Can rice water rinses prevent hair breakage?
Does rice water help your hair grow?
What are the benefits of using rice water for natural hair?
In short, rice water is the starchy water obtained by draining boiled rice.
To make your rice water, we recommend cooking rice in a pot of boiling water according to the cooking instructions on the package.
Remove the rice, and you’re done. This process creates what some people call “rice water hair milk.”
Brief History of Using Rice Water for Hair Growth
There is a town in China called the Huangluo Yao Village, where the Red Yao tribe currently lives. The village is commonly referred to as the “Land of Rapunzel’s” because many of the women who live in the Huangluo Yao Village are known for having long beautiful hair.
This long hair village was even referenced by the Guinness Book of World Records. So, what is their secret? The women who live in the village wash their hair with rice water.
Hundreds of years ago, women from Japan were known for their beautiful long hair, too. The interesting thing about it is that they had something in common with the women of the Red Yao tribe, they were also using rice water to wash their hair.
While it is something that occurred centuries ago, it is a tradition that has since been passed on to different generations.
As time has passed and technology has advanced, more people from areas all around the world have been able to research and learn about the hair care practices of different cultures, including the use of rice water.
So, are there benefits to using rice water for hair growth, breakage, as a hair spray, or as a hair rinse?
There is a fair amount of anecdotal evidence claiming numerous benefits to using rice water, including before and after photos. Although, there isn’t much reliable scientific evidence.
Most beauty bloggers writing about this topic reference an article from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. Although, I’m not sure that the article can be reliably used as a standalone source.
The article references hair care techniques from the Heian period. In Japanese history, the Heian period occurred during the years 794-1185.
Due to the age of the study, it’s unlikely that the study used modern scientific controls focused on an independent variable. Consequently, this study is most likely an anecdotal report, rather than an experiment conducted in a controlled test environment.
For example, during the Heian time, many women combed their hair each day using Yu-Su-Ru (i.e., rice water). The thought was that rice water would reduce hair breakage and increase elasticity.
So, does rice water increase elasticity and reduced friction when you’re combing your hair?
The article from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science would lead you to believe that rice water can do these things. Although the article doesn’t mention that scientists conducted controlled experiments, it merely refers to practices of Japanese people from the Heian period.
So it’s likely that they’ve found some form of evidence, like written text from the Heian period.
So, does that mean that rice water is not useful for natural hair?
For example, you will find several women that claim castor oil encourages hair growth or regrowth of thinning hair edges.
The problem is there is no scientific evidence supporting this castor oil claim, so we can only use anecdotal evidence.
Anecdotes from Asia suggests a rice water hair rinse, including fermented rice water, gives the hair strength and elasticity. Since this can’t be proven, our guidance is that you can try if you’re interested, but it may or may not work for your hair.
It’s worth mentioning that rice water rinses aren’t an exclusive solution limited to those on the continent of Asia, even though the techniques were originated and were heavily used during the Heian period.
From the studies we have seen, all hair types are basically the same structurally, including African, European, and Asian hair types.
Although, there are differences between hair types. Some hair types are straight, wavy, curly or kinky. In general, all hair types have a common structure with the cortex surrounded by a cuticle layer.
Ultimately, whatever effects a rice water rinse has on one hair type, it’s likely to produce similar results on another hair type, including natural hair.
So, what is rice water? It’s actually pretty simple. If you boil rice as per usual, the milky water that the boiled rice produces is rice water. You can use white, brown, jasmine, basmati or any other type of rice for most recipes.
Finally, is rice water good for your hair? I think so, but I don’t really know (honestly). Many people referenced the study that we’ve linked to in this article as evidence.
Although the reality is that even though this study was published in 2010, it references hair care practices that occurred during the Heian Period in Japan.
My understanding is that the Heian Period occurred during 794-1185 BC. I’d like to see a more recent set of scientific studies to substantiate the results of rice water.
At any rate, there doesn’t appear to be any reason not to use the rinse. I recommend giving it a try. If you like the way it makes your hair look and feel, keep using it.
Lidd Dials says
Hi, do you know how the left over rice water should be stored and for how long? Thanks
Shawneequa says
One week in the refrigerator
SNO says
If you’re fermenting, there’s no need to do over 24hrs. If you’re storing excess, unused rice water, it will start to stink so it’s best to just create a fresh batch each time.
Kira says
Thanks Sno!
Salamatu Muhammad says
Should i boil the rice water or just sock it?
Princess21 says
I make huge batches, then to continue to make one batch for each time I want to do the rinse. As long as you remove the rice and store it in the refrigerator it will not ferment. Add few drops of essentail oils like rosemary, sweet orange or lavender. This removes pungent smell. But it will definitely keep as long as you refrigerate.
Robin says
I add a slice of ginger to the jar. It smells amazing & I get the add d benefits of fresh ginger
Nengi says
I use the rice water but still my hair breaks. What should I do
May says
After the rice water rinse, please deep condition your hair and use oils to seal in the moisture. Although rice water is good for hair growth, it can also cause dryness which will lead to breakage
Connie says
Will rice water work for white peoples hair
Wendy says
Did it work for your hair I am white to
Emma says
It worked for Chinese and Indian women, (if it worked at all) so it obviously works for white people too. I am white, btw.
raquel says
Indians and Chinese are not the same as white—the hair types/ thickness and shaft diameter aren’t even similar, lol. But rice water effectiveness depends on the individual and how receptive the hair strands are to the amino acids present. It doesn’t hurt to try it for a small period of time.
Zah says
Lol
Zah says
Def not the same
Reace says
Hair differs based on genetics, however it is made up of the same protein – keratin. Fundamental practices will have similar effects at the molecular level.
D says
Chinese and Indian people have much nicer hair than white people so it may or may not.
Kaylee says
“D says Chinese and Indian people have much nicer hair than white people so it may or may not.”
I wouldn’t say anyone has nicer hair than anyone else, it just depends on your preference. I prefer very curly hair and I also like fine hair. This would leave out coarse and/or straight hair. Everyone has their own preferences.
Carol says
The hair type may not be the same between diffrent races but what makes up hair is the same. The article says as much of you bothered reading it.
Tana Fedric says
I have used it one time and the next time I washed my hair, I had huge amounts if hair loss. I had probably 3-4 times as much hair loss when I put the condition in. I am losing my hair anyway and this scared me really bad. Now I am afraid to use the rice water. I am caucasian/white/anglo. 95% of the comments and demonstrations I have seen are African or Asian hair. Is this a safe practice for anglo hair?? This is scary, I don’t want to be bald.
Nikki says
And what about black people ???
mxdchk says
I think Asian people (who aren’t only Chinese and Indian) have much more similar hair to white people than black people. I am mixed race (white and black) and my hair is curly, fine and I have a lot of it. When I see an Asian or Native American (North,Central and South included) person’s hair, I relate that more with a white person’s hair than African American or even mixed African American. I think most of us who have black heritage or just really curly hair have, at some point in time, wished it was straight, no distinctions of race, because straight is straight-it’s not us, which are people of African American heritage. Our hair is unique and only a couple of other ethnic groups in the world have it, and they are not Asian. An Asian person’s hair is more similar to a white person’s in that the hair shaft is straight and not curved. And just to add, no one’s hair is better than the other, regardless of race. Don’t be ignorant,smh…
Chazidy Bowman says
I mean I’m African American and I am using it. My hair and Indian hair, as well as Asian hair, are totally different. I dont really think it is an issue.
Athena says
I’m white as snow and have used it several times so far. I used it once without fermenting and it didn’t do much. I used it fermented a few times and my hair came out shiny and each individual strand seems thicker and stronger. I did have some hair loss, but my hair LOOKS thicker even with the hair loss. I’m going to just guess that the lost hair is maybe hair that was dying and about to fall out anyway? I don’t know, but my hair looks and feels nicer so I’m going to keep doing it. I should mention I am a blonde with very straight hair who used chemicals to dye my hair dark. I don’t know if dying my hair may be why I had some hair loss. None the less, it is still better after using fermented rice water on it.
Salma says
Should i sock or boil the rice ?
Lovette says
I am African too, did it work for your hair?. I also wanted to ask if it’s a must to boil the rice with water. Can I just wash the rice and use the water instead?.
Rebecca says
I’m white also and for the past couple of weeks I’ve noticed my hair breaking more. It’s so thin at the moment and I’m not even joking I’ve had to clip it up as I’ve had 2 clumps of hair in my hands. Personally I won’t be using mine again
Marianna says
You may be putting too much protein in your hair by using this. Too much protein can make hair brittle. Too much moisture can make hair limp and kind of mushy. Sounds like you need moisture more than protein.
Justine says
My friend told me to spray the fermented rice water in the roots of my hair dont wash it out then the next day moisturize my hair then repeat for up to 3 days then finally wash my hair is that correct bc idk
Angelo says
Hello all, I am a 30 year old Hispanic male and I recently started using rice water. I started 3 weeks ago and use it twice a week. The main purpose is to fight my receding hairline and so far i am seeing results. The baby hairs in the front hairline got thicker and longer with just one use. I am excited to see more results with continued use. And for those of you who are worried or get scared when you see strands of hair in your hand after washing your head….DON’T BE ALARMED. It is just your natural shedding. There are a lot of ways on how to make rice water and different ways of using it. There is no wrong way of making it, and it is always great to use it in different ways. I am not exaggerating. Have a funtastic day!
