Rice Water Beauty Hacks for Hair & Skin

What Happened When I Used Rice Water

• I did a coconut oil mask the night before. I simply put about 1 teaspoon of coconut oil concentrating on the hair shaft (not the root / scalp). I slept with the coconut oil mask overnight. 
  • Learn more about coconut oil masks here. 
• I washed with baking soda. I made a rinse with about 2 teaspoons of baking soda and half a cup of water. I scrubbed my hair concentrating on my scalp then rinsed it out.
  • Learn more about baking soda wash here. 
• I used about 1 cup of fermented rice water. I put the rice water in a bowl. I plopped my hair in the bowl and let it soak for a few minutes. Then I poured the rice water on my scalp and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then rinsed. 
• I used a blow dryer to dry my hair. 
• My hair was so silky smooth and this will be my new wash method for the foreseeable future!

Benefits of Rice Water for Skin

Brightens Complexion: 

• Packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, rice water can help fade dark spots and give your skin a natural glow.

Soothes Irritated Skin: 

• The starch in rice water has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a gentle remedy for conditions like eczema and acne.

Minimizes Pores: 

• Regular use of rice water can tighten and tone the skin, giving you a smooth, porcelain-like finish.

Hydrates: 

• It acts as a natural toner, locking in moisture and leaving your skin feeling refreshed.

Great for All Skin Types:

• Oily Skin: 
  • Rice water helps control excess oil and minimizes the appearance of pores, leaving skin matte and refreshed.
• Dry Skin: 
  • Its hydrating properties lock in moisture and soothe flakiness, making it a gentle remedy for dry patches.
• Sensitive Skin: 
  • The anti-inflammatory nature of rice water can calm redness, irritation, and sensitivity.
• Combination Skin: 
  • Balances oily and dry areas, leaving the skin feeling even and nourished.
• Aging Skin: 
  • The antioxidants in rice water help combat signs of aging by promoting collagen production and reducing fine lines.

Benefits of Rice Water for Hair

Strengthens Hair: 

• The inositol in rice water penetrates the hair shaft to repair and strengthen damaged strands.

Promotes Hair Growth: 

• Rich in amino acids, rice water can stimulate hair growth, leaving you with long, luscious locks.

Improves Shine: 

• Say goodbye to dull hair! The nutrients in rice water smooth the cuticle, adding a mirror-like shine.

Reduces Frizz: 

• It’s a natural detangler and anti-frizz solution, perfect for taming unruly hair.

Great for All Hair Types:

• Rice water is beneficial for all hair types. 
  • Straight Hair: 
    • Enhances shine, smooths the cuticle, and reduces flyaways.
  • Wavy Hair: 
    • Helps define waves while reducing frizz and tangles.
  • Curly Hair: 
    • Provides hydration and strength, making curls bouncier and less prone to breakage.
  • Coily/Kinky Hair: 
    • Strengthens fragile strands, improves elasticity, and minimizes breakage.
  • Fine Hair: 
    • Adds volume and thickness without weighing hair down.
  • Thick Hair: 
    • Improves manageability, detangles, and reduces frizz.
  • Color-Treated or Chemically Treated Hair: 
    • Repairs damage, strengthens strands, and restores shine.

What Type of Rice is Best for Rice Water?

• White Rice: 
  • The most commonly used type due to its high starch content, which makes it excellent for skin and hair.
• Brown Rice: 
  • Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it a great choice for those looking for extra nourishment.
• Jasmine Rice: 
  • Known for its mild fragrance and hydrating properties, it’s a good option for sensitive skin types.
• Black or Purple Rice: 
  • Packed with antioxidants, this variety can provide added anti-aging benefits for both skin and hair.
• Organic Rice: 
  • Always choose organic rice to avoid any potential pesticide residues.

How to Make Rice Water

1. Soaking Method

• Rinse 1/2 cup of rice thoroughly to remove any impurities.
• Add the clean rice to 2 cups of water.
• Let it soak for 30 minutes.
• Strain the rice water into a clean container. Voilà!

2. Boiling Method

• Rinse 1/2 cup of rice.
• Add it to 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
• Once cooked, strain the excess water. This starchy liquid is your rice water.

3. Fermented Method (recommended for added potency)

• Improved Nutrient Absorption: 
  • The fermentation process breaks down starches, making nutrients more bioavailable and easier for your hair and skin to absorb.
• Balances pH Levels: 
  • Fermented rice water has a slightly acidic pH, which aligns with the natural pH of your hair, helping to smooth the cuticle and reduce frizz.
• Strengthens Hair: 
  • The increased amino acid content in fermented rice water boosts hair strength, reducing breakage and promoting growth.
• Enhanced Scalp Health: 
  • Its antifungal and antibacterial properties help combat dandruff and other scalp issues.
• Softens and Shines: 
  • Fermented rice water delivers extra hydration, leaving hair softer and shinier.

• Soak 1/2 cup of rice in 2 cups of water for 24 hours.
• Strain the water and store it in a clean container.
• Fermented rice water can have a stronger smell.

How to Store Rice Water

• Store your rice water in a spray or squirt bottle in the fridge for up to 1 week. 
• Use 1-2 times per week. 
• You can let your rice water come to room temperature before you use it so you aren't spraying or pouring cold rice water on your face and hair.

How to Use Rice Water

For Skin:

• Toner: 
  • After cleansing your face, soak a cotton pad with rice water and gently swipe it across your skin. Let it air dry for a natural glow.
• Face Mask Base: 
  • Mix rice water with clay or oatmeal to create a soothing face mask.
• Refreshing Mist: 
  • Pour rice water into a spray bottle and spritz it on your face throughout the day for a hydration boost.

For Hair:

• Rice Water Rinse: 
  • After shampooing, pour rice water over your hair. Massage it into your scalp and hair, leave it on for 5–10 minutes, and then rinse with cool water.
• Leave-In Treatment: 
  • Pour rice water into a spray bottle and mist it onto damp or dry hair. Focus on the ends to prevent breakage and frizz.
• Deep Conditioning Mask: 
  • Mix rice water with your favorite conditioner, aloe vera gel, and/or essential oils. Apply it to your hair, leave it on for 15–20 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.

Can You Use the Rice After Soaking It?

• Cook It: 
  • Use it as you normally would for meals. The soaking process doesn’t diminish its nutritional value.
• Face Scrub: 
  • Blend the soaked rice into a paste and use it as a gentle exfoliator for your skin.
• Hair Mask: 
  • Mix the soaked rice with yogurt or aloe vera to create a nourishing hair mask.
• DIY Crafts: 
  • If you don’t want to eat it, consider using the rice for fun DIY projects, like making rice-based air fresheners.

Learn more about natural hair care here!

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