Rice Water for Hair: Preparation, Uses, and Side Effects 

Introduction

Are you looking for a way to get healthier hair? If so, let us tell you an old secret. We are talking about rice water. 

What is rice water? It is a simple hair care recipe that is often overlooked but is right in our home kitchens. Come along as we explore the history, benefits, and ways to make and use rice water. 

The History of Using Rice Water for Hair

Rice water may just look like milky liquid from rinsing or cooking rice. Yet, it was held in very high regard in the past. 

Origin and Usage in Ancient Cultures 

Ancient Japanese court ladies of the Heian period (794 to 1185 CE) used rice water to wash their floor-length hair¹.

In China, the Yao ethnic group of women used rice water². They believed it kept their hair robust and healthy and slowed greying. Their hair care practices got them recognition in the “Guinness Book of World Records” for having the world’s longest hair².

What Does Rice Water Do for Your Hair?

Before exploring how rice water may improve hair health, let us look at what it actually contains. 

1. Understanding the Key Components 

Rice water contains antioxidants, amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin E, minerals, and “inositol,” a carbohydrate^2,3.

2. Links Between Nutrients Found in Rice and Hair Health 

The nutrients in rice water are believed to have the following effects on the body and hair: 

• Antioxidants help fight harmful free radicals that cause stress and ageing⁴.
• Amino acids help nourish the scalp and serve as building blocks for hair. 
• Vitamins help improve hair health and may be associated with reduced hair loss⁵.
• Minerals help make the hair stronger and prevent hair loss⁵.
• “Inositol” is believed to help improve damaged hair and protect it from future harm. It is also believed to reduce friction and frizz, strengthen hair, and promote elasticity³.

3. The Science Behind the Benefits 

Research on rice water’s effects on hair is limited. Yet, notable data comes from GH Beauty Lab’s study. Soaking hair in rice water for 15 minutes helped strengthen it and improve elasticity. 

How to Prepare Rice Water at Home?

Keen to make your mix of rice water? Here are a few easy ways to make rice water. 

1. Gather the Ingredients

This recipe is easy all you need is rice and water. 

2. Select Your Rice

All rice types white, brown, long-grain, short-grain, jasmine, basmati, etc. will work fine for making rice water. 

3. Rice Water Recipes

You can make rice water using any of the following three methods: 

• The Soaking Method 
  • Rinse half a cup of your pick of rice to remove the dirt. 
  • Put the washed rice in a bowl and pour two to three cups of water. 
  • Allow it to sit for around 15-30 minutes. The rice nutrients will mix with water, making it cloudy. 
  • Filter the rice water into a clean bowl. 
• The Boiling Method 
  • Cook rice with more water than usual. 
  • When cooked, collect the extra water. That is your rice water! 
• Fermented Rice Water 
  • You could let the rice water sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours before filtering. Fermented rice water has more antioxidants⁶ but gives off a strong smell. The choice between plain and fermented is based on your personal taste. 

From what I’ve seen, the water that is remaining after washing rice, which is usually considered waste water and thrown away, actually contains valuable minerals and other nutrients. This water can be utilised to water both indoor and outdoor plants. By using rice water in your garden or plant care, you can provide essential nutrients to your plants, leading to better growth and vitality⁹. 

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Rice Water for Hair?

Made your own rice water? Ready to try it out? Let’s see how to use it: 

1. As a Preconditioner

 After shampooing, pour some rice water on your hair and massage well. 

• You can also add a few drops of essential oil. 
• Keep it for 5 to 7 minutes, wash it off, and then use a deep conditioner as usual³.

2. As a Rinse Post Shampoo 

• After shampooing and conditioning, pour rice water on your scalp and hair. You can add 5 drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil to the rice water. 
• Massage it onto your scalp and down your hair. 
• Keep it in for 5 minutes³. During this, detangle your hair gently with your fingers or a comb. 
• Then thoroughly wash your hair³. 

3. Other Benefits of Rice Water

Rice water is not just hair food. Made too much rice water for one session? Don’t worry! You can still use it. 

