Why You Should Wash Your Hair With Rice Water

The next time you make rice, don't drain the starchy water. Instead, save it to soak your hair in. No, really. Rice water is a great hair detangler that increases hair smoothness, shine, strength, and length. In fact, this ancient beauty hack has been around for centuries. One of the earliest recorded instances dates back to Japan’s Heian period (794 CE to 1185 CE) when the court women had hair that reached the floor. They reputedly accomplished this feat using “yu-su-ru,” meaning “rinse water obtained from the washing of rice.” Read on to learn more about this longtime beauty hack.

Benefits of Rice Water

Anecdotal and scientific evidence regarding the benefits of rice water on hair is abundant. One 2010 study showed that rice water reduces the surface friction of hair, making it smoother and increasing hair elasticity. Another study from 2017 found that rice bran mineral extract can prevent hair loss and promote hair growth when added to cosmetic products. Rice starch also cultivates healthy skin and promotes skin repair, as seen in a study of patients with atopic dermatitis.

Rice water contains many nutrients, including inositol, vitamin B, vitamin E, fiber, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. Additionally, rice water is generally safe for anyone to use. According to one Cleveland Clinic dermatologist, there is little risk of damage when using rice water because there are “no harmful chemicals or additives.” 

How to Make Rice Water

Making this nutrient-rich hair treatment is quick and easy. The fastest way to make rice water is to soak uncooked rice in cool water. Any rice works for this recipe (white, brown, jasmine, basmati, etc.), but some people prefer certified organic rice to avoid added pesticides. To begin, rinse 1/2 cup of uncooked rice until the water runs clear. Place the clean rice in 2 to 3 cups of water and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Strain the water into a clean bowl, and it's good to use.

Another option is to boil rice by following the cooking instructions on the box and straining it after it’s fully cooked. Let the rice water cool before using it. This method has another added benefit — you can eat the cooked rice when finished. Any excess rice water can be stored in the fridge for a few days.

Some hair gurus tout the benefits of fermented rice water. Thanks to its strong scent, this method might not be for everyone, but some users insist that this method provides better results because it has higher levels of antioxidants, which can combat hair and skin cell damage. To ferment rice water, leave it at room temperature for around two days in a sealed jar before using it.

How to Use Rice Water

For best results, use rice water in the shower. Pour it on your scalp and massage it into your hair to the ends, leaving it on for a maximum of 20 minutes. This can be done before or after shampooing and should be followed by your regular conditioner because the high levels of starch in the rice might cause dryness in some hair types, especially low-porosity hair. 

Always rinse the rice water from your hair thoroughly. Leaving it on too long can cause buildup on your scalp, leading to flakiness. Limit use to once or twice a week to avoid further buildup. 

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