Key Takeaways
- Rice water is a time-tested, nutrient-rich ingredient that strengthens hair, reduces breakage, and improves overall scalp health.
- Different types of rice water (soaked, boiled, fermented) suit different hair needs, from sensitive scalps to damaged and color-treated hair.
- Using rice water after shampooing, especially alongside hair fall control products helps nutrients absorb better, supporting shinier, smoother, and healthy-looking hair.
- Consistent but limited use (once or twice a week based on hair type) delivers the best results without causing dryness or stiffness.
In This Article
What Is Rice Water and Why Is It Good for Hair?
Why is rice water good for hair?
Benefits of Rice Water for Hair Growth
How to Use Rice Water for Hair Growth
How Often Should You Use Rice Water on Hair?
DIY Rice Water Hair Masks You Can Try
What Is Rice Water and Why Is It Good for Hair?
Rice water is the starchy liquid left behind after soaking your rice.
Rice water is more than just a trendy hair care ingredient in Korean routines; this is a time-tested ayurvedic ingredient that supports hair health. If you use natural hair products, rice water must be a part of your hair care routine.
Why is rice water good for hair?
Rice water is rich in nutrients that support hair health:
- Amino acids: help strengthen hair strands and reduce breakage
- Inositol: a carbohydrate that repairs damaged hair and protects it from future damage
- Vitamins B, C & E: support scalp health and hair growth
- Minerals: improve hair texture and smoothness
Benefits of Rice Water for Hair Growth
There are several benefits of rice water for hair. Check out the rice water benefits for hair:
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Strengthens hair roots and reduces breakage
Studies show that fermented rice water has antioxidants that can reduce hair fall. The amino acids and inositol in rice water for hair help strengthen hair fibers, making roots more resilient and reducing hair fall caused by breakage. These fermented rice water benefits make it an essential in your hair care routine.
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Improves scalp health and circulation
The vitamins and minerals in rice water nourish the scalp, helping maintain a healthy environment that supports better blood circulation to hair follicles.
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Adds shine and smoothness
Rice water smoothens the hair cuticle, reducing friction and frizz, which makes hair look shinier and feel softer.
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Helps repair damaged and chemically treated hair
Another major boiled rice water benefit is that it can repair your hair bonds. Inositol coats damaged strands and helps repair surface damage from heat, coloring, and chemical treatments.
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Supports faster and healthier hair growth (indirect benefits)
By strengthening strands and improving scalp health, fermented rice water reduces hair fall and breakage, allowing hair to grow longer and healthier over time.
Types of Rice Water for Hair
How to make rice water? Yes, there can be different types of rice water. Before we talk about how to prepare rice water for hair growth or how to use rice water for hair, let’s understand the different types of rice water.
Soaked Rice Water
- This is the simple rice water made by soaking clean, washed rice in water for 30-60 minutes.
- It is mild and gentle, making it ideal for beginners.
- Best suited for sensitive scalps or frequent use, you can get rice water benefits with this simple concoction.
Boiled Rice Water
- Prepared by boiling rice in excess water and collecting the leftover liquid, there are several boiled rice water benefits.
- It is richer in nutrients due to heat extraction
- Boil rice water works well for dry, damaged, or chemically treated hair
Fermented Rice Water
- When soaked rice water is left to ferment for 24-48 hours, it becomes fermented rice water.
- It is the most potent form with higher antioxidants and inositol
- Helps with hair growth and strengthening.
How to Use Rice Water for Hair Growth
Here’s how to use rice water for hair growth:
Step 1 - Shampoo Your Hair
Always start with cleansing your hair, as nutrients absorb better in clean scalp and hair. Use a natural hair shampoo to gently cleanse your scalp and strands.
Step 2 - Apply Rice Water
Spray or simply apply rice water with your hands.
Apply it to the scalp as well as the lengths. You can also massage your scalp with a scalp massager while applying rice water.
Step 3 – Leave-In Time
Leave rice water in your hair for 20-30 minutes.
Step 4 – Use Ultra Smoothening Hair Serum From Grandmaa Secret
Making rice water at home can be a hassle. So, use rice water hair serum from Nidhi’s Grandmaa Secret for hassle-free nourishment.
The best part about this serum is that it contains plant protein along with rice water to repair damaged hair. Simply apply it after a shower to get all the benefits of rice water for hair.
How Often Should You Use Rice Water on Hair?
How often to apply rice water on hair depends on your hair type, too. So, as per your hair type, here’s how frequently you should use rice water for hair growth.
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Dry hair
Use once a week to avoid stiffness or protein overload. It is best if you can get rice water in a moisturising formulation like rice water serum or leave-in conditioner.
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Oily hair
Use rice water 1–2 times a week to strengthen roots without weighing hair down. Get a rice water spray for hair for easy application.
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Curly or frizzy hair
Use once every 7-10 days. Follow up with a moisturizing conditioner to maintain curl softness.
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Damaged or color-treated hair
Your hair needs some serious TLC. Use boiled rice water once a week to help strengthen and repair strands.
DIY Rice Water Hair Masks You Can Try
You can easily use rice water for hair to get strong, shiny, and manageable hair. Here are a few DIY hair masks that you can make at home.
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Rice water + aloe vera
Use rice water for hydrated and moisturized hair with this mask.
- Blend 3-4 tbsp aloe vera gel with 2-3 tbsp rice water. It is best if you can get fresh aloe vera gel.
- Apply this mixture to your hair and wrap a shower cap.
- Leave for 15-20 minutes and then shampoo.
- Aloe vera is a humectant, which hydrates your locks.
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Rice water + coconut oil
If you want to use rice water for hair growth, try this mask.
- Warm 4-5 tbsp coconut oil and add equal amounts of rice water (ideally fermented rice water).
- Steam your hair for 10-15 minutes.
- Apply the mask to your scalp and lengths.
- Wash after 30 minutes.
- Follow up with rice water serum after every wash to get visible results, quickly.
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Rice water + curd/yogurt
Give your damaged hair a boost of protein with this homemade hair mask.
- Take yoghurt according to your hair length and thickness.
- Add 2-4 tablespoons of rice water. Gently whip it for a smooth consistency.
- Apply this mask from scalp to ends, while gently massaging the scalp.
- Leave for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse off with lukewarm water and follow up with shampoo and conditioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does rice water really help in hair growth?
Yes, several studies have shown that fermented rice water is rich in inositol, which promotes hair growth.
But, you have to use rice water consistently for visible results.
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Can I use rice water every day?
No, you can not use rice water for hair every day. Use it once or twice a week, depending on your hair type.
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Is rice water suitable for all hair types?
Yes, rice water is suitable for all hair types. The usage may be different for different hair types. It is best to use rice water hair serum as it contains plant proteins that nourish your hair, and it suits all hair types.
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Can rice water stop hair fall completely?
Rice water is not a magic potion that will instantly stop your hair fall. To completely stop your hair fall, you need to understand the cause of your hair fall. However, using rice water, along with rosemary water spray for hair and 13-herb hair oil, can effectively reduce hair fall.
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