Is Rice Water Good For Your Hair?

Soaking hair in rice water is an age-old hair and beauty ritual that has been used throughout Asia for centuries. This starchy water is said to strengthen hair follicles, encourage faster growth, and leave your locks feeling smooth and silky. Thanks to the viral power of social media, rice water for hair has gained popularity, with many curious about the benefits of rice water for hair. If you’re exploring hair care with rice water as a natural solution, you’re not alone.

But is it just another trend, or does scientific proof back its hair-enhancing qualities? In this article, we’ll show you how to use rice water to maximise its benefits, and how Cliphair hair extensions can compliment your natural hair care routine for a fuller, more luxurious look. Whether you're looking to enhance hair growth or just boost hair health, this guide will help you understand the true benefits of rice water for hair and how it can work alongside other solutions for truly beautiful hair.

How to Make Rice Water for Hair Growth

Rice water is the cloudy, starchy water that is left after cooking or soaking rice. To prepare the water for a rice water rinse, simply soak rice in hot or cold water for 30 minutes then strain. Be sure to keep the water that the rice was soaked in! There is no evidence that cooked rice water is more effective than uncooked rice water, so either will work. 

It would seem that fermented rice water has the best effect. Wondering how to make fermented rice water for hair? If you have the time, leave your rice to soak for 1-2 days for the best result. As the rice will soak up a lot of the water you may want to add more the longer you soak!

Benefits of Rice Water on Hair

Nutrients Found in Rice Water

Rice Water benefits stem from their impressive molecular makeup. These are the key nutrients and minerals found in rice water:

• Anti-Oxidants
• Vitamin B
• Vitamin E
• Pitera

Each of these nutrients provide valuable benefits to the hair in different ways.

Anti-Oxidants are essential for the survival of living things as they fight against unwanted nasties in the environment. There are lots of harmful elements that come into contact with our hair the moment we step outside. From man made chemicals to environmental damage the war against our precious locks is endless! Enriching your hair with Anti-Oxidants is a great way to protect and reinforce your delicate hair follicles, this will make the hair stronger and less likely to break.

Vitamin B and E are found in multiple food sources. They help the body to build immunity, fight off illness and strengthen the eyes and skin. There is scientific evidence that shows a link between deficiency in B vitamins and hair loss. The result? Exposing the hair to this vitamin should increase hair growth and nourish your locks. Just remember to keep eating healthily!

Pitera is a liquid made from fermented yeast (rice water), and is packed full of amino acids. This ingredient is used widely in skin care products all over the world, with treasured properties proven to reduce wrinkles and dark spots. A rice water rinse is thought to promote smooth and shiny locks enriched with natural nutrients.

How to Apply Rice Water on Hair

How Long Should I leave Rice Water in My Hair?

1. Wash your hair with your normal shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
2. Pat your hair dry with a clean towel.
3. Pour the room temperature rice water onto the hair, you can also fill a spray bottle and spray into the hair if you would prefer. Make sure the hair is completely saturated.
4. Massage the Rice Water into the hair and scalp.
5. Leave on the hair for 30-60 minutes allowing the rice water to penetrate the hair shaft. This is the perfect opportunity to catch up on your favourite box-set!
6. Rice Water Rinse! Rinse the hair thoroughly with tepid water, you can add a final cool rinse at the end to lock in the shine.
7. Its up to you if you would like to condition your hair after this process or leave it as it is. From our research most people do not condition the hair after. 

How Often Should I Use Rice Water on My Hair?

We suggest using Rice Water in the same way you would a strong conditioning treatment.

These types of hair treatments are not recommended for daily use but rather a weekly or fortnightly basis. If you are choosing not to condition your hair after this process, we would advise only performing a rice water rinse every other time you wash your hair. This way your cuticles are still receiving the moisture they need.

A downfall to using Rice Water rather than a standard conditioner or Specialised hair strengthening treatment is the smell. Obviously, Rice has not been formulated to have a attractive and enticing aroma like most hair products. The smell can be a little unpleasant to sensitive noses!

Once rinsed the smell does fade off. Be sure to use a Moisture Spray or leave in conditioning cream after the treatment to disguise any unwanted leftover scent if you are still unhappy. 

Rice Water in Hair : Conclusion

And there you have it! Scientific evidence supports the benefits of rice water for hair, with its key ingredient, Pitera, widely used to smooth skin and add shine to hair. Hair care with rice water strengthens hair, promotes growth, and helps combat damage. To use, try it every second or third wash until you find a routine that suits your hair type. For even better results, our hair extensions can enhance your natural hair, adding volume and length.

We’d love to hear your experience with rice water – join us on Instagram @CliphairLimited. If you want to rejuvenate your tresses even more, check out our hydrating haircare range!