Rice Water for Hair: Benefits and How to Use It

The secret to long and strong hair may be in your kitchen cupboard. Rice water has been used for hair care for centuries by Asians and is now emerging as a TikTok trend.

If you want to learn more about using rice water for your hair and how to do it, keep reading.

Benefits of Rice Water for Hair

People with all hair types can benefit from rice water, especially those with dry and dull hair.

Here are some benefits of using rice water on your hair:

1. Prevents hair loss and encourages hair growth

Rice water contains vitamins and properties that make the hair more robust. It promotes hair growth due to its content of amino acids that aid in hair regeneration.

Rice water is also abundant in vitamins C, B, and E, which help in hair growth as well. These vitamins strengthen the hair shaft, so the hair grows more durable and healthier. (1)

A study revealed that using rice water helped to keep the hair in the growing phase for longer by increasing collagen, which is needed for hair growth. Hence, using rice water can prevent hair loss and lead to healthy hair growth. (2)

2. Adds shine and luster

Rice water has been used for centuries to add shine to the hair. Its starch is believed to lend luster to dry and dull strands. (1)

3. Detangles hair

Rice water smoothens the hair strands and makes them easier to detangle. (1) It also lessens hair breakage and loss by keeping the hair in the growth phase for longer, prolonging the anagen phase that is responsible for hair growth. (2)

4. Improves hair texture

Studies conducted on the benefits of using rice water for hair found that this ingredient improved the texture and elasticity of the strands because of the action of inositol, a carbohydrate that is found in rice water. (1)

Dry, dull, and damaged hair can be porous and cannot retain moisture easily, resulting in frizz and split ends. The healthy proteins and carbohydrates in rice water can counteract these problems, reduce breakage and hair fall, and improve hair texture. (1)

5. Prevents graying of hair

The antioxidants present in rice water can counteract the oxidative stress in the scalp, may help reverse premature aging of hair, and promote hair regeneration (3)

These compounds also help to fight environmental damage to the scalp and hair caused by dust and pollution.

How to Make Rice Water for Hair

There are two ways to make rice water for use on your hair: the soaking method and the boiling method.

Ingredients to make rice water:

• ½ cup of raw rice
• 2 cups of water
• Strainer
• Two bowls
• Spray bottle

The soaking method:

1. Add ½ cup of raw rice to a bowl.
2. Wash it well.
3. Add 2 cups of water to it and let it soak for up to 24 hours at room temperature.
4. Strain the rice water into a spray bottle and use it on your hair.

This rice water can be refrigerated and used for up to a week.

The boiling method:

• Add ½ cup of raw rice to a bowl.
• Rinse it well.
• Add 2 cups of water to a vessel and boil.
• Add the rice to the vessel and boil till the water is cloudy.
• Allow it to cool.
• Strain the water into a spray bottle and use it on your hair.

This rice water can be refrigerated and used for up to a week.

How to Use Rice Water for Hair

You can use rice water for your hair through hair masks. Here are some hair mask recipes with rice water that you can try:

1. Strengthening hair mask – rice water + avocado

Rice water contains the carbohydrate inositol, (4) which can strengthen and reduce friction in your hair. (5)

In addition, avocado is rich in vitamin E and B and helps reduce oxidative stress. (6) According to research, premature graying of hair and hair loss occur due to oxidative stress. (7)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup of rice water
• 2 avocados, mashed

Method:

1. In a bowl, add the mashed avocados and rice water. Mix them well to make a paste.
2. Apply the mixture to your hair and leave it on for 45 minutes.
3. Rinse it off with water.
4. Wash your hair with a natural shampoo and conditioner.

Use this hair mask twice a week to get strong and shiny hair.

2. Clarifying scalp mask – rice water + neem

Rice water contains selenium, which promotes hair growth (8) and reduces flakes on the scalp. (1)

Neem is well known for its antiseptic and antidandruff properties. (9)

Ingredients:

• Neem leaves
• ½ cup of rice water

Method:

1. In a bowl, add the neem leaves and rice water.
2. Blend them to create a thick paste.
3. Apply the paste to your hair and scalp.
4. Leave it on for 45 minutes.
5. Rinse it off with water.
6. Wash your hair with a natural shampoo and conditioner.

Use this mask twice weekly to remove dandruff and buildup from your scalp and hair.

3. Hair rinse for dull hair – rice water + apple cider vinegar

Rice water closes the hair cuticle, reduces friction, and increases the hair’s elasticity to give you smooth and shiny tresses. (1)

Apple cider vinegar helps to balance the hair’s pH and gets rid of bacteria and fungi from the scalp skin. (10)

Ingredients:

• A few drops of apple cider vinegar
• 2 cups of rice water

Method:

1. Add the apple cider vinegar to the rice water.
2. Apply the rinse to your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
3. Wash it off with a natural shampoo and conditioner.

Use this rinse twice a week to get healthy and shiny hair.

Side Effects of Using Rice Water on Hair

Only if you’re dealing with scalp issues such as scalp inflammation should you worry about using rice water on your hair.

Homemade rice water has no harmful chemicals or additives as it is made using natural ingredients. So, no harm or damage will be done to your hair if you use rice water.

General Queries Related to Rice Water for Hair

Final Word

Rice water has been around for centuries, and several studies revealed that it reduces premature hair graying, increases the shine and softness of hair, and helps in hair growth.

Everyone’s hair is different and responds to different ingredients in various ways. If you’re curious about the effects of rice water on your hair, give it try. The above-mentioned hair masks are an easy start.

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