The Ancient Beauty Secret That Took Social Media by Storm (Worth the Hype?) 🍚✨

I write so you share. Thank you.

You know those “quick scrolls before bed” that somehow turn into two hours of mindlessly scrolling through TikTok? 🙈 Yeah, that was me, not too long ago, when my FYP was overflowing with videos of people drenching their hair in rice water.

Yes, I’m about 2-3 years late to this party. What can I say? I’m getting older, and it’s not always easy to keep up with the latest trends. But hey, when it comes to natural ingredients, you know I’m going to dive in eventually!

And today, my friends, I’m in the mood. So here we go.

When I first saw all these people pouring rice water over their heads, I thought, “Another trend? Really?” Naturally, I gave it a shot but I wasn’t exactly over the moon about it.

I’ll admit, even I don’t always have the patience to let natural ingredients work their magic. I think I even posted a TikTok video about it—if memory serves me right…

If you’ve been curious about trying rice water but need a little scientific backup (plus some solid info) before jumping in, you’re in the right place. I’ve done some digging for you.

So, what exactly is “rice water”?

Alright, here’s the lowdown on this so-called miracle liquid.

Rice water is literally just the starchy water left over after soaking or cooking rice. That’s it! No fancy ingredients, no complicated formulas. Just plain old H2O and rice.

Some of you might be thinking: “Really? That’s what all the hype was about?”

But this incredibly simple concoction has been used for centuries in Asian cultures, especially in Japan, China, and Korea. The tradition of using rice water dates all the way back to the Heian period in Japan (794 CE to 1185 CE).

Japanese women back then were known for their floor-length hair, which they kept healthy by bathing it in—you guessed it—rice water.

Fast forward to today, and we see the Yao women from Huangluo, China, with their famously long, stunning hair. Yes, they’ve been using rice water for generations.

If you haven’t seen their gorgeous, ankle-length locks, here’s a video to check out:

Now, I suspect that their silky hair has a lot to do with their diets, genetics, and overall lifestyle—not just the rice water.

But still, there’s something special about it.

So, what’s the deal with rice water? 🌟

Rice water is packed with amino acids, vitamins B and E, minerals, and antioxidants.

• Amino acids (the building blocks of protein)
• Vitamins B and E (a multivitamin for your hair and skin)
• Minerals
• Antioxidants (those good guys that fight free radicals)

These nutrients are said to strengthen hair, reduce breakage, add shine, and soothe the skin.

Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the kicker—most of the evidence supporting these benefits is anecdotal. (Yep, I checked the research.)

There are only a few clinical studies that directly link rice water to significant improvements in hair or skin health.

Here’s what rice water is supposed to do:

• Strengthen hair and reduce breakage (goodbye, split ends)
• Make hair shinier and smoother (hello, hair commercial swish!)
• Potentially boost hair growth
• Soothe and brighten skin
• Help with acne and skin irritation (clear skin, anyone?)

Sounds pretty fantastic… but does it actually work? 🧐

When I first tried it, I wasn’t blown away.

But I should really take my own advice: give natural ingredients time!

Consistency and patience are key—I’ve seen this over and over again with natural ingredients.

One of the cheapest beauty treatments?

Quite possibly. Like many natural remedies, rice water is incredibly cost-effective—especially when you compare it to those fancy serums and treatments that are oh-so-tempting to splurge on.

I just hate the idea of people spending their hard-earned money on products that end up being a waste (both of time and cash).

So many natural ingredients work wonders when it comes to beauty and health, and rice water is definitely one of the most budget-friendly options out there.

If you haven’t given rice water a try yet, you might want to now.

Here’s how to make rice water

There are three main methods:

1. Soaking method (my favourite – it couldn’t be easier)

• Rinse 1/2 cup of uncooked rice
• Place in a bowl with 2-3 cups of water
• Leave to soak for 30 minutes
• Strain the rice, keeping the water

2. Boiling method

• Cook 1/2 cup of rice in more water than usual
• Strain the rice, keeping the excess water

3. Fermented rice water

• Follow the soaking method, but leave the rice water at room temperature for up to 2 days
• Strain and refrigerate

Personally, I prefer the soaking method. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any heat, which means that most probably more of those good nutrients are preserved.

