How to Use Rice Water for Gorgeous Hair and Skin

Rice water, a simple and natural beauty remedy, has been used for centuries by women in Asian cultures to promote healthy hair and radiant skin. It is the water left over after washing or boiling rice and is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Why Rice Water Works

Rice water's beauty benefits are backed by tradition and some scientific research.

• Historical Use: In ancient Japan, women of the imperial court used a fermented rice water rinse called Yu-Su-Ru to maintain their long, healthy hair. The Yao ethnic women in China's Huangluo village, known for having exceptionally long hair (often over 6 feet), use rice water as a natural shampoo and conditioner.

• Scientific Basis: Rice water contains a substance called inositol, which research has shown can improve hair elasticity and reduce friction, leading to healthier hair. Fermented rice water is particularly beneficial because the fermentation process lowers its pH level to more closely match that of hair. It also produces a chemical called pitera, which may promote cell regeneration.

How to Make Rice Water

You can easily prepare rice water at home using a few different methods.

1. Boiled Rice Water (Concentrate):

• Use 2-3 times the usual amount of water to cook your rice.

• After the rice is cooked, strain it, and the leftover milky-white water is your concentrate.

• To use, dilute a few tablespoons of the concentrate in a cup of clean water. Store the rest in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

2. No-Boil Quick Method:

• Soak a half cup of rice in two cups of water for 15 minutes.

• Strain the rice from the water, and the rice water is ready to use.

3. Fermented Rice Water (More Potent):

• Prepare rice water using the no-boil method.

• Pour the rice water into a jar and let it sit at room temperature for one to two days until it develops a slightly sour smell.

• Stop the fermentation process by placing the jar in the refrigerator.

• This fermented water is potent, so be sure to dilute it with 1-2 cups of warm water before use.

How to Use Rice Water for Your Beauty Routine

• For Skin: Use rice water as a daily face wash, a natural toner to reduce pore size, or as an ingredient in a moisturizing face mask. Gently dab it onto your face and massage it into your skin. With regular use, your skin may feel softer, tighter, and more radiant.

• For Hair: Use rice water as a hair rinse once or twice a week. After shampooing, pour the rice water over your hair, massage it into your scalp, and leave it on for 4-5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with plain water. This can add shine and strength to your hair.

• In the Bath: Add rice water to a bath soak to cleanse and rejuvenate your body. You can also place a small muslin bag with about 1/2 cup of rice directly into the bathwater.

• As a Body Scrub: Use the leftover rice from making rice water. Grind the rice and mix it with a little olive oil and lemon juice to create a natural exfoliating body scrub.