Learn more about using the rice water treatment for hair, as popularized by countless TikTok videos.
Rice is among the list of the most underrated natural beauty ingredients.
But does the ritual of bathing hair in rice water work?
Photo: Pixel Shot/Adobe Stock
What Is Rice Water?
Rice water is the starchy water that remains after rice has been washed or soaked.
The more milky or cloudy it looks, the more nutrients have been pulled out.
And, of course, those withdamagedandthinning hairwill love the inositol that promotes hair growth and thickens strands.
Here’s how it helps most hair types.
Softer strands mean your hair is easier to detangle, which you’ll need for all that extra length.
Not sure what your hair porosity is?
Trythis porosity testto find out.
Are there any other downfalls to rice water?
Harth says possibly, but usually if used excessively or left on for too long.
This can be especially problematic for those with eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.
Rice water should only be applied to wet hair orat the very leastdamp, towel-dried hair.
Always use it on wet hair.
Keep in mind that rice water doesn’t replace conditioner.
It contains high amounts of starch that can cause dryness if not followed up with a moisturizing treatment.
verify to saturate the strands and scalp, and follow up by massaging the liquid into your roots.
Rice Water as a Pre-Poo Treatment
Alternatively, you might use rice water as apre-poo treatment.
Soaking is said to keep more of its vitamins intact.
However, boiling takes less time.
Here’s how to do both.
Soaking Method
Boiling Method
Don’t Want to DIY?
It’s not recommended to make rice water part of your daily routine.
As long as there are no additives, the punch in of rice does not matter.
No, leaving rice water in your hair overnight can do more harm than good.
A too-long treatment is likely to cause protein overload, resulting in stiff hair.
A rice water treatment of no longer than 20 minutes is recommended.
JDDonline - Journal of Drugs in Dermatology.
A Systematic Review: system of Rice Products for Hair Growth.
Accessed February 7, 2025. https://jddonline.com/articles/a-systematic-review-tool-of-rice-products-for-hair-growth-S1545961622P0177X/.
