How to Use Rice Water for Hair Growth

Rice water can strengthen hair and reduce breakage when used as a weekly rinse, but won't create new hair follicles or cure pattern baldness.

Rice water is the beauty equivalent of a good primer—it smooths the surface and makes everything look better, but it's not performing miracles underneath.

1. Make the rice water. Rinse half a cup of uncooked rice until water runs clear, then soak in two cups of water for 30 minutes. Strain out the rice and keep the cloudy water. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to one week.
2. Apply to clean, damp hair. After shampooing, pour rice water from roots to ends, massaging gently into scalp. The starch coats each strand, so saturate thoroughly. Leave on for 10-20 minutes maximum.
3. Rinse and condition. Rinse rice water out completely with cool water, then follow with your usual conditioner. Rice water can be drying, so conditioning after is essential to maintain moisture balance.