If you want to see an immediate difference in your hair’s health, try using fermented rice water for your 4c natural hair. Rice water has been traditionally used for hundreds of years in China and Japan. In fact, the Yao women of China are credited with having the longest hair in the world. With lengths of over six feet, their hair looks strong, thick, and shiny.
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Using a DIY concoction like fermented rice water is almost always beneficial to hair, but getting started can be a challenge. Making rice water at home takes special preparation, but it will be easy to do once you learn how.
In this post, you’ll find out about the benefits of fermented rice water and how to make it at home to improve the health of your natural hair. You’ll know all about this amazing rice water hair rinse by the time you finish reading.
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Rice Water Benefits for 4c Hair
Rice water is surprisingly helpful to hair because it contains an impressive array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. If you’re suffering from alopecia or thinning, rice water can be a real game changer. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrients, and how they benefit your 4c hair:
- Amino acids. These nutrients are the building blocks of protein. Rice water contains 16% protein, making it an effective DIY protein treatment. Use it to strengthen your hair, and add sheen by smoothing the cuticle.
- Inositol. This nutrient is found in rice water and acts to increase hair elasticity, making the hair more strong and flexible. This flexibility helps to create a more defined curl pattern.
- Selenium. This mineral destroys Malassezia, the yeast responsible for dandruff. Killing off the yeast can help hair to grow healthy and thick.
- Magnesium. If you have hard water, you probably have calcium buildup on your scalp and hair. This film can smother hair follicles and leave hair hard and brittle. Magnesium will help to dissolve the calcium and uncover hair follicles so that your hair can grow.
- Folic acid. Also known as vitamin B9, folic acid helps to thicken and strengthen hair. You can get it by eating fruits and veggies, but using rice water will allow your hair and scalp to absorb it topically.
- Thiamine. As you probably know, stress is a significant cause of hair loss and maintaining a stressful lifestyle can lead to thinning. Thiamine is also known as vitamin B1, and it can help reverse hair loss by relieving stress. This vitamin will give your hair shine and bounce.
- Niacin. This nutrient is also called vitamin B3. It can transform dull and weak hair by improving blood circulation, repairing follicle cells, and reducing scalp inflammation. Applying it directly to the scalp will help to stimulate hair follicles.
- Vitamin K. As you age, your skull can become more calcified. This calcification can affect the hair follicles and cause hair loss. Vitamin K works to lift calcium buildup so that the follicle can push keratin out and grow hair.
- Pitera Yeast. Pitera is a unique yeast found in fermented rice water. It works like an anti-aging elixir for the skin and hair by helping to regenerate cells and rejuvenate the scalp. Fermented rice water is more effective than plain rice water, and it doesn’t take much more effort, so it is well worth the extra time.
Hair Growth
Rice water is chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and it is used by the Yao women of China to achieve long hair. Use this hair rinse, along with a healthy diet and careful hair regimen to grow longer and thicker hair.
Fermented rice water restores the pH balance of your hair and creates the perfect environment for growing hair when applied at the root. It will moisturize the hair, heal the scalp, and add manageability.
Want to wash your hair with rice water instead of shampoo? Try washing hair with cooked rice water if you’re following a no-poo regimen. Rice water contains saponins that work like mild cleansers. It will provide nutrients, soften the curls and stimulate growth while cleansing the scalp.
Rice water will also help you to retain growth by smoothing the cuticles and lessening surface friction. Less friction means that strands won’t become tangled and weak as they rub against each other. Rice water helps them to slide apart easier.
Can I leave rice water in my hair? Most people use a fermented rice water hair rinse, this is the method I prefer. For my hair I find that it leaves my hair dry if I leave it in. However, many women find that it makes their hair smoother and shiner if left in.
Rice water penetrates the hair shaft and keeps repairing damage long after you use it,
How Do I Use Rice Water in My Hair?
By now you’re probably wondering how to make fermented rice water. There are many ways to prepare it, so you’ll want to test different methods. You can either boil the rice or use a no-boil method. You’ll need to decide whether to ferment afterward.
