There are so many ingredients that have amazing hair benefits—and a lot of them you’ve probably heard about before. In fact, you might have seen products upon products that feature these ingredients. Think argan oil, apple cider vinegar, charcoal, castor oil, rosemary, coconut oil… These are just some of the many ingredients that can keep your hair healthy and strong.
But have you ever heard of rice water? Yes, rice water is an ingredient that can help your hair (and your skin!), too. “Rice water is the water resulting from soaking rice in water,” explains board-certified dermatologist and founder of Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics Sheila Farhang, MD. “It mainly consists of starch but also contains protein, minerals, vitamins such as folate, and antioxidants. The rice water tradition for hair has been used in Asia for centuries.”
So, how exactly does rice water benefit the hair? “The part we do know is that rice contains amino acids, B vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. … The thought is how could this not benefit hair?” says Jill Buck, a senior stylist at Nine Zero One. “By soaking, the hair absorbs the nutrients causing stronger, shinier, and smoother hair.” She adds that since it’s a newer treatment on the market, its benefits are not exactly scientifically proven yet, which she’s honest with her clients about.
With all that in mind, take a look at some of the benefits below.
1. It strengthens hair: “The starch and protein are thought to be absorbed by the hair which can add strength. The B vitamins such as folate and minerals are an added bonus in potentially strengthening the hair,” Farhang adds.
2. It adds shine.
3. It de-frizzes.
4. It detangles.
And the good news is that most hair types can try rice water for its benefits. “Rice water can be used on all hair types because everyone can use some good vitamins from time to time,” Buck says. “However, as a professional and colorist, I would not recommend this to my clients who are extremely blonde because of the tone or someone who just recently had their hair colored.”
And Farhang says that some people might experience too much residue if they use rice water. “Some hair with lower porosity or absorption due to the outer cuticle layer may accumulate the protein and starch on the outer layers of the hair which results in a residue,” she explains. “Also, just like anything else, while it may work for some people, if you don’t see any benefits maybe it’s not for you. There are far more advanced ingredients and technology that can strengthen the hair! Also, rice water would not be my first recommendation for treating dandruff as some claim.”
You can go the DIY route when testing out rice water for your hair. “I recommend to my clients that want to try this to make it at home,” Buck says. “For the full benefits, why not just go for it. But like anything that is adding strength it is not meant to be used every day.”
But, Farhang says that if you don’t know what chemicals or additives are added to the DIY blends (i.e., is your rice all-natural and organic?), you can also try products that are formulated with rice water. Since it’s a newer ingredient to the mainstream market, there aren’t too many products just yet, but take a look at some options below.
“I like this one because it not only contains rice protein but also red algae and menthol. It focuses its formulation on amino acids, the protein building blocks,” Farhang says.
“I like that this product is a weekly rinse off,” Farhang says. “It is formulated with rice protein, rosemary, quinoa, and sunflower seed oil, which can all be beneficial.”
This new product from Briogeo is a weekly treatment. Its main ingredient is rice water, which protects the hair from damage and strengthens cuticles. It also contains B vitamins to boost body and shine, and algae extract to hydrate and protect the scalp.
Formulated to prevent breakage, repair damage, and strengthen hair, this leave-in treatment is infused with Japanese-sourced rice water and ceramides. You hair will be smoother, shinier, and healthier after using this one.
SheaMoisture’s deeply conditioning mask works so well on color-treated hair, brightening and reducing any brassy undertones. It’s formulated with purple rice water, wild orchid, and sweet violet extract.
Nexxus’s Keraphix system is powered by keratin proteins and black rice to repair severe hair damage. This shampoo works to gently cleanse damaged hair.
And the Keraphix conditioner complements the shampoo product above. The product heals any signs of damage and strengthens the strands—all without weighing the hair down.
If you’re dealing with hair that’s really dried out this rice water moisturizing milk will provide some sweet relief. In addition to rice water, it contains safflower oil, yuzu, castor oil, and coconut oil to lock in moisture.
Shampoo bars are great sustainable options for haircare since they use a lot less packaging. This one from Kitsch uses rice water protein to heal damaged follicles and ends, while also encouraging hair growth and shine.
Pair the shampoo bar with its conditioner bar counterpart. It’s formulated with rice water protein, pure essential oils, and bio-based ingredients to balance the hair’s pH.
Here’s another option for color-treated hair. The shampoo reduces fading and extends the life of your color in between visits. And it works to seal the cuticle, repair, and hydrate. It contains nourishing Camargue rice water, which is from the South of France.
The rice water ferment in this treatment mask replenishes curls. After using it, you’ll notice softer and stronger hair, plus defined curls.
And there are also skincare products with rice water too, here are some highly-rated ones below.
Tatcha’s daily creamy cleanser takes inspiration from using rice water to cleanse the face and boost luminosity. The formula combines Okinawa red algae, hyaluronic acid, and rice powder to infuse the skin with moisture.
Made with 68.6% rice bran water, this lightweight serum works to brighten the skin, even tone, moisturize, and clarify. It also contains 2% arbutin—which comes from lingonberry and blueberry plants—to fade dark spots and prevent hyperpigmentation.
The key ingredient in 100% Pure’s toner is sake, which promotes cell regeneration. The product targets fine lines, hyperpigmentation, enlarge pores, free radical damage, and dehydrated skin. Other ingredients include amino acids and hyaluronic acid.
Shiseido’s cleansing water is inspired by Japanese amazake, which is a traditional rice-based drink. Use it to remove impurities, makeup, and excess oil.
These wipes are infused with rice bran water to gently cleanse the skin and leave it brighter and nourished. Next, These Are the 13 Leave-In Conditioners That Will Resurrect Your Curls
