Rice water is extremely popular in many Asian countries and is well known to be a natural hair cleanser as well as other beauty benefits. These countries have used rice water for hair growth for centuries and can vouch for its effectiveness. It is prepared using some rice and water, either boiled or soaked. Its regular use can not only give shiny hair but also better-looking skin. Rice water has lots of vitamins, amino acids, and other essential nutrients that can help maintain both healthy-looking hair as well as skin.

A brief history of rice water

Rice water has a history of being used for various beauty purposes around the world. This hype around it may be new to the western world but it has been extensively used in Asian civilizations. Both Japanese as well as Chinese cultures often use rice water for hair care as well as skincare. Studies have confirmed that rice water has excellent anti-aging properties. It has found a special place in Korean skincare to maintain the skin’s luster and youthfulness. Currently, rice water has gained worldwide popularity to brighten skin tone and as a post-wash hair rinse. The presence of an array of vitamins helps rice water to enrich the hair and make them stronger and glossier.

Here are some potential benefits of rice water for hair growth

Rice water has a high starch content and is packed with various vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants. This water is saturated with all the goodness that your hair needs. When massaged into the scalp and hair, these nutrients add a healthy punch to your hair and make it shine from within. The starch coats the hair and makes it appear thicker than its natural state.

Rice water contains inositol, as per a study, inositol soothes wrinkles and improves skin’s elasticity. Inositol penetrates inside the hair and repairs the damaged hair.

Some key reasons to use rice water for hair

• helps the hair grow faster
• adds shine to the hair
• makes the hair smooth by adding moisture
• Manages to detangle hair
• Strengthens the hair

How to make rice water?

Gather some white uncooked rice in a bowl. Place it under tap water and rinse it thoroughly to make sure all the dirt and impurities are removed properly.

After cleaning the rice there are two ways to preparing rice water.

1.Method: Place the rice in a bowl and add pour 1 ½ cups of water. Cover it and let it sit overnight or 24 hours, not more than that. This helps the rice to ferment and all the healthy nutrients get mixed with the water. Strain and use it. It can be stored for a couple of days.

2.Method: Place the rice in a pot and add double the amount of water one normally uses to cook it. Now cook the rice as usual. Drain the excess water. Let it cool down to room temperature. And it can be used immediately or can be stored in the fridge.

How to use rice water for hair growth?

Start with shampooing your hair as you would do normally. Once you have rinsed your hair thoroughly, take the rice water, and slowly massage it on your scalp and through your hair length. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse your hair again. 

Some other uses of rice water

• You can use it as a toner, post-cleansing your face
• Use it to wash your face
• Add it to your bathwater and soak your body
• Pour it in your foot soak, during a pedicure

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My experience:

After learning the benefits of using rice water for hair growth, I myself decided to try it. I prepared the rice water using the fermentation method and set the rice water to ferment overnight, which is about 12-14 hours instead of 24 hours. Stored it in the fridge in a glass bottle.

So far, I have used the rice water thrice, post hair washes, within a span of 8 days. I could feel my hair grow soft. They looked thick and full. Rice water also made the roots of my hair stronger which helped reduce breakage partially. This effect lasted for a couple of days. I will continue using it to see what else it can do to help my hair. I am aiming for hair growth but it is too early to claim that. Maybe a couple of months of consistent use will help me gather some results on it.

You should definitely give rice water a try. I just feel it is one of the easiest, quickest, and most effective DIY’s available for your hair, right in your kitchen.