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Rice Water for Hair: What It Really Does

Shine, yes. Hair growth, not proven. How to use it well.

01 / 06

What it really does

Starch leaves a thin film on each strand, adding shine, smoothing the cuticle and making detangling easier.

02 / 06

Growth claims: not proven

There is no good human evidence that rice water grows hair, thickens strands or stops hair fall.

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Plain or fermented?

Plain soaked rice water is gentler. Fermented rice water is more acidic and easier to overuse.

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Dilute it and rinse

Use it diluted for 5 to 15 minutes, about once a week, and always follow with conditioner.

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Curly or low-porosity hair?

Rice water can stiffen these hair types. Rinse every two weeks at most and stop if hair feels crunchy.

06 / 06

Patch test first

Dab diluted rice water behind the ear, rinse after 15 minutes and wait 24 hours before a full rinse.

Read the full guide

Rice Water for Hair: What It Really Does and How to Use It

Read the full guide