How to use your rice water

Now, here’s where it gets fun. There’s something special about pampering oneself with natural ingredients, isn’t there?

You can use rice water in a few different ways:

1. As a hair rinse after shampooing

Pour rice water over your hair and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. For best results, do this 1-2 times a week.

Storage Tip: Store rice water in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and use it within 5-7 days to ensure its effectiveness and freshness.

2. As a face toner

Pour the rice water into a spray bottle and spritz it onto your face after cleansing. Alternatively, you can apply it with a cotton pad. Use it daily for best results.

Storage Tip: Just like with the hair rinse, store the rice water in the refrigerator and use it within a week.

3. In your bath

Add a cup of rice water to your bathwater for an all-over skin treatment.

Storage Tip: If you’re storing rice water for this purpose, keep it in the refrigerator and use it within 5-7 days.

The results: what to expect

No, don’t expect miracles over night.

Here’s what I’ve learned from the research:

For hair:

You might notice less breakage and more shine within a few weeks. Significant growth? That takes longer, usually a few months of consistent use.

For skin:

Many people report brighter, clearer skin within a couple of weeks. But if you’re dealing with persistent skin issues, it could take longer to see results.

Remember, everyone’s hair and skin are different. What works wonders for your best friend might do absolutely nothing for you. (Isn’t that always the way with beauty treatments?)

The downsides (because usually there’s a catch)

Before you go dunking your head in a vat of rice water, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Protein overload

Rice water is packed with nutrients, but here’s the catch: it’s also loaded with protein. And while that sounds great, too much protein can actually backfire, leaving your hair brittle, dry, and straw-like. Yikes! This happens because an overload of protein makes your hair less flexible, leading to breakage—basically the opposite of what we’re going for.

Solution: If your hair starts feeling like hay, it’s time to pump the brakes on the rice water. Cut back to using it once every two weeks or even less. And to keep things balanced, throw in some moisturising treatments to give your hair a break from all that protein. Listen to your hair—it knows what it needs!

2. Fermentation funks

Fermented rice water is often the go-to because it’s richer in antioxidants and packs a bigger punch for hair and skin treatments. But fermentation can make your rice water smell, well, funky. And not everyone can deal with that.

Solution: Love the benefits but hate the smell? Try adding a few drops of essential oils, like lavender or peppermint, to mask the odour. Or, if that’s still too much, shorten the fermentation time, or just stick with freshly made rice water. It’s got a milder scent but still delivers the goods!

3. Time consuming…

Let’s be honest—adding rice water to your beauty routine can feel like a bit of a hassle, especially if you’re already dealing with a multi-step process. Between soaking or boiling the rice, waiting for it to cool, and maybe even fermenting it, it’s not exactly a quick fix.

Solution: Make life easier by prepping a batch of rice water and stashing it in the fridge for up to a week. If the whole routine feels like too much, consider saving rice water treatments for when you really have the time—like once a week or whenever your hair or skin needs a little extra love.

Additional tips

• Dilution: Worried about overloading your hair with too much protein? No problem! Just dilute your rice water with a bit more water before you use it. This simple tweak reduces the protein concentration, making it gentler on your hair and skin. Your strands will still get all the benefits.
• Storage Tip: If you’re fermenting your rice water, keep it in a cool, dark spot for 12-24 hours to let those antioxidants do their thing. Once it’s fermented, pop it in the fridge to slow down any further fermentation and keep it fresh for longer.

My verdict

So, is rice water worth the hype? In my humble opinion, yes… with a few caveats.

It’s natural, cheap, and has centuries of use behind it. Plus, the science does back up many of its claimed benefits.

But it’s not a miracle cure, and it won’t work for everyone.

My advice? Give it a try for a month or two. Be consistent, be patient, and see how your hair and skin respond.

At worst, you’ll have used up some rice.

At best? You might just discover your new favourite beauty secret.

And hey, if it doesn’t work out, you’ll always have rice for dinner.