Mean says
No it wont there is a website where you can do a quizz to check your ethnicity so if results say you are white as my wall then never use rice water you are just too white for that but if you have a slightly biegish shades to wheaty shades to pinky cheeks to olive shades to brown and delicious chocolate shades then you definitely can use rice water, so which one are you the majority or the minority
mxdchk says
Dumb comment.
Michael A Taylor says
No, it’s ricest!
Nicole says
I need to boil the rice water? Becouse im using it without boiling the water.
Laila says
Anyone know if you should wash the rice first or not? Thanks
Erica says
Yes rinse the rice first to wash out any dirt or debris.
Qi says
I would suggest washing it first. Especially if it’s not organic. I’ve heard organic is the best one to use because it doesn’t have the chemicals in it that the regular rice does. But long story short try to get organic rice it’s better for your hair.
Can says
All rice, organic or non organic have arsenic in it. For all rice, rinse it a few times or rinse then boil the rice & use the left over water to ferment. You can also put the fermented rice in a spray bottle & use it that way. I’ve had my fermented rice water in a mason jar & spray bottle in the fridge for 3 weeks now. I’m a 46, have had ongoing hair thinning since my daughter was born 13 years ago. After using the rice water, I’ve notice no new thinning areas & I have new hair growth. Less hair is coming out & my hair feels even more softer than before.
Hollywood says
That’s awesome to know thanks for sharing
Aimee says
That is brilliant. Are you just rinsing your whole head with the rice water and then washing off with clean water ? Like what’s your process? X
Dee says
Hi Can,
How often do you use rice water?
Niyah says
I’ve been using it for the past 4months. I am African American and one thing that stood out is the fact it turned my hair jet black my first time trying it, so I use it as a natural rinse. Also, INSTANTLY my hair strengthened and I barely had 10 strands of hair in my comb/brush. Haven’t straightened it yet, but I have a good 2 inches of new growth.
Bren says
What do you mean, it turned your hair black? Was your hair gray?
TIA
Chinelo Enechi says
I started using rice water on my hair a month ago and it’s sooo effective. My hair breaks less, is fuller, and of course has grown cause I didn’t have a lot of front hair before I started using it. Right now my front hair has miraculously been restored. I am African and my hair is 4C I’m sooo happy using this rice water. You need to see my Afro right now. Sooo pretty and long. No breakage, it looks and feels healthy.
Marsha says
Nia,
I have been using rice water for about 3 months now. Like you, I noticed my hair stopped shedding. Before I started using it, when I would comb or pick out my hair I ALWAYS had a palm full of hair and my hair was thinning badly. (thinning hair runs in my family) however, this has been a Godsend. It has been the only thing that I have tried that has actually worked to strengthen my hair. I love it.
Rebekah says
How often are you ladies using the rice water? Do you just rinse with it or leave it in? I see so many different ways to use it. Thanks so much for info!!
Morenike Fashina says
You can actually do both as the rice water has a high ph and so it penetrates your cuticles really quickly and the effects are still visible after washing , I like to leave mine in though
Can says
I use the spray maybe 1-3 times per week. I don’t use the rinse every week. Only when I remember to warm it up before my hair is washed then I’ll use it. I think the spritz works better with my schedule.
Vishakha says
Hey did you use fermented one or regular one ?
Yuxuan says
The fermented one works,but if you use it too often,your hair can get protein overload and become too dry and feel like straws.The plain one also works without fermentation but the effects are a lot less visible.
Han says
Could i leave it in for 2 weeks as a leave in? I’m African.
Mo says
The yao women used it for only 20 mins and rinsed it out? Why do you want to use yours as a live in ? It’s best you watch the documentary and strictly follow directions. In the business of hair , patience is a virtue and overdoing anything to achieve quicker results will only give you an undesirable result.
Britt says
Do you boil the water first? How many times do you use rice water?
Damienne Lansdorf says
Have you used it continuously for 4 months?
S says
I’m Black American and last year I use the white rice water rinse and I over did it and it was to hard on my hair, I believe because I used it to much, I over did it. Now I’m using the black rice water rinse and I love it! I know to do this treatment only once maybe twice a month most. Most likely just once but no more hair shedding and definite grow! Very Happy
D says
Hi, S, how often were you doing it when you noticed you overdid it and you were too hard on your hair?
mayaNs says
i used rice water twice and the result was bad my hair is shedding amd now i have bald edges dunno what to do
any help please
Monisa says
Hi! I’m sorry that happened to you! Did you wash it out? Did you deep condition afterwards?
I had a rice water mini disaster too. But I realized that I was using it incorrectly. So now when I use it I don’t leave it on too long. Half hour tops. Once per week. I condition immediately. And through out the day I spritz with water and moisturize with good old Dax grease.
My hair is relaxed but that spritzing is still necessary. At least for me. It prevents the dryness.
Monisa says
Oh! I also put organic honey in my shampoo and conditioner!
Athena says
I had hairloss too, but each strand seemed stronger and thicker. I think the hair loss may have been dead or damaged hair that was shed all at once due to the rice water nutrients and new healthy hair will grow in it’s place. I know that even with the hair loos I had my hair still looks thicker and shinier. I tried it fermented and unfermented and the fermented water worked much better.
Caitlin says
Don’t boil the water, as you boil out the nutrients in the rice. Let it ferment at room temp for 24-48 hours. When used as applied, dilute the water as its used as a protein treatment, and can be overly potent, which can cause dry hair. Also Always use moisture with any protein/strengthening hair treatment.
Maryt Mvula says
What kind of hair strengther to be pricise
Aylin S. says
That is false. The Yao women boil the water that was used to wash the rice and then they ferment it for a week. Watch the documentaries.
Tanya says
Absolutely! It is mind boggling that so many people and articles are not following the Yao process but continually reference the Yao way. No where does it say the Yao process involves boiling the rice or soaking the rice for 24 hours
Come on people. Sure, you can make rice water any way you want, you can use whatever rice you want, and you can leave said rice water in your hair as long as you want but then you’re not following the Yao women’s process at all.
They use white rice only.
They rinse the rice thoroughly then discard that water.
They then use a very clean water source to rub the rice between their hands until that water becomes cloudy about 5 to 10 minutes.
Then…..they drain that water and add the peel from a citrus fruit (pomello) along with some type of oil and tea leaves *U.S. modifications because these ingredients are not easily accessible many use grapefruit or orange peels and whatever essential oils they have* before boiling it for about 10 to 20 minutes (they discard the rice before boiling).
Last, they store the rice water along with the peelings in an air tight container in a cool dark place for any where between 1 week to 1 month.
Then the rice water is ready for use. They cleanse their hair with it and them rinse it out with a clean water source (I will use distilled or filtered water). So, nothing like what most if not everyone has reported doing here. Not saying your method doesn’t work, but it’s not the Yao process. Also, could be the reason why some are having troubling results.
deedee says
how is your porosity of your hair??? that is the main concern….if your hair has a high porosity then the rice water is way too strong for your hair….google this information and hopefully you will find your answer
Jaya says
Hi, i rinsed my hair with 8days fermented rice water and it is causing extreme hairfall.
hello says
you should only use it 1-2 times a week
Can says
If you use the water as a rinse, rinse it afterward with warm water. Them moisturize your hair or use a leave in conditioner on your hair. Don’t let the rice water be your last rinse, it maybe too much for your hair to take.
Tori says
Rice water can be stored up to 1 week.
Also, When I use the rice water I would add a essential oil like lavender oil or tea tree oil to give it a nice smell. I do the rice water rinse once a week. And, so far it changed my hair texture, my hair is alot more manageable and, soft. My hair is a 4c type I definitely recommend it. If your not sure research more and look at youtube videos.
Bibi says
Do you have to wash your hair first
Bibi says
Do you have to wash your hair first?
deedee says
I would say yes so your scalp will be clean and the RW can penetrate into your scalp…
Loretta says
can you leave rice water in your hair as condition, do you rinse it out.
Thanks
Allison Burd says
It has been wonderful for my thin, fine wavy hair. I even use it as a leave in conditioner! My hair feels like it s a kids!
Tioga says
I use the rice water two days in a row and I put a tea bag in it and put it in a water bottle and let it soak for a day but it doesn’t smell yet it’s been 3 days sitting on the counter. When I put in in my hair I put a plastic bag on my head for 30 minutes than rinse it out and my hair feel so soft and conditioned.
Jaya says
Hi, I rinsed my hair with 8days fermented rice water. I think it got spoiled and is causing extreme hairfall. Please help
lanika campbell says
it wasn’t just the stinky spoiling if you read the label of rice it contains nothing so don’t expect something from using this mess it is full of only carbs and thats it so why would it make our hair grow it won’t these claims are flat out lies. And if you are an African American woman please run away from rice water causes excessive dryness which African American hair requires oils to grow.
