Quick Answers
Rice water can be used daily on hair but it’s best to start slowly (2-3 times per week) and see how your hair responds before increasing frequency. Using rice water too often can lead to protein overload and cause brittle, straw-like hair in some cases. Those with thicker, highly porous hair may be able to use rice water more frequently than those with fine or protein-sensitive hair.
What is Rice Water?
Rice water refers to the starchy water that remains after rice has been cooked or soaked. It contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from the rice which can provide benefits when applied topically to hair and skin.
Some key components in rice water for hair include:
- Inositol – This carbohydrate-like compound may help strengthen and improve elasticity.
- Amino acids – Rice water contains cysteine, serine, and threonine which can penetrate the hair cuticle to repair damage.
- Antioxidants – Rice water contains tocopherols and oryzanols which may protect against damage from free radicals.
- Vitamins – B vitamins in rice water promote cell growth and repair.
- Minerals – Minerals like magnesium and potassium improve overall hair health.
The combination of nutrients in rice water make it a potential treatment for damaged, dry, or brittle hair when used properly and in moderation.
Does Rice Water Help Hair Grow?
Some research indicates that rice water may help boost hair growth.
A 2010 study found that using rice water as a treatment for damaged hair led to less breakage and more repair. The amino acids in rice water bond to the surface of hair, creating a protective layer that improves elasticity, strength and texture. This in turn helps promote healthy hair growth.
The vitamins and minerals in rice water may also support growth by improving blood circulation to the scalp and providing essential nutrients to hair follicles.
Anecdotal evidence online shows many users claiming thicker, longer, and faster growing hair after using rice water rinses or masks. However, more research is still needed to fully confirm the growth benefits of rice water.
So while rice water has potential to aid growth, it may not produce dramatic changes on its own without a healthy overall hair care regimen. Proper nutrition, scalp massage, and using protective hairstyles play a key role in achieving faster, longer hair as well.
Is It Okay to Use Rice Water Everyday?
Using rice water daily is not necessarily recommended or required to see benefits for your hair. Here are some things to consider with daily use of rice water:
- May cause protein overload – Rice water contains amino acids that deposit protein. Too much protein can lead to straw-like, brittle hair.
- Can dry out hair – The starch in rice water may leave a ‘film’ on hair that causes dryness or flat, limp hair with overuse.
- Potential scalp irritation – Fungal infections or scalp irritation are possible if rice water is not rinsed out thoroughly or allowed to ferment too long.
For these reasons, it’s best to start by using rice water 2-3 times a week maximum to see how your hair responds. Pay attention for any protein overload symptoms like breakage, brittle strands, or loss of curl definition if you have curly hair.
Those with very thick, porous, or damaged hair may find they can use rice water more frequently without adverse effects. Fine, color treated, or protein-sensitive hair should limit usage to 1-2 times per week.
How Often Should You Use Rice Water for Hair?
Here are some general guidelines for how often to use rice water based on your hair type:
- Normal to medium textured hair – 1-2 times per week
- Dry, damaged, or very thick hair – 2-3 times per week
- Fine, thin, or protein-sensitive hair – 1-2 times per month
- Color treated hair – 1 time per week (use less fermented rice water)
Pay attention to how your hair looks and feels. If it becomes straw-like, mushy, or breaks more easily, cut back on usage frequency. Bottleneck ends or inability to curl are signs of protein overload.
Also, be sure to do a final rinse with plain water after rice water to remove starch residue. Let hair air dry or gently blot with a towel. Heat tools can exacerbate dryness or damage from overuse.
Benefits of Rice Water for Hair
Here are some of the top benefits reported from using rice water rinses and masks on hair:
- Smoother texture – Rice water smooths down the outer cuticle for silkier, shinier strands.
- Added volume – The proteins plump up the hair shaft, giving the appearance of thicker, fuller hair.
- Increased strength – Rice water strengthens and repairs bonds in the hair, reducing breakage.
- Improved elasticity – Rice water contains inositol to boost flexibility and resist damage.
