Fermented Rice Water For Hair Growth

By Aniela / January 24, 2019

Fermented rice water for hair is the “newest” hair care technique that's actually been around for thousands of years! Rice water can be used for a number of things, but it can do some pretty amazing things for hair and skin! Our favorite use for rice water though is to make the hair grow faster – plain and simple! This hair treatment is super quick and easy to do, and is also very cheap!

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If you scour the Internet for hair growth treatments, you'll come upon hundreds, if not thousands of different recipes and techniques. Some may work really well, while others may not, but one thing we do know for sure is that rice water DOES actually work!

There are other recipes which requires the boiling of rice, but that will only make rice water, and not fermented rice water, which is much more powerful and potent. The fermented version has a ton of beneficial vitamins and minerals which have been proven to help stimulate hair growth, strengthen weak strands, and also prevent hair loss.

While the word fermented might conjure up some pretty gross thoughts, rest assured that it's really not as bad as you think! Fermented rice water for hair growth has been used for centuries in China, specifically in ancient Chinese cultures. Long hair was always a sign of good health and fertility, and the Yao women would use this technique weekly to encourage growth, strength, and shine.

According to a 2010 study from the International Journal of Cosmetic Science,

Japanese women from the Heian period (794-1185 AD), whose beautiful long hair, called suberakashi, reached to the floor, were said to have combed their hair each day using Yu?Su?Ru (rinse water obtained from the washing of rice) . Rice is considered to be the most important food in the Japanese diet, and the historical fact that rice was used for hair care is very interesting. We therefore focused our attention on the Yu?Su?Ru hair care practice in the Heian Period, and examined its effects on hair. As a result, we found that Yu?Su?Ru exhibited hair care effects, such as reducing surface friction and increasing hair elasticity.

Abstracts of papers published in Journal of Cosmetic Chemists (SCCJ), Volume 44, No. 1, 2010

All the ingredients you need for this recipe are rice and water. This treatment works because of the minerals that around found in fermented rice water and therefore strengthens the hair follicles and promotes quick growth. This is because starchy water helps to close the cuticle down and therefore creates a smooth and shiny surface.

The more often you use this rice water treatment, the quicker your hair will bounce back to health. Within the first application, you should notice smoother, shinier hair. After a few weeks of usage, you'll start to see a difference in the quality of your hair. The strands will be stronger, and that means there will be less breakage and less split ends. New growth should also start to appear, and will continue to do so as long as you are consistent with the application.

The regular use of the rice water is almost guaranteed to help improve hair texture, smoothness, and shine. After about a month or two, you'll notice hair will grow longer and faster.

DIY Fermented Rice Water Recipe:

fermented rice water

Benefits of Rice Water on Hair:

The benefits of rice water on hair are plentiful! Rice water contains a ton of healthy vitamins and minerals which can aid in hair growth and strength. Selenium, magnesium, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, and B6, as well as folic acids, amino acid, vitamin K, and niacins. All of these vitamins and minerals are crucial for healthy hair growth.

  • Helps hair grow faster
  • Strengthens hair follicles
  • Hydrates the hair and scalp
  • Prevents bacteria and other scalp diseases
  • Prevents dandruff
  • Moisturizes dry, itchy scalp
  • Adds shine and vitality to dull hair
  • Heals damaged hair

Because rice water is so rich in vitamins and minerals, this method will work especially well on natural hair, but ALL hair types and styles can benefit from this method. The growth and strength you'll notice will really blow your mind!

You'll Need:

  • 1/2 cup raw, long grain uncooked white rice (brown rice is too rich and contains way too much protein, while white long grain rice is just perfect for this!). There is no need for special rice, this is simply cooking rice!
  • 2 cups water
  • essential oils – optional. After being fermented for so long, the rice water will start smelling very bad, so adding some essential oils will help combat the stench!
  • mason jar or any other clean jar with a lid

Directions:

  1. Add 1/2 cup of rice (uncooked) and 2 cups of water into the mason jar. Shake the jar well and let sit for a couple of hours.
  2. Strain the liquid and pour it back into the jar. You can discard the rice or use it for cooking! Straining the rice will ensure that all the dirt is removed.
  3. Leave the rice water to sit at room temperature for a day or two (at least 24 hours) or until it develops a sour smell (this is the fermentation process!).
  4. Once fermentation occurs, add 2 more cups of water to the jar and store in the refrigerator for another day.
  5. Your rice water will then be ready to use!

How to Use:

There are several ways you can use the rice water to strengthen and encourage growth.