Can says
Not true. I’m a black woman with fine hair. Our hair are all not the same however at minimum we should wake our hair up in the morning by spritzing it with some water just like washing your face & brushing your teeth. I learned this by doing it on my sons hair & saw a huge difference in maintaining moisture in his hair. He has thick hair & very sensitive scalp. I noticed it’s easier to comb after I spritz water in it. Just that alone does the trick. I usually Add a moisturizer or oil too. If we do this at minimum & comb, rub or brush the hair every morning your hair will wake up & you’ll see the difference. Many people(men & women) feel like they don’t have to do anything to the hair & those are the ones that have the dried out hair. If you use rice water as a rinse, wash it out with warm water afterwards then do your moisture routine.
Kaarina says
Is it bad if I ferment my rice water for like +- 2months?
Nikki says
Genetics must definitely play a role. I am African American with Native American, Caucasian, and Asian ancestry. I actually leave the rice water on my hair I ferment it with peppermint and lavender oil. I put a mixture of essential oils on my hair about 20 minutes after I use the rinse & dries straight !! The shedding reduced immediately my hair feels stronger my hair appears to love this. So in all fairness every thing doesn’t work for everyone no matter what race you maybe. The most important thing is to find what works for you and stick with it. No this is not a sponsored response and I don’t use any certain brand I love the Jasmine Rice and I got it from the dollar store for a dollar!!
lanika campbell says
Hello everyone I just want to say Wow what is Mahatma rice paying all these black women to flat out lie about how much your hair will grow. let me ask you what does rice really has in it to make such a dramatic change to how a person’s hair grow? Nothing right did you see that there are absolutely no nutrients in freaking rice only a very little percent of protein with a pinch of carbs. Well, you may as well just put soda in your hair it will smell a whole lot better than stinky rice water.
when I used this mess it caused me to get breakage and weak hair my hair type is very very thick kinky curls luckily for me i have so much hair the breakage and weakened hair didn’t affect the appearance of my hair but really why are so many people claiming this is gold and its not I really tried I even increased the number of moisturizers to accomadate how freaking dry this solution causes your hair to become still attacked my hair with a negative outcome I did as directed and used it every 2 weeks still the same thing weakening and damaged over dried hair yuck dont do it
Hope says
I think it depends on an individual. Maybe your hair is protein sensitive . Rice water has worked wonders in helping reduce shedding and increase thickness for me
V says
It’s protein and starch. Not a miracle hair growth formula. Our hair grows; we just don’t see the length because curly/could hair breaks more often due to weakness caused by the pattern and dryness. No different than a chemical protein Treatment; just natural and not toxic. You have to rinse, condition, and moisturize. The protein strengthens the hair and reduces breakage from styling.
April says
Rice water is a protein treatment & everyone’s hair is different. But as a general rule of thumb, if your hair isn’t overly damaged & processed, protein treatments should only be done every 4-6 weeks. Over doing it will cause brittleness & breakage. So you probably had those results from improperly using it. Find what works for your hair, not what a YouTube video recommended.
Paula Day says
If it has “nothing nutritional” in it just protein and carbs how could it be the cause of so many negative things. It should have no effect at all.
Tessa M. says
@Paula Day, well said.
Jenn Burke says
If it doesn’t work for you don’t dismay others that it may help my hair was falling out over processed and dead two months later it’s like I was a teen again and my grey hair diminished to its natural color so it helps some but not all like everything else on the planet but don’t ruin it for those it could help
Cyncurl says
That’s your experience (bummer!!) – many of us love the results but one thing we all know for sure: everybody’s hair is different, we love to obsess on our hair and share ideas … ESPECIALLY us curly girls. I like RW periodically (1 – 2 x/mo). Fermented by soaking 24 hours (nasty smell – whew!), leaving on 20 min then rinse thoroughly and condition. It makes my fine curly hair feel stronger and more manageable …. hair growth remains to be seen.
Mary says
Be very careful of rice water. Know your hair type! If you have low porosity hair then rice water will create a protein build up on the hair that will cause extreme dryness and damage fast. I almost ruined my hair with only 3 treatments. Research high and low hair porosity. There are too many “so called” experts on here who are clueless about hair. Just because something works for you does not mean it will for another. My hair lost its life, shine and the water fried my ends. But my hair suffered damage from root to tip. Reversing protein overload is a science. So just be very careful.
Gladys Salas says
I rinsed my hair left on over night and I did see results in hair growth. My hair did get hard but nothing bad happened to it. I do it every weekend Friday Saturday and Sunday nights washing it out the morning after. I am Hispanic by the way with not thick hair. I saw results after the second weekend. I boiled the rice water let it cool and rinsed my hair leaving the rinse overnight.
GGreen says
Do I have to wash the rice water out of my hair or can it sit for a couple days.
Marcia says
I have alopia ,my hair is very dry and breaking a lot. I have lots of patches and feeling burning in the middle of my head.My hair is very thin,do you think my hair is high porosity.How should I use the rice water?
Kristina says
My daughter has alopecia too. She has to take steroid or cortisone type tx’s to decrease her body’s immune system from attacking the hair follicles during a flare up. We were at a loss until the dermatologist diagnosed her.
Maria says
I make a big batch (cup of rice, about 2-3 cups of water in a bowl, covered), let it sit for a day or two to ferment, and then strain it, adding more water into rice, straining again, until container is full, and then store it in the container in the back of my fridge (were it’s coldest). When I use it, I fill half a bottle with it and then fill the rest of it up with clean water. On non-shampoo days, I spray it into my hair, let it sit and rinse it out with warm water at the end of my shower. On shampoo days, I shampoo and rinse, then rinse with rice water, soaking hair. Leave in for at least 5 minutes ( I keep it in til the end of my shower), then rinse out with warm water. Using it every day, creates a noticeable difference to your hair. Also, I have psoriasis, my head drandruff is ridiculous, and rice water helps get rid of it in the most noninvasive and most consistent way (dandruff shampoos stopped working for me, and it’s bad to have to shampoo your hair daily, so rice water has been a godsend to me).
Imeri says
So, would you say doing it everyday, properly, is fine. I’ve done it and it feels And looks great and I wonder if its fine to do it every day?
D says
Maria does it everyday, yeah, but notice that she dilutes the Rice Water solution a lot. Just keep that in mind as you said you’re wondering if it’s fine for yourself to do it everyday.
Renee says
This post is so and asks the question several times before answering. I used rice water in my hair journey and in my opinion in can “aide” in growing hair. It creates a certain protection, strength and elasticity, so the hair can thrive. In other words, it allows the hair to grow healthier from the scalp so it stays and flourishes thicker and longer.
Talia says
Do not put it in the fridge !! It should be left out to ferment for as long as you like. The people who originally make it “the Yao women” let it ferment for months.
Karen says
Just wasted 5 mins reading a nonsensical article. You don’t have to fill a page if you don’t know anything about a topic.
Jamiya Hill says
Helloy name is jamiya, I’m doing this rice water routine but my only issue is that afterwards I am getting protective styles in my hair. I was gonna let the rice sit for 24 hours and then use it, wash it out, blow dry it and than get the braids. Is it good to do it that way?
Durga Devi says
After researching further, I found that the Yao women of China allow their rice water to ferment (at room temp) for a week, sometime even a month. Other points not covered here are that you don’t actually boil the rice. You wash the rice until the water turns milky. That’s your rice water. Strain the rice, and boil the water. The Yao women boil it with pomelo peels, which is a type of citrus fruit. Since that’s not readily available where I live, I use whatever I have on hand, generally from the Ayurvedic tradition. Or, you can use nothing at all, and it still works. My favorite combo, however, is to boil it with dried hibiscus flowers and cinnamon. I often throw in methi seeds (fenugreek) seeds and kadi patta (curry leaves) as well. Hibiscus and methi both saponify by producing plant snot (that mucilaginous substance you get from things like chia seeds), so it works well as a cleanser too. I’m from the Caribbean, and my ancestry is equal parts East Indian and African. I can’t say if it works on all types of natural hair, but I love it on mine.
Liv says
I have been using rice water for a bit now and I can say it works for hair growth. I use white or Jasmine rice, letting the rice soak in the water for about 5 minutes before separating the two, adding essential oils to the water and placing it in a jar to ferment for up to 24 hours. I usually let it sit in my hair for 20-30 minutes, once a week. I am white with thick, wavy hair, but I’m not sure how it would work on other hair types different to mine.
Bernette says
I will like to know of products that will grow my 4a 4b and 4c natural hair
Essie says
The key to longer natural hair(especially type 4 hair) is to RETAIN the length and clean the scalp, that way, as hair grows, nothing should clog hair follicles, and putting nourishing conditioners and sealing oils (like grapeseed and castor) on HAIR (NOT SCALP) will protect the cuticles and help minimize split ends. Penetrating oils – like coconut and avocado oil – are good for the scalp.
Erica says
Putting oil on your hair and keeping it isnt a good idea it will clog your pores. Sticking to natural mousturizers for hair will work but you have to do trial and error tests to find what works for you. Putting oil in yohr hair actually breaks your face out and clogs your pores because the hair follicles grow through the scalp with the sebum from the sebaceous gland which is where oil is produced. If you add too much oil you will make your hair dirty faster. I only put oils like morrocoan oil in my hair if I am straightening my curls which causes excessive drying and damage to my hair follicles.
