3 Ways to Make Rice Water for Hair and Skincare

If you want to naturally condition and strengthen your hair, then rice water is the perfect solution for you. This popular TikTok trend is the perfect way to grow strong, silky hair, and it’s so easy to make your own. Keep reading to learn how to prepare rice water and add it to your hair care routine. We’ll even walk you through the benefits of using rice water on your skin and drinking it.

Easy Rice Water Recipe: Quick Steps

Rinse ½ cup (95 g) of rice in a strainer.
Put the rice in a bowl with 2–3 c (470–710 ml) of water.
Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes.
Strain the rice water into a bowl or bottle.
Keep the rice water refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Section 1 of 6:

How to Make Rice Water

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Soaking Soaking the rice at room temperature is the quickest way to make your own rice water. Any type of rice works great, so use whatever you have at home.^{[1]
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- Rinse ½ cup (95 g) of uncooked rice in a strainer.
- Add the rice to a bowl with 2–3 cups (470–710 ml) of water.
- Let the rice soak for 30 minutes.
- Strain the rice water into an airtight container, like a bottle or jar.
- Store the rice water in your fridge for up to 1 week.
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Boiling Another way to make rice water is by boiling the rice to extract the starches and nutrients. However, you have to let the water cool down before you’re able to use it.^{[2]
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- Rinse ½ cup (95 g) of uncooked rice until the water runs clear.
- Put the rice in a pot with 2–3 cups (470–710 ml) of distilled water.
- Set the pot over high heat until the water boils.
- Strain the rice water into a bottle or jar.
- Let the rice water cool completely.
- Store the rice water in the refrigerator for 1 week before getting rid of it.
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Fermenting If you let the rice soak longer, your rice water becomes more concentrated with nutrients. Fermenting makes the strongest rice water, but it takes the longest.^{[3]
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- Pour 1 cup (190 g) of rice into a strainer and rinse it thoroughly.
- Put the rice and 2 cups (470 ml) of water in a resealable container.
- Soak the rice for 24 hours at room temperature.
- Strain the rice water into a bottle or bowl with a lid.
- Refrigerate the rice water for up to 1 week.

Section 2 of 6:

How to Use Rice Water for Hair

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Wash your hair with shampoo. Use the shampoo you normally do when you shower, and rinse it out thoroughly. Starting with a clean head of hair will make your rice water treatment even more effective.^{[4]
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- Avoid using any shampoos that contain protein treatments when you use rice water because it can make your hair more brittle.
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Massage the rice water into your hair and leave it for 5-20 minutes. Spray or pour the rice water slowly over your head and rub it into your scalp. Be sure to coat all of your hair evenly. Then, let it sit for 5-20 minutes so your hair can absorb the protein and nutrients.^{[5]
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- What hair types does rice water work for? Rice water is perfect for any hair type! Whether you have straight hair, curls, waves, or anything in between, rice water works for all textures.
- While your hair is absorbing the rice water, put on a shower cap and finish the rest of your shower routine.
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Rinse the rice water out of your hair. After 20 minutes, use warm water to wash out all of the rice water.^{[6]
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- Avoid leaving rice water in your hair for more than 20 minutes because it can overload your hair with protein, which can make it feel stiff or brittle.
Apply conditioner to your hair. Because rice water is starchy, it can dry out your hair if you don’t use a little conditioner afterward. Use your standard conditioner or rub hair oil into your hair to lock in the moisture.^{[7]
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Use the rice water once a week. Using rice water too frequently can overload your hair with protein, which can make it look dry or frizzy. Start off with a weekly application and see how your hair reacts.^{[8]
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- If you notice your hair drying out, then try using a shorter application time or waiting for longer in between treatments.

Section 3 of 6:

Benefits of Rice Water for Hair

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Rice water is rich in amino acids that bond with your hair to give it more shine and less frizz.^{[9]
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Rice water is rich in vitamins B, C, E, and K that help your hair grow. The amino acids in rice water also repair damaged follicles to help prevent breakage or split ends.^{[10]
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Faster hair growth Rice water is filled with antioxidants and amino acids your body needs, so applying it to your scalp can help you absorb those nutrients even better.
- The effectiveness of rice water for hair growth hasn’t been fully studied, so don’t rely on it as the only way to stimulate hair growth.
Rice water treatments work like a deep conditioner to make your hair softer. When your hair feels soft and smooth, it’s a lot easier to comb through and remove stubborn tangles.^{[11]
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Hairstylist Candice Ayers notes that rice water works as a gentle exfoliant that can help remove dead skin and hair.^{[12]
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Candice Ayers
Hairstylist

Expert Interview} This can make your hair look cleaner and shinier.

Section 4 of 6:

History of Using Rice Water on Hair

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According to research, using leftover rice water for washing hair was recorded during the Heian Period from 794 to 1185 CE. The court ladies who had floor-length hair credited their long locks to the rice water.^{[13]
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Section 5 of 6:

How to Use Rice Water for Skin

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Wipe or spritz rice water on your face to clean and moisturize your skin. Apply the rice water as a toner after you wash your face with your normal cleanser. Wet a cotton ball or pad with the rice water and gently wipe your face to remove any leftover dirt or dead skin. Let the rice water air-dry and finish your skincare routine.
- What are the benefits? Skincare specialist Barbie Ritzman notes that, “rice water contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can nourish and improve the overall health of your skin.” She notes the following benefits:^{[14]
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  - Rice water hydrates and moisturizes your skin, and it contains amino acids that strengthen your skin barrier.^{[15]
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  - Ferulic acid and inositol in rice water can help lighten dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.^{[16]
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  - Rice water can help reduce inflammation and alleviate itching.^{[17]
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  - Rice water acts as a gentle exfoliant, so it removes dead skin and unclogs your pores.^{[18]
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    Barbie Ritzman
    Beauty & Skincare Specialist
    
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Section 6 of 6:

How to Drink Rice Water

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Drink rice water each day to help digestion and weight loss. Boiled or fermented rice water works best for drinking since it has the most nutrients. Aim to have around 1–2 cups (240–470 ml) of rice water every day. Because the water contains starches and vitamins, it can improve your gut health and relieve digestion issues you’ve been having.^{[19]
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- Rice water is low in calories and doesn’t contain any sugar, so use it as a substitute for sugary drinks.
- Drinking too much rice water could possibly lead to gas, bloating, or constipation.

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Tips

If you don’t want to make your own rice water, look for infused hair and skincare products to use in your weekly routine.

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Warnings

Avoid using pure rice water on your skin if you have acne or eczema because it could dry out and irritate your skin even more. Before using it, add about 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of distilled water to dilute it.^{[20]
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Stop using rice water if it causes itching, redness, or swelling on your skin, which may be signs of an allergic reaction.^{[21]
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