Rice Water Is Your New Hero Ingredient – Here’s Why

Everyone is raving about rice water. But why? Turns out this ubiquitous leftover liquid is a bit of a miracle elixir, with both skin and hair care benefits. Here’s exactly how it helps – plus how to make your own.

Rice Water: TikTok’s Favourite Skin & Hair Care Ingredient

@tamsskyn Replying to @Danijela how to make my grandmothers rice water #koreanskincare #skincare #skincaretip #koreanskincaretips #ricewater #affordableskincare #naturalskincare #fyp ♬ original sound – TAMS

Rice water has been on the rise and rise on TikTok, with users noticing a plethora of benefits spanning hair and skincare. But its use dates back centuries, with the milky liquid popularly used in Asian cultures (especially in Korea) for smooth and shiny hair and to reduce dry skin. In fact, many social media users swear by the ingredient to achieve ‘Korean glass skin’ or just ‘glass skin’: smooth, poreless and blemishless skin that is so clear and luminous, it resembles glass.

Meanwhile, using this starchy water on your hair can result in faster growing, stronger locks with reduced split ends. Here are some of the benefits you might see if you incorporate this unlikely hero ingredient into your hair care routine.

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Benefits Of Using Rice Water For Hair Care

Elena Lavagni, owner and founder of Neville Hair & Beauty, highlights 10 potential benefits you might notice using rice water on your hair.

• Hair Growth: ‘Rice water contains amino acids that can help in hair regeneration, promoting faster growth.’
• Hair Strengthening: ‘The inositol in rice water can penetrate damaged hair and repair it from the inside out, making it stronger and healthier.’
• Improve Hair Elasticity: ‘Rice water improves hair elasticity because it contains a carbohydrate that can boost this attribute.’
• Adds Shine: ‘Regular use of rice water can help make your hair shinier and smoother.’
• Helps Detangle: ‘The starch from the rice smooths the cuticle and reduces friction, helping to detangle the hair.’
• Protects from Damage: ‘The proteins present in rice water can protect hair from damage and prevent further damage.’
• Reduces Split Ends: ‘The proteins in rice water can help to reduce the occurrence of split ends.’
• Controls Dandruff: ‘Rice water might also help in getting rid of dandruff and reduce itching.’
• Soothes Irritated Scalp: ‘Rice water has cooling properties that can soothe an inflamed and irritated scalp.’
• Adds Volume: ‘Regular use of rice water can add volume to the hair, making it look fuller.’

Before you dive right in, remember: ‘it’s best to do a patch test first to see how your scalp and hair respond, and consult with a professional if you’re unsure,’ says Elena.

@saki.pan If this ACTUALLY works I will gladly be saving my rice water for the rest of my life #ricewater #asianskincare #skincare ♬ original sound – Saki 🍒

Negatives

Sadly, it might not be all good. ‘It is important to note that it may not suit everyone and there could be potential negative effects for some individuals,’ says Elena. These include:

• Protein Overload: ‘It is rich in protein, and although protein is good for hair, too much of it can make the hair feel stiff, hard and can lead to breakage.’
• Dryness: ‘Some people have reported that using it makes their hair feel dry and brittle.’
• Build-up: ‘Overuse can lead to product build-up on the scalp, which may cause irritation or dandruff.’
• Allergic Reactions: ‘Some people may have allergies to rice or components in the water, leading to scalp inflammation or other allergic reactions.’
• Limited Scientific Evidence: ‘While there are anecdotal claims about the benefits, there is limited scientific research to support these claims. It’s always important to be cautious when trying new treatments.’
• Over-reliance: ‘If you’re using it as your only method of hair-care, you might be neglecting other important aspects of hair health, like a balanced diet and use of other necessary hair care products.’

Who Should Try It?

Elena recommends the ingredient for people who have:

• Damaged or brittle hair: ‘It contains inositol, a type of carbohydrate that can help repair and strengthen hair.’
• Dull hair: ‘The amino acids it contains can add shine to your hair, making it look healthy and vibrant.’
• Dry or frizzy hair: ‘It can help to smoothen the hair texture and increase elasticity.’
• Thin hair: ‘Using it can add volume to your hair and make it look fuller.’
• Those suffering from hair loss: ‘The amino acids present in rice water, especially in fermented rice water, are believed to stimulate the scalp, promote hair growth, and reduce hair fall.’

‘However, it’s important to note that its effectiveness can vary from person to person,’ says Elena. ‘It is a good idea to test it on a small portion of your hair first to see how your hair reacts.’

How To Make Rice Water For Your Hair

According to Elena Lavagni, owner and founder of Neville Hair & Beauty.

Ingredients

• ½ cup any type of rice
• Water

Method

1. Rinse ½ cup of any type of rice to remove the dirt.
2. Next, in a bowl, soak the rice in two to three cups of water and leave it for about 30 minutes.
3. After 30 minutes, strain the water into a clean bowl. Your rice water is ready for use. For additional nutrients, you can leave this mixture for up to 48 hours at room temperature to ferment before straining.

How To Incorporate Rice Water Into Your Hair Care Routine

Elena recommends four ways to incorporate this ingredient into your hair care routine:

Use As A Rinse

‘After shampooing your hair, pour the rice water onto your scalp and hair,’ says Elena. ‘Gently massage it into your scalp and hair for a few minutes. Then, rinse your hair thoroughly with regular water. Do this at least once a week for better results.’

Hair Mask

‘You can also use it as a hair mask,’ says Elena. ‘After shampooing your hair, apply the rice water to your hair. Cover your hair with a shower cap and leave it on for 20–30 minutes. Rinse off the mask thoroughly with warm water. This method will provide deep conditioning to your hair.’

Vitamin Hair Spray

‘Fill a small spray bottle with rice water and use it to spritz your hair,’ says Elena. ‘Leave it in for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing out. This is a great way to give your hair a quick boost of vitamins and minerals.’

Hair Oil

‘Boil your rice water until it reduces to half, then mix it with your favourite hair oil,’ recommends Elena. ‘Use this mixture to massage your scalp and hair. This will enhance the benefits of your regular hair oil.’

Best Rice Water Hair Care Products

According to Elena Lavagni, owner and founder of Neville Hair & Beauty.

I’m From

Rice Mask, £26

skinsider.co.uk

‘While not strictly a hair product, this mask can be used on the hair for a deep conditioning treatment. It’s rich in rice water extract and other nourishing ingredients.’

AROMATICA

Rosemary Root Enhancer, £13.60

tonic15.com

‘This root enhancer uses rice water, rosemary, and ginger extracts to promote a healthier scalp and stimulate hair growth.’

Carol’s Daughter

Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave-In Cream, £12.99

superdrug.com

‘This leave-in treatment uses a blend of rice water, castor oil, and black cumin to support hair health and reduce breakage.’

SheaMoisture

Purple Rice Water Strength + Color Care Shampoo, from £16.82

tjbeautyproducts.co.uk

‘This shampoo is great for colour-treated hair and uses rice water to strengthen and protect hair.’

Mielle

Organics Rice Water Collection, from £7.99

iherb.com

‘The collection includes a Moisture Milk, Shine Mist, Clay Masque, and more, all of which are infused with rice water.’