Lenae says
If your scalp is healthy and has a good flow of sebum oozing out of it, then there is no need to put any type of oil on it. The added oil would only prove to be too much for the already sebum lubricated scalp and will most likely cause itching or other problems scalp issues. Oil on your hair? Maybe. It depends on your individual hair and its needs.
La Donna says
Afro Textured hair needs moisturizers and oil. Sebum does not always travel to the ends of Afro textured hair like it does on straight hair. Because of this Afro textured hair is more prone to dryness. So this type of hear needs more moisturizing in addition to natural sebum.
Kee says
@Lenae. Please remember there is no one size fit all. Unfortunately most black people’s hair or Afro textured hair the oil doesn’t reach the shaft and this is what constantly leads to breakage and makes it harder to attain or maintain long hair. Asians and white Europeans however are able to maintain longer lengths because the shaft is constantly nourished by natural oils. Most Afro textured hair is dry because this isn’t the case with most people of African decent.
Michelle says
I have 4c low porosity hair, and cradle cap. Castor oil 100% eliminates my cradle cap, grows my hair, and I have strong skin otherwise, so I never break out. I can’t use all those moisturizers and protein creams like Shea butter.
So I believe, it firmly depends on the person, and the balance between their own hair, and their own skin.
Leila Nakasinde says
I used rice water after shampoo but it started itching and am African so wat shud I do
Kim DB says
“I have 4c low porosity hair, and cradle cap. Castor oil 100% eliminates my cradle cap, grows my hair, and I have strong skin otherwise, so I never break out. I can’t use all those moisturizers and protein creams like Shea butter.”
I have 2c to 3b low porosity hair and constantly struggle with seborrheic dermatitis on my scalp, face and back. It took me forever to learn that using the right oils was the key to healthy skin for me… Even dermatologists kept trying to remove oils as a form of treatment, and it just left my skin more vulnerable. Thank you for your comment, because somebody is going to be saved years of struggle.
Kee says
Where did it say to put the oil on the scalp? The writer distinctly said not on the scalp. Hair strands have no pores. The oil should be used on the hair shaft to lock in moisture. Not on the scalp.
Evelyn says
Hi …thanks for the information but I didn’t wash the rice before soaking it and am an African. I hope nothing bad happens. Once again thanks.
Can says
Water & moisture it each morning. Don’t let the hair get dry. During the day after washing your hands with soap & water, rub your wet hands in your hair to add some more moisture in it. I said wash hands with soap & water because some people don’t do that then they rub their dirty hands into the hair & wonder why it smells.
Alicia says
I have heard to store it in refrigerator for up to a week
Kiyoshi says
Shouldn’t store it in the refrigerator it will stop the fermentation process
Nádia says
you should ferment for at least 24 hours then store on the fridge. before use you have to delute with warm water
Lenna says
The yao women leave the water to ferment for a month before using it.i saw it in their video.h
Si'mantra says
Im a natural that has used rice water and yes the benefits are amazing and by reducing hair breakage and increase elasticity for me has allowed my hair to increase and I notice the growth, but you have balanc with moisture cause if the protein in the treatment can leave the hair dry and hard and moisture is a necessity.
niha says
my hair has become extremely dry after using it what can i do ?
Challais McDonald says
Deep Condition then follow up with Rice Water and rinse thoroughly.
Sarah says
can i use hair dryer to dry my hair after using rice water or I walk in the sun for it to dry naturally.
Aradhya says
Don’t dry it totally as, I had did some researches that in using these rinses we should not let it dry totally as it will loose moisture… But then again it is needed to be dried in order to gain its nutrients. So you dry it under the sun or dry ur hair naturally..
Ashley says
Test the porosity of your hair. If you have low porosity.. rice water or any protein treatments are not for you
Anonymous says
Protein treatment is also good for some low porosity hair like mine. Also we have different types of protein treatment. We have heavy protein, mild treatment and light protein. Our hair is made up of 95% protein and protein is important to the hair to strengthen and prevent breakage for those that are protein sensitive a light protein is preferable or the use of strengthenibgbteas and oils is also good.
Dena says
How do you test for porosity?
Kira says
Let’s answer a few basic hair questions:
Do you find that your hair is color resistant?
Did or does your hair reject chemical services?
Have you noticed that product just sits on your strands and does not absorb, ever?
Is your hair hard to wet or saturate with water?
Have you tried the float test and your hair is still floating?
If you have answered yes to any of the questions, your hair is on the scale of low porosity.
I always remember a single hair strand can have varied levels of porosity on it: newer hair on the lower end and oldest part of the strand tends to have a higher porosity.
Yetta W says
Cons: Been using RW a few weeks now. My hair has come out badly, it sheds like nobodies business. I have bald patches around my edges. Random broken sections of hair all over.
Pros: My hair is soft when I first wash it(let air dry).
I use leave in conditioner along with liquid aloe Vera mixed with peppermint oil I have in bottle.
Star says
Use cocunut oil to keep hair and scalp moisturized
Nas says
But beware since to my knowledge coconut oil has also got protein in it and some people’s hair is more sensitive to that. Coconut oil doesn’t work for some people
Natyisha says
Right. Coconut oil does not work well with my hair… when I big chopped it helped… but as my hair grew longer my hair didnt benefit…
sara says
After shampooing, I towel dry my hair a bit or sometimes completely, then rinse with the rice water solution, then put my moisturizing conditioner or deep conditioner on top of it.
So, far no problem with any dryness or the mysterious protein problem. Hair is made up of protein. I think, The problem is buildup from not clarifying the hair often enough. A lot of people pike on products, but never detox the hair, which leads to breakage.
jaci says
what do you mean problem from buildup from clarifying the hair is often enough. this means that it lead to end breakage.
Ange says
Try adding oil into the mixture.
Lilly says
For my 3C curly hair I prepoo, shampoo, fermented rice water rinse, then apply a deep conditioner like you would do after a protein treatment. Then I condition. To style hair, apply rose water and aloe spray, a leave in conditioner then your butter or custard styling product. Your hair will look amazing.
Sophia Buie says
sounds like a plan!! Thx! So aloe juice will work? What do you suggest?
Takhya says
Hey! I’m A Natural As Well.. How Long Did It Take For You To Notice Growth?
Mona says
Is it necessary to wash your hair first
Shawneequa says
The Yao Chinese women use it as their shampoo so I would think yes, provided your hair isn’t filled with lots of hair product. I was mines first but i use hair gel, hair butter/ creams, and hair oil daily.
Sarah says
No, it doesn’t matter….
liz says
can the rice water be used daily
Zalense says
Yes, you can if u want or or if it is needed
RMJohnson says
It depends on your hair type. I use it only once a week because daily use makes my hair dry and brittle. You have to do what is best for you.
Cecilia says
Can I use rice water every single day please?
Yolanda says
It is not advised to use it daily because the protein can build up on your hair. Once a week is fine, definitely not every day.
M.Davis says
Considering how much arsenic is in rice and therefore in the water that will be used for the rinse I wonder if potentially poisoning yourself with such a carsongenic substance is worth quicker hair growth
Freda says
Arsenic in rice????? Why isn’t most of the population dead, considering the number of people that eat rice.
Ayu says
The arsenic can mostly/completely(?) be removed via rinsing it properly before putting it in. It’s not a lethal dose anyway, but it’s most definitely not safe to just cronch on it straight from the bag and regularly consuming it is bound to do /some/ damage. Asian countries generally know their rice and don’t just chuck it in a pot like more Western countries seem to love doing lol
Lena says
Soak rice and the rinse before consuming to remove 80% of any chemicals on the rice, including arsenic. For perspective, there is much more arsenic in chicken.
Zoey says
Buy organic rice, is not that expensive.
Heather says
It doesn’t matter if it’s organic or not. Rice grows in bogs of water. Since it’s submerged, the arsenic from the soil soaks in much more readily than with other crops. Organic wouldn’t change that as it’s still grown the same way and the arsenic comes from the soil. It’s already present in soil
Mw says
After a week should I throw it out
Lez says
If it is required for you
Luz Y Ayende says
I had a boy cut hair style I started using the banana mask since August 2017 and my hair has grown.
1 Banana
2 tbsp. Castor oil
2 tbsp. Olive oil
2 tbsp. Coconut oil
2 tbsp. Honey
1/2 of Garlic
Mixed in a blender put all over your hair massage into scalp put a plastic cap leave on for 1 to 2 hour then wash off.
Beautinsuccess says
Oh yeah the garlic would definitely grow it using that.
Kari says
Wash out with shampoo or water also can I use conditioner afterwards too.
Mjay says
How often should you do this banana mask for hair growth in 4c hair?
Neze says
Did you use garlic powder or real garlic
Clara Grayer says
I have. Even using rice water now for three months,I must say my hair has grown in fuller,thick in texture,my edges has changed a lot no longer thin,what so amazing is—my hair looks thicker
Nathalie Bermudez says
Was your hair thin to begin with?
