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You may have heard about rice water shampoo, but did you know you can DIY rice water at home? Learning how to make rice water for hair is easy and just takes a few ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
But before we get into the steps, why should you care about rice water to begin with? For those unfamiliar with the ancient beauty practice, rice water has been used for centuries to promote hair health. The treatment dates all the way back to Japan’s Heian Period (794 to 1185 CE), during which women would apply leftover water from washed rice to their strands. These women reportedly had floor-length hair thanks to the method.
Rice water may be steeped in tradition, but it also has legitimate hair benefits you’ll want to cash in on. While you won’t get Rapunzel hair overnight, the leftover water is packed with goodies to strengthen strands.
“Rice water is rich in amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins like B and E, which are all great for hair health,” says Kim Kimble, a professional hairstylist and founder of Kim Kimble Hair by HairUWear. “It can help strengthen the hair shaft, promote shine, smooth frizz, and even help with detangling. Some people also see less breakage and improved hair elasticity with consistent use.”
If you have natural or textured hair, Kimble especially recommends trying rice water. “It’s a gentle DIY treatment that supports length retention and adds softness without stripping moisture.”
Ready to DIY your own rice water? Ahead, Kimble breaks it down, step by step.
How to make rice water for hair
The process is pretty simple. “Just take about ½ cup of uncooked rice—preferably white or jasmine rice—and rinse it to remove any dirt or impurities. Then soak it in 2 to 3 cups of water for 30 minutes to an hour,” says Kimble.
Once it has soaked, swirl the rice around a few times to help release the nutrients. “After that, strain the rice and keep the water—that’s your treatment.” Rice water is best stored in a mason jar or glass container with a lid.
For an even more potent formula, you can ferment the rice water by letting it sit in the jar at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours before using it. “Afterward, just remember to store it in the fridge and use it within a week,” says Kimble.
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How to apply rice water to hair
Apply the rice water to your hair. You can pour directly from the jar, or for more precision, use a spray bottle or dropper bottle. Let it sit on your hair for 10 to 20 minutes. “Then rinse it out thoroughly and follow with a conditioner to lock in hydration,” says Kimble. “I recommend using it once a week or every other week, depending on your hair’s needs.”
Lastly, remember to adjust accordingly to your hair type. “Just keep in mind: Everyone’s different,” says Kimble. “If your hair starts to feel stiff or dry, scale back on use or always follow with a deeply moisturizing conditioner.”