If you’ve spent any time engaging with beauty creators on social media, you might have seen a DIY treatment popping up again and again: rice water for hair. While it might feel like a new hack, rice water has been used for centuries in traditional beauty rituals – especially in Asia, where it’s been linked to shiny, strong, and healthy hair.

But is rice water good for hair, really? We’ll break down everything you need to know – from the benefits and how to use, to how we source rice water sustainably for our products.

What is rice water for hair?

There’s no hidden mystery with rice water: it simply is just the cloudy liquid left behind when you soak, rinse, or cook rice. This water is packed with vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants, which can all help nourish your strands and promote stronger, healthier hair.

While social media has rejuvenated the hype around rice water, its benefits have been known and used for centuries. One of the most well-known examples of communities reaping the benefits of rice water for hair is with the Red Yao Women of the Huangluo village in Guangxi Zhuang. They are known for growing their hair to nearly six feet long as a sign of longevity. Their long, lustrous hair has been linked to centuries of washing with fermented rice water.

You may also have seen people talking about fermented rice water for hair. This version is made by leaving the rice water to sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours until it ferments. The process alters the pH, which can make it gentler when applied to the scalp and increase its antioxidant content, thereby strengthening your strands and reducing frizz.

So whether you’re looking for some extra shine or want to embrace a more natural route to hair health, rice water is a key ingredient in your inventory.

The benefits of rice water for hair

This humble byproduct is packed with nutrients that can help nourish and support your hair in various ways:

1. Stronger, healthier strands

Rice water contains amino acids – the building blocks of protein. Since hair itself is mostly made up of protein (keratin), these amino acids can help to strengthen strands from the inside out. Regular rinses can reduce breakage and split ends, leaving your hair feeling more resilient.

2. Natural shine and smoothness

One of the most immediate effects you might notice after applying rice water to your hair is extra shine. The starchy content coats the hair shaft, helping to smooth the cuticle and reflect light. This can make dull hair look glossier and feel softer.

3. Easier detangling

The nutrients in rice water act a little like a natural conditioner, helping to reduce friction and making it easier to detangle strands. If your hair is prone to knots or frizz, rice water may help improve manageability.

4. Scalp support

Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. The antioxidants, B vitamins, and minerals in rice water work to nourish the scalp, helping create a balanced, ideal environment for hair growth. A gentle scalp massage with rice water can also boost circulation.

5. Added antioxidants

When used as a rinse or spray, the antioxidant properties of rice water help to combat hair damage. A study found that fermenting rice water increased its antioxidant activity – so choosing a product that is infused with fermented rice water can boost your results.

Rice water in a sustainable beauty routine

One of the things we love most about rice water is its sustainability. It makes use of something that would usually go straight down the drain – turning a simple byproduct into a nourishing hair treatment.

At UpCircle, that’s exactly the philosophy we live by. From repurposed coffee grounds in our scrubs to leftover fruit stones in our moisturisers, we believe beauty should be circular. Rice water for hair is a brilliant DIY example of reusing what you already have, keeping your routine low-waste and planet-friendly.

Hair Serum with Fermented Rice Water + Baobab

Reap the benefits of natural shine, strong strands, and added antioxidants with our newly launched Hair Serum. This vegan serum is formulated with sustainably sourced ingredients to create shinier, healthier hair that is heat-protected and nourished.

The upcycled rice water is made using a process called HyperFermentation, which enhances the natural benefits of rice water. The unique fermentation process turns inactive fibres into active ingredients. Sourced from organic, discarded, crushed rice grown in Italy and inspired by centuries-old Asian beauty rituals, it promotes softer and stronger strands.

When left on the hair and not rinsed out, upcycled rice water has been shown to help hair retain moisture by up to 60%. Rich in antioxidants, it also helps shield hair from UV damage and pollution while effectively smoothing fibres.

It’s also formulated with upcycled protein-rich Baobab extract – a multifunctional ingredient that strengthens and nourishes the hair whilst protecting it against UV damage. An alternative to silicones, this serum contains saccharide-rich mushroom-derived heat protection to shield against humidity, improve styling memory and provide a clinically proven natural heat protectant to your hair.

How to use: Morning and night, apply a few drops to freshly washed, damp hair, massaging until fully absorbed. Use before moisturising and applying SPF.

Whether you’re looking to tame frizz, make your strands stronger, protect hair from heat, or add a healthy gloss, a well-formulated hair serum should be an integral part of your routine. 

See our full haircare collection at UpCircle.