Fermented rice water for hair is the “newest” hair care technique that's actually been around for thousands of years! Rice water can be used for a number of things, but it can do some pretty amazing things for hair and skin! Our favorite use for rice water though is to make the hair grow faster – plain and simple! This hair treatment is super quick and easy to do, and is also very cheap!
If you scour the Internet for hair growth treatments, you'll come upon hundreds, if not thousands of different recipes and techniques. Some may work really well, while others may not, but one thing we do know for sure is that rice water DOES actually work!
There are other recipes which requires the boiling of rice, but that will only make rice water, and not fermented rice water, which is much more powerful and potent. The fermented version has a ton of beneficial vitamins and minerals which have been proven to help stimulate hair growth, strengthen weak strands, and also prevent hair loss.
While the word fermented might conjure up some pretty gross thoughts, rest assured that it's really not as bad as you think! Fermented rice water for hair growth has been used for centuries in China, specifically in ancient Chinese cultures. Long hair was always a sign of good health and fertility, and the Yao women would use this technique weekly to encourage growth, strength, and shine.
According to a 2010 study from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science,
Japanese women from the Heian period (794-1185 AD), whose beautiful long hair, called suberakashi, reached to the floor, were said to have combed their hair each day using Yu?Su?Ru (rinse water obtained from the washing of rice) . Rice is considered to be the most important food in the Japanese diet, and the historical fact that rice was used for hair care is very interesting. We therefore focused our attention on the Yu?Su?Ru hair care practice in the Heian Period, and examined its effects on hair. As a result, we found that Yu?Su?Ru exhibited hair care effects, such as reducing surface friction and increasing hair elasticity.
Abstracts of papers published in Journal of Cosmetic Chemists (SCCJ), Volume 44, No. 1, 2010
All the ingredients you need for this recipe are rice and water. This treatment works because of the minerals that around found in fermented rice water and therefore strengthens the hair follicles and promotes quick growth. This is because starchy water helps to close the cuticle down and therefore creates a smooth and shiny surface.
The more often you use this rice water treatment, the quicker your hair will bounce back to health. Within the first application, you should notice smoother, shinier hair. After a few weeks of usage, you'll start to see a difference in the quality of your hair. The strands will be stronger, and that means there will be less breakage and less split ends. New growth should also start to appear, and will continue to do so as long as you are consistent with the application.
The regular use of the rice water is almost guaranteed to help improve hair texture, smoothness, and shine. After about a month or two, you'll notice hair will grow longer and faster.
DIY Fermented Rice Water Recipe:
Benefits of Rice Water on Hair:
The benefits of rice water on hair are plentiful! Rice water contains a ton of healthy vitamins and minerals which can aid in hair growth and strength. Selenium, magnesium, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6, as well as folic acids, amino acid, vitamin K, and niacins. All of these vitamins and minerals are crucial for healthy hair growth.
- Helps hair grow faster
- Strengthens hair follicles
- Hydrates the hair and scalp
- Prevents bacteria and other scalp diseases
- Prevents dandruff
- Moisturizes dry, itchy scalp
- Adds shine and vitality to dull hair
- Heals damaged hair
Because rice water is so rich in vitamins and minerals, this method will work especially well on natural hair, but ALL hair types and styles can benefit from this method. The growth and strength you'll notice will really blow your mind!
You'll Need:
- 1/2 cup raw, long grain uncooked white rice (brown rice is too rich and contains way too much protein, while white long grain rice is just perfect for this!). There is no need for special rice, this is simply cooking rice!
- 2 cups water
- essential oils – optional. After being fermented for so long, the rice water will start smelling very bad, so adding some essential oils will help combat the stench!
- mason jar or any other clean jar with a lid
Directions:
- Add 1/2 cup of rice (uncooked) and 2 cups of water into the mason jar. Shake the jar well and let sit for a couple of hours.
- Strain the liquid and pour it back into the jar. You can discard the rice or use it for cooking! Straining the rice will ensure that all the dirt is removed.
