For years I drained my rice water down the sink. Then a family member saw me doing it and said, You’re wasting the best part.
I didn’t think it was necessary, but my hair was dry and limp so I gave it a go. After a few washes, my wavy hair looked more defined, and I felt my hair was softer and thicker. It wasn’t a miracle, just a little nice change, and it was free.
If you want to give it a go, here’s how to make rice water for hair, and how to use it without going overboard.
What Rice Water Actually Does
Rice releases starch and some other trace things when soaked in water and benefical for hair trtment. That starch, when dripped onto your hair, forms a thin layer around each and every hair. This can help to smooth and shine hair, reduce tangles and give a little lift of volume.
In all fairness, it is a mild superficial treatment. While it may have other benefits for the appearance and feel of your hair, there’s no solid evidence it really makes hair grow faster. Consider it a means, a simple, one step more, not a cure.
What You Need
- Half a cup of any plain rice
- 1 to 1.5 cups of clean water
- A bowl, a strainer and a clean container
Three Easy Ways to Make It
1. Soaking (best for beginners)
- Rinse the rice quickly to remove dust.
- Put it in a bowl with the water and let it stand for 30 minutes to a few hours.
- Strain the cloudy water into a clean container.The remaining rice can be cooked as you normally would.
2. Boiling (when you’re short on time)
- Boil the rice in 2 cups of water until tender.
- Drain and save the water.
- Cool it completely. This one is a bit thicker, so if you feel it’s sticky, stir in a little plain water.
3. Fermenting (a stronger rinse)
- Make the soaked version, then keep it in a closed jar at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours.
- It will smell slightly sour, which is normal.
- Move it to the fridge and mix it with equal water before using.
Throw it away if it smells rotten or you see mold. Fermented water can irritate sensitive scalps, so try a small amount first.
How to Use It on Your Hair
- Shampoo and rinse your hair as usual.
- Pour or spray the rice water over your scalp and lengths.
- Massage gently for two to three minutes.
- Leave it for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Rinse well with lukewarm or cool water, then condition if your hair is dry.
How Often Should You Use Rice Water?
Don’t stress over it. Begin at one rinse per week and see how your hair feels after two or three weeks.
Soft and bouncy? Good sign. You can do a second rinse in the week, if you feel like it, though a lot of people just do the one and are happy enough. Hair feeling rough, stiff, or a little bit like straw? Then you’re doing too much. Go back to once every other week and put a conditioner on after to get the softness back.
The explanation is that simple. Rice water is like a protein treatment, so a small amount makes hair look fuller, smoother and softer but too much can make it dry and flaky. Normally your hair will let you know when it’s had enough.
Rice Water and Other Hair Care
Using rice water into your hair care routine is a simple, inexpensive step, but your hair usually needs more than one kind of TLC. Deep conditioning, oil treatments and scalp care all address different issues. To get a feel for how they can complement each other, check out the benefits of the hair treatments and tailor our suggestions to suit your hair type.
Keep It Safe and Fresh
- Homemade rice water is free of Antioxidant . Refrigerate and use within 3 days.
- Perform a little patch test if you have sensitive scalp.
- If you are allergic to rice, give it a miss.
- If you see rapidly hair loss, bald spots, or are constantly itching, visit a doctor. A rinse can’t fix those.
Common Mistakes
- Leaving it on for hours or overnight
- Using rice water that’s too old
- Applying it every day
- Not using conditioner after
- Thinking their hair will grow longer in a week
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you leave rice water on your hair?
Keep it for 10 to 20 minutes. It’s enough time for the starch to cover your hair, but not so long that it stiffens it or dries it out. There is no benefit to leaving it on for more than 30 minutes, and it is not advisable to leave it on overnight. If your hair is thin or dry already, go for the short end.
What is the correct way to make rice water?
The simplest method is the soaking method. Wash 1/2 cup of plain rice briefly, add it to a bowl along with 1 to 1.5 cups of fresh water, and set it aside for 1/2 hour to several hours. Pour the turbid water into a clean container through a strainer, and use. If you don’t have time, you can cook the rice in an excess of water, drain it, and cool it completely. In either case, the cooking liquid can be used immediately or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
What kind of rice is best for rice water?
Any plain rice will do, whether white, brown, basmati, or jasmine. There is no one “best” variety, so use whatever you have on hand. Just make sure you choose plain, flavor free rice and rinse it off quickly before soaking. Don’t use pre-seasoned or instant rice, as the additional ingredients may irritate your scalp.
Is rice water good for your hair?
To many people, yes. It can make hair smoother, softer and shinier and might reduce frizz and tangles. Waves and curls also tend to look a little more defined. Having said that, it is a mild superficial treatment, not a cure. There’s no compelling evidence it speeds hair growth, and overuse can make hair dry because it’s protein-like. Begin with once a week, use a conditioner if you need to, and monitor how your hair reacts for a few weeks.
Final Thoughts
Preparing rice water is easy and cheap. Keep it fresh, rinse well, don’t go overboard and let your hair tell you what it likes. And if you want to go one step further, the hair treatment benefits guide will let you plan the rest of your hair care.
