Though Asian women have used Rice water for centuries, it has become popular in the Western world. The reason for this is that rice water for skin and hair has many benefits that may surprise you. It also lacks in chemicals that could cause damage and age you before your time. If you’re interested in making your own rice water at home, we have a few methods for you to choose from. We’ve even added the many ways you can use this DIY treatment to achieve strong hair and glowing skin.

What You Need to Make Rice Water

There are two methods to choose from when making your rice water. These are boiling or soaking the rice to create the finished product. What you’ll need for each one are:

Boiling Rice Water

• Uncooked rice (any type)
• Water
• Saucepan or pot
• Strainer
• Clean jar or container

Some claim this method is the best way to make rice water. This is because more of the starches in the rice are drawn out in the boiling water. But it also takes more time since you need to let the rice water cool afterward before you can use it.

Soaking Rice Water

• Uncooked rice (any type)
• Water
• Large bowl
• Strainer
• Clean jar or container

The soaking process is the quickest way to make rice water. This is because, though the soaking time is the same as the boiling time, you don’t need to let it cool.

How to Make Rice Water

Now that you’ve gathered all the items you need, choose which method suits your needs and time limit. Then follow these simple steps to a new, natural beauty product for shiny hair and clear skin.

The Boiling Rice Water Method

Step #1: Rinse

The first thing to do is rinse the rice. This is to remove any dirt or impurities from the rice. Using clean rice will help keep unwanted additives from contaminating your rice water. The finished product will then be healthier for your hair and skin.

Step #2: Prepare Rice

Pour about a half cup of rice into the saucepan. Your measure doesn’t have to be 100% accurate, but you can use a measuring cup if you prefer to. Then add about 2-3 cups of water. You want to make sure that the rice won’t absorb it all while it cooks. Keep in mind some of the water will be lost in steam as well, so use an ample amount.

Step #3: Boil Rice

Place the saucepan on the stove and bring it to a boil. Leave it there for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will ensure you have drawn out all the healthy nutrients from the rice.

Step #4: Strain Rice

Take the saucepan off the stove. Using the strainer, pour the rice water into a clean jar or container. You can squeeze the hot rice carefully to get every drop of rice water, but it is not necessary.

Step #5: Cool and Use

Place your finished rice water in the fridge until you are ready to use it. Remember to shake it up before applying it to your face and skin. You can use this rice water for up to a week before discarding it and repeating the boiling process.

The Soaking Rice Water Method

Since I had a bit of time, I decided to try out this method myself. It was as easy as I thought, and here’s how I did it.

Step #1: Rinse

Rinse the rice the same way you would with the boiling method. This will wash away all the impurities, giving you a healthier product in the end.

Step #2: Cover with Water

Add some rice to your bowl. Cover the rice completely with water. The rice won’t soak up as much water as it would when boiling it, so you don’t need to overdo it.

Step #3: Soak

Let the rice soak in the water for 20-30 minutes. The longer you leave it, the more starches will be extracted. During the soaking time, you should swirl the rice around a bit. You can even knead it to squeeze out all the healthy goodness.

Step #4: Strain

Strain the rice into your jar or container, pressing down on it to squeeze out all the water. Now, your rice water is ready to use. Store it in the fridge to keep it fresh all week. Then discard it and make a new batch.

Pro Tips on Making Rice Water

When making your rice water, keep the following tips in mind for the best results.

Pro Tip #1: Ferment Rice

Whether using the boiling or soaking method, consider fermenting your rice water afterward. Fermented rice water has added benefits you may be missing out on by skipping this step. These include minerals, antioxidants, and Vitamins B and E. Fermentation also produce pitera, which has anti-aging properties. Rather than placing the rice water in the fridge, leave it at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours to ferment. You’ll know the rice water is ready when it begins to smell sour. At this point, put it in the fridge to keep it from spoiling. Keep in mind that this will be a rather potent mixture. That’s why it is best to dilute it with 1-2 cups of plain water before you use it.

Pro Tip #2: Organic Rice

Organic rice is the best option when making your rice water. Organic rice is free of chemicals and pesticides you likely want to avoid. But if you don’t have organic rice, use whatever is in your cupboard.
Shake up your rice water before you use it. This will ensure an even distribution of all those beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Pro Tip #3: Keep Rice for Other Natural Recipes

Don’t throw away the rice after you strain it. Mash it up and mix it with a bit of the rice water to make a healthy a face mask or scrub. Or you could also eat it since that’s its prime usage.

Pro Tip #4: Benefits Vary by Rice Type

Different types of rice have varied benefits. The best way to choose which one is best for your hair and skin is to do a bit of experimenting. You’ll find the right rice for you in no time. The other types of rice can be kept for meal times, or donated to those in need of a good meal.