Fermented rice water is probably the most potent because it contains the unique pitera yeast that is valuable for stimulating hair growth. But if you’re using it as a leave-in, you may want a less sour version. You’ll find both recipes below.
Use any rice for the rice water rinse, but be sure to choose organic. Conventional rice has too many toxins, so always pick an organic version of brown, white, jasmine, basmati, or whichever you prefer.
There are no exact measurements for the rice water hair rinse. However, you’ll want to add more water than you’d typically use to cook rice. Keep in mind that the less water you use, the more potent your rinse will be.
For extra benefits, use distilled water. This particular water is softer than plain water, and you may find you prefer it for healing treatments. Follow the recipe below.
Hair Rinse
Ingredients
- Approx. ½ Cup Rice
- 2-3 Cups Distilled or Plain Water
- Strainer
- Saucepan
- Large Pyrex Cup
- Applicator or Spray Bottle
Instructions
- Clean the rice in water until the water is clear. Discard water.
- Place water and rice in a saucepan and let it come to a boil.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and strain rice water into Pyrex cup.
- Pour the rinse into an applicator bottle after cooling or proceed with fermenting instructions.
Fermenting Instructions
- Leave the rice water to sit in a warm room for 12-24 hours. A sour smell will form as the water ferments.
- Pour the water into a saucepan and re-boil.
- Pour it back into the Pyrex cup and let it cool slightly.
- Pour the rice water into an applicator or spray bottle for use.
If you’d prefer to use a no-boil method, the sequence is almost the same. Just place the rice and water in a container and swirl it with a spoon instead of letting it boil. Let it sit for 30-45 minutes, and then it will be ready to strain and use. Or, consider fermenting from this point to make a more potent recipe.
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How to Use Fermented Rice Water
Follow these instructions to get the most use out of your rice water:
- Shampoo your hair with a .
- Apply a moisturizing conditioner.
- Use an applicator or spray bottle to saturate the hair and scalp in the rice water.
- Place a plastic cap over your hair and leave for 30-60 minutes.
- Rinse your hair, and style as usual.
Ready to try fermented rice water? Use rice water for relaxed hair or natural curls. It will repair damaged hair strands and give them more shine and bounce. Do the rice water rinse once per week for longer, thicker hair. You may even see a big difference the very first day you use it.
Have you tried rice water for natural hair, and if so, what were the results?
Hey Curl Friend, I’m Patrina Haupt the creator and author of Natural Hair Queen. I hope you find my healthy hair care tips helpful in your hair journey. Healthy hair care practices are definitely, what helped me to achieve waist length hair.
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This my first time trying it
Yay! Let everyone know how it turns out.
Can I put grease or any other products on my hair afterwards to get rid of the smell?
When you use rice water for your natural hair it’s best to deep condition your hair afterwards to add moisture back into the hair.
I just watched a video about RICE WATER being filled with Arsenic. That it is NOT good for type 4 hair.
I recently learned of this too.
…. so would you then add that rice water would be good for those that have type 4 hair?
Hi Yale, If you are looking to use rice water as a treatment then yes.
Should I dilute the water when its finished being fermented or just put the water straight into my hair??
If you plan to rinse it out then there is no need to dilute.
How many times in a week should I use the rice water
Hi Kelvin, I wouldn’t recommend using rice water more than 1x a month until you know how your hair responds to it.
Since the rice water is a protein trratment, is it good for low porosity hair?
Yes, it’s great for low porosity hair. I would only give yourself this treatment 2x a month.
I couldn’t stand the smell of the fermented rice so I added lavender and peppermint oils. I didn’t realize I should rinse out the rice.. This will make a big difference. I will rinse it out after a cold wash and add a leave in conditioner.
Yes, please rinse out the rice water after use.
Did the rice water affect your hair in anyway by leaving it in your hair
It would be best not to leave rice water in your hair if you are using other hair care products that have protein in them as you may get protein overload.
Yes
Is it ok to use it as a leave in conditioner.
If you are not using any other hair product that has protein in it then it’s ok to use as long as you dilute it with filtered water. But if you are using other products with protein in them or are unsure then you should rinse it out. You do not want to have protein overload.