Clara Grayer says
My hair has grown in the last four months thicker fuller no longer have thinner ages I was very skeptical but now my hair is much thicker and fuller than ever I am 68 years old and my hair is thicker shinier and now I’m I will start using the rice water twice a week it does work I wish I could send you a picture
Sakshi Sharma says
how you use it exactly
Judy says
Why rice water bring my hair out what am doing wrong please reply back ASP
Ms. Lynn says
I watched alot of people on Youtube concerning this rice water rinse. I discovered that it is Definitely BEST if you use SULFATE FREE shampoo and conditioner on your hair. I bought this Shampoo and Conditioner called HAIR FOOD at $10 each at Target and Walmart. ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT, AFTER SHAMPOOING my hair I used the fermented rice AND conditioner, left covered on my head for 30 minutes and simply washed it out. My hair was very soft and manageable. You definitely have to use a good deep conditioner and this will work for your hair!! Good Luck
tt says
Do you deep condition after or before the rice rinse? I deep condition with a thermal heating cap. That would not work well with the technique of rice water and then deep conditioner on top right?
Snigdha says
May be using rice water firstly it is excluding all the damaged hair or may be nourishing your hair in a way
Or, the way u use it may be wrong for your hair type, pattern etc.. Or may be u r using artificial products if you r using rice water even….
Barbara says
I rinse my hair twice a week with rice water since Jan 2018, I haven’t seen any growth.??????
Cf says
Barbara, you should do it this way, of the two times you wash a week, rinse your hair first! when your is completely dry and then wear a cover over it, and then rinse out at the appropriate time. Then for the other/second wash in the week, just use a mild soap for the wash.
Kathy says
I have used rice water in a pass and my hair fell out. I am bald on top and thinner. I discovered that I am protein sensitive and this treatment is not for everyone, and make sure that you rinse it out completely and do a deep conditioner after. People are telling you to leave it in and you don’t have to do a deep condition after, my advice is rinse out completely.
Joanna says
Yup rice water is not for everyone. My hair is thinning out as well, alot of breakage. I only used it twice and stopped completely after noticing the difference. Now trying to reverse the damage. People please dont believe everything you see especially since its not proven. Hope this helps.
Karen says
It is true that a person should NOT believe everything they see or hear, however this IS not the case. This is about what works for YOUR hair type. I CAN’T use many name brand store products on MY hair so I am open to home remedies. I’ve used rice water on my hair for a month now AND it works on MY hair type. Do what works for YOUR hair type. First do the work to find out what specifically works for your hair type. Whether store bought or home made. And be consistent with YOUR hair care regimen.
deedee says
I leave it in my hair…I am bald in some areas and this method has my hair growing really great!!! I can spray it in my hair and massage it into my scalp…but i have to wear gloves cause the rice protein is way too strong for my nails…I absolutely love this method…Hair growth oils did absolutely nothing for me at all….so glad I came across this method..but this way is great for me and may not be for some others..
Litsy says
Actually in a video interview with a Yao woman, the Yao woman was constantly telling the host to wash it all out of her hair. That it’s not good to leave it in.
Zoey Johnson says
what kind of rice do you use? Also I’ve heard that boiling the rice takes out the natural minerals in it that help your hair grow. Is this true?
Lenora says
This is exactly what I have been trying to figure out, cant wait until someone answers your questions
Jane says
You can use different kinds of rice tbh
Natural7ly says
When you boil the rice the minerals are in the water. You are putting that in your hair. They don’t “disappear”
Nekky says
Exactly! The nutrients left the rice and entered the water.
Heather says
Evaporation.
Keke says
Use organic rice. And no do not boil it let it sit at room temperature for 12-24hrs
Kira says
Hi Zoey- thank you for your comment!
Snigdha says
Yes, bcuz some minerals or say enzymes which act on our hair scalp gets deteriorated or burnt on heating As all the enzymes are not that heat resistant.
So fermented rice water is much better but again if you don’t have time then you can use boiled rice water…….
Char says
The minerals may be taken out of the rice but they go directly into your water
Brie says
When you make rice water you have to leave it overnight for 12 to 24 hours do not I repeat you do not boil the rice water because it takes out all the protein from the rice and it causes you to go bald and when it is the next day for you to go and wash your hair with the rice water use sulfate free shampoo and conditioner first cuz when you put the rice water before you wash your hair it will not help your hair grow and it will cause you to lose hair or get product build-up and make your hair become sensitive after you wash your hair with sulfate free shampoo and conditioner you add the rice water and leave it in your hair for 30 to 60 minutes and the longer you leave it in your hair you will see results from the rice water so I advise you to leave it in your hair for an hour but if you have sensitive hair just leave it for 30 minutes and when you leave it for that long put a shower cap on your hair even if its for 30 minutes you leave it in your hair still put a shower cap so nothing leaks out and when an hour passes by or when 30 minutes passes by take it off and go right back in the shower or sink however u wash your hair and wash all the rice water out your hair with shampoo and deep conditioner that doesn’t contain any sulfate in neither one of them and after you wash your hair with sulfate-free conditioner and shampoo you can go back to putting whatever moisturizer in your hair and style back in your hair you’re not supposed to use it every single day or every single week if you’re African-American you’re only supposed to use it twice a week if your Caucasian you’re supposed to use it twice a week or once a week and if you use it every single day it is going to build protein build-up and that’s not going to help your hair grow at all it will cause your hair to get thinner and get weaker that at the point your hair will start falling out and you will get baldall at sertain parts of your head so only use this twice a week for African American woman and twice or once a week for Caucasian woman so if you use this every single day and the doctors tell you that you have protein build-up it’s probably cuz you use this every single day or every single week and if your hair starts to fall out and you get a bald spot it’s probably because you use it way too much
Tina says
Strange, since the two women boil the rice water after leaving it for a week. They add orange peel and other ingredient.
Their hair is long and healthy.
De says
Boiling the rice takes the protein from the rice? And where may i ask does it go; in the air? You know that you have written a lot of questionable things with out any full stops, comas, new paragraphs, etc.
Anyway, i guess everyone is entitled to their opinions :+)
D. Krys says
Assuming that everyone (hopefully) sits their rice in water BEFORE cooking, it would probably be best to use that water. Once it has been “cleaned” the rice you are boiling probably doesn’t have the same amount of protein. I guess it would be best to try both ways and see what works for you. Logically speaking though, you should sit it in a bowl of water for 12-24hrs. That just makes more sense.
Juli says
I don’t know if this is what happens, but from what I know of chemistry heat changes chemical structures.
Ray says
Amen
Lauren says
Can anyone tell me if I can use the rice water with a steamer? Or rinse it out then put the sulfate free conditioner then sit under the steamer? Or just not use the steamer at all?
Dannik says
I watched a youtube video and the girl raved about how rice water and a steamer worked wonders for her hair! I’ve just been doing fermented rice water with a conditioning cap, but I’m going to try it with the steamer next time.
Kira says
Hi Lauren-
I wouldn’t suggest using it in a device as rice water that’s left behind can mold in the device.
Kira
Tezra says
My big sister recommended that I try biotin that product had my hair growing like miracle grow unfortunately I stop buying it .Now she told me about this rice rinse I am natural hair woman so I looking for anything that natural and keep my hair growing .I know in the summer my grown the fastest and I need to know what type of rice to use on my hair I use tea tree for my scalp my edges and coconut for my roots I use to use Jamaican black castor oil but my grocery store stop selling it so .That helps with hair growth too but it very heavy so I stop using it .So ultimately I want to know what the right rice to use for this growth .
Karen says
You should not use a protein on your hair more than once a week. There is also no reason to leave it longer than 15 min because the carbohydrate in it that benefits your hair only needs 15 min to penetrate, after that rinse it out. The beneficial parts of the rice water stay in your hairs after you rinse. You want to stop the build up in your hair by adding some shikaki powder or amla powder to your rice water or fermented rice water because those are natural clarifying herbs as well as conditioning. You can add both of you want to. If you have henna in your hair be careful not to use too much amla powder as it can darken the hennaed hair. On hair the hasn’t been colored with henna it won’t affect the color. You don’t need to shampoo your hair as rice has natural saponins it that cleanse your hair. Shikaki is also a gentle cleanser so washing with shampoo afterwards will just strip all the good stuff you just did. The shikaki/ rice water mixture is a shampoo/ conditioner/ tonic all in one. Using anything else after or before just dries your hair out too much. Remember! No silicones, parabens or sulfates in your hair will make a huge difference in your overall hair health and that in turn encourages hair growth.
Karen says
I forgot to say… everyone and everyone’s hair is different so experiment, you’ll be surprised that what works great for you may be terrible for someone else who seems to have hair exactly like yours. If you follow basic rules i.e. protein no more than once a week, no silicone or sulfates etc. then you’re doing yourself a favor already. Other things that help right away are silk pillow slips, natural bamboo pegged hair brushes and not putting your hair up in rubber bands (scrunchies and gentle hair holders are much less damaging) and only loosely pulling hair back will also help your hair tremendously.
Rebecca says
Hi i redond my hair so isit ok if i use this rice water on it? What will happen?
karen says
Hi Rebecca, I would ask your hair stylist about that one.
Rebecca says
Rebond sorry
Xyz says
What if we don’t rinse with plain water after washing with rice water?
karen says
Hi xyz, you can go without rinsing it’ll add more volume but if you’re just looking for the benefits of the rice water in terms of taking the advantage of the vitamins and the starches on your hair then you don’t need to leave it on longer than 15min and rinsing doesn’t matter because all the good stuff in the rice water won’t wash away once it has sat on your hair for 15min.
