Rice water for stronger hair and beautiful skin has become popular over the last few years but many questions remain about it.
A lot of ladies want to know about its effectiveness and efficacy, the best way to use rice water for hair and skin, how to make rice water and much more.
The earlier article broke down rice water, how to use it for hair and skin, and how to make rice water and fermented rice water.
This article is a compilation of the additional questions I receive about rice water for hair as well as answers to the most FAQ about rice water for hair growth.
15 Frequently Asked Questions about Using Rice Water for Hair Growth
1. What is Rice Water?
Rice water is the milky starchy fluid that rises to the top of the pot when cooking or rinsing rice.
The milky starchy liquid also rises to the top of the bowl while rinsing the rice before cooking.
This liquid is usually thrown out but you can use it for a wide variety of things from now on.
2. What is Fermented Rice Water?
After straining out the milky starchy liquid, the liquid can be allowed to ferment and turn slightly sour then boiled. This end result is fermented rice water.
3. What is Rice Water Used For?
Rice water is used for skin care as well as for rinsing and washing the hair.
The Yao women from the Chinese province of Huangluo are known for washing their hair with fermented rice water and have very long and shiny hair as a result.
4. What is the Difference Between Rice Water and Fermented Rice Water?
Plain rice water is water from rinsing the rice while fermented rice water is rice water that has been allowed to turn slightly sour.
Fermented rice water enhances the benefits of plain rice water.
5. What Are the Benefits of Rice Water for Hair?
- Rice water contains a vitamin-like substance known as inositol. This vitamin-like substance helps repair and strengthen damaged hair. It also helps boost hair’s elasticity. Elasticity means healthy hair.
- Rice water contains saponins, which is a naturally occurring substance that possesses soap-like qualities making it a gentle yet effective cleanser for the hair.
- Rice water is rich in amino acids, which promote soft, shiny, and silky hair. Amino acids also help with strengthening hair follicles.
- Rice water is particularly effective for postpartum and stress-related hair shedding.
6. Is Rice Water Good for You?
Yes, rice water is very good for the hair. If you haven’t tried it already, you should definitely include it in your hair care regimen.
7. Can Rice Water Make Your Hair Grow?
Yes, rice water can make your hair grow in that it helps eliminate issues such as dry hair, weak and/or damaged hair, which inhibits healthy hair growth.
As always, this works provided you have eliminated other unhealthy hair care practices.
Related Hair Growth Resources
8. Can Rice Water Prevent Hair Breakage?
Rice water can prevent hair breakage. The amino acid content helps strengthen weak hair follicles promoting healthier hair growth.
9. Is Rice Water Suitable for All Hair Types?
Plain rice water and fermented rice water are suitable for all hair types from type 1 – type 4C.
The amount and recipe you use depend on your needs and how your hair reacts.
10. How to Make Rice Water – No Boiling Method
Ingredients
- 1 cup of any type of rice
- 4 cups of distilled water
- 5 – 10 drops of lavender essential oil or ylang-ylang essential oil
- 5 drops of vitamin E oil
- Glass container like this one
Directions
- Measure out the rice into a plastic bowl.
- Add the distilled water.
- Mix together and set aside for 20 mins then strain the water into the glass container
- Add the essential oil and vitamin E oil. Close the bottle and shake thoroughly.
Sundown Naturals Vitamin E Oil
11. How to Make Rice Water – Boiling Method
Ingredients
- 2 cups of any type of rice
- 5 cups of distilled water
- 5 – 10 drops of lavender essential oil or ylang-ylang essential oil
- 5 drops of vitamin E oil
- A glass container
Directions
- Measure out the rice into a pot.
- Cover with distilled water.
- Bring the rice to boiling point until the starch rises to the top of the pot.
- Strain the water into another bowl and wait to cool down then pour into the glass container.
- Add the essential oil and vitamin E oil. Close the bottle and shake.
12. How to Make Fermented Rice Water
Ingredients
- 2 cups of any type of rice
- 3 cups of distilled water
- 5 – 10 drops of lavender essential oil or ylang-ylang essential oil
- 5 drops of vitamin E oil
- A glass container
Directions
- Measure out the rice into a plastic bowl, rinse and discard the water.
- Pour the distilled water over the rinsed rice.
- Set aside for 20 minutes but stir every 5 minutes.
- Strain the starchy water into a bowl. Leave uncovered and set aside overnight.
- By the next morning, the rice water would have turned slightly sour and should be in the fermentation stage.
- Pour the rice water into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Remove from the cooker and allow it to cool.
- Pour into the glass container then add the essential oil and vitamin E oil. You can add a different essential oil if you like. Close and shake the bottle and your rice water is ready.
13. How to Use Rice Water for Hair
Rice water is pH balanced and effective for closing your hair cuticles at the end of your regimen. Rice water is very concentrated so dilute it before use.
Mix 1/2 cup of rice water with 1 cup of distilled water and apply to hair as a rinse.
14. Rice Water Challenge
You can start a personal rice water challenge to see how effective this method is for your hair issues.
You should stick to the regimen for at least 30 days before you switch to something else.
You can also use it in combination with other hair care practices but try to stick to the rice water only challenge so you can tell if it’s right for your hair or not.
Giara Glass Bottle with Stopper for Storing Rice Water
15. How to Store Rice Water
Rice water should be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Discard whatever is left afterward and make a fresh batch.
The essential oils and vitamin E oil will act as a mild preservative for up to a week.
4 Tips for Using Rice Water for Hair Growth
- Rice water mimics the effects of protein so don’t use too much of it especially if your hair isn’t a big fan of protein.