  1. Pour the rice water into a spray bottle and spray directly onto hair. Make sure to saturate entire head. Leave on for as little as 20 minutes to 30 minutes, but we recommend a total of 45 minutes. Wash out and shampoo and condition as usual. Repeat twice a week.
  2. Add the rice water to any hair mask. Simply substitute the liquid in the mask recipe for the rice water. If the recipe doesn't call for any liquid, simply add in about 1 tbsp of the rice water.
  3. Rinse hair with rice water. After shampooing, rinse your hair with the rice water and follow up with a conditioner. Rinsing your hair with rice water will give your strands an added boost of vitamins and minerals they otherwise wouldn't get. It also helps to cleanse and de-gunk hair, leaving hair shiny and soft.

Be sure to use the rice water consistently for best results! I like to use my rice water at least twice a week!

Other Uses for Fermented Rice Water

ricewater

While rice water can be used to strengthen, grow, and prevent hair fall, it can also be used for other purposes as well. Because rice water helps to restore the hair's natural pH, it can also prevent the production of dandruff. This can improve overall hair health and also add a ton of shine to otherwise dull, lackluster hair.

Another great benefit of rice water is as a skin toner. Rice water is packed full of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it can balance the skin's pH, making it the perfect toner for all skin types. Simply use a cotton ball to apply the rice water to the skin, just like would you any toner.

You can also use rice water to wash your face with! Instead of using regular water, use rice water and start seeing some amazing benefits! Pro tip: add some organic essential oils to your rice water. Not only will it make it smell nice, but it can also help fight off specific problems.

Skin Benefits:

  • Tightens pores – with regular use, you will see smaller pores, less blackheads and whiteheads, and smoother, softer skin.
  • Encourages collagen production – with age, our skin looses collagen, which makes it looser and saggier. Helps to boost collagen production, preventing premature aging and keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay.
  • Balances the skin's pH – over time, the skin's pH will become more balanced, which means less excess oil production and no dry patches.
  • Prevent acne and breakouts – less acne and breakouts with regular uses due to its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
  • Controls excess sebum production – with regular use, skin becomes less oily and a lot more balanced.
  • Helps tone skin – those with uneven skin tone can greatly benefit from rice water as it helps to fade away irregular tones, dark spots, acne scars, age spots, and sun spots.
  • Prevents premature aging by slowing down the aging process
  • Tightens skin
  • Leave skin soft and supple

Video:

Source: Jazzy Mary
fermented rice water
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4.96 from 23 votes

Fermented Rice Water

This 2 ingredient recipe can help with hair growth, hair loss, and a number of other beauty ailments!
Prep Time2 minutes
Total Time2 days
Course: Hair Care
Cuisine: Fermented Rice Water
Keyword: fermented rice water,, hair care, hair growth
Servings: 1
Calories: 1kcal
Cost: $1

Equipment

  • Jar with lid

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup raw, long grain uncooked white rice brown rice is too rich and contains way too much protein, while white long grain rice is just perfect for this!
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  • Add 1/2 cup of uncooked rice and 2 cups of water into the mason jar. Shake the jar well and let sit for a couple of hours.
  • Strain the liquid and pour it back into the jar. You can discard the rice or use it for cooking!
  • Leave the rice water to sit at room temperature for a day or two (at least 24 hours) or until it develops a sour smell (this is the fermentation process!).
  • Once fermentation occurs, add 2 more cups of water to the jar and store in the refrigerator for another day.
  • Your rice water will then be ready to use!

Video

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Lisa
5 years ago

How long should use this product ..a month 2 or constantly until u say wen..
Why can’t the brown rice be used .

Ajohnae cr
4 years ago

Why should you use a mason jar?

Jillain
4 years ago

been using this for about 2 and a half months and my hair’s been really soft and much stronger than before. I also noticed it has become very shiny and manageable, so it’s definitely doing something!

petra
4 years ago

fermented rice water has been used for a very long time, especially in Asian cultures. this is a good recipe and i use it not only on my hair, but also to wash my face with and as a toner too. plus its cheap 🙂

dana99
4 years ago

didn’t have anything but brown rice and it seems to have turned out ok. Now lets see if we see any improvement lol

kC_2
4 years ago

Can i leave rice water in my hair overnight?

kelliejelly
4 years ago

great recipe!! I think it really works, and hopefully it’s not just allll in my head. But I swear I’ve noticed stronger strands and healthier hair overall after about a month of using! Plus it’s such a cheap thing to do!

trina
4 years ago

awesome recipe and so easy to!

naturalgurl
4 years ago

Can I use rice water on my hair everyday?