Rukia says
If you wash your hair with a shampoo with sulfate in it will it ruin the hair?
karen says
Hi Rukia, you should never use shampoo with sulfates in it it’s damaging to your hair, roots, and scalp and there’s no benefit to using sulfates. You also want to steer clear of any shampoo or conditioner with parabens (linked to breast cancer) or silicones. If you want the best hair you can get use herb powders mixed with water to wash and condition all in one mix and then use the rice water rinse at the end. You’ll have super shiny hair that will look like you doubled the thickness overnight. Good herbs to start with are shikaki, amla, aloe vera (powdered), rose petal powder. There are a ton more that are incredible for improving your hair growth hair fall, dandruff, itchy scalp, baldness, premature graying, split ends, brittle hair. That doesn’t even count all the skin benefits of these herbal powders. The list goes on and on. You’d find huge differences in the health of your hair while going 100% organic, chemical free, no binders, no fillers etc only pure dried and powdered plant.
Beautinsuccess says
I agree with Karen
Dena says
Hi Karen
Which herbs are best for premature graying?
B says
Can I ferment my rice for 2 months like ya I women
Tina says
Hi Karen where would I find these herbs shikaki, amla, aloe vera (powdered), rose petal powder? Thank you
Sarabi says
You can try Bulk Apothecary and Amazon! :) You may even be able to find amla in your local Indian/South Asian store, if you have one.
Farah says
I used rice water twice and it is leaving my hair very very dry, I shampoo and the use rice water and leave it for 5 mins and wash it out?I haven’t noticed any change growth wise but dryness issue? Any recommendations? Should I try fermented rice water? Or the dryness is an indicator, it is not suiting my hair?
Thanks
Mickey says
Rice water does make your hair dry and hard. You have to keep it moisturized with leave in conditioner and natural hair oils.
Bettie says
Can castor work as the natural oils mentioned. First timer on this rice water thing. African. Thank you
Ms. Lynn says
You have to use a sulfate free shampoo. It defeats the purpose in my opinion, I just started using this rice water rinse, I bought a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner called HAIR FOOD, found at Target and Walmart for $10 each. My hair is so soft, no breakage. I mix the conditioner and rice water together and cover my head with a shower cap for 30 minutes. Silky smooth results.
Felici Harris says
Are you saying you mix the conditioner into the rice wster or do you add the conditiner to your hair after you have applied the RW?
Catherine says
Yes, she mixed them together.
Nicki says
Drink alot of water. Wash hair with rice water twice a week. Apply castor oil on the hair ends and edges twice a week. Apply coconut oil twice a week. Moisturise once a week. Eat healthy and you good to go.
Marissa says
Apply coconut oil to where? Hair or Scalp? And what is your moisturize routine?
Anndrea Lawson says
I get my hair in box braids all the time do you think it will work if I do the rice water Everytime I take my braids down and my wash ?
ak says
There’s a village in China (Huangluo) where the women have hair up to 6ft long – they use rice water exclusively to wash their hair (no shampoo) and only rinse with cold water, no matter what the season.
Even in their 70’s and 80’s, there’s not a strand of grey hair between them.
Here’s at least one video link about them, but there are others (if I’m allowed to put it here, if not, just do a search in youtube for ‘China’s Village of Real-Life Rapunzels’).
KNK says
I am caucasian. Going on 40 but who’s counting. .. Hair is thin, straight/wavy/spiral curls in that order from top of my head to the nape of my neck, kind of chin length, partially grey, and it grows slowly since childhood. Baby hairs on the hairline to the widow’s peaks never grow longer than an inch. Cauc-fro when it’s humid. It white girl worst nightmare kind of hair. About 2 weeks ago I started using purple organic rice grown in the USA (amazon.com) soaked for 2 days, about 2x/week for about 1hr then rinsing. Organic because of the arsenic, purple figuring maybe there would be anti-brass properties, and USA to support USA farms. I’ll let you know in a few months how it goes for me. Kind of skeptical because of the dumpster fire hair I’m working with, but why not give it a whirl. More to follow. ..
ZBA says
I started using rice water on my permed/relaxed hair about 3 weeks ago and I’ve tried it just twice..my hair seems thicker now but anytime I use it,my hair seems hard…how come? Is it bad??
Tamera says
Waah it out completely and use only 1x a week
Nina says
It’s protein build up, it causes brittle hair. Use a baby conditioner. Regular deep conditioner has protein in it to repair hair. Castor oil on ends to prevent split ends and soybean oil on hair afterwards, it known to penetrate the shaft to moisturize.
Ms. Lynn says
I read through these comments and so many people are saying their hair is hard, I keep leaving comments pertaining to the same exact thing. SULFATE FREE SHAMPOO and CONDITIONER makes a HUGE differnce. HAIR FOOD can be found at TARGET and WALMART for ten bucks. Mix the conditioner with the rice water, cover your head with a plastic cap for 30 minutes. Rinse well and the results are silky smooth hair!!!
CF says
Dang do you work for hair food? It’s not the sulfates because people are experiencing the dryness only AFTER USING RICE WATER.
To the OP, there are deep conditioners out there that have no protein. Go to moorket .com and get her deep conditioner without protein that will offset the dryness from rice water.
Catherine says
I saw on YouTube where some people use a non protein moisturizing conditioner or treatment after, or together.
Kira says
Rice water is thought of as a type of protein treatment, so not to overload the hair with added protein, they are using a non protein moisturizing conditioner. Protein overload makes the hair brittle and hair.
Luchie says
I just weave my natural hair, is it avisable to use rice water on it
GAIL says
Before you weave up your hair condition your hair with using a plastic bag for 45-60 minutes then wash it out then using a shampoo after washing your hair pour the rice water over your hair with massaging and combing the rice water through your hair evenly after place a plastic bag over your hair for 60 minutes then rinse out, pat dry with using coconut oil especially on the ends of your hair
TAmera says
Hey everyone i was wondering can u store this rice water after use or do u have to boil it each time? I want to make a mixture and save it. Also, do u out this mainly on the strands or your scalp?
Ashley says
I advise EVERYONE to start a regimen of 20k-25k mcg of biotin and drink plenty of what and cowash weekly and low manipulation styles and it’ll grow. I just grew my hair evenly after a haircut 2 years ago. Also I use to have high porosity hair and now it’s low due to 2 years of vitamins and prep work and low manipulation styles
Gail says
I agree my hair has also grown from using the rice water once a month
Eladia says
Hi guys
Eladia says
I need to know wich conditioner cn I use on my hair I hs been using rosemary conditioner and cream but my hair I so dry tanks
Judy says
I am a blonde Caucasian with color treated hair.
I get it weaved with bleach every six weeks.
Will using fermented rice water affect the color?
Thanks,
Judy
J Smith says
Hello,
You have been very informative about “specifics” on Rice Water and how to use it after you make it. I heard about it years ago but just ignored it until I found Rice Water on You Tube and more women are using it for hair growth. I am elderly and African American. Last night I used my own that I made, rice water and found that my hair has changed and its not hard and fragile but soft and fluffy. I left it on for 15 minutes after washing and conditioning my hair. I rinsed it well with warm water and did not wash and condition my hair afterward. Is this regime okay without washing the hair after the rice water treatment. Please let me know when you have time. Thank you,
Kirsten Shannon says
It’s great that your hair doesn’t get hard, seems like your hair enjoys the concoction. I wouldn’t wash it out with shampoo.. but instead rinse it all out with water and if need be apply conditioner (I use conditioner because my hair gets hard after rice rinse)
Catherine says
Are you low porosity? I haven’t tried the rice water yet. I’m low porosity, and most naturals with low porosity hair noticed they don’t need protein often, or not at all. I was natural until the age of 18 and never used protein treatments, and I didn’t have issues at all. But, I did eat rice as much as Chinese and Japanese people do. I love rice! I guess I was getting enough of the nutrients internally.
Emma says
Does rice water affect hair dye
Valerie says
I have lo po 4c hair, not particularly sensitive to protein, infact I think my hair loves it. Was experiencing some breakage and excessive shedding using moisture only products until i revisited my anti breakage mask, milk and spritz from shea moisture. I think they has rice bran protein specifically and love the way they instantly make my hair feel stronger and decrease breakage.
So now i want to try rice water, fermented for 24 hrs not boiled, long grain, not organic and spritz my hair as a leave in every other night when I retwist my hair.
Wish me luck :)
Kira says
Good luck Valerie!
My hair loves protein also. All types of protein. I’m a mixture of 3c, 4a with a splash of 4b in the center and my porosity is normal. I haven’t tried that particular spritz from Shea Moisture. I can’t wait to hear your results- keep us posted!
Ajah says
Is rice water okay for low porosity hair?
