Does Rice Water Help Hair Growth?

Rice water is a traditional hair remedy that has been used for centuries in East and Southeast Asian culture.[1] It’s a treatment thought to have positive effects in terms of what helps hair growth, which has also been observed by some studies.[2] It is a starch-rich liquid extracted by cooking or soaking rice, and is thought to contain various nutrients.

Such nutrients include amino acids, antioxidants, and various minerals that are considered helpful for healthier hair growth.

The hair treatment is also known as rice bran extract or rice bran water,[2] which has a milky colour and watery texture. Rice water as a hair treatment can be used as a replacement for hair conditioners.[3] 

Rice water contains vitamins, amino acids, and other trace minerals. These nutrients, in theory, help strengthen hair cuticles, nourish hair follicles, and otherwise repair damaged cells when applied to hair as a soak or a rinse.[4] They do so by nourishing the scalp topically, allowing the scalp to absorb the nutrients and enrich the follicles during their anagen phase.

Rice water as a topical treatment is just one of the many possible options that your Mosh doctor may recommend for your hair to answer the question, ‘Does rice water help hair growth?’ Mosh also features other topical hair health products, such as creams and shampoos.

Don’t hesitate to ask your Mosh doctor about these treatments and if they’re compatible with your current treatment plan.

With regards to the question, ‘Does rice water help hair growth?’ rice water is thought to help hair gain lustre, strength, and better growth, among many observed benefits.[5]

• Growth. Rice water gives the hair a protein boost, which helps it grow faster. The proteins also assist the hair by preventing damage, so that your hair stays healthier for longer. 
• Strength. Rice in general contains amino acids that can strengthen hair roots. It also contains inositol, a carbohydrate that helps to strengthen hair. Incidentally, using rice water also makes detangling hair easier, which in turn reduces hair breakage.
• Shine and lustre. Rice water is an excellent natural conditioner. It protects against pollution in the air and chemicals in hair care products. Additionally, it moisturises the scalp and hair, preventing dry skin from causing flakes on the skin.

It should be mentioned that while these are observed effects based on regular rice water rinses, the research is still inconclusive and requires further peer review among the medical community. That being said, rice bran is generally safe to use, barring specific sensitivities or allergies.

We strongly encourage that you consult with your Mosh doctor first if you’re trying this treatment for the first time when addressing hair issues like how much hair loss is normal. 

It’s hardly ever fun to start considering when to shave your head when balding as a solution to your hair type woes.

You’ll be happy to know, then, that when it comes to the question, ‘Does rice water help hair growth?’ a rice water rinse is easy to make. You also likely already have the ingredients needed at home. Here is what you need to make a rice water rinse.[4]

There are two options for making homemade rice water: soaking and fermenting.

For soaking, you’ll need about a half-cup of uncooked rice grains. Rinse the grains thoroughly, and then soak the rinsed rice grains in a bowl of 2–3 cups of water. Let the grains soak for up to thirty minutes, then strain the grains into a new bowl.

Secondly, some proponents of rice water claim that fermented rice water has more antioxidants than plain rice water. To wit, antioxidants help protect against cellular damage, which can encourage more robust hair health in theory.

To ferment your rice water, complete the previous steps until the soaking process. This time, instead of only soaking for thirty minutes, soak the grains for up to two days instead. Complete the process by straining the fermented rice water into a new bowl.

There are recommended steps to take when trying a rice water rinse, especially regarding where to apply rice water on hair. These steps are as follows.

• Wash one’s hair in the usual fashion. Make sure to rinse out all hair products thoroughly.
• After washing one’s hair, use rice water to rinse hair.
• Massage the rice water into the scalp and hair strands.
• Leave the rice water in your hair for up to 20 minutes.
• Rinse your hair thoroughly with clean warm water.

Some suggestions in answer to ‘Does rice water help hair growth?’ include massaging the rice water into the scalp while soaking for better results, as rice water has also been observed to help with dermatitis.[6]

If you’re not sure how to proceed with this treatment, don’t hesitate to ask your Mosh doctor for guidance.

Here at Mosh, we’re invested in helping you find the answers to your questions about personal health. Whatever your questions are, we’re more than happy to help with them.

This is why we have a brief questionnaire that you can fill out to help us give you a personalised assessment, and based on your answers, we’ll connect you with a Mosh doctor for an initial meeting. Should treatment be needed or required to answer, ‘Why is my hair thinning?’ then we’ll walk you through some options and go from there.

We want to help you care for yourself. A healthier body starts with a single step in the right direction, and our AHPRA-registered doctors here at Mosh would be honoured to guide you in that direction.

So give us a chance to answer, ‘Does rice water help hair growth?’ and connect with a Mosh doctor today!