How to Use Rice Water for Hair: DIY Recipes & Instructions

Unlock the shiny, smooth, hair-nourishing benefits of rice water

Co-authored by Laura Martin and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: March 7, 2023 References

Making Rice Water by Soaking

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Applying Rice Water

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Making Rice Water by Fermenting

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Video

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

Looking for a cheap, easy, and effective way to improve the look and health of your hair? You’ve gotta try rice water! Rice water contains Vitamins E and B, amino acids, antioxidants, and inositol, all of which are said to minimize follicle damage and increase the shine, strength, and length of your hair.^{[1]
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Research source} In this article, we’ll walk you through the best way to apply it for the maximum hair benefits, plus show you 2 easy ways to make your own at home. Let’s dive in!

If you want to jump straight to our content on how to apply the rice water, skip right to Applying Rice Water.

Things You Should Know

After shampooing and conditioning your hair, coat your hair in rice water and leave it in for 20-30 minutes. Rinse with cool water.
To make rice water, soak 1 cup (185 g) of any rinsed, uncooked rice in 2 cups (0.47 L) of water for 30 minutes, then strain out the rice.
Alternatively, let the rice water sit at room temperature for a day after straining it so it ferments. Boil it for 1 minute, then use once it’s cool.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making Rice Water by Soaking

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Rinse 1 cup (185 g) of rice, then combine it with 2 cups (0.47 L) of water. Use any type of rice you have around the house—the most frequently used are white rice or long-grain brown rice. Rinse it thoroughly under cool water to remove dust, debris, and other impurities, then mix your rinsed rice and water in a large bowl or container.^{[2]
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- Maintain about a 1:2 ratio of rice to water if you adjust the amounts to make a smaller or larger batch.
- Rinse the rice 2-3 times if you’re using non-organic rice, which might have trace amounts of pesticides on it.^{[3]
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Set the bowl aside and let the rice soak for 30 minutes. Let your rice soak until the water takes on a milky, semi-opaque appearance. That milky appearance indicates that some of the rice's inositol has been released into the water.^{[4]
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- Stir the rice water a couple of times while it soaks to loosen its nutrients. Use a spoon or fork to break up any clumps of rice.
- Inositol is a carbohydrate that gives rice water its milky appearance. Research suggests that inositol helps protect your locks and add shine.
- Alternatively, make a more concentrated rice water by adding 2 more cups (0.47 L) of water and boiling it for about 15 minutes.^{[5]
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Strain out the rice and set the water aside. Pour the rice and water through a sieve so the water transfers to another clean bowl or container, then discard the rice. Double check that the water does not have any lingering rice in it.^{[6]
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- If you boiled your rice water, strain out the now cooked rice and let the water cool completely before using it.^{[7]
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Transfer the rice water into a decorative or practical container. Choose something you can bring into the shower or bath with you, like a small bowl, pitcher, or plastic bottle. If possible, look for a container with a lip or spout to help you control your pour while you apply it to your hair.^{[8]
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- If you don’t plan on using all your rice water in one go, use a sealable container. Rice water lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.^{[9]
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- If you’ve got leftovers, try washing your face with rice water, too!

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Applying Rice Water

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Shampoo your hair as usual. Be sure to rinse completely with warm water afterward. Follow up with your normal conditioning routine, or apply the rice water directly after shampooing. Try each method to see what works best for you!^{[10]
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- If you don’t usually wash your hair every day or have dry hair to begin with, you may want to skip the shampoo and proceed directly to the rice water.
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Apply the rice water to your hair from scalp to tips. Pour or squeeze the rice water from your container onto your hair, then thoroughly and gently massage it into your scalp and down the length of your strands. If your hair’s extra long, dip the ends in your container of rice water to make sure the tips are adequately hydrated.^{[11]
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- Try using a wide-tooth comb to help evenly distribute the rice water through your hair.
- You do not necessarily need to be in the bath or shower to apply the rice water. In fact, many people soak their hair over a basin or sink. It’s up to you!
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Leave the rice water in your hair for 20-30 minutes. This allows the inositol in the rice water to fully coat each strand. Continue showering or bathing during that time (start with your hair to avoid a super long shower!) or throw on a shower cap to keep your hair moist while you do other things around the house.^{[12]
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Rinse out all of the rice water with cool water. Afterward, gently comb or brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots. Now you’re ready to style your hair for the day!^{[13]
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- After you rinse out the rice water, your hair will have a thin layer of inositol coating each strand, helping protect it from damage and breakage.
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Incorporate rice water into your regular hair routine about once a week. The exact frequency depends on your personal preference and the kind of results you hope to achieve. Those with very fine or oily hair benefit most from a rice water treatment every 10 days, while those with thicker, coarser hair may need it every 5 days to see results.^{[14]
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- Try not to use rice water daily, since the added protein from the rice can make your hair dry and brittle.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Rice Water by Fermenting

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Rinse 1 cup (185 g) of rice, then mix it with 2 cups (0.47 L) of water. Rinse the rice clean of dust and other particles with cool water (any rice you have on hand at home will work!). Then, mix the rinsed rice with fresh water in a bowl or pot. Stir the mixture to make sure none of the rice is sticking together.^{[15]
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Soak the rice in the water for 30 minutes. The water should look murky or cloudy when it is ready to ferment. Strain the rice out and discard it, then set the water aside.^{[16]
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Let the rice water sit at room temperature for 24 hours. Transfer the soaked rice water to a sealable container, like a lidded jar or airtight food container. Set it aside in a spot that doesn’t receive direct sunlight and let it ferment for about a day (no more than 2 days).^{[17]
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- You’ll know the fermentation is complete when the rice water begins to smell sour. The warmer the room temperature, the faster it will ferment.^{[18]
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- Fermentation is said to strengthen the effects of rice water and help restore pH balance to dry or brittle hair.
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Boil the fermented rice water for 1-2 minutes to stop fermentation. Transfer your rice water to a pot and boil it very briefly (keep an eye on it so it doesn’t begin to evaporate away). Let the water cool back down to room temperature before using it.^{[19]
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- For a more pleasing scent, add a few drops of essential oil to the water once it’s cool. Tea tree, rosemary, and lavender are said to enhance shine and promote hair growth!^{[20]
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Bottle the rice water in your favorite container. After the fermentation process is complete, transfer the rice water to a sealable container, bottle, or mason jar. A squeeze or spray bottle also works very well and comes in handy when applying it to your hair later!^{[21]
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- Store any leftover fermented rice water in the fridge for up to a week.

Expert Q&A

Question

Can water make your hair grow?

Laura Martin
Professional Hair Stylist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Being dehydrated can prevent your hair from growing. But applying water topically won't change the rate of growth.
Question

What does rice water do to hair?

Laura Martin
Professional Hair Stylist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Rice water smoothes hair and helps it retain moisture. It can also improve the strength of your hair.
Question

How long do I leave rice water in my hair?

Laura Martin
Professional Hair Stylist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

You should leave it in for at least 30 minutes for full benefits. You can also leave it in overnight or spray it on your hair as a styling aid.