- Leave the rice water to sit at room temperature for a day or two (at least 24 hours) or until it develops a sour smell (this is the fermentation process!).
- Once fermentation occurs, add 2 more cups of water to the jar and store in the refrigerator for another day.
- Your rice water will then be ready to use!
How to Use:
There are several ways you can use the rice water to strengthen and encourage growth.
- Pour the rice water into a spray bottle and spray directly onto hair. Make sure to saturate entire head. Leave on for as little as 20 minutes to 30 minutes, but we recommend a total of 45 minutes. Wash out and shampoo and condition as usual. Repeat twice a week.
- Add the rice water to any hair mask. Simply substitute the liquid in the mask recipe for the rice water. If the recipe doesn't call for any liquid, simply add in about 1 tbsp of the rice water.
- Rinse hair with rice water. After shampooing, rinse your hair with the rice water and follow up with a conditioner. Rinsing your hair with rice water will give your strands an added boost of vitamins and minerals they otherwise wouldn't get. It also helps to cleanse and de-gunk hair, leaving hair shiny and soft.
Be sure to use the rice water consistently for best results! I like to use my rice water at least twice a week!
Other Uses for Fermented Rice Water
While rice water can be used to strengthen, grow, and prevent hair fall, it can also be used for other purposes as well. Because rice water helps to restore the hair's natural pH, it can also prevent the production of dandruff. This can improve overall hair health and also add a ton of shine to otherwise dull, lackluster hair.
Another great benefit of rice water is as a skin toner. Rice water is packed full of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it can balance the skin's pH, making it the perfect toner for all skin types. Simply use a cotton ball to apply the rice water to the skin, just like would you any toner.
You can also use rice water to wash your face with! Instead of using regular water, use rice water and start seeing some amazing benefits! Pro tip: add some organic essential oils to your rice water. Not only will it make it smell nice, but it can also help fight off specific problems.
Skin Benefits:
- Tightens pores – with regular use, you will see smaller pores, less blackheads and whiteheads, and smoother, softer skin.
- Encourages collagen production – with age, our skin looses collagen, which makes it looser and saggier. Helps to boost collagen production, preventing premature aging and keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
- Balances the skin's pH – over time, the skin's pH will become more balanced, which means less excess oil production and no dry patches.
- Prevent acne and breakouts – less acne and breakouts with regular uses due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
- Controls excess sebum production – with regular use, skin becomes less oily and a lot more balanced.
- Helps tone skin – those with uneven skin tone can greatly benefit from rice water as it helps to fade away irregular tones, dark spots, acne scars, age spots, and sun spots.
- Prevents premature aging by slowing down the aging process
- Tightens skin
- Leave skin soft and supple
Video:
Fermented Rice Water
Equipment
- Jar with lid
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup raw, long grain uncooked white rice brown rice is too rich and contains way too much protein, while white long grain rice is just perfect for this!
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Add 1/2 cup of uncooked rice and 2 cups of water into the mason jar. Shake the jar well and let sit for a couple of hours.
- Strain the liquid and pour it back into the jar. You can discard the rice or use it for cooking!
- Leave the rice water to sit at room temperature for a day or two (at least 24 hours) or until it develops a sour smell (this is the fermentation process!).
- Once fermentation occurs, add 2 more cups of water to the jar and store in the refrigerator for another day.
- Your rice water will then be ready to use!
Video
Like this post? Share, Pin, and Comment Below 🙂
How long should use this product ..a month 2 or constantly until u say wen..
Why can’t the brown rice be used .
Hi Lisa,
The longer you do this, the stronger your hair will become – we recommend at least one month, and then regular applications, once or twice a month. You can also use brown rice, but we recommend white rice because of the minerals it contains.
Why should you use a mason jar?
