Rice Water for Hair: History, Benefits, and Uses

Did you know the secret to stronger, shinier, and healthier hair has been sitting in your kitchen this whole time? That's right! Say hello to rice water for hair, a simple, age-old remedy that is making a major comeback in modern haircare. This ancient East Asian beauty secret is believed to have the potential to completely transform dull, damaged hair.

If you are curious about how this basic kitchen ingredient can become your go-to hair treatment, this blog is for you. It will take you through everything you need to know about rice water: what it is, its history, science-backed benefits, and more. Keep reading!

What is Rice Water?

Rice water is the cloudy liquid left after you soak, rinse, or boil rice. This milky liquid contains nutrients your hair craves. Some of them include amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, and zinc. They work together to nourish your scalp and may improve your hair health over time. ^{1 2}

History of Using Rice Water for Hair 

Long before bottled haircare existed, women across Asia used something much simpler: rice water. An example of this is the Red Yao women of Huangluo Village in China. They used fermented rice water to cleanse and nourish their hair. Even today, they have incredibly long hair, often reaching up to six feet. Also, many of them maintain their natural hair colour even into old age.

In Japan, court ladies during the Heian era practised a similar ritual. They used “Yu-Su-Ru,” the water left after cleaning rice, as part of their beauty routine. Their long, flowing black hair became a symbol of grace and elegance. ^{1 2}

Is Rice Water Good for Hair?

Yes, rice water is good for hair. As mentioned earlier, rice water is derived from rice that contains nutrients that your hair needs. It can make your strands feel smoother, healthier, and more manageable over time. ²

What makes rice water even more appealing is that it is easy to make at home. It is also generally suitable for most hair types. Then again, everyone’s hair responds differently. Therefore, always perform a patch test before using it.

Rice Water Benefits for Hair

Here is a closer look at how rice water may benefit your hair:

1) Rich in Amino Acids For Improved Hair Strength

Rice water is packed with amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Since your hair is primarily made of a protein, rice water may help repair and strengthen damaged strands. This makes rice water especially helpful for chemically treated or heat-damaged hair. ^{2 3}

2) Has Inositol for Better Elasticity & Tangle-Free Hair

Rice contains a compound called inositol, which may help improve the elasticity of hair strands. Better elasticity means your hair can stretch and move without snapping, making it less prone to breakage during brushing or styling. ⁴

Inositol may also help smooth the surface of each hair strand by reducing friction between them. This protective action makes detangling easier. It also minimises mechanical stress during combing or brushing, which can otherwise lead to breakage. Additionally, the smoother surface may help reflect light better, giving your hair a shinier and healthier appearance over time. ⁴

3) Contains Vitamins B and E that Helps with Hair Fall

Rice water is rich in vitamins B and E, both of which help improve blood supply to the scalp. Better blood flow means more nutrients reach your hair follicles. This may strengthen the roots and reduce hair fall over time. ^{2 5}

4) Possess Antioxidants for Improved Scalp Health

Rice water contains selenium and vitamin E, two powerful antioxidants that help protect and repair the skin on your scalp. Selenium supports the production of antioxidant enzymes that defend against inflammation and cell damage, while vitamin E helps soothe irritation and maintain moisture. Together, they create a healthier scalp environment, which supports stronger, healthier hair growth over time. ^{2 6}

What Does the Research Say About Rice Water for Hair?

While traditional use speaks volumes, science is slowly catching up to explain why rice and its products might be effective for hair. 

One of the few studies directly looking into rice water for hair was published in the Journal of Emerging Technology and Innovative Research. In this study, researchers tested fermented rice water made from four varieties of rice: Ambemohar, Kolam, Basmati, and a blend of all three. Here is what happened: ⁷

• Over 30 days, 30 participants used rice water on their hair.
• They showed a noticeable improvement in hair growth rate and overall hair quality.
• This happened because fermented rice water was found to contain proteins and other beneficial nutrients that support hair health.
• The rice water made from the blend of all three rice types had the highest protein content, which likely played a key role in boosting hair growth.

This gives us the first real evidence that rice water may actually live up to the hype.

How to Make Rice Water for Hair?

There are three different ways to make rice water at home. For all of them, you will need:

• ½ cup of uncooked rice
• 2-3 cups of water

Methods:

• Soaking: Soak rice in water for 30 minutes. Strain and collect the water.
• Boiling: Cook rice with extra water and strain halfway through.
• Fermenting: Soak rice and leave at room temperature for 1-2 days. Strain and refrigerate.

Use rice water within 5-7 days.

How to Use Rice Water for Hair?

Here are some of the most popular and effective ways to use rice water on your hair:

1. Rinse: Pour it over your hair after shampooing. Let it sit for 10-20 mins. Rinse off.
2. Spray: Spritz on clean scalp and hair. Leave for 15 mins. Rinse.
3. Soak: Dunk hair into a bowl of rice water. Soak for up to 10-15 mins. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Mask: Mix with other natural ingredients like aloe vera for a nourishing mask. ^{8 9}

Using Rice Water for Hair: Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few quick tips you can follow to use rice water the right way:

1. Always do a patch test first to ensure your scalp does not react badly.
2. Store leftover rice water in the fridge and use it within a few days.
3. If your fermented rice water smells too strong, dilute it with fresh water.
4. Make sure to rinse it out completely so it does not weigh your hair down.
5. Stay consistent to notice results.

Skin Benefits of Rice Water

Hair is not the only thing that can benefit from rice. Your skin loves it too. Rice water has been used for generations to soothe and hydrate the skin, and some research supports these traditional claims. In a study published in MDPI’s Cosmetics journal, participants applied a hydrogel made with 96% rice water to their skin daily. The product was gentle on their skin and had a skin-friendly pH. After four weeks of use, their skin hydration improved by 10%. ¹⁰

Another study published in the Acta Dermato-Venereologica journal found that adding rice starch to bath water helped improve damaged skin barrier function. When healthy volunteers with irritated skin soaked in rice starch baths twice daily for 15 minutes, their skin showed a 20% improvement in healing. ¹¹

Final Thoughts

Rice water for hair might seem like just another DIY trend, but as history and science suggest, it is much more than that. It offers a natural and affordable way to care for your hair. Of course, like any hair treatment, it is important to listen to your hair and adjust based on how it responds. Start slow, use it once or twice a week, and stay consistent.

Also, while you are nourishing your hair, do not forget to show your skin some love too! Explore our range of gentle, baby & pregnancy-safe skincare at AreoVeda, designed to protect, nourish, and pamper your skin every step of the way.

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