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I Used Rice Water for Hair Growth
- Katherine Haircare
- Jul 10
- 9 min read
Today we will be learning how to use rice to make a powerful hair growth treatment, that is considered to be responsible for growing the longest hair in the world.
After years of frustrating breakage, shedding, and zero growth despite every modern product, I chopped my hair to chin length about 10 years ago and switched to historically inspired haircare—growing it all the way to my tailbone. Now, severe postpartum shedding has been threatening it all… so I’m putting the legendary fermented rice water ritual of the Red Yao women to the ultimate test.
Picture an entire village of women who all have extremely long, healthy, black hair well into their 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. And what if I then told you that their main secret is a simple hair rinse that costs cents to make and is now being proven by science to both promote hair growth, and keep hair strands strong enough to never break off?
We’re talking about fermented rice water.
For generations, the Red Yao women in China’s Longsheng region have used this as their only hair wash. The village is recognized by Guinness World Records as the “World’s Longest Hair Village,” with many women sporting hair over 1.5 to 2 meters long — and some even longer. They credit their traditional fermented rice water ritual for the legendary length, strength, shine, and minimal breakage they enjoy throughout their lives.
Today I’m sharing my own experiment with a version as close as possible to their technique, but using simply ingredients everyone has access to. I’ll show you exactly how I prepare and use it as a standalone hair wash, just like the Yao women do. Plus, we’ll look at the science behind why it supports real hair strength, length retention, and scalp health.
If you’re dealing with shedding, breakage, or slow growth like I was after hormonal changes and weight loss caused me to lose about a third of my hair, stay with me — this gentle, natural method could be a game-changer for you too.
This article is for you if you are looking for a simple, inexpensive and time honoured way of growing healthy hair without synthetic products that cost a fortune and deliver limited to no results.
So, how on earth did I end up being willing to wash my hair in somewhat smelly fermented rice water?
How I Got Here
For as long as I can remember, growing long, healthy hair felt impossible. I struggled for years — split ends, constant breakage, and shedding that left me frustrated and discouraged. No matter what modern products I tried, my hair would only grow so far before hitting a wall.
Then I made a scary change: I cut off all of my damaged hair to chin length. That short cut became my reset. Instead of chasing the next trendy product, I turned to the wisdom of the past. I studied the routines of women around the world who have grown and maintained extraordinarily long hair for generations.
What I learned transformed everything. Using simple, time-tested natural methods, I grew my hair from that chin-length bob all the way down to my tailbone — stronger and longer than it had ever been.
One of the biggest changes was removing all store bought products, and instead incorporating natural, herbal-enriched treatments into my routine. One of those products was a herbal hair growth oil blend that has now transformed the hair of over 4000 women around the world. You can learn more about my herbal hair growth oil blend by following the link in the description below.
In recent months, I have had a baby - not my first - and the postpartum hair shedding this time around has been more severe than after previous pregnancies, due to a variety of factors, some of which I have talked about elsewhere.
Watching my hard-earned hair progress slip away was tough. But that setback pushed me to dig even deeper into ancient traditions — and that’s what led me to trying out the authentic fermented rice water ritual of the Red Yao women.
The Yao Women & Ancient Tradition
The Red Yao women have passed down this rice water ritual for centuries. They wash rice, ferment the starchy water naturally, and use it as their complete hair cleanser — no modern shampoos or conditioners involved. They often tip their heads over a basin or pot, fully saturating their long hair, massage it in, let it work, then rinse.
This consistent, gentle practice — combined with communal rituals and protective styling — helps them achieve extraordinary length and health. Similar traditions existed in ancient Japan during the Heian (hay-uhn) period, where court women used rice water for their famously long, lustrous hair.
It’s not magic — but it’s consistent, loving use of what nature provides. And we can adapt it with ingredients we have on hand.
Now, I have to tell you about my first time trying fermented rice water about 10 years ago, and why I hated it! But also, why I’m also giving it another try.
Why I’m Trying Rice Water Again After a Decade
The first time I tried rice water was literally about 10 years ago, and frankly, I really didn’t like it. I still don’t know if I will like it better this time, but I have heard enough good things about rice water to know that it’s worth another try. Also last time, the recipe and technique I used weren’t at all representative of what the Red Yao women actually do. I had simply put some raw, unwashed rice in a jar of water for a few days on the counter, then used the liquid. I found it very drying to my hair and it didn’t seem to have any beneficial effect. I was using lots of other remedies at the time, and rice water didn’t stick around.
Now, about a decade later, I’m excited to give the rice water technique a real try. By actually following close to the traditional Yao women’s recipe and preparation technique, leaving the rice water in my hair for a longer period of time, and being patient with the results, we will see if my experience this time is more positive and if rice water will be worthwhile to keep in my routine.
But first, we need to talk about something that is often overlooked in these kinds of cultural hair care videos.
The Elusive Nature of Hair Care Traditions
Sometimes in modern culture, we hear about a natural practice a community has used for generations, only to dilute it and strip away its original context—forgetting what truly made it effective.
For the Yao women, it’s not just the recipe. Their hair care is deeply communal: a time of sisterhood where they massage and wash each other’s hair, giving real time and energy to one another. Even when following their method closely, remember it’s not only about ingredients and techniques—it’s also about the energy and love you bring. Involving someone you care about makes it even better.
One more thing: In our modern world, we chase exotic ingredients and overlook that every region has its own effective local rituals. It’s less about one specific item and more about finding what works in your area, using it consistently, and truly valuing your hair. With that said, let’s talk about the real science of rice water and why it can help grow your hair.
