For years, I’d heard about the magical powers of rice water for hair growth. From ancient Chinese and Japanese beauty traditions to viral TikTok videos, the trend was everywhere. People claimed that rice water could make your hair grow faster, feel stronger, and look shinier. I was skeptical—but also very curious.
After battling dry ends, frizz, and slow growth for what felt like forever, I decided to try the rice water hair rinse challenge for 30 days. I committed to doing it twice a week, using only homemade rice water, and keeping track of the changes in my hair. Here’s what happened.
What Is Rice Water and Why the Hype?
Before I began, I did a little digging.
Rice water is the starchy liquid left over after soaking or boiling rice. It’s packed with nutrients like amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins B and E, and minerals. These elements are said to help with hair elasticity, smoothness, and growth.
Ancient Chinese women, especially from the Yao ethnic group, have used rice water to keep their hair long and healthy for centuries. It’s also been used in Japanese Heian-era beauty rituals. If it worked for them, I figured it was worth a try.
How I Made My Rice Water
I chose the soaking method because it’s simple and doesn’t involve cooking. Here’s what I did:
- Measured 1/2 cup of uncooked white rice.
- Rinsed the rice thoroughly to remove dirt and impurities.
- Added the clean rice to a jar with 2 cups of water.
- Let it soak for 24 hours at room temperature.
- Strained out the rice and poured the water into a spray bottle.
I stored the rice water in the fridge and used it within 5 days. Each batch had a light cloudy appearance and a mild, starchy scent.
Week 1: Getting Started
I was excited but also unsure what to expect. On my first rinse, I shampooed and conditioned as usual, then sprayed the rice water all over my scalp and hair. I massaged it in and left it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it out.
Immediately, I noticed my hair felt smoother while I rinsed it. After drying, it had a subtle shine. It wasn’t drastic, but it felt soft. I repeated the rinse three days later.
By the end of week one, my hair felt stronger. I wasn’t losing as many strands in the shower, and I didn’t see as much frizz as usual.
Week 2: My Hair Feels Stronger
During week two, something surprising happened—my ends, which are normally dry and fragile, started feeling more resilient. When I brushed my hair, fewer split ends caught in the bristles. My strands didn’t snap as easily either.
The shine factor increased, too. After each rinse, my hair felt silkier. I noticed that my curls had more definition, and my ponytail looked fuller.
Scalp-wise, everything felt clean and healthy. I was worried the rice water might cause buildup, but so far, my scalp loved it.
Week 3: Hair Growth?
By week three, I was checking my roots more often. Could it be that my hair was growing faster?
I measured a section near my forehead at the start of the challenge, and by week three, it had grown nearly 3/4 of an inch. For me, that was faster than usual. On average, my hair grows about half an inch per month.
It could have been the massaging that helped, or the vitamins in the rice water stimulating my follicles. Either way, I was thrilled. My hair also looked fuller around the crown, which was one of my problem areas.
Week 4: Final Results
As the month wrapped up, I had no regrets.
My hair had more shine, bounce, and volume. It felt stronger and broke less when I styled it. My scalp was healthy, with no irritation or flakes. My curls were more defined and easier to manage on wash days.
The best part? My hair had grown a full inch over the 30 days. That’s double my normal growth rate. I even had people asking if I got extensions because my hair looked longer and thicker.
Things I Learned Along the Way
1. Fermented Rice Water Smells… Not Great
In week two, I tried fermenting the rice water by letting it sit for 48 hours before using it. It smelled terrible—like sour bread dough. I added a few drops of lavender oil to help mask the odor, which helped a lot.
Fermented rice water is said to have more antioxidants and nutrients, so I used it once a week and the regular kind once a week.
2. Don’t Overdo It
Rice water is powerful, but using it too often can cause protein overload, especially if your hair is low-porosity. I stuck to twice a week, and that was the sweet spot for me. More than that, and my hair might’ve felt stiff or dry.
3. It Works Better With a Massage
Each time I applied rice water, I gave my scalp a 3-minute massage with my fingertips. This boosted blood circulation and probably helped encourage faster growth.
How I’ll Use It Going Forward
This isn’t just a 30-day experiment for me anymore—it’s officially part of my hair routine.
I plan to continue using rice water once a week as a deep conditioning rinse. On busy weeks, I’ll use it as a quick scalp spray before washing. It’s affordable, natural, and honestly works better than half the expensive products I’ve tried.
Who Should Try Rice Water?
If you’re struggling with breakage, frizz, or slow growth, I highly recommend trying rice water. It’s safe for most hair types, especially if you use it in moderation.
However, if your hair is protein-sensitive or already feels stiff and dry, start slowly—maybe once a week. Monitor how your hair reacts and adjust from there.
FAQs About Rice Water for Hair
Q1: Can I leave rice water in my hair overnight?
I tried this once, and my hair felt dry the next day. For me, 20–30 minutes was the perfect amount of time. If you want to leave it overnight, dilute it well and test a small section first.
Q2: How long can I store rice water?
Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Always smell it before use—if it smells sour or off, toss it and make a new batch.
Q3: Can I use it on color-treated hair?
Yes! I have color-treated hair, and it didn’t strip my color. In fact, it made my dyed hair look shinier and less brassy.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Hype?
Absolutely. After 30 days of using rice water, I can confidently say it works. It’s not a miracle overnight fix, but it’s a gentle, effective treatment that supports healthy hair over time.
The best part? It’s completely natural, easy to make, and budget-friendly. No need for salon appointments or expensive serums—just rice, water, and a bit of patience.
So if you’ve been curious like I was, give it a try. Your hair might just surprise you, too.
Hi, I’m Mia Sophia, a 31-year-old hair and nail care enthusiast from a small town in Tennessee. I love testing products, creating simple DIY treatments, and sharing what works through my blog. Everything I post is based on real experience and a love for everyday self-care. Whether it’s finding the right shampoo or growing stronger nails, I keep it easy, honest, and helpful.