Found your post and I can’t wait to try this out. I have braids right now but look forward to trying and implementing into my regular routine.
Great.
My 1st time trying!! should I wash out the curl product thats already in my hair or apply the water let it set then wash out?
Wash your hair first, then give yourself the protein treatment, next deep condition
Should I use the rice water with my deep conditioner?
Before you deep condition
I tried this for the first time and after I shampoo & cond. I sprayed my hair with rice water and then put in the deep cond and let it all set for awhile then rinsed. Will adding the deep cond on top of the rice water going to prevent the rice water from working?
It should not. I also layer my treatments and it works lovely. I just wouldn’t sit under a hooded dryer, as this may be too much heat with the rice water.
After my rice water treatment I noticed a day or so later my hair begin to shed alot. Prior my hair was not shedding at all. Do you know why my hair would be shedding? Now I’m scared all my hair is going to come out. Could it be because my hair is permed? I got a perm in my hair a month before I did the rice water treatment. How can I stop the breakage?
It would be best to look at the ingredients in your other hair care products to make sure they do not contain protein in them. It would be best moving forward to clarify your hair to remove all product then wash and deep condition with a protein free (and moisturizing) shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioner.
How often can you do this for hi po hair?
Since it’s a protein treatment you can do it once a month.
do you use it for your hair and is it worth trying?
Yes, I do. It can make the hair dry so you need to follow up with a moisturizing deep conditioner.
I made the non boil method Saturday and today is Tuesday. The smell is extremely sour and the texture has turned soapy. Is it still good to use?
NO, it sounds like it went bad. Did you leave it out if so it’s best to use a fresh batch on wash day.
Is this the order?
1. Shampoo
2. Conditioner then rinse out
3. Rice water then rinse out
4. Deep conditioner then rinse out
5. Oils, moisturizer, cream, etc..
6. Style
You got it!
Hi,i’m just about trying rice water recipe and I Hope to see a satisfactory result
Just be sure to only use it 1x or 2x a month.
I have low porosity thick short hair can I do a pree poo then shampoo then use the rice water then deep condition (moisture conditioner) how many times a month please?
Yes that order is fine for using rice water for your natural hair. Depending on the health of your hair I wouldn’t do it more than 2x a month.
Hey. Looking to try as a leave in conditioner for low porosity hair. Would I be able to use it every day?
No rice water is to be used as a treatment not to be left on the hair.
Hey, looking forward to trying this will it help with hair shedding.
Yes, rice water for your natural hair will help reduce shedding.
I have dry flat twist can I still use rice water and a leave in to re twist my hair
It’s best not to use rice water as a spritz as it’s considered a treatment for the hair and needs to be rinsed out. It’s best to use filtered water glycerin and oil if you would like to freshen up your hair in between washes.
I just started doing the rice water rinse and I plan to do them 2-3 times a month. My question is, would it be safe to apply the rice water spray (leave-in) every day or every other day? I know the smell will be potent but I plan to add lavender or peppermint to help with the smell.
It’s best not to use rice water as a spritz as it’s considered a treatment for the hair and needs to be rinsed out. It’s best to use filtered water glycerin and oil if you would like to freshen up your hair in between washes.
Hello.. Love the blog….
Can rice water be used if braids are in your hair and also can I leave it in
No, I would not recommend using rice water on the hair if you have braids since rice water is considered a treatment that needs to be rinsed out. It’s best to wait until you have taken your braids out.
It’s best to wait until you have taken your braids out since rice water is considered a treatment that needs to be rinsed afterwards.
Can you use Rice Water as a leave in Spritz?
It’s best not to use rice water as a spritz as it considered as a treatment. However, you can use filtered water and glycerin if you are looking to refresh your hair before wash day.
It’s best not to use rice water as a spritz as it considered as a treatment. However, you can use filtered water and glycerin if you are looking to refresh your hair before wash day.
What can I use to deep condition my hair after leaving the rice water in for a few minutes and rinsing out to get rid of smell? Can I use my regular shampoo again to do a deep conditioning?
When you use rice water on your natural hair it can leave a bit of a smell, you could apply a bit of conditioner and use it like a leave in conditioner.