Hi Ajohnae,
The mason jar is to hold the fermented rice water in. Alternatively, you can also use just any type of jar, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a Mason one.
been using this for about 2 and a half months and my hair’s been really soft and much stronger than before. I also noticed it has become very shiny and manageable, so it’s definitely doing something!
fermented rice water has been used for a very long time, especially in Asian cultures. this is a good recipe and i use it not only on my hair, but also to wash my face with and as a toner too. plus its cheap 🙂
Hi Petra,
Yep, those are all great uses for rice water for sure 🙂
didn’t have anything but brown rice and it seems to have turned out ok. Now lets see if we see any improvement lol
I know that white rice is supposed to be better, but brown rice should work too! Let us know how it goes 🙂
Can i leave rice water in my hair overnight?
Hi Kc,
Absolutely you can, yes! Rice water has SO many benefits for the hair, it will only strengthen and encourage growth, so leave it on overnight if you wish 🙂
great recipe!! I think it really works, and hopefully it’s not just allll in my head. But I swear I’ve noticed stronger strands and healthier hair overall after about a month of using! Plus it’s such a cheap thing to do!
I’m so glad to hear it works – and no, it’s not in your head 🙂
awesome recipe and so easy to!
Thanks Trina 🙂
Can I use rice water on my hair everyday?
Hi naturalgurl,
Yes, you absolutely can! Rice water is not harsh at all, and is therefore gentle enough to use everyday. The more you use it, the quicker the results 🙂
i remember my grandma telling me she used to do this when she was young!!! cant believe it’s actually a thing, so I’ll have to try it out – thanks for sharing 🙂
can I cook the rice and use the leftover water??
Hi there,
I wouldn’t think that would work because then you’re basically just cooking rice. The rice water in this recipe is harvested by allowing raw, uncooked rice to ferment in water over several days.
Is rice water good for African hair?
Hi there,
Yep, fermented rice water is amazing for African hair, and any type of hair for that matter! It’s loaded with vitamins and minerals which can smooth hair and tame frizz.
I have been using this exact same recipe for about a year now, and my hair has gotten SO much thicker and longer…it’s never been as healthy as it is now! Im a 100% firm believer in fermented rice water. If you have just a little bit of patience, it definitely pays off!
Thank you for sharing!!
You’re welcome Sylvie 🙂
I use this recipe 2-3 times a week, and have noticed my hair getting much stronger!!
Hi Safrine,
We’re so glad to hear that 🙂
How long does it take for rice water to grow your hair?
Hi Jamehsa,
It all depends on a number of different factors such as how fast does your hair normally grow and how often you use the rice water. Normally, you’ll notice a difference within a month, but be consistent with it. This means using the rice water at least twice a week for several months – try to make it part of your shampooing routine.
loving this recipe because it’s so easy to make and all natural too! how often should you use rice hair though? I just use it every time I wash my hair, but I’m wondering, is that too much? It doesn’t seem like there would be any adverse effects, but I’m just making sure 🙂
Hi there,
No, it’s not too much at all! You should use it as much as you like, as fermented rice water is completely safe and gentle for your hair. Plus, the more you use it, the quicker the hair growth 🙂
Aren’t you suppose to rinse the rice first?
Hi Laurie,
You can, yes, I just don’t do see a need for it, because you’re not consuming it internally. Some people do rinse theirs do, so if you want, you can 🙂
Excuse me i don’t know if I’m speaking to the right person but can i make more batches than one? And if i can how long can i keep them
Hi Mea,
Yes, you can make more than one patch, but I wouldn’t keep them for too long. Try to use them within a week or so.
Can i make more than one jar a day
Hi Mea,
Sure, you can make as many as you like 🙂
Well now that we’re all stuck inside, I definitely have time to do this, no more putting it off! Plus, I’m fully stocked up on rice haha thanks for sharing, will share how it turns out in a couple of months 🙂
so I’ve been doing this for like 6 months now, and I swear my hair’s completely changed! It’s much thicker and stronger, and also softer and shinier – it’s like a complete 180!! Keep it up, it may take some time to see a difference, but totally worth it ladies!!
can i use everyday or it’s too much? also, do I have to wash my hair with shampoo after using it, or can I just rinse it out and dry it normally?
