There are some hair traditions that are so rich in tradition that you can’t help but be drawn to them: Rice water for hair growth is one of them. It’s an ancient Japanese beauty remedy (actually called yu-su-ru) that has gained popularity in the West, mainly because rice extracts were used in hair care products, and users began to see the appeal. But if you really want to go back to basics, you can apply rice water directly to your hair.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Rice Water for Hair
First, let’s look at the benefits and claims. The most prominent claim is that it will help stimulate growth, resulting in long, flowing hair. Unfortunately, we can’t confirm this with the available evidence. “Despite decades of use, there is no definitive data demonstrating its effectiveness in increasing hair growth,” says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner. So, anecdotally, many women claim it, but if you look at solid science, there are still no definitive conclusions. (It’s similar to castor oil or hot oil treatments in that regard.)
But despite the lack of research on hair growth, rice water has certain properties that may make it beneficial for overall hair health. Note: Just because it doesn’t make your hair grow noticeably doesn’t mean it’s not worth a try!
“Rice water is rich in starch, which forms the surface of the hair shaft,” says Zeichner. “This ads strength, improves hydration, and minimizes the appearance of split ends.” Starch is the main ingredient in rice water, specifically; however, the water is also believed to contain some of the hair-friendly active ingredients found in rice in general, including antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids. Antioxidants are a vital part of hair health, as they neutralize free radicals, which can cause significant damage to strands; minerals and amino acids can help strengthen strands. It’s also rich in an active ingredient called inositol, which studies have shown helps repair damaged hair.
Not only that, but it’s good for your scalp: “Rice water can also benefit the scalp itself, improving skin hydration,” she says. (There’s a reason rice extracts are added to moisturizers.) And with a healthier scalp comes healthier hair at the root.
So even if this doesn’t stimulate growth or regrowth, it helps the hair you already have that’s healthy.
How to Make Rice Water for Hair
“Rice water can be used regularly, just like you would apply a hair conditioner,” says Zeichner. “Apply it to freshly washed hair and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing. You can apply a traditional conditioner afterward if needed.”
- All you need is a large bowl or cup, rice, water, an empty container (like a jar or bottle with a lid), and something to strain the rice:
- Mix equal parts rice and room-temperature water in a bowl. Stir until it turns a misty, milky cream color.
- Take your empty container and strain the rice water concoction into it, so what you’re left with is the rice water in the bowl.
- Shower and shampoo as usual.
- Turn off the shower, take the rice water, and disperse it from your scalp to the tips. It’s not easy, so go slowly. (That’s why we also recommend a squeeze bottle with a cap, because it gives you more control.)
- Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Rinse again in the shower, and cover with conditioner if your hair dries out quickly at the ends.
Final Conclusion
Rice water for hair growth is one of those anecdotal claims that we can’t yet back up with solid science. But it does have healthy properties for hair, so if you’re curious to try it, there’s every reason to do so. Plus, it’s a very simple process.
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