Can I press (straighten) my natural hair after I do a rice water treatment?
You can just make sure you have rinsed out all of the residue the rice water may leave on your natural hair.
you recommended using rice water 2x a month but if you only shampoo once a month can you use rice water when just co washing?
I recommend everyone to wash their hair once a week. You really should remove build up from your hair care products and to deep condition your hair. You can use rice water for your natural hair if you are co washing just be sure to rinse it out and deep condition afterwards.
which is better using it normally or fermenting? Do u have to dilute the rice water before using it?
To get the best results you should ferment no less than 12 hours. I feel this is better than using it normally. If you plan to rinse out your rice water then you don’t have to rinse it out
do u have to ferment it for 12-24 hours
can I do it less?
Ia the rice water routine the same if you have dry, high porosity hair.
You can use it on high porosity hair it would be best to rinse out in your case since your hair cuticles are open and this “treatment” may be to strong. Be sure to dilute it with filtered water.
The instructions above indicate that rice water can be used as a leave-in if diluted, but you say it must be washed out. Which is best to do?
I’m sorry for the confusion. Since writing this article I have changed my stance on leaving it in. I have since corrected this in the article. I feel you should rinse it out. However the women who leave it in their hair dilute it with filtered water. I find that it works best for women who do not have enough protein in their hair and do not use any other protein treatments. Which is most likely why using it as a leave in doesn’t work for my hair as I have protein and moisture balance.
about how long will you see the results of air growth?
It’s meant to strengthen your hair so it could take 6-8 weeks to see significant growth. However, in terms of hair shedding and breakage you should see it immediately.
can this work in african hair wanna try it
Yes.
Hello, I READ through most if not all of the comments as well as your replies. I saw the one about not applying the rice water if you have braids in your hair. My question for you is, I have my own natural hair (no extensions) in a circle cornrowed protective style and I wondering if I could apply the rice water to my hair 2 times a month in that state since I can wash my hair? Please help ????.
It would be best if you didn’t since your hair is braided. It’s best not to use any type of treatment natural or not while the hair is in braids. I caution this because you may not get all of the treatment out and may cause further damage to your hair.
Hi good day my hair is relaxed.
After I shampoo and rinse my hair can i add the conditioner and rice water together on my hair under a plastic cap.
Yes, you can.
I watched a youtuber with maybe 4a/ 3c hair and she spritzed as a leave in for 10 days and washed it out as normal and her hair growth visbily documented, was amazing.
What is your take on that and why are you against leaving it in- did you experience something negtive doing it this way? I have 4c lo po hair. What hair type are you pls?
Hello Valerie, I’m not totally against leaving in a rice water treatment however, I am against a one size fits all approach. If someone uses the rice water rinse on their hair and unknowingly uses a lot of products that have protein in them then their hair will begin to break off due to protein overload. It’s important to read your product labels and to understand them before duplicating what someone else does to their hair. In my humble opinion, it’s always best to start out with the weakest strength of a treatment and build up. I would be doing everyone a disservice if I advise everyone to leave the rice water in their hair for an extended period of time since I don’t know what other products they are currently using. My goal is to advise on healthy hair habits. I have type 4 hair that is low porosity.
Hello,
I made some rice water recently and the fermented part of the rice water won’t mix with the water itself. It just keeps sinking to the bottom of the bottle. I literally have to shake it to get it to mix together and I just want to know if that’s ok or do I need to make a new batch of rice water.
Hi Shay, I do find a lot of women who love the product and I have coached a lot of women who do not like the product due to the protein within the gel. Since there is protein within the gel you need to be careful that the rest of your hair care products do not contain protein as you could potentially have protein overload. I find that it’s best to use products that have ingredients that you can pronounce is always the safest route.
Hello,
So I used the fermented process and wanted to know how long could the rice water be stored until my next use? Or is it best to make a batch the day before wash day? Thank you.
I wouldn’t store it longer than a week in the fridge since it’s a perishable item.
is there a reason why my rice won’t ferment? if I rinse it first the water is clear, if I don’t rinse the rice the water is clear, I have let it sit for 2 days, and nothing, what am I missing?
