Haircare DIYs are beloved by many—Cardi B, included. And if you follow her on Insta', you may have noticed that the superstar is leaning into a new beauty remedy for hair growth: homemade rice water. In fact, her at-home hair tutorial was the first time I'd ever heard about using rice water on hair. Needless to say, as a beauty editor, I was intrigued. So I started using Pattern Beauty's rice water-infused Treatment Mask, which turned out to be an ultimate game-changer for my thirsty, color-treated 4-type curls. To understand more about this trending hair remedy, I turned to experts Stacy Chimento and Gretchen Friese.
Meet the Expert
As it turns out, Japanese court ladies—and not Cardi B (go figure)—were the first to use rice water on their manes. As the story goes, their hair care routine involved rinsing their suberakashi (floor-length hair) with water made from washing rice, which may have contributed to their stunning lengths. So whether you're looking to grow out your tresses, strengthen them—or both—rice water just might be the treatment to make your hair dreams come true.
Rice Water
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Rice is one of the most popular grains eaten around the world. Fortified with folate, a B-vitamin best known for treating some forms of anemia and essential for helping the neural tube form during pregnancy. So how does that translate into promoting healthier hair, exactly? Well, TBH, "The benefits of rice water are not fully understood, and the benefits of rice water remain unproven," says Chimento. However, she adds that there is growing anecdotal evidence about its benefits (although more research is needed to support it):
If you're new to using protein or unsure if your hair can benefit from a protein treatment, most often, color-treated, relaxed, heat-styled, and natural hair needs a protein boost. "Because rice water is believed to make hair shinier and stronger along with helping to keep tangles at a minimum, it can be a great remedy for fine, dull hair," comments Friese. And according to Chimento, "Those with dry, brittle, curly hair may benefit because the protein in rice water improves the condition of hair and helps make it bouncy. Those who want to boost shine and improve and strengthen the condition of the hair cuticle may benefit, as well." While Chimento admits that rice water is safe for all hair types, she includes a caveat: "Those with low porosity hair may want to use it in moderation because the proteins may attach to your hair instead of your hair absorbing them."
Since rice water only requires two ingredients to make, whipping it up at home—Cardi-B style—seems like a no-brainer. Friese agrees: "My favorite way to use rice water is the old-fashioned 'in kitchen' method (more on that below)." Still, she adds that you can find hair care products—like BosleyMD's Follicle Energizer ($30) and BosRevive Nourishing Shampoo ($21)—that contain strengthening rice amino acids if DIY remedies aren't your thing. Because rice water acts like a protein treatment, you'll want to apply it as often as you typically use masks and treatments formulated with protein to avoid brittle, dry hair. Friese recommends replacing a regular conditioner with rice water about once a week. The DIY recipe involves either boiling or soaking; however, the latter method is thought to wield the most benefits.
Leaving this treatment on for up to 20 minutes is ideal, but if your hair is crunchy post-rinse, try removing it sooner the next time. Follow up with a hydrating deep conditioner. Finding the right balance of hydration and strength can take some time, so don't give up if your hair doesn't love protein right out of the gate.
BosleyMD
Follicle Energizer
$30
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Formulated with rice amino acids and protein—not to mention, biotin and caffeine—this aptly-named Healthy Hair & Scalp Follicle Energizer by BosleyMD aims to stimulate hair growth and bring you thicker-looking strands. Apply just one to two drops of this leave-in treatment into your scalp. Then, flex those fingers to give yourself a good ol' fashioned scalp massage—or better yet, invest in a scalp massager.
Mielle
Rice Water Moisturizing Milk
$10
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Part of Mielle Organics rice water collection, this moisturizing milk gets Friese's seal of approval. With ingredients like rice water, castor oil, and coconut oil, it's a dream for those with curly hair, strengthening and hydrating a dull, dry mane. The result? Bouncy curls, soft texture, and raving five-star reviews among users.
Shea Moisture
Purple Rice Water Strength & Color Care Shampoo
$11
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You've heard of purple shampoo but what about purple rice water shampoo? Ideal for color-treated tresses, Friese recommends this cleanser with its blend of butter, oils, and let's not forget, rice water to strengthen and nourish hair. And thanks to its wild orchid and sweet violet extract, it smells like springtime in a bottle.
BosleyMD
BosRevive Non Color-Treated Hair Nourishing Shampoo
$21
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You've heard it before and you'll hear it again: Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp. Formulated with rice amino acids and a host of other nourishing ingredients—saw palmetto, rosemary extract, and panthenol, to name a few—this sulfate-free shampoo is like fertilizer for the scalp. And while it's meant for hair color virgins, BosleyMD makes a version for colored tresses, too.
Ooli
Clarify Your Mane™ Clarifying Shampoo
$19
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Is dirt, grease, or product buildup weighing you—and your hair—down? Then consider a clarifying shampoo. Friese namedrops this deep-cleaning 'poo featuring fermented rice water and tea tree oil, which works to bring you a healthy and happy scalp and hair. (Note: This product is currently sold out but there is a full restock coming soon).
"Those who have used rice water claim side effects may include protein overload, making a dry scalp worse, and breakage," Chimento tells us.
Rice water that is soaked or boiled and refrigerated before use (up to 24 hours and a week, respectively) should not make your hair smell. However, fermented rice water may leave a lingering smell so we suggest combining it with an essential oil like lavender or peppermint.
In general, all hair types, especially those in need of protein can benefit from rice water. FYI: If you gently stretch a strand of hair and then release it, healthy hair should bounce back to its original length. On the other hand, if hair stretches and breaks, it may lack protein.