As if we all needed another reason to love rice, it turns out our favorite white starchy carb could also be a secret weapon for your hair. As of late, rice water has been making the rounds on TikTok where it’s being praised as a miracle elixir that works wonders when it comes to hair growth and making your locks look super shiny. No lie, the hashtag #ricewater is so popular on the platform that it’s already racked up more than 280 million views.
Whether there is any truth to those hair growth claims remains to be seen, but rice water is packed with a ton of hair-healthy nutrients such as antioxidants, minerals, proteins and amino acids — all of which can help to nourish and strengthen your strands like never before. In fact, in ancient times Chinese and Japanese women, including imperial princesses, frequently used rice water as a treatment to keep their locks healthy, according to Medical News Today.
Given how easy it is to make rice water, it’s no surprise that the hair treatment has risen in popularity. All that’s required is simply rice and water. However, it should be noted that you will have to wait a minimum of 12 hours for your mixture to properly ferment.
Though, if making your own rice water isn’t really your thing, you’ll definitely want to try your hand at some of the amazing rice water-infused hair products that are on the market. Whether you have textured hair or color-treated, these products are still sure to give you the same dazzling results as any DIY rice water treatment — no boiling necessary!
Shea Moisture Purple Rice Water Strength & Color Care Shampoo
Formulated specifically for color-treated hair, this strengthening shampoo will breathe new life into dry, damaged strands. It’s infused with purple rice water as well as wild orchid and violet extract to help restore your locks to a stronger and healthier condition. Not to mention, this cleanser’s purple pigment is great for blondes looking to brighten brassy tones!
Promising review: Brenda says, “First, I want to mention that this shampoo feels very cleansing and has an amazing lather to it without stripping my hair and leaving it feeling dry. The scent is strong, floral but not overwhelming. I really enjoy it.”
Shop: Shea Moisture Purple Rice Water Strength & Color Care Shampoo, $10.99
Mielle Organics Rice Water Moisturizing Milk
Give your hair a moisture boost with this moisturizing hair milk from Mielle Organics. Packed with nourishing ingredients like castor oil, coconut oil, and rice water, this product is sure to keep your locks hydrated and looking their absolute best.
Promising review: Ashley says, “My hair really absorbs this moisturizer well and it’ll keep my hair hydrated for 3-4 days. It smells amazing! So far it’s been my go-to moisturizer because it keeps my hair strong and soft. I’m 4A/B color-treated.”
Shop: Mielle Organics Rice Water Moisturizing Milk, $9.99
Kiehl’s Rice and Wheat Volumizing Conditioning Rinse
If volume is what your after, you need to get your hands on this conditioning rinse by Kiehl’s. Not only does it make your locks look thicker, but it also adds shine and silky softness thanks to nourishing ingredients like honey, rice protein, and hydrolyzed wheat.
Promising review: Penelope says, “I feel like I’ve tried everything in my search for something that will bring volume to my fine hair. Finally, I’ve found it! This rinse leaves my fine hair full…and it smells great!”
Shop: Kiehl’s Rice and Wheat Volumizing Conditioning Rinse, $20.00
Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Creme
For curly girls looking to get in on all the rice water fun, look no further than this Briogeo curl cream. Made of a unique blend of rice amino acids, avocado oil, and Mollis leaf extract, this product works to hydrate dry locks, minimize frizz, and create beautiful bouncy, soft curls.
Promising review: Marianne says, “I ADORE this product. I have wavy hair and cannot spend a day without this product now. It enhances the waves in my hair and makes them shiny and manageable.”
Shop: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream, $20.00
Hairitage The Rice is Right Rice Water Hair Rinse
This nutrient-rich rice water rinse is your ticket to healthy, luscious locks. Perfect for all hair types and textures, this product helps strengthen and hydrate your hair as well as nourish your hair follicles.
Promising review: Tasha says, “With all the rice water out there, I’ve tried a few, but the Rice is Right Rice Water Hair Rinse has become my best one yet. I mean this stuff kept my hair moist and shiny and it did not shed as much. This is the best.”
Shop: Hairitage The Rice is Right Rice Water Hair Rinse, $7.94
Hairfinity Rice Water Hair Mist
Combat dryness and loss of elasticity with this restorative hair mist from Hairfinity. Infused with powerful rice extract, this gentle sulfate- and silicon-free formula promises to promote healthy hair growth while restoring shine and elasticity to dull, lifeless hair.
Promising review: Niesha says, “THis is my first time using rice water and my results are astonishing. This spray made my hair really strong and thicker. I’m used to my hair being very weak.”
Shop: Hairfinity Rice Water Hair Mist, $19.99
Are you a fan of rice water in your hair products? Let us know in the comments below!