TIP: USING IT TO WATER YOUR PLANTS

Don’t fancy using rice water in your beauty routine? No worries!

Your garden might appreciate it instead. I use it ALL THE TIME to water my lovely plants.

Yes, rice water can be a fantastic, nutrient-rich treat for your plants.

Here’s why:

1. Nutrient Boost: Remember all those vitamins and minerals we talked about? Well, plants love them too! The starch in rice water breaks down into simple sugars, providing energy for beneficial soil organisms.
2. pH Balance: Rice water is slightly acidic, which can help balance the soil pH for plants that prefer slightly acidic conditions. This includes many common houseplants and garden favourites like roses, ferns, and African violets.
3. Natural Pesticide: Some gardeners swear by rice water as a natural pesticide. I can’t say I’ve noticed, but there you go (it seems like the starch creates a coating on leaves that can deter certain pests).
4. Promotes Growth: The nutrients in rice water can stimulate plant growth and potentially lead to larger, healthier plants.

I have to say my plants LOVE IT. Every time I use it I can see the difference.

Here’s how I use it:

Dilute the rice water (1 part rice water to 2 parts regular water) and use it to water your plants once a week.

I know that day I’m having stir fried rice – so I love the double whammy 🙂

Remember, as with any new plant treatment, it’s best to start small and observe how your plants react.

Every plant is different, just like our hair and skin!

There you have it!

So there you have it – from beauty treatment to plant food, rice water truly is a versatile wonder.

Who knew your dinner prep could have so many uses?

Have you tried rice water? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Research

1. Inamasu S, Ikuyama R, Fujisaki Y, Sugimoto K ‐I. Abstracts: The effect of rinse water obtained from the washing of rice (YU‐SU‐RU) as a hair treatment. Intern J of Cosmetic Sci [Internet]. 2010 [cited 2024 Sep 2]; 32(5):392–3. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00605_3.x.
2. Marto J, Neves Â, Gonçalves LM, Pinto P, Almeida C, Simões S. Rice Water: A Traditional Ingredient with Anti-Aging Efficacy. Cosmetics [Internet]. 2018 [cited 2024 Sep 2]; 5(2):26. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/2/26.
3. Choi J-S, Jeon M-H, Moon W-S, Moon J-N, Cheon EJ, Kim J-W, et al. In Vivo Hair Growth-Promoting Effect of Rice Bran Extract Prepared by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Fluid. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2014; 37(1):44–53.
4. Paiewonsky B, Heinen N, Hordinsky M, Sadick N, Farah RS. Hairfluencer social media trends every dermatologist should know in 2021. J of Cosmetic Dermatology [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Sep 2]; 22(2):669–70. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.15123.
5. What Dermatologists Want You to Know About Using Rice Water for Hair Growth. Health [Internet]. [cited 2024 Sep 2]. Available from: https://www.health.com/rice-water-hair-growth-8418390.
6. stei1913. Top Story: Does Rice Water Help With Hair Growth? Dermatologists Weigh In on the Social Media Trend. Medical School [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Sep 2]. Available from: https://med.umn.edu/news/top-story-does-rice-water-help-hair-growth-dermatologists-weigh-social-media-trend.
7. Inamasu S, Ikuyama R, Fujisaki Y, Sugimoto K ‐I. Abstracts: The effect of rinse water obtained from the washing of rice (YU‐SU‐RU) as a hair treatment. Intern J of Cosmetic Sci [Internet]. 2010 [cited 2024 Sep 2]; 32(5):392–3. Available from: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00605_3.x.
8. JDDonline – Journal of Drugs in Dermatology [Internet]. A Systematic Review: Application of Rice Products for Hair Growth; [cited 2024 Sep 2]. Available from: https://jddonline.com/articles/a-systematic-review-application-of-rice-products-for-hair-growth-S1545961622P0177X/.
9. Hashemi K, Pham C, Sung C, Mamaghani T, Juhasz M, Mesinkovska N. A Systematic Review: Application of Rice Products for Hair Growth. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022; 21(2):177–85.