Hi there,
There are several ways to do it, and honestly, everyone does it their own way! You can certainly use it every day, but I don’t recommend washing your hair every day. You don’t have to shampoo after – simply use the rice water and that’s it. Some people do use shampoo afterwards, but I only recommend a conditioner to detangle.
Can you use a spray bottle and comb this through dry hair daily?
Hi Leah,
You definitely could, yes! Especially now if you’re not going anywhere, it would be a great time to just spray through the hair and leave it in!
The rice water for hair recipe, can I add other things to it, such as essential oils so that it has a nice smell?
Hi Dinah,
I wouldn’t add anything extra to be honest – the rice water is all you need. Essential oils can be tricky, especially since a lot of brands aren’t 100% all natural.
Can I add this to my shampoo or condtioner? So instead of a rinse, I use it every time I wash my hair?
Hi Shannen,
I wouldn’t recommend you add it to your shampoo or conditioner, since it’s more of a rinse, and you also may end up ruining the shampoo/conditioner.
Hi, I have been using fermented rice water for washing my face its one week now. Unfortunately I see negative impact on my face, does it mean fermented rice water doesn’t work on skin to tighten pores,remove dark spot and prevent acne?
Hi Ney,
It should definitely help with tightening pores and preventing acne, but one week isn’t enough to see any results. If you get any rashes or irritations though, discontinue use – you may have an allergic reaction.
How long can you store the rice water in the refrigerator? Can u make more than one batch at a time and store for future uses? Also, if I were to use as toner or face wash, how would you recommend storing to increase efficiency of use and Shelf life?
Thanks for sharing. I love using natural products, but I’m especially excited to share with my sister!!!
Hi Jessica,
You can store the rice water in the refrigerator for up to a week. You may even be able to get away with keeping it for two weeks, but I wouldn’t really recommend that. For best results, you should only make enough to last you a week. If you’re using it as a toner/face wash, the same rules apply. Store the fermented rice water in the refrigerator for up to a week. Every time you use it, put it back in the fridge 🙂
Wouldn’t it be better if after shampooing and conditioning hair , rinse with plain water to wash off the conditioner in the hair . Then give the scalp and hair one last rinse with the fermented rice water and leaving it in the hair until the next wash ( of course if the smell is bearable) ? Many websites recommend rinsing out the fermented rice water from the hair .
Hi Sneha,
Yes, you can absolutely do that, but most people don’t like the smell of the fermented rice water, and so that’s why we recommend you do it before you shampoo and condition. Of course, if you can tolerate the smell, you can certainly leave it in until the next wash 🙂
hi,can i use it for dry curly hair?
And can i apply it before shampoo or after conditioning my hair leaving in hair the rice water till next wash ?And does it fills moisture to such dry frizzy hair ?
For best results how many times to apply in a week ?
Hi Rutuja, Yes, you can use the fermented rice water for any type of hair, including dry, curly hair! It works really well at not only straightening the hair and encouraging growth, but also hydrating. You can apply it before you shampoo or even after – this is all personal preference. Some people cannot stand the smell of the fermented water, and so that’s why most people wash it out. But, yes, you can definitely leave it in until the next time you wash your hair. For best results, do this 2-3 times a week, or every time you wash… Read more »
Hey!I have started using rice water till now used 3 times.I can see softness in mu curls and it also adds shine.Thankyou for this recipe.
So glad to hear Rutuja 🙂
Hey when you say rinse….should I be washing the hair with plain water after I have used rice water…or not pls.explainn
Yes, simply rinse with plain water 🙂
After fermented rice for a day how much time jar is kept in refrigerator
I usually apply oil and keep for 3-4 days and then do shampoo. My question is can I use this water when oil is applied? Like applying before day I do shampoo.
What to do with leftover rice
can you cook them or they are waist?
I have cut my golden locks 2 months ago to my detriment, I hope and pray this works super fast as I am not coping with short hair and hate what I look like at the moment. I’ll test and be sure to check-in with the results
My rice water has been fermenting since April 2021.
how do you use it as toner or wash? how often? saving this article for future use. thank you so muc