- More radiance – Antioxidants in rice water enhance shine and luminosity.
- Dandruff reduction – Yeast in fermented rice water may help curb fungal growth and flaking.
Keep in mind that results vary based on hair type, porosity, damage levels, and other factors. Be patient when using rice water and focus on gentle, protective styles while waiting to see effects.
How to Make Rice Water for Hair
Rice water is easy to make at home with either white or brown rice. Here are two methods:
Boiling Method
- Add 1 cup of rice to 2 cups water in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked.
- Drain and collect the starchy water in a container.
- Allow to cool to room temperature before use.
This freshly prepared rice water will have a lower concentration of nutrients. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Fermentation Method
- Soak 1 cup rice in 2 cups water for 30 mins to overnight.
- Drain the rice and collect water in an airtight container.
- Let sit at room temperature for 12-48 hours. Bubbles will form as it ferments.
- Store in the fridge up to a week.
Fermented rice water contains more beneficial yeast and acids. But it also has a strong smell. Use sparingly if sensitive to strong odors.
How to Use Rice Water in Your Routine
Rice water can be used either as a rinse out treatment or a leave-in mask. Some options include:
As a Rinse
After shampooing, apply rice water to damp hair. Massage into scalp and smooth over strands. Let sit 5 minutes up to an hour. Rinse out thoroughly. Follow with conditioner as desired.
As a Mask Treatment
Apply rice water liberally to clean, damp hair after shampooing. Comb through to coat strands. Put hair in a shower cap and let sit 30-60 minutes. Rinse out thoroughly and condition as usual.
As a Leave-In
Spray fermented rice water onto damp hair as a leave-in treatment. Let air dry or gently blot dry with a towel. Do not rinse out. This option is best for those will very thick, porous hair.
Use rice water 1-2 times per week maximum to start. Monitor hair health closely and reduce frequency if any adverse effects occur. Be sure to shampoo and rinse hair thoroughly after using to prevent dryness or itching.
Other Tips for Using Rice Water
Here are some other tips for getting the most from your rice water hair treatments:
- Use room temperature rice water – warm or hot water can damage already fragile hair.
- Don’t use metal bowls or utensils – plastic or wood is best to prevent oxidation.
- Mix with other ingredients – Combine with aloe, green tea, essential oils to boost benefits.
- Close cuticles after use – Rinse with cool water or apply serum/oil to seal.
- Deep condition after – Use a moisturizing hair mask to counteract drying effects.
- Boost benefits with heat – Sit under a hooded dryer to improve penetration.
Pay attention to how your hair looks and feels over time. Adjust the frequency and formulation based on your hair’s needs. A well-rounded hair care routine is key for seeing the best results.
Potential Side Effects
While rice water has many benefits, some potential side effects are possible with frequent or improper use:
- Protein overload – Too much protein leads to brittle, straw-like hair.
- Dry, frizzy hair – The starch can leave hair crispy if not washed out thoroughly.
- Itchy scalp – Fungal growth is possible if fermented too long.
- Limp, flat hair – Using rice water too often weighs hair down.
- Loss of curl pattern – The protein overloads and elongates curls.
Adjust your rice water regimen based on your hair’s response. Or try switching to a gentler alternative like aloe vera juice or marshmallow root extract to provide moisture without protein overload.
See a dermatologist if severe irritation, increased shedding, or patchy hair loss occurs after using rice water. This may signal an allergic reaction or scalp infection needing medical treatment.
Conclusion
Rice water has the potential to strengthen hair, smooth frizz, and support faster growth when used properly and in moderation. Start by incorporating rice water 1-2 times per week and see how your hair responds before increasing frequency.
Pay close attention for signs of protein overload like straw-like texture or loss of curl pattern and adjust usage as needed. Combat potential dryness by shampooing after and using moisturizing conditioner or masks.
While rice water alone cannot dramatically increase growth overnight, it can be a helpful addition to an overall hair care regimen focused on gentle handling, scalp care, protective styling, and proper nutrition for best results.