Rice water for hair: what do professionals think about this trend?

Thus, the British magazine HJ took a closer look at this trend, tried to figure out whether rice water grows hair better, and found out the opinion of experts about this method of hair care. We have translated the main text of the study for you, since this will definitely be interesting for hairdressers to know.

What is the essence of this rice hair rinse?

Rice should be soaked in water, and the infused water should be used to rinse your hair after shampooing. Dale Hollinshead of Hazel & Haydn says the phenomenon has become popular thanks to TikTok in recent months. Like many trends that become popular there and spread to the masses.

What technology? “You need to rinse the rice first, then put it in fresh water and leave it for 48 hours. After this, the water will acquire a slightly slimy consistency. Now it can be used, for example, poured into a spray bottle and applied to the scalp and hair. You need to leave it for 10 minutes or longer,” comments Dale.

"But be warned, it doesn't smell great or feel great, but it's supposed to promote hair growth, add shine, and my salon team says it definitely makes hair healthier."

Does rice water make hair grow?

There are no studies that prove that rice water promotes hair growth. However, TikTok and YouTube are full of anecdotal stories glorifying the ritual, and even hairdressers have noticed that rice water can improve hair quality.

“This method has many benefits: detangles curls, increases shine, strengthens hair, improves wave and curl structure, reduces breakage, closes cuticles,” says Emma Simmons, Salon54. “We have more customers asking how to prepare and use rice water for rinsing in the salon.”

What do hairdressers think of the rice water hair trend?

“Rice water rinses are becoming increasingly popular with many curly-haired clients as it helps their locks feel more defined, hydrated and shiny, and is quickly becoming the go-to treatment for clients with natural textures,” comments Emma. – Enriched with amino acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, rice water rinse packs a powerful punch. I have noticed that clients who use this method have lighter, bouncier curls that require less product to set. I think everyone can benefit from this rinsing method.”

Where did rice water rinse come from?

Rice water dates back to the Heian period of Japanese history (between 794 and 1185), when women used Yu-Su-Ru (rinsing their hair with rice water) to grow their hair to the floor. And in the Chinese village of Huangluo, Yao women use rice water to rinse and care for their long hair, which is traditionally cut only once in a lifetime at the age of 18.

Why is congee becoming so popular?

“Customers are increasingly paying attention to the ingredients in products, they are moving away from alcohols and silicones and choosing a more natural way to condition their curls,” Emma notes. “With the movement towards eco-friendly products, rice water rinse is an ideal home option as an alternative to expensive traditional products.”

Read about how you can prepare rice water and how to use it on the HJ website in the material in the original language.