Natural beauty treatments seem to be all the rage these days. At the top of the list? Rice water for hair. Interestingly, though, the buzzy treatment is nothing new, despite its recent surge in popularity among natural hair vloggers, haircare enthusiasts, and celebrities alike (Cardi B swears by it!). In fact, the Yao women of southern China have been using rice water in their regimen for centuries, and it's said to be the secret behind their long Rapunzel-like hair.

Beyond promoting hair growth, rice water is believed to wield additional benefits for those looking to land commercial-worthy tresses (more on those ahead). But how do you use rice water, and who is most likely to benefit from incorporating it into their haircare routine? To learn more, we reached out to celebrity stylists Nai'vasha and Weezy, who let us in on everything there is to know about this simple and effective hair treatment.

Meet the expert

Keep reading for our complete guide to using rice water for hair.

What Is Rice Water?

"Rice water is the starchy water left over after rice is cooked or soaked," Nai'vasha told us. "It's filled with nutrients such as vitamins B and E, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and inositol, which can offer topical benefits to the hair and scalp."

The Benefits of Rice Water for Hair

According to Weezy, rice water increases elasticity, moisturizes the scalp, adds volume, defines curls, adds shine and bounce, and strengthens the hair. Check out a breakdown of these benefits below:

Promotes Hair Growth

When used properly, rice water can help to promote hair growth because of the protein it provides, noted Weezy. Hair is made up of protein (read: keratin), and the amino acids (aka the building blocks of proteins) in rice water aid in supporting the hair's structure and its regeneration. Vitamins B and E also facilitate growth by strengthening hair.

Smooths Hair

For those with damaged hair, the proteins in rice water can strengthen hair, thereby reducing breakage and the appearance of split ends. This improves hair's texture and makes it silky smooth.

Increases Thickness and Shine

Proponents of rice water claim that the starch solution can make hair look thicker and shinier. Still, further studies are needed to validate these proposed benefits.

Who Should Use It

"Rice water works best on natural, non-processed hair (no chemicals)," said Weezy. "The amount of protein in rice water can snap chemically processed hair if overused."

Nai'vasha added that rice water is great for damaged and thin hair. "Studies have found that inositol found in rice water helps hair follicles to produce new hair," she explained. "Inositol also helps lower DHT levels (Dihydrotestosterone). A person who has alopecia can benefit from inositol as it moderates the excessive DHT levels found in alopecia and can aid hair growth, increase elasticity, and help heal damaged tresses."

How to Make Rice Water

Making rice water is simple: All you need is rice, water, a pot, a strainer, and a spray bottle.

How to Apply Rice Water to Hair

Aftercare

If you're using rice water as a hair mask and leaving it on your hair for more than 10 minutes, Weezy recommended deep conditioning your hair after the treatment. 

"As rice water is highly concentrated in starch, too much rice water can dry your hair out," he said. "Deep condition your hair for 15 to 30 minutes and hydrate your hair and scalp with essential oils."

Risks and Side Effects

Side effects after using rice water are rare but can occur. According to both experts, the most common side effect is drying and flaking, both of which usually come from overusage. So please, be aware of timing and don't leave rice water on your hair too long.

It's also important to avoid using colored rice to make rice water, as the colored grains can potentially stain the hair.

Our Favorite Rice Water Products

SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength and Color Care Shampoo, $22.00

This rich, strengthening shampoo helps restore fragile hair to a stronger, healthier state. The combination of pure rice extract, wild orchid, sweet violet extract, moisturizing shea butter, argan oil, and jojoba oil provides the perfect boost of natural strengthening protein and hydrating oils.

Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Shea Curl Defining Conditioner, $28.00

This conditioner is great for natural hair. Its blend of rice amino acids, tomato fruit ferment, and shea butter promotes a consistent curl pattern and enhances the vibrancy of each curl.

Mielle Organics Rice Water Milk, $9.00

If you have dry, fragile hair, this moisturizing milk is great for locking in moisture and strengthening weak strands. Key ingredients, including safflower oil, rice water, yuzu, castor oil, and coconut oil, help to hydrate thirsty hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does rice water last?

  Rice water can be stored for up to 24 hours at room temperature and between four to five days in the refrigerator. If the rice water is kept any longer, the batch will ferment and degrade and can cause damage to the hair.

• Can rice water be left in hair overnight?

  When a conditioner or treatment is known for working wonders on the hair, you might feel tempted to leave it on your hair longer than the recommended time. However, leaving rice water on the hair too long can cause damage. "The protein content in rice water can over-process and dry out the hair if left in for a long duration of time or overnight," said Nai'vasha.

• How often should you do a rice water treatment?

  If you're trying out rice water for the first time, Nai'vasha recommended applying it once or twice a week for optimal results. After a while, you can adjust to using rice water once a month, especially if you're treating your hair with other types of treatments.

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