense treatment. You can then rinse it out with water or, if desired, wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

6. Braid Gel

Creating a rice water gel provides hold, reduces frizz, and add moisturizes your hair.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice)
• 2 cups filtered water
• 1 tablespoon flax seeds (optional, for added hold)
• 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
• 5–10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional, for a pleasant scent)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove any impurities.
2. In a clean bowl, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of filtered water.
3. Allow the rice to soak in the water for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. This will allow the nutrients to be infused into the water.
4. After soaking, strain the rice water into a clean container, discarding the rice.
5. In a small saucepan, add the strained rice water and the flax seeds (if using).
6. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
7. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help extract the gel-like substance from the flax seeds, which will act as a natural hair gel.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool down slightly.
9. Add the aloe vera gel to the mixture and stir well.
10. If desired, add a few drops of your preferred essential oil for a pleasant scent and additional hair benefits.
11. Transfer the rice water gel to a clean and airtight container for storage.

How to use:

Apply the rice water gel to damp hair, distributing it evenly from roots to ends. Style your hair as desired using your fingers or a comb. You can use this gel to achieve different hairstyles, define curls, control frizz, or create sleek looks.

The flax seed in the gel will provide a natural hold and help your hair stay in place without feeling stiff or sticky. Additionally, the rice water and aloe vera will add moisture and nourishment to your hair, promoting its health and shine.

Tips:

• Adjust the amount of aloe vera gel based on your hair’s length and thickness. You can use more if you prefer a softer hold or less for a stronger hold.
• Store the rice water gel in the refrigerator to prolong its shelf life and maintain its consistency.

FAQ

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