You know the cloudy water that’s left in the pot after soaking or cooking rice? Well, what if we told you that starchy liquid you’re about to throw out might actually be the secret to longer, thicker and shinier hair?
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Yep, rice water is actually an all-natural hair treatment that’s been used for centuries within Asian cultures, and more recently, by Kim and Kourtney Kardashian.
Image credit: @kourtneykardashian
Japanese women have previously attributed rice water as the secret to their floor-length, healthy hair, and it’s even been linked to the Yao women in China, who tend not to go grey until their 80s.
Rice water has more recently shown up as a superhero ingredient when it comes to skin care, with Japanese luxury skincare brand, Tatcha, using rice water in one of their best sellers The Rice Polish: Classic ($104, Mecca).
However, the benefits to our hair health have flown a bit more under the radar… until now.
What are the benefits of rice water for hair?
- Stimulates hair growth
- Strengthens hair
- Natural detangler
- Boosts shine
- Smoothes hair
What are the key ingredients in rice water?
- Magnesium (stimulates growth and health cell production)
- Folic acid (increases thickness and strengthens)
- Vitamin E
- Selenium (strengthens and repairs)
- Antioxidants
Alright – convinced and ready to try? There are a couple of methods to which you can retrieve your rice water, but we’ve decided to focus on soaking, as it’s the easiest. However, boiling your rice will give you the same result.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of organic rice
- 2.5 – 3.5 cups of water
- Bowl
- Strainer
Method
- Rinse rice thoroughly
- Place rice in bowl and cover with water
- Leave to soak for 30 minutes
- Strain rice water into a clean bowl or vessel, ready to use
- Take your rice water to the bathroom. Shampoo and rinse your hair, then pour the rice water over your hair. Leave to soak for up to 20 minutes and then rinse. No need to condition afterwards.
Main image credit: @negin_mirsalehi
Have you ever used rice water on your hair? Would you try this?
Wow sounds like something to try
My Mum is going to think I’m insane when I ask her not to throw out the rice water, because I want to wash my hair in it!
Seriously???
Gee never thought Rice Water would be good for your hair, learn something new everyday, might be great to Try One Day.
lol you’ll have to let her read this article first before she sees you nicking off with the leftover rice water!! ; )
Wow this is news to me!
I have heard of this before. I can’t help but think it would be very messy. Not sure if I could be bothered.
Maybe pop it in a spray bottle?
Haven’t heard of this before, too much effort for me.
Trying this asap!
My Chinese friend not only uses rice water on hair and face but drinks it too. Has amazing hair and skin and lots of energy!
Haha! I need the extra energy for sure!
I suppose it’s worth a try.
Ooh this is very interesting. Also I like that you can make it at home with natural ingredients.
Interesting. Placebo works too. If anyone tries this, let us know =)
Sake works as a brightener but that’s using koji kin.
I’ve heard about this many times but never tried it.
Hmm I’m a bit sceptical, it’s only starch isn’t it??
I think some cultures used this because it’s just what they had, like using fruits and vegetables as skincare/haircare, not because it’s hugely beneficial
I wonder about pasta water then too
No ive not tried this but it sounds interesting. Next time I cook rice im sure I will be tempted.
I would give it a try… I mean it is a very cost effective and super easy to put together.
Well I could only use the rinse water (which is starch) as we cook by the absorption method so no left over water. I guess it’s unlikely to do any harm but who wants to sit around for 20 minutes with sticky hair?
Worth a shot I guess, and way cheaper than some of the products I’ve tried which touted all sorts of miracles.
I have heard about the benefits of rice water for skin but not for hair – really interesting.
I could try this next time I cook rice.
I’ve heard that rice water is good for the skin but good for the hair is news to me 🙂
We eat rice regularly so I’ll try it.
Sounds good in theory – I cant say I’m tempted to try it but would love to hear the results from other BH ladies who do.
I need to try rice water in my hair!
Mmmm not sure ha ha
Cold water? after rinsing the rice?
It can’t hurt to give it a try, especially if you cook the rice after soaking. Would be good if people report back with their experiences!
Well this is new to me, washing hair with rice water. Does not really appeal to me but I have to at least try it once, you never no.
Definately something to try. I’m going to have to go out and buy organic rice though as we’ve only got the normal stuff sitting at home.
That’s so interesting, I’ve never heard of doing that before!
I’m quite happy with the condition of my hair, so unlikely to try this, but would love to know if it works for others.
Well it isn’t gonna hurt to give this a try.
Lol definitely. Knowing her, she’ll start making extra rice, just for this!
A DIY conditioner!
I haven’t heard of this before.
Wow, very interesting! I hope some Bh beauties try it and let us know how it goes 🙂
It is interesting and makes sense… Plus it would be a great use of the leftover water from making rice…
I have never heard of this before. I was reading this out to my husband, who usually doesn’t bother listening to me, but surprise, surprise he is trying this today on his hair. Thanks for the info:)
Definitely going to try! Would be amazing if it works
Very popular in India. Gonna try it always heard so much about it.
Interesting article, can’t say I’ve heard of using rice water on hair before. Will give it a go
Interesting but to be honest, I couldn’t be bothered…
Hmmmm might be giving this a try, surely it can’t hurt.
I use rice water on my plants and it works miracles
Oh wow.Easy way to treat my hair at home.
I would like to know:
New news! I know rice water works wonders on face
This sounds to easy. I love everybody’s comments with different beauty uses for rice water. I will definitely have to try it. Hmmm now if only it could colour our hair as easy as well
Yes, I’d like to know, too!