- Works best as a leave-in conditioner. Do not replace your regular deep conditioner and moisturizers with rice water exclusively.
- Once or twice a week is more than adequate for using rice water. Using it every day may turn out to be overkill.
- If your rice water doesn’t smell right even if it’s only a few days old, discard and make a fresh batch.
7 Rice Water Products You May Like
A round-up of 7 rice water products for hair and skin that you might like to try out.
100% Pure 100 Pure Fermented Rice Water Toner
100% Pure's Fermented Rice Water Toner promotes cell regeneration, brightens and evens out skin tone, and plumps up dull skin. It can also reduce the appearance of dark spots. The toner is vegan and organic and infused with amino acids, sake, and hyaluronic acid…
Skinfood Rice Mask Wash Off
Skinfood’s Rice Mask is a wash-off mask. It contains rice extracts that moisturize the skin and brighten skin tone. This formula uses Odae rice water, which grows in an area between North and South Korea with cleaner air and water…
Nexxus Keraphix Damage Healing Shampoo
Nexxus Keraphix Shampoo is formulated for severely damaged hair. It is crafted with Nexxus exclusive proteinfusion blend of keratin protein and black rice. Bring those distressed strands back to life with this exclusive formula from the company that brought us Therrape and Humectress…
BRIOGEO Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme provides definition and control while maintaining sleek and long-lasting curls. The creme is ideal for wavy, curly, and coily hair textures. It is formulated with Mollis leaf and tomato fruit for smooth cuticles and consistent curl formation…
BRIOGEO Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Quinoa Frizz Control Gel
Briogeo Curl Charisma™ Rice Amino + Quinoa Frizz Control Gel puts the breaks on unruly frizzy hair. It is lightweight and provides medium hold for longer-lasting curls. It is enriched with quinoa extract, keratin amino acids, tomato fruit ferment, and rice amino acids…
Kiehl's Rice and Wheat Volumizing Conditioning Rinse
Kiehl’s Rice and Wheat Volumizing Conditioning Rinse is infused with a blend of rice and wheat proteins and honey. It is a lightweight conditioning rinse that gives hair fullness and body. Ideal for volumizing thin and fine hair…
Skinfood Peach Sake Toner
Skinfood Peach Sake Toner is made with rice sake and peach extracts. It is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C. It brightens the skin and contains amino acids, which play a role in collagen production…
If you have any more questions about using rice water for healthy hair care and growth, ask them in the comments section and I’ll update the list.
Abi is a curly hair expert who delved into the world of natural oils after severe hair loss issues. Through her research, study, and testing, she was able to regrow her bald spots & a healthy head of hair. She is the founder of Healthy Natural Hair Products & Ade Ori Hair Care, and the author of the highly-rated Healthy Hair Care Series. She continues to study hair science, Ayurveda, and natural and healthy solutions for hair and skin. Learn more about our Editorial Guidelines…
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thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! :)
I’m African, and I have relaxed hair, can I use rice water in it?
Yes you can.
Can you please share tips for clear skin using rice water
Check this article for rice water recipes for the skin – https://www.naturaloilsforhair.net/2017/07/fermented-rice-water-for-stronger-hair-beautiful-skin.html. HTH
Thank you for explaining different methods clearly. I will try using rice water for my hair, now I know what to do. :-)
You’re welcome. Let us know how it works out.
Yes, it’s good as a leave-in conditioner. So when I shampoo my hair instead of using regular conditioner or deep conditioner use the rice water instead. And don’t rinse it out
can i use coconut oil with the rice water?
It depends on how you want to use it and what part of your regimen you want to use it for. I’d say start with 1 tablespoon and see how your hair likes that.
Can i use that rice water as i wash my hair like with the dreads when it is not unplaited.
Your question is a bit confusing. Could you please clarify?
How should rice water be use for the face. Sometimes the Rice Water makes my hair hard black American with natural wavy hair. What causes that?
Thank you
Have A Bless Day
If it’s making your hair hard, you are likely using too much or it’s not diluted enough. You can see how to dilute rice water properly and use it on the skin at the following links –
https://www.naturaloilsforhair.net/2017/07/fermented-rice-water-for-stronger-hair-beautiful-skin.html
https://www.healthynaturalhairproducts.com/rice-water-for-hair-growth/
I used rice water on my dry hair/scalp, not with my hair wet and i used rice water before shampooing my hair, i allowed my hair to air dry and put oils into my hair, the next day I found that my hair was dry and i am not sure if this is supposed to happen or not, what should I do?
You have either used too much or you didn’t dilute the rice water. Rice water is very strong and should be diluted significantly. Did you dilute it before using it? Did you use it as a pre-poo and also as a shampoo? Please be more specific on how you used it.
CHIEF CURLY IN CHARGE,
Thank you so much for explaining the Rice water usage. I have weak and breaking hair. I have already started using rice water and I believe its going to work for me!
God bless you
You are most welcome! :)
I will give a try, I think this will help to grow my hair also!!!
It should. Try it for 6 – 8 weeks with other healthy hair care practices.
For how long can I use rice water for my hair to grow
It’s up to you and depends on what your hair care regimen is but you should start to see the best benefits after 6 – 8 weeks if used correctly.
Can I use rice water with Apple Cider Vinegar?
Need some more info. In what way do you want to use it with ACV and for what? Shampoo? Rinse? Conditioner?
Which one is the best… without boiling, boiling or fermented way of making rice water…
And how to use in skin
The best version depends on your hair type and needs and what you’re trying to achieve. Tell me more about that and I’ll make some recommendations.
You can see how to use rice water on the skin at Fermented Rice Water for Stronger Hair & Beautiful Skin. HTH.