Did you rinse the rice before you started the process? The water won’t be murky it may be clear enough for you to see the rice at the bottom of your bowl. If the water is slightly cloudy and you see a few bubbles at the top of your water then it is fermented and you can start the process.
My cousin did a big chop and started using rice water and she loves it. My hair is growing back from a bad weave and I have been wearing wigs and protective styles as i grow it back. I have a nice length but it is thin and my hair was NEVER thin. I was told that this will thicken my hair. I cannot wait to see the progress. I will be adding rosemary and other oils to help with the sour smell and hair growth. I will be back to share my progress in a month!
Also, be sure to deep condition with a moisturizing hair mask and add peppermint oil and vitamin E oil to it.
Hey, can rice water treatment be used on loc hair? I’ve grown locs down my back, as a result my hair has thinned out at the top. I recently cut them down. I would like to try the treatment to strengthen and restore.
Hi Michele, In my opinion, it’s not the best practice to use any type of treatment on locs because you will not be able to fully wash out the treatment. It would be best to use Jamaican black castor oil with peppermint oil for hair growth.
How many times should I use the rice water per month?
No more than once a month. Be sure that your everyday products do not contain protein in them.
Thank you
Hi can you save the rice water after use or do you have to throw it away and remake and if so how long
You can save the rice water but it will eventually spoil as with any food item. I wouldn’t hold on to it longer than 10 days in the fridge.
Hi Patricia,
is there a specific brand of rice to use? for best results
No, I like to use organic.
Hi,please how long can I use the rice water after fermentation before I make a fresh one
plus I’m more on the wig side for now so I was planning to just rinse my hair with the rice water daily……..is it safe to do?
Hi Meyin, It would be best to make a fresh one each week. However, rinsing your hair with rice water on a daily basis is something you should not do. Rice water is considered a protein treatment and will eventually cause damage to your hair if it’s not properly washed out.
Can you use this treatment to revive human hair extensions?
No, once you cut the hair from the head it’s no longer alive.
After I fermented the water and place it in the fridge too cool I used it in my hair after I washed it. Can I place it back in the fridge for the next time i use it?
Yes, you can. You can only store it for about a week or so.
Can I use the rice water on a dyed hair?
You can, however, you need to be mindful that rice water is considered a treatment specifically a protein treatment so it’s best to make sure you fully rinse out the treatment.
Hey. Please is it compulsory to use a sulphate free shampoo. The only shampoo and conditioner I have are the ors aloe vera shampoo and replenishing conditioner. And I want to use it with rice water and onion juice. Can I use them
Hi Tobi, it’s best to use a sulfate-free shampoo so your hair will not be stripped of its natural oils.
Hello,I want to say thank you cos I have learnt a lot. I have type 4 lo po hair,having issues with itchy scalp,dandruff and shedding of hair. Please will rice water treatment help out with this. Thank you.
Wonderful. I do not feel rice water will help. Have you clarified your hair by removing all product build up? Please check out this article I wrote: https://www.naturalhairqueen.net/what-you-need-to-know-about-dandruff-and-your-natural-hair/
hi can i use the fermented water rice daily on my head when i sleep, or am supposed to use it once a week? can i still use jamaican black castor oil with peppermint oil as my oil for hair growth.
Hi Lesego, It’s best to rinse out the rice water since it’s considered a protein treatment. Any treatment used should only be done in moderation. Yes, you can use castor oil with peppermint oil for growth.
I have recently started using rice water. The deep conditioner I decided to use after completing the rinse, is a Mayo and egg. My mom used to use when I was younger.
1. Is this subtle?
Also, after the 1st go I noticed a bit more breakage – I can’t tell it’s because not the protective style or the rice water.
2. Any advise?
Hi Leenai, Yes mayo and egg is a subtle protein treatment. If you are using other products that have protein in the ingredient then it could be from using the rice water in combination with the mayo and egg treatment which is also protein. Perhaps stop all treatments for a month and add moisturizing products into your hair regimen along with a deep conditioner and the loc or lco method.