SweetPeaa
4 years ago

i remember my grandma telling me she used to do this when she was young!!! cant believe it’s actually a thing, so I’ll have to try it out – thanks for sharing 🙂

sambinnana
4 years ago

can I cook the rice and use the leftover water??

curly_haired
4 years ago

Is rice water good for African hair?

Sandra Leigh
4 years ago

I have been using this exact same recipe for about a year now, and my hair has gotten SO much thicker and longer…it’s never been as healthy as it is now! Im a 100% firm believer in fermented rice water. If you have just a little bit of patience, it definitely pays off!

sylvie
4 years ago

Thank you for sharing!!

Safrine
4 years ago

I use this recipe 2-3 times a week, and have noticed my hair getting much stronger!!

jamehsa8
4 years ago

How long does it take for rice water to grow your hair?

Jamaika_babe
4 years ago

loving this recipe because it’s so easy to make and all natural too! how often should you use rice hair though? I just use it every time I wash my hair, but I’m wondering, is that too much? It doesn’t seem like there would be any adverse effects, but I’m just making sure 🙂

Laurie Fessler
4 years ago

Aren’t you suppose to rinse the rice first?

Mea
4 years ago

Excuse me i don’t know if I’m speaking to the right person but can i make more batches than one? And if i can how long can i keep them

Mea
4 years ago

Can i make more than one jar a day

Sonya_L
4 years ago

Well now that we’re all stuck inside, I definitely have time to do this, no more putting it off! Plus, I’m fully stocked up on rice haha thanks for sharing, will share how it turns out in a couple of months 🙂

zianga
4 years ago

so I’ve been doing this for like 6 months now, and I swear my hair’s completely changed! It’s much thicker and stronger, and also softer and shinier – it’s like a complete 180!! Keep it up, it may take some time to see a difference, but totally worth it ladies!!

jazzygee
4 years ago

can i use everyday or it’s too much? also, do I have to wash my hair with shampoo after using it, or can I just rinse it out and dry it normally?

Leah n
4 years ago

Can you use a spray bottle and comb this through dry hair daily?

Dinah
4 years ago

The rice water for hair recipe, can I add other things to it, such as essential oils so that it has a nice smell?

shannen
4 years ago

Can I add this to my shampoo or condtioner? So instead of a rinse, I use it every time I wash my hair?

Ney R
4 years ago

Hi, I have been using fermented rice water for washing my face its one week now. Unfortunately I see negative impact on my face, does it mean fermented rice water doesn’t work on skin to tighten pores,remove dark spot and prevent acne?

Jessica
4 years ago

How long can you store the rice water in the refrigerator? Can u make more than one batch at a time and store for future uses? Also, if I were to use as toner or face wash, how would you recommend storing to increase efficiency of use and Shelf life?

Thanks for sharing. I love using natural products, but I’m especially excited to share with my sister!!!

Sneha
4 years ago

Wouldn’t it be better if after shampooing and conditioning hair , rinse with plain water to wash off the conditioner in the hair . Then give the scalp and hair one last rinse with the fermented rice water and leaving it in the hair until the next wash ( of course if the smell is bearable) ? Many websites recommend rinsing out the fermented rice water from the hair .

Rutuja
4 years ago

hi,can i use it for dry curly hair?
And can i apply it before shampoo or after conditioning my hair leaving in hair the rice water till next wash ?And does it fills moisture to such dry frizzy hair ?
For best results how many times to apply in a week ?

Rutuja
4 years ago
Reply to  Aniela

Hey!I have started using rice water till now used 3 times.I can see softness in mu curls and it also adds shine.Thankyou for this recipe.

Namritha Sen Gupta
3 years ago

Hey when you say rinse….should I be washing the hair with plain water after I have used rice water…or not pls.explainn

Sonam
3 years ago

After fermented rice for a day how much time jar is kept in refrigerator

Maneesha
3 years ago

I usually apply oil and keep for 3-4 days and then do shampoo. My question is can I use this water when oil is applied? Like applying before day I do shampoo.

Salka Shah
3 years ago

What to do with leftover rice
can you cook them or they are waist?

Engela
3 years ago

I have cut my golden locks 2 months ago to my detriment, I hope and pray this works super fast as I am not coping with short hair and hate what I look like at the moment. I’ll test and be sure to check-in with the results

2 years ago
Reply to  Engela

My rice water has been fermenting since April 2021.

yssa
2 years ago

how do you use it as toner or wash? how often? saving this article for future use. thank you so much