Does Rice Water Help With Hair Growth? Experts Weigh In on the Trend

Rice water has been gaining viral popularity as a home remedy for promoting hair growth and improving hair health. Popularized through TikTok and other social media platforms, this trend promises to transform your hair into soft, shiny locks by simply rinsing your hair with the water left over after washing rice. But does this simple home remedy really live up to the hype?

In this article, we break down the claims and explore what dermatologists have to say about rice water’s effects on your hair.

What Is Rice Water and Why Is It Trending?

Rice water is the starchy water that remains after rinsing or soaking rice before cooking. It’s been used for centuries in various cultures, especially in Asian countries, where it’s believed to help improve hair health and growth. The practice is often credited to the Yao women of China, who use fermented rice water to maintain their long, flowing hair. Additionally, some believe that the tradition goes back to ancient Japan, where women used a similar rice-based water treatment to nourish their locks.

Fast forward to today, and the trend has exploded on platforms like TikTok, with the hashtag #ricewater garnering millions of views. Social media influencers and everyday users alike claim that rinsing their hair with rice water has made their hair stronger, shinier, and even longer.

But does this centuries-old remedy actually work?

The Science Behind Rice Water and Hair Health

Rice water contains several nutrients, including minerals like magnesium, iron, folic acid, thiamin, and niacin, all of which are beneficial when consumed as part of a balanced diet. Additionally, rice water is rich in phenols, compounds that have been linked to helping treat certain hair issues, like alopecia areata, a condition that causes hair loss.

However, experts caution that just because rice contains beneficial nutrients doesn’t necessarily mean that applying rice water directly to your scalp will lead to noticeable improvements in hair health.

Deirdre Hooper, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Audubon Dermatology, explains, “The problem is that we’re making this leap that something meant to be consumed can be applied to your hair—which is dead cells—and that it can make all these changes.”

Why Rice Water Might Not Be the Miracle You’re Looking For

Despite the widespread belief in rice water’s magical hair benefits, there’s a lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. Dermatologists, including Rhonda Farah, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota, warn that rice water might actually do more harm than good, especially for certain hair types.

Rice Water Can Be Drying

One of the main concerns is that rice water is high in starch. While starch can help to thicken liquids and create a smooth texture, it may also be too drying for your hair. Farah points out that starch can draw moisture from the hair, potentially leading to brittle, damaged strands, especially for people with coiled or curly hair.

“Rice water can actually be harmful because it isn’t formulated for your scalp. You don’t get the same delivery to the hair follicle or the hair shaft,” says Farah.

Not All Hair Types Will Benefit

Another factor to consider is that hair health is highly individual. What works for one person may not work for another, and in some cases, it could make things worse. For instance, people with dry, curly, or textured hair may find that rice water exacerbates their hair’s frizz and brittleness.

“There’s no evidence that this is going to do anything,” Dr. Hooper adds, noting that rice water may offer “low gain” for most people despite its low cost and accessibility.

The Role of Rice Bran Extract in Hair Growth

Though rice water might not be the miracle some social media users claim, rice bran mineral extract, an ingredient found in some commercial hair care products, has shown promise in promoting hair growth. This extract, which is removed during the milling process of rice, contains compounds that can potentially help prolong the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle.

A 2022 study found that rice bran mineral extract may help hair follicles remain in the growth phase longer, potentially leading to thicker, fuller hair. However, it’s essential to note that rice bran extract and homemade rice water are not the same, and the former is more likely to provide the hair benefits that many people seek.

Rice Water vs. Fermented Rice Water: Which Is Better?

Some online tutorials recommend fermenting rice water, which is said to enhance its potency. Fermented rice water has a different composition compared to fresh rice water, as the fermentation process can alter the starches and increase the concentration of certain beneficial compounds.

While it’s true that fermented rice water has a different chemical makeup, there’s still limited evidence to support claims that it’s significantly more effective than plain rice water. And the added citrus peels that are sometimes used to mask the smell could potentially irritate sensitive scalps.

Lifestyle Factors That Impact Hair Health

In many cases, the improvements people notice in their hair after using rice water could be attributed to other factors—namely, their overall lifestyle and diet. Many cultures that traditionally use rice water also have healthier diets, lower in processed foods, and rich in nutrients that benefit hair health.

Hooper suggests that the long, healthy hair of the Yao women could be attributed to their diet, which is low in processed foods and rich in nutrient-dense foods that promote hair growth, rather than just rice water alone.

Alternatives to Rice Water for Hair Health

If you’re looking to improve your hair health, dermatologists recommend a few other strategies:

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, can help improve hair growth and strength.
• Avoid Heat Damage: Excessive use of heat styling tools can lead to hair damage, so give your hair a break.
• Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss, so managing stress through exercise, relaxation techniques, or hobbies can benefit your hair health.
• Use Proven Hair Care Products: Products with proven ingredients like biotin, peptides, or rice bran mineral extract may offer more reliable benefits.

Should You Try Rice Water for Hair Growth?

While rice water might offer some benefits for your hair, it’s essential to proceed with caution. There’s not enough scientific evidence to support its widespread use, and it could potentially cause more harm than good, especially for individuals with certain hair types.

If you’re looking to improve your hair health, consider making lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and avoiding excessive heat styling. For specific hair concerns, consulting with a dermatologist or a healthcare professional is always a good idea.

Conclusion: Proceed with Caution

While the rice water trend has its fans, dermatologists urge people to be realistic about its potential benefits. It’s a low-cost and low-risk method, but the gains are likely minimal. For better results, focus on proven hair care practices and consult with professionals when needed.