Rice Water Benefits for Hair & Skin (Backed by Science + Red Yao Recipe)

Hello friends,

Off late, I have been reading a lot about rice water for hair growth and skin health. This easy-to-make starchy liquid - often used as a rice water rinse is being praised for its nourishing properties. Until recently, I only knew how to cook rice in a pressure cooker, prepare a few rice dishes and enjoy them during lunch and dinner😅. But now, I am discovering how this simple kitchen staple doubles up as a powerful beauty ingredient, tempting me to try this traditional beauty secret myself.

The immense popularity of fermented rice water DIY remedies has exploded in various social media sites and blogs. However, the truth is that rice water has been used as a beauty elixir by women in many Asian countries for centuries. It is said that women from rice-cultivating families in Japan, China, Korea and parts of South Asia traditionally rinsed their hair using a fermented rice water concoction that kept their hair healthy, long and black.

Red Yao Long Hair Secret

When it comes to rice water for hair growth, you just can't skip mentioning a small village in China called 'Huangluo Yao'. It is said that hundreds of years ago, ethnic Red Yao women from this village had lustrous long hair, which literally touched their feet. To add to it, these women had no grey hair even after they crossed their late 70s. These famed Yao women credited their long, shiny and pitch-black hair to their secret recipe of 'fermented rice water', which they regularly used to rinse their hair.

Glossy and lengthy hair is a matter of pride for this tribe. In fact, even today, indigenous Red Yao girls and women of this village are known to have silky hair that averages 5-feet in length. Their secret 'fermented rice water recipe' being passed from generation to generation. No wonder why this village of real-life Rapunzels has been labelled as the 'World's Longest Hair Village' by the Guinness Book of World Records.

Is Rice Water Really Good for Skin and Hair?

The answer is Yes. Rice as a staple food not only offers a number of vital nutrients to our body but can also be used for skin and hair treatment. Rice water is a good source of starch, an important carbohydrate called 'inositol', proteins, amino acids, lipids, healing organic compounds called 'allantoin' and antioxidants.

These very essential nutrients along with other vitamins and minerals in rice water, is known to make hair healthier, more manageable (good for people with coarse or frizzy hair) and reduce breakage. As a matter of fact, a 2010 study paper published by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science backs these claims. The paper suggests that 'Yu-Su-Ru' (hair water rinse obtained from washing rice) exhibited multiple haircare benefits including improvement of hair elasticity and lowering surface friction.

Rice water is not limited to boosting hair growth only. The high number of antioxidants and nutrients in this liquid can also help considerably in improving skin's elasticity, soothe skin irritations and improve its health to give you a soft and glowing skin. Rice water is also said to provide protection from the sun and prevent age-spots, which makes it all the more desirable in the skincare regime. Whether you use it as rice water toner for skin or as a rice water hair rinse, the benefits are visible with regular use.

How to Make Rice Water at Home

With so many people buzzing about rice water benefits, here is how you can make your own rice water at home in 3 different ways and pamper your skin and hair in the comforts of your home.

1. Rice Water by Soaking Method

Soaking is the simplest and quickest way to make rice water for beauty uses. For this, you need 1/2 cup uncooked rice (organic rice is the best. But you can use any available rice quality like brown, white, basmati, jasmine, long/short grain, etc.) The second ingredient is water. 2 glass of water is enough.

In this method, first gently rinse uncooked rice with water to clean out all the impurities. Transfer this rinsed rice in a bowl and add 2 glasses of water to it. Let this sit for 30 minutes. Post half an hour, stir the soaked rice in water with a spoon and also lightly press the rice to release it nutrients into the water. This will give a cloudy appearance to the liquid. Strain this mixture in a clean bowl. While you can use the rice grains for cooking, the rice water is ready for immediate use.

2. Fermented Rice Water

To make fermented rice water, take plain rice water in a bowl (obtained from the above method), cover it with a lid and leave it in room temperature for a day or two. This will help it ferment. To know if your rice water has fermented, check it after a day. If its smells sour, then it has fermented. If not, then keep it for another 24 hours or till it starts smelling sour or different.

** If you have made lots of fermented rice water at once, then the leftover liquid can be poured in an airtight container and stored in your refrigerator for a maximum of 7 days. Since fermented rice water is potent, always dilute it with water before use.

3. Rice Water by Boiling Method

People in villages usually cook rice in a utensil. They do not use your regular pressure cooker or rice cooker for it. This is precisely what we are going to do to get boiled rice (to eat obviously😁) and rice water for beauty applications.

To start with, take about 1/2 cup of uncooked rice and wash it gently to get rid of all impurities and excess starch from it. Transfer this rinsed rice in a cooking utensil or saucepan and add 3-4 glass of water to it. Bring it to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, lower the heat and let the rice cook. When the rice looks completely done, strain the water in a separate bowl. This unclear and concentrated rice water is full of essential nutrients. Let it cool down completely before use.

** Just like fermented rice water, if you have excess boiled rice water, then store it in an airtight container and refrigerate. However, make sure to use it before a week and dilute it with plain water before use.

How to Use Rice Water for Hair

As a hair rinse, rice water (be it plain, fermented or the boiled version) acts as an effective homemade conditioner. Rice water is full of nutrients that help strengthen hair shafts, make it more healthy and promote new hair growth. It also makes your hair more glossy and soft after use.

To use rice water for your hair, first wash your locks with a mild shampoo. Thereafter, rinse your hair thoroughly with water so there is no soapy residue left. Squeeze out any excess water from it. Then pour rice water generously into your hair and gently massage it. Leave this rice water on your head for about 10 minutes before you give a final rinse to your hair with cool or lukewarm water.

# If you want, you can also add aloe vera gel or a few drops of essential oil like lavender oil or ylang ylang oil to your homemade rice water for extra benefits.

Do this rice water treatment once a week and you will see that your hair fall is in control and your locks more manageable and healthier after 3 to 4 weeks.

How to Use Rice Water for Skin

Rice water can be used on your skin as a facial cleanser or toner. This is the easiest and cheapest way to soften, tighten and soothe your skin. However, before using rice water as a toner, it is first important to determine what method you have used for preparing it. For example, if you are using fermented or boiled rice water, then take 2-3 tablespoons of this starchy liquid and dilute it with a cup of plain water before use. If you are using rice water by soaking method, then you can use it as is.

To use as a toner, take a cotton ball and dip it into a small amount of rice water. Then gently apply and pat the soaked cotton ball all over your face and neck. Allow your skin to air dry and then wash it off with water. Alternatively, you can store rice water in an empty bottle with spray nozzle and keep it in your refrigerator. Spray this cool liquid all over your face as a mist.

Also Read: How to Grow Your Hair Thick and Strong Naturally

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long is too long to ferment rice water?

Rice water should ideally be fermented for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature. If it smells overly sour or develops mold, discard it. Over-fermented rice water may irritate the scalp or skin, so make a fresh batch when in doubt and always dilute before use.

2. Can fermented rice water cause hair dryness or protein overload?

Yes, sometimes it can — especially if your hair doesn’t absorb products easily (called low-porosity hair), or if your hair is sensitive to too much protein. To be safe, use fermented rice water only once a week, and always rinse it off after 10–15 minutes to keep your hair soft and healthy.

3. Should I use rice water before or after shampooing?

Use it after shampooing, like a conditioner. Apply it on clean, damp hair, leave it for 10 minutes, then rinse with plain water.

4. Can I use rice water on my face every day?

If you're using soaked rice water, it’s gentle enough for daily use. But fermented or boiled rice water should be diluted and used only 2–3 times a week, especially if you have sensitive skin.