• Supports Healthy Skin: Studies suggest that rice water could benefit the skin, for example, it shows promise in managing dry skin. Packed with antioxidants, it can also help with skin damage³.
• Boost for General Health: Many Asian cultures consume fermented rice water. It is believed to give a quick boost of energy, aid in digestion, reduce inflammation, and promote immunity⁶, although scientific evidence is limited. 

Based on my experience, rice water has been found to possess antioxidant activity that helps boost the free-radical fighting capacity of the skin. This means rice water could potentially be a valuable ingredient for anti-ageing purposes in skincare products. By incorporating rice water into your skincare routine, you may benefit from its antioxidant properties, which can help protect your skin from oxidative stress and promote a more youthful appearance⁸.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Precautions and Side Effects

Every beauty tip has guidelines and rice water is no different. 

• Frequency of Use: Even though it is typical to use rice water weekly, different hair types have varying needs. Overuse can result in stiff, brittle, dry hair due to protein buildup⁷.
• Risks and Possible Side Effects: Some individuals have noticed a lingering fermented smell after applying rice water. A few drops of essential oil might mask this scent. However, you should seek advice from a healthcare provider first. 

Conclusion

From the ancient salons of Japan to today’s beauty chat rooms, rice water is believed to be a formidable force for hair health and care. A natural, affordable, and easy-to-make option, rice water offers an array of benefits. Some people may find rice water helpful for improving hair manageability or shine. It is important to use rice water in moderation, maintain proper hair hygiene, and discontinue use if any irritation or dryness occurs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Inamasu S, Ikuyama R, Fujisaki Y, Sugimoto KI . Abstracts: The effect of rinse water obtained from the washing of rice (YU-SU-RU) as a hair treatment. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2010 Sep 1;32(5):392–3. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/263578023 

2. Akhila Chithambharan, Lalitha Pottail, Sharma S, Rekha Manjunath Mirle, R. Rajalakshmi, Aruna Ponnusamy. Conventional and Scientific uses of Rice-washed water: A Systematic Review. Journal of Food Science and Technology. 2023 Mar 17;61. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10844178/ 

3. Barsagade PD, Patil P, Umekar MJ. A Formulation of Face Pack and Hair Products Of Rice Water For The Use of Skin and Hair Problem. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences [Internet]. 2021 Jun 21. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352561846_A_FORMULATION_OF_FACE_PACK_AND_HAIR_PRODUCTS_OF_RICE_WATER_FOR_THE_USE_OF_SKIN_AND_HAIR_PROBLEM 

4. Lobo V, Patil A, Phatak A, Chandra N. Free radicals, Antioxidants and Functional foods: Impact on Human Health. Pharmacognosy Reviews [Internet]. 2010 Jul;4(8):118–26. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3249911/ 

5. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and therapy [Internet]. 2019;9(1):51–70. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6380979/  

6. Debnath C. Fermented Rice Water Enhances Disease Resistance against Aeromonas Hydrophila Infection in Labeo Rohita Fingerlings by Modulating Immune Response. Fish & Shellfish Immunology. 2025 October. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1050464825004437 

7. Nazreen F, Prasad A, Sethiya H, Verma C, Jaiswal S, Kaushal A, et al. Acta Scientific Pharmaceutical Sciences (ISSN: 2581-5423) Unlocking the Potential of Rice Water in Trichology: A Review of Bioactive Components and Their Effects [Internet]. [cited 2025 Dec 3]. Available from: https://www.actascientific.com/ASPS/pdf/ASPS-09-1197.pdf 
8. Marto J, Neves Â, Gonçalves LM, Pinto P, Almeida C, Simões S. Rice water: a traditional ingredient with anti-aging efficacy. Cosmetics. 2018;5(2):26. doi:10.3390/cosmetics5020026. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324179387_Rice_Water_A_Traditional_Ingredient_with_Anti-Aging_Efficacy
9. Chithambharan A, Pottail L, Sharma SC, Mirle RM, Rajalakshmi R, Ponnusamy A. Conventional and scientific uses of rice-washed water: a systematic review. J Food Sci Technol. 2024;61(3):414–428. doi:10.1007/s13197-023-05722-2. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13197-023-05722-2

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