The Science of Why Rice Water Helps Help Hair Growth
Fermented rice water is rich in compounds that support stronger, healthier hair:
Inositol (a carbohydrate from rice): is one of the main stars. It can penetrate the hair shaft, repair damage, improve elasticity, and reduce breakage so you retain more length. Some research suggests it helps follicles stay in the growth phase longer.
Amino acids and proteins: These strengthen the hair strand from within, making it more resistant to snapping off.
B vitamins, vitamin E, and minerals: They nourish the scalp and follicles, supporting overall hair health and shine.
Antioxidants and natural starches: The starches act like a light conditioner that smooths the cuticle, while fermentation creates a slightly acidic pH that seals the cuticle, locks in moisture, and creates a healthier scalp environment.
Together, these can lead to less shedding, stronger strands, better shine, and gradual improvements in thickness and length over time with consistent use.
Let’s move on to the actual recipe.
Recipe for Rice Water For Hair Growth Treatment
I aimed for authenticity with recipe, with easy substitutions where I needed them.
Ingredients:
1 cup organic jasmine rice (traditionally white sticky rice is mostly used, but jasmine works well too.)
3–4 cups filtered water
Peels and zest from 1–2 oranges:or grapefruits (traditionally pomelo citrus would be used)
Optionally:
A few slices of fresh ginger
Small handful of loose green tea leaves (something called tea bran was used instead, but it is hard to find around here).
How I Made It:
Rinse the rice briefly.
In a pot, combine rice, water, orange peels + zest, and ginger, and green tea if you are using them.
Bring to a gentle boil, and simmer a few minutes to release nutrients and aroma.
Cool slightly, strain out most solids (although I added a little rice back for extra starch), pour into a clean jar, and top up with water if needed.
Cover loosely and ferment at room temperature in a dark place for 1 week. It became bubbly with a pleasant orangey-fermented scent, but there is definitely a weird smell undertone in mind. I don’t mind it.
After fermenting, strain well and store in the fridge. Use within 1–2 weeks.
How to Apply Rice Water Growth Treatment
Let’s go over the basic steps for using rice water hair growth treatment, and then we will see how it actually worked when I tried it for the first time.
I am going to use this exactly as a complete hair wash, just like the Yao women. I will also be doing this over a pot like the Yao women do, as tipping the head over is also great for blood flow to the scalp and promoting hair growth. But you can absolutely use rice water in the shower for more convenience.
Method:
Start with dry or damp hair (no regular shampoo needed).
Pour the fermented rice water into a large bowl or pot.
Tip your head over the pot and fully saturate your scalp and hair all the way to the ends. Use a cup or your hands to scoop and pour repeatedly until everything is soaked.
Gently massage your scalp for 3–5 minutes to boost circulation.
Let it sit for 10–20 minutes (or longer if you have time).
Rinse thoroughly with cool or lukewarm water.
You can absolutely do this in the shower instead — just pour it over your head, massage, wait, and rinse.
Frequency: Use this once a week to start. Listen to your hair and adjust as needed.
Rice Water Growth Treatment Tips for Success
So let’s go over some final tips for how to make rice water work for you and your hair.
Always patch-test first.
Fermentation smell is normal and rinses away. You can always add essential oils if you prefer.
If this recipe seems to complicated, Start simple with just rice + water if you prefer.
Consistency over months is what will bring the best results.
Pair with gentle detangling, protective styles, and good nutrition for best results on your hair.
The Yao women show us that simple, time-tested traditions like fermented rice water hair washes can deliver remarkable hair growth results. It costs almost nothing, uses kitchen staples, and can give your hair the strength and health benefits it needs to grow long and stay strong and nourished.
Have you tried rice water yet? Would you add orange, and ginger, or keep it plain? Drop your thoughts below, I love to hear from you! I would also love to hear from those of you have used rice water consistently over a period of time. I always learn a lot from you in the comments and so can others!
FAQ: Rice Water for Hair Growth
What is fermented rice water?
Fermented rice water is the starchy liquid from rice that has been soaked and naturally fermented. The Red Yao women have used it for generations as their only hair wash, helping them grow and maintain exceptionally long, strong hair.
How do you make fermented rice water?
Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice. Simmer with 3–4 cups filtered water, orange/grapefruit peels, optional ginger and green tea. Cool, strain, and ferment loosely covered at room temperature for 1 week. Refrigerate and use within 1–2 weeks.
How often should I use rice water on my hair?
Once a week as a complete hair wash. Adjust based on how your hair responds. Consistency over months delivers the best results.
Does rice water really work for hair growth?
Yes. Inositol, amino acids, B vitamins, and fermented starches strengthen strands, reduce breakage, improve elasticity, and support scalp health for better length retention and less shedding.
Can I use rice water on curly or postpartum hair?
Yes. It’s gentle and effective for curly/coarse hair and helps combat postpartum shedding when used weekly with proper detangling and nutrition.
How long until I see results from rice water?
Shinier, smoother hair often appears in a few uses. Noticeable growth and reduced shedding typically show after 4–8 weeks of consistent use.
Will rice water dry out or damage my hair?
It can if overused. Follow the citrus-fermented recipe, limit to 10–20 minutes, and follow with a light leave-in if needed. Patch test first.
How do you apply rice water?
Pour over dry or damp hair (or tip head over a basin), massage scalp 3–5 minutes, leave on 10–20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use in the shower for convenience.
How do you store rice water?
Keep strained fermented rice water in the fridge for up to 1–2 weeks. The fermented scent is normal and rinses away.
Is rice water safe while breastfeeding?
Yes, it’s a natural, food-based rinse considered safe postpartum and while breastfeeding.
What pairs best with rice water for faster results?
Pair it with a herbal hair growth oil, protective styles, gentle detangling, and nourishing nutrition.
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Thank you for watching. Take care of yourself and your hair — I’ll see you in the next video!