Michelle says
I think most women that use this should ensure they have a highly penetrating deep conditioner so the hair doesnt get really dry. those with thicker/coarser hair should also probably add an oil and heat to the mix to ensure the hair softens after the treatment. As far as when you put it in the hair, if it was originally used as a shampoo, it makes sense that you should be able to add it to dry hair or use it as a rinse…but proteins layer on the hair and then penetrate the hair. if you hair naturally is dry, common sense can tell you, rice water, which sits on the hair, and then penetrates the hair, if not properly rinsed out, could contribute to dry hair. i do this about once a month, i spray in my dry dirty hair and let it sit 30 minutes, then i rinse my scalp and then add deep conditioner and sit for another 30 minutes. i have noticed my shedding is a lot less and i think my hair may be growing faster, bc its not shedding.
CF says
Best comment here.
Wow says
Can I spray my hair with rice water after shower and leave it like that without rinsing it with plain water?
Kira says
I have heard of women leaving the rice water in their hair without rinsing. However, I suggest rinsing because whatever nutrients that will absorb to the strand will absorb. Not rinsing doesn’t make more stick. Also, rinsing reduces your chances of bacteria or mold growing.
TeeJay says
The Natural community aren’t guided enough about this “treatment”. We (myself included), want to partake in the latest ‘how to grow your hair longer’ without taking the necessary precautions. I tried rice water, over used it, didn’t understand the proper methods of storing, etc, assuming this is a “natural help all” , for 30 days. This was in August to September. By October my hair was shedding and falling out so badly. Literally melting off in the front of my hair. I’m dealing with the worse case of thinning hair mainly in the front that I have adopted a low, VERY LOW, manipulative style just to try to combat the shedding. I’ve up’d my moisture 100+ percent and removed all protein based products from use. This is THE WORSE idea so PLEASE USE CAUTION WHEN TRYING. If there is anyone who’s gone through this or is experiencing massive shedding after this treatment, please feel free to reach out. joinpeace2005@yahoo. Blessings..
CF says
Listen, the Yao women use this as SHAMPOO! It is not to be left in. Would you leave shampoo in your hair and scalp? Also, if you normally need to condition after shampooing then condition after this. This shouldn’t be used as a final step for those with very dry hair. Wash, apply rice water, let it sit, rinse out, THEN deep condition.
Catherine says
Well put, and I totally agree.
Marcia says
Yup Totally agree, thank you. USE AS A SHAMPOO! I use shikakai powder as a mild shampoo/cleanser anyway so I may mix this with RW as Karen suggested, rinse out then deep condition with a mositurising non-protein conditioner.
Aaliyah says
Is it force that I wash the rice water out?
My hair is very short and I want it to go long n healthy
Kira says
Hi Aaliyah- I’d suggest rinsing it out. Keep in mind, leaving the rice water in your hair doesn’t suggest that it will make your hair grow longer.
Nae says
What do you do with the actual rice afterwards? Can you still use it to cook or do people throw it away? Cause that would just be a waste of money if people bought rice to do this method every week or twice a week to then throw the rice away.
Kylie-Anne says
You’ve only soaked and rinsed the rice, basically. This is often recommended anyway, to soften the rice before cooking.
I cook the rice the day I’ve done this, and the rice actually does come out nicer. Add a bit of lemon to it to whiten it, and it’s lovely.
So, you’re killing two birds with one stone!
Sally says
Hi,
I stopped relaxing 6 months ago and started gtting Keratin Treatment instead. I have come to realise due to the process of Keratin like washing it with a clarifying shampoo makes it tangle so much and I end up losing more hair than I did when I relaxed and also blowdrying it with no product after does not help. I gave it a chance and feel it is not worth the time and money for me. Because of so much hair breakage from the clarifying shampoo my hair keeps looking shorter and uneven length, it went from bra strap length to almost sholder length, I hate it and now I have to have a long bob cut to even it out. Is rice water high in protein, I won’t use it as I still have the keratin in my hair but I was planning not to have Keratin again and do the rice water rince instead. This way I can grow out my hair and be able to chop a lot quicker. I have invested in sulphate free shampoo but haven’t found a good conditioner or leave in. Please recommend.
Mary says
Rice water rinse RUINED my hair. Absolutely ruined it. My hair started this experiment at the middle of my back. I had already been on a sulfate-free hair cleansing routine for several years. My hair is now in jagged layers shoulder-length, and still breaking, even after a good trim to even the ends. I showed the damage to a stylist friend, told her about my experiment, and she said Asian hair has a triple layer cuticle. It is Not the same as Caucasian hair. (I am of Scandinavian descent, blonde, hazel eyes.) I am on biotin in hopes of helping my hair recover, but thus far, it hasn’t been able to stop the breakage. I have no idea how short my hair will be by the time this is all over. I think of my mid-back-length hair, and grieve my folly.
val says
Hi,
Can I use no organic rice on my hair?
Ray says
Can I use jamaican black castor oil or wild growth oil after trying rice water in my hair ?
eesplus says
Can the arsenic in rice get into your blood stream through your scalp? People are using this product on small children.
Manda19 says
Small children also are FED rice on the daily and it doesn’t harm them.
Zoey says
Buy organic rice
Dolly says
Can I use olive oil on my 4b 4c hair??
ace says
yes olive oil is great for my 4c hair its essential!
Kira says
You can, so I would suggest starting out with a little and see how you like it. With olive oil, it can sit on your hair strands and not absorb. So a little can go a long way.
Tonja Maben says
Then use organic rice
Pamela says
Do you use rice water on fine limp dry color weave hair? Would you recommend use of?
Manda19 says
I have my first rice water rinse sitting in my hair right now. I need to my hair to thicken, but I know I’ll probably have to go to the doctor to see how many follicles have stopped growing hair. My hair is a mess all the way around, as I abused my hair a lot when I was younger. Time to pay the piper I guess.
Roslyn says
I just started this rinse today. I permed my hair like I always do and burned it because I scratched it before the perm. That was about 4 weeks ago. My hair is growing back slowly. I hope this will help it grow thicker and faster. I will buy the suggested shampoo and conditioner from Walmart and hope all this will work. Thanks
Ingga says
Well the “Yao” women still exists and till this day continue to use “rice water”. But once the water is made they allow it too cool and add scented oils to get rid of the smelly and for moisture.
Ingga says
Natural scented oils of course
Jaeyu says
What does the fermentation do exactly? Does anybody know?
I’ve just quickly rinsed the rice, then soaked it for an hour in recently boiled filtered water, kept the water (removed, cooked and ate the rice) outside the fridge for 1-2 days and then put it in the fridge or freezer until I was ready to use it. I have done it 3 times now and my hair hasn’t felt much different afterwards, so I’m wondering if the fermentation part is the key, and if so, what is actually happening during that step (from a scientific point of view)?
TIA
J.A. says
Get a mason jar with about a cup of rice and fill it with water. Leave on the counter for 2 days. Then use.
Water23 says
The fermentation process adds more nutrients to the rice water and forms a nutrient called pitera which helps in hair growth and shedding. And also do not boil the water or else some nutrients will go away. Wash teh rice one time to get rid of impurities and then wash it one more time and that will the water you will use. Add some essential oil or the peels of a citrus fruit ( AKA lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit) to make it smell good if you want. Let it ferment for about 24 hours then apply on your hair and leave for 30-60 min before rinsing
J.A. says
I do the rice water rinse once a week. I notice my hair is softer, i can’t account for any growth and it’s been about 3 weeks since i’ve been doing it. I fermented the rice water for 48 hours. I clean my hair with a sulfate free shampoo. I pour the fermented rice water over my hair and massage it in. I put a plastic cap on and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. I rinse it out and then Deep Condition with Aphogee Deep Conditioner i use a dryer with a cap for about 15 minutes then rinse out. I then moisturize once again with a Aloe Vera/Castor Oil/Jojoba Oil and Knot Today mix. I also spray the NuGro moisturizer on my hair. That’s my regimen.
Blessing says
Can the rice water stay in your hair atleast until the next time you wash it. Right now I washed my hair got out the shower and sprayed the ridge water in my hair then massaged it then put it in two French braids the next day it was a little hard so I thought oh maybe I didn’t put enough so I sprayed some more and put it in two French braids again and I’m looking at these comments and wondering to myself I feel like I’m going to get bald because I used it 2 times in a wk and I didn’t rinse it what do I do it’s still in my hair?? Pls respond
Folashade says
Is it advisable to use rice water for a kid, precisely a four year old kid
Ng'andwe Dorcas says
can I use rice water which is fermented for two weeks?
Gwen says
You should drink it, it became Sake by now :)
Miya says
Hello,
I have just done a protein treatment called BIO TANIX EXTREME. It’s a keratin treatment. I was wondering if you can still use rice water when using this sort of treatment too? I don’t want to undo the effects of the treatment by using rice water or overloading my hair with protein.
Thanks
Miya
Ana says
That sound amazing! So which one dis u use, cooked or fermented?
Avisha says
Hi try adding a a little coconut oil. Iv used this amazing concoction and my hair texture is smoother from the 3rd application it’s been 2 weeks and my hair is absolutely silky.
Mary says
what about the arsenic? Any long term health affects from soaking your scalp with it?
Lori says
I’m white, with very damaged blonde hair from over processing a few months ago. I’m 59. It’s growing out slowly, breakage, maybe two inches of new growth, dirty blonde with some gray. What I want is silver.
