3 Best DIY’s To Use Rice Water For Hair Growth & Beautiful Hair

4. Antioxidants (Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid)

These help neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution – common culprits in premature hair aging and dullness.

Three Proven Methods to Prepare Rice Water for Hair Care

Depending on your hair type, goals, and lifestyle, you can choose the rice water preparation that suits you best.

1. Quick Soak Method – Perfect for Beginners and Daily Use

Duration: About 1 hour
Shelf life: 5–7 days refrigerated

Ingredients:

• ½ cup uncooked rice (jasmine, basmati, or any preferred variety)

• 2–3 cups clean water

Steps:

1. Rinse rice thoroughly to remove dirt and residues.

2. Soak the rice in water for 60 minutes at room temperature.

3. Stir occasionally, then strain the rice water into a clean container.

4. Store in a spray bottle or jar in the fridge.

Why Choose This Method?
It’s quick and retains most nutrients. Ideal for regular hair rinses and scalp toning.

2. Fermented Rice Water – Best for Enhanced Hair Growth and Scalp Health

Duration: 2 days fermentation + prep
Shelf life: 7–10 days refrigerated

Additional benefit: Fermentation lowers the pH to closely match that of your scalp, improving nutrient absorption and balancing scalp microbiome.

Steps:

1. Follow the soak method, then leave the rice water in a covered container at room temperature for 24–48 hours.

2. When a slightly sour smell develops, the fermentation is complete.

3. Strain and refrigerate.

4. Dilute with plain water if too strong to avoid irritation.

Why Choose This Method?
Fermented rice water is richer in vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants due to fermentation by beneficial microbes, making it a potent growth stimulant.

3. Boiled Rice Water – Deep Conditioning Powerhouse

Duration: 15 minutes prep
Shelf life: Up to 1 week refrigerated

Steps:

1. Rinse ½ cup rice thoroughly.

2. Boil rice in 2 cups water until water turns milky/cloudy.

3. Turn off heat and let cool completely.

4. Strain and store in a clean jar.

Why Choose This Method?
Boiled rice water is thicker and packed with nutrients that serve as an excellent deep conditioner, restoring softness and shine to dry, brittle hair.

How to Incorporate Rice Water Into Your Hair Routine for Maximum Effectiveness

Consistency and technique are essential to reap the benefits of rice water treatments.

Basic Rice Water Rinse

Frequency: 1–2 times per week (adjust based on hair response)

1. Wash and condition your hair as usual.

2. Apply rice water generously onto damp hair.

3. Massage into scalp and hair strands.

4. Leave on for 5–10 minutes (longer for boiled rice water).

5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to seal the hair cuticle.

Tip: Overuse can cause protein overload, leading to stiffness or dryness. Always monitor your hair’s reaction.

Creative Ways to Use Rice Water

• Pre-wash Scalp Treatment: Massage fermented rice water into the scalp before shampooing to reduce flakiness and improve scalp health.

• Leave-in Mist: Dilute rice water 1:1 with plain water and use as a refreshing spray on second-day hair or to tame frizz.

• Hair Mask Booster: Mix rice water with aloe vera gel, honey, or a few drops of rosemary essential oil for a nourishing hair mask.