Jeeve

Is rice water good for hair?

Rice water has been used for centuries by Japanese and Chinese women. But why? Does rice water really improve your hair health?

From pure anecdotal evidence, you have the Yao women from Huangluo, China.

How is their hair so long and beautiful?! The Yao women bathe their hair in rice water and the results speak for themselves.

Benefits

• Improves hair elasticity
• Reduces surface friction
• Makes hair stronger
• Helps hair growth
• Increases shine

Skin Benefits

Rice water is also used for the skin because of its’ natural antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, phenolic, and flavonoid compounds, which tighten your skin and shrink open pores leaving you with a smooth and soft feeling.

If used regularly, rice water can even aid in hyperpigmentation or brown spots. A much cheaper solution compared to lightning serums on the market. The starch in rice water soothes inflammation, so it also works for acne, general redness, and eczema.

Personally, I have only used rice water on my hair. Because of acne scars, I will try to incorporate rice water into my skincare routine as a toner. Fingers crossed!

How To Make Rice Water

Soaking

• Place 1/2 cup uncooked rice in a bowl
• Add 2 to 3 cups warm water
• Let it soak for about 30 minutes before straining out the rice
• Pour the strained water in any container

Depending on time, you can use this rice water for your rinse or let it sit at room temp. for the fermentation process to begin.

Fermentation

According to a study, fermented substances have a higher amount of antioxidants. Prepare your fermented rice water 2-3 days before your wash day.

• Continue from step 4 of the soaking method
• Pour the liquid into a jar and leave it at room temp. for 24-48 hours to ferment (until it turns slightly sour)
• Once fermented, move the jar into the fridge, so that the rice water does not go bad

Boiling

The 2 methods above are used for a rice water rinse. The boiling method is great for when you want to mix a thicker rice water with your deep conditioner to create a hair mask.

• Rinse half a cup of rice and place it in a saucepan or pot
• Add 1-2 cups of water – you can add essential oils here
• Cook the rice over medium heat until the water starts boiling
• Once the rice has absorbed most of the water and appears heavy (image below), push through a strainer to get the thick, creamy water out
• If you’d like to do a rinse, don’t let the rice absorb too much water and get too thick

How To Use Rice Water

Rice Water Rinse

Products I use are linked. Shampoo and deep conditioner are both low-protein.

• Shampoo hair and rinse out
• Pour rice water rinse over the scalp and massage
• Tilt your head either forward or backward and pour over your strands
• Make sure your scalp and strands are COMPLETELY covered with rice water
• Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and rinse it out
• Apply a balancing protein/moisture deep conditioner
• Apply heat for 20-30 mins (heat cap)
• Rinse out your deep conditioner and continue styling as you would

Rice Water Mask

After the boiling process is complete:

• Add a tablespoon of your favorite deep conditioner and mix
• Clarify or shampoo your hair as normal, and apply the modified rice water mask to your hair
• Leave on for 30 minutes to an hour. Use a heat cap for the best results

Takeaways

Currently, I rinse my hair with fermented rice water once a week, but I will experimenting with the hair mask mixture. How often you use rice water depends on your hair’s porosity and protein/moisture balance. Lower porosity folks should use rice water less often to prevent protein overload. My hair has experienced protein overload in the past and that’s why I carry protein-free/low-protein products at all times. Everyone’s hair is different, so start at once a week and see how your hair responds.

Please share your results in the comments!

Overall, my hair elasticity has improved, my hair feels softer and I’m having a lot more fun!