Anyway, I didn’t want to cut until there’s enough new growth to cut the old straw off. I decided to try rice water. I didn’t make it very strong. I use it on days I don’t wash my hair and leave it in until I do. I have it in a spray bottle and saturate my fine frizzy hair, and massage it into my scalp. I’ve only been doing this for a few days and I’m already amazed at how much softer, stronger, thicker, and smoother it feels. I can’t stop touching it, I kid you not.
Try it if you want… maybe it will work for you, maybe it won’t. I’m loving it.
lee says
lm 100% African and l used rice water for 3 consecutive days. l need to know if it can affect my hair or perhaps my scalp, now lm afraid
Mahir says
I’ve used it consecutively for a over a week and now I’m super scared seeing these comments, I hope I don’t go bald
Nix says
Depends on how you use it.
Before claiming others are lying or that it’s definitely harmful I think it’s a good idea to specify your hair porosity type and how you used the rinse.
I’m starting from scratch as over processing and then “protective” styling (weaves/wigs attached with glue) on top of already weakened, 4c Afro hair, left me with huge bald patches, some of it scarring alopecia. I shaved my head in Nov 2016 and those bald spots have persisted despite all of my best efforts.
My hair was low porosity. Water/products would just sit on top and grin at me.
In Aug 2019 I discovered the Curly Girl method which to me was actually better suited to wavy/curly hair as opposed to my dry, crispy Afro hair, but I had nothing to lose so…
I looked for sulfate/silicone free products.
I started co-washing instead of using shampoo. I used a very basic UK shop’s own brand conditioner.
I felt like this was leaving too much build up so now I clarify once a week with a clay based cleanser and follow that with a Shea based deep conditioner.
I also use a gentle shampoo and either use the cheapo conditioner or a small amount of the deep conditioner as a leave in.
I do a Regular Wash with the shampoo once a week, eg Weds; and clarify and deep Condition once a week, eg on Sun.
I started using fermented rice water on 9th August 2019 to be precise. I know because I thought it was a crock and didn’t think it would work so took video evidence…
I rinse then let the rice soak overnight then remove the rice and store in the fridge. I take some out as needed, add approx 10 drops each of rosemary, peppermint and tea tree oil, pour over head and leave on while I shower and either leave on under the deep conditioner , cover with shower cap for min 1 hour or overnight but never longer than that.
**** I ALWAYS rinse RW out. I’ve heard too many stories of it being drying because of the high protein content ****
**** I DON’T use it as a “spritz”***
I usually use some kind of moisturising curling cream on top.
As at today, 3rd Nov 2019:
The bald patches are disappearing. Genuinely no word of a lie. Baby hair is growing where there has been NOTHING since I shaved my head in 2016. Obviously it’s still short as I only stopped cutting it a few months ago. But The regrowth is coming in fast.
The texture when I started was dry and wiry. I would use one of those 2 sides sponge curl brushes with the holes to form twists.
It’s now so soft that I can get nice coils by simply rubbing my hand in circles around my head.
Not gonna lie – It’s still a work in progress. The texture isn’t quite as soft and the coils not quite so well defined on the top and front hairline of my head, the back looks much better.
And Those bald patches didn’t appear overnight so it’s gonna take a while for them to completely disappear.
And I’m still such a sceptic that I wonder if I’m imagining that those places where the scalp was actually shiny and the follicles dead are REALLY growing back, rather than being disguised by the surrounding hair growth but there’s NO denying the reappearance of the edges and the strength/texture of the hair all over my head.
Take it from a woman who has done the most drastic Wakanda Forever head shave and cried for years because it seemed like it was never gonna grow back…
Rice water CAN work. It just depends on how you use it. If your hair is dry, get some moisture in there first, THEN experiment with the RW but if your hair is already dry, DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES LEAVE IT ON YOUR HEAD ALL BLOODY DAY! And don’t call people liars because it didn’t work for you.
You’re welcome
Rozzy says
Okay. For anyone who cares to know, the rice water claim is absolutely correct at least for me because I can’t explain how happy I am with my hair…. I came across the rice water claims 3months ago when my hair, was a total mess. I had excess breakage, split end, frizzy and scanty hair. I needed help which lead to my search . I was ready to give it a try cos to me , it wont get any worse…. I made rice, took the water out and kept it in a container, I had braids on and wanted to do my normal wash but had an emergency journey that lasted for 3 weeks…. I came back and the first thing I wanted to do was wash my hair of cos ….. I remembered my rice water…. firstly, I washed my hair, applied avocado and egg mask, left for some minutes and washed off …. Then poured the rice water and oh, it was so smelly my siblings didn’t go near me or come to room …. I endured it for 45 minutes and rinsed off then applied coconut oil and made my hair….after 3weeks, loosed the hair and my God, it was something else…my strands were full and had fuller thicker hair plus no breakage…my excitement was over the moon and so repeated with another fermented water that had been in my container for 3weeks…… And that’s how I have been doing for 3months …. I loosed my hair today and all my sisters just boiled some rice and stocked up the water in cans already ….. They are marveled at what my hair looks like …. The length is crazy…do thick and full plus long and dark… I wish I can say more but please, if you want that healthy, beautiful, thick ,black ,long hair with little or no breakage at all, try this method….. Ferment it for a month or 3weeks and you will be writing your testimony just like right now… Thanks for reading ..
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winnieh maber says
am happy to get this news about rice,i will start using it hope the good results i will see within month
Debbie says
Can you use any type of oil after rice water treatment? My hair is dry
Shannon says
Rice water makes my hair grow faster and makes it stronger just as long as I use it once every month or month and a half. Most rice water contains arsenic and when absorbed into your scalp, it stays in your body for several days or longer. Too much rice water will provide an overload of protien and can make your hair break.
joNatalia says
What will happen if u use rice water once?
because there was a person that said it was bad and if u have a liver problems or diabetes using rice water could be fatal? But if u don’t should u just use it a little and will u be okay?
Carol says
I used rice water after I shampooed my hair. I used as a conditioner I let it sit for 30 minutes and then rinsed out. I combed through my hair effortlessly and lost a couple of strands amazing. 5 days afterwards, my scalp was on fire! I have fine bump all through my head and along my neck line. I have washed my hair with Apogee Shampoo and 2 step, I added tee tree oil to shampoo. It worked for a day. I just need to find a way to stop the scalp from itching. I have scratched, massaged, rubbed alot of my hair out of my scalp. I used it once and will never use it again. I seem to be the only one that has ever had this problem. I never had dandruff or itchy scalp. I was using to strengthen thinning hairs. Help for the itching please. I am African American
Rice Water for Hair says
I LOVE using rice water and have been doing it for about a year now. I cannot begin to tell everyone what a difference it’s made. My hair was always thin and very brittle, and after about 3 months of using rice water it’s gotten much stronger, much thicker, and overall healthier.
Joy says
Hello, I want to use rice water for my hair , but the comments who says that it damaged their hair made me so scared, I dont know if i could use it or not. I’m scared but i really want a strong hair
Adrien says
Can sprouted brown rice be used for rice water?
Jade says
Hey,
Thank you all for the various comments i’m going to try the rice water and see how it goes
Lisa says
I have been doing this for a year now and before I started using it my hair was up to my shoulders now it’s down to the middle of my back even though I keep trimming it. However it made my hair jet black, it was always brownish, and it made the curls in my kinky hair much looser and softer. I would definitely recommend this treatment for any hair type too, just as long as you don’t over do it.
Dee says
Lisa, how often do you do it and do you do the method above by boiling the rice or the Yao method and let it ferment for a week or so?
mimi says
Well to be honest I am Nigerian and i used the rice water fermented and not boiled and in three weeks my hair had grown like 3cm longer. i really think this information is vital and instead of judging based on types of people we should just give it a try. i did and my own hair grew, it all depends on your type of hair and the kinds if products your hair likes. just like we have oily skin and dry skin we also have different types of hair
Martha says
Tell em’ you go girl
Mary Aniekwe says
Do I need to wash off the rice water after applying it on my hair?
Angel says
How many days did you keep the fermented water for
Naman Bhutani says
thanks for sharing this amazing article , In previous years i heard about this rice water and its benefits but i ignore it but now lot of people uses it . I also wrote about this article after checking its inccredible benefits .
Esther says
They are going on what your facial features look like and you don’t actually known until you due a DNA test is the only way to know for sure.
B says
Can I ferment my rice water for more than 2 months like yao women
liv2334 says
I think they had modern scientific controls focused on an independent variable in 2010.
mxdchk says
Would this be considered appropriation of cultural practices? I don’t get why so many of my people with black heritage think that what works on Asian hair will work for our hair. Our hair is totally different and honestly we tend to get pretty upset if someone who isn’t of black heritage wears our hairstyles or uses our products, yet here some of you are, saying white people can’t use and about to put rotted rice water with a ton of bacterial growth in it, all over our scalps, then wonder why our scalps itch, burn and our hair is falling out. It’s the bacterial overgrowth eating the protein (aka natural hair oils) in your hair for fuel. This is something Asian people can do because rice and fermented foods is such a historical cultural staple, that metabolization of the proteins associated with it and fermented foods is actually encoded on their genetic blueprint. It’s the same thing as many POC being lactose intolerant, but people of European heritage tend to not be. European’s were some of the only cultures in the world to drink bovine milk and it is encoded in their genetic makeup.