I usually deep conditioner with hot oil treatment, shampoo, conditioner, then do a rice water rinse, let it sit for about 5 mins then rinse. is this ok?
Yes, that sounds fine. However, it’s not to be done on a weekly basis.
Hi, my hair is thinning on top and my parts seem to be getting wider. Will this rice protein assist with new growth for thinning hair..
Hello Mimi, rice water will help but I would need to know why your hair is thinning. Is it from traction or hereditary?
Is it okay to put in box braids after I wash, condition, and use rice water, and moisturize? I dont want my hair to fall out from tension after the rinse
Just be sure to rinse your hair very well after you use rice water.
Some instructions say : rinse rice water then condition or condition then rice water ????? Can I use rice water after a Keratin treatment?
I would not advise you to use rice water after a Keratin treatment it may be too harsh for your hair causing dryness resulting in breakage. It would be best to follo wup with a thick moisturizing deep conditioner and the LOC method: https://www.naturalhairqueen.net/loc-method/
Hello!
I just started my natural hair journey and did a rice water rinse. Is it ok to do this once every week?
It would be best to begin with once a month to see how your hair responds to it. If everything fine then you can increase it to two times a month. The goal is for your hair not to feel dry or brittle after the rinse.
Hi when u actually start to see hair growth
Hi Jakylah, if you follow a strict hair care regimen you should begin to see growth in 4-6 weeks and changes in your hair. Have you checked out my new Ebook check it out: https://shop.naturalhairqueen.net/products/natural-hair-care-made-easy-ebook
Hello, I have been natural for three years and my hair was growing but with no elasticity to it and now after a lot of life changes my hair is shedding badly. I never had a regiment and I was wondering would shampooing and conditioning my hair and using rice water method rinse out every two weeks will be okay for my hair? Meaning shampoo, conditioning, rice water rinse out as my treatment, deep conditioning, and then a L.O.C method(all of this I have researched into) be okay?Also, for deep conditioning is that just re-adding my condition and not washing it out?
Hello Shanice, if life changes are causing your hair to shed you may need to incorporate vitamins or up your daily vegetable intake (before taking anything you will need to speak with your doctor first) then create a gentle hair regime to stop your shedding. You may want to try black tea rinses before trying rice water. I also have a new Ebook that just was released which gives a weekly step by step hair care regimen check it out here: https://shop.naturalhairqueen.net/products/natural-hair-care-made-easy-ebook
Hello Shanice,
I just came across this and I am going to do this was going to say am i able to apply this rice water to the corners of my hairline and to places where this is no hair at all if you get what i mean to stimulate it?
I would also say pure castor oil to help with hair growth.
Please I want to know, shampooing, conditioning, rice water and bama mayonnaise deep conditioning bi-weekly is it good for hi po hair?
Hello Mandel, I’m not sure what bama is. The basic is to make sure your hair stays moisturized. Moisturizing shampoo, deep conditioning, protein treatment, and the loc method in between washes. If you havent checked it out please view my new Ebook Hair Care Made Easy where I walk you through every single step of a hair care routine/regimen so you can have moisturized hair and retain length. https://shop.naturalhairqueen.net/products/natural-hair-care-made-easy-ebook
For making the rice water, can we still use it if we didn’t boil it, and we let it ferment for 2 days, and the rice wasn’t COMPLETELY clear. This was my first time and when I was making it I followed a different lady. I just want to know if it will still give me hair growth.
Also, do we HAVE to deep condition after using the rice water? Are we allowed to just spray the rice water as a nightly routine without having to wash and cond. every time and just rinse it out?
This is a treatment and should not be considered apart of a nightly routine. I would only give yourself this treatment 2x a month. When you use rice water for your natural hair it’s best to deep condition your hair afterward to add moisture back into the hair.
There are many ways to prepare it, so you’ll want to test different methods. You can either boil the rice or use a no-boil method. You’ll need to decide whether to ferment afterward. Of course, as mentioned, fermented rice water is probably the most potent because it contains the unique pitera yeast that is valuable for stimulating hair growth. But if you’re using it as a leave-in, you may want a less sour version.