Beauty Benefits of Rice Water

As well as being a delicious addition to any meal, rice has countless beauty benefits. This was first discovered in Asia centuries ago. After cleaning the rice, female rice farmers would bathe in the water left behind. The Yao ethnic women in Huangluo, a small village in China even obtained a world record for hair length. This was due to the use of rice water, which added strength, de-tangled, and cleansed their hair. The Yao’s believe using rice water as a natural shampoo and conditioner is the secret to dark, clean hair. Many of them don’t even see a gray hair until well into their 80’s.

One reason rice water is so beneficial is that it contains inositol. This carbohydrate repairs the damage your hair has sustained. It even protects it from suffering further damage. Amino acids in rice water help add strength to your hair’s roots. This will give it more volume and shine. Rice water also has countless skin benefits that can help relieve you of many issues. It will soothe inflammation, thanks to its cooling effect. Rice water contains antioxidants, moisturizers, and healing properties as well. Together, these can heal your skin, making it look younger and healthier.

Rice Water for Your Skin

There are many uses for rice water as a skincare product. The many vitamins and minerals it contains can treat skin disorders, act as cleansers. They can even reduce the signs of aging. It works so well, many can see the results after just one application. And your wallet will thank you, too, since you’ll be spending less on your normal beauty products.

#1 – Rice Water for Acne: 

After making your rice water, you can apply it directly to your face to clear up acne and blemishes. All you need to do is soak a cotton ball in the rice water. Squeeze out the excess, then wipe it over your face in an upward motion. Let it soak in for about 10 minutes, then rinse your face with cool water.  After a few applications, your acne will clear up and any redness will diminish.

#2 – Rice Water Facial Toner:

You can replace your facial toner with rice water as well. First, wash your face clear of any makeup or dirt. Then soak a cotton ball with your rice water and apply it gently to your face. There are many benefits of using rice water as a facial toner. It promotes your cell’s growth and encourages blood flow. It also smooths out your skin, reducing the appearance of lines.

#3 – Rice Water Facial Cleanser:

Instead of washing your face with harsh cleansers, massage some rice water into your skin. Then let it air dry. You can do this every day to achieve radiant skin that is soft to the touch.

#4 – Rice Water for Eczema:

Due to the high starch content in rice water, it is an effective treatment for acne. It is also easy to use and less messy than creams and ointments. Simply soak a clean washcloth in the rice water. Ring it out and then pat the affected areas gently with it. Do this for a couple of minutes, then let the rice water air dry.

Rice Water for Your Hair

Though the hair care uses are not as abundant as the skin care, rice water is great for adding strength and shine. Those with fine hair could see more volume. Frizzy hair can also be tamed with only one application.

#5 – Rice Water Hair Rinse:

Shampoo your hair, as usual, using your favorite product. Then rinse it clean. Apply rice water to your hair, massaging it in for about 10 minutes. Using plain water again, rinse the rice water out of your hair. You can do this treatment a couple of times a week. If you’d like a bit of added nourishment, or a fresh scent, add some essential oils to your rice water. Lavender, rosemary, or geranium can give your hair a nice healthy boost. You can even add green tea to stimulate hair growth if needed.

#6 – Rice Water Hair Conditioner:

If you are suffering from dry, unmanageable hair, try out a rice water conditioner. Start by shampooing your hair. Rinse it out with cool water. Then mix a bit of rice water with plain water. It should be only a bit cloudy at this point. Put the diluted rice water on your hair and leave it for a few minutes to soak in. Rinse it out completely. Your hair should be softer, tangle-free, and easy to style.

Other Uses for Rice Water

Along with your face and hair, there are a few other ways to use rice water to give you healthy skin all over your body.

#7 – Rice Water for Skin Irritation:

You can also use rice water to treat skin rashes or inflammation. There are two ways to do this. The first is by adding a pouch of uncooked rice to your bath water. Let it soak in until the water is a bit cloudy. The other method is to add some of your pre-made rice water to your bath. Soak in the tub once or twice a day.

#8 – Rice Water for Sunburns:

If you forgot your sunscreen and are suffering for it, try rice water to soothe that burnt skin. It has cooling properties to relieve the pain. It can also help speed up the recovery and prevent any damage. Make sure the rice water is cold for the best results.

Rice Water For Skin And Hair Final Thoughts

There are many DIY treatments for hair and skin out there, but few have as many uses as rice water. You can use it on your face, hair, and every other area to treat multiple ailments. And unlike some other home treatments, this one has withstood the test of time. It is not a fad but has been tested for centuries by women in various Asian countries. And who knows more about rice than they do? I hope you enjoyed reading this article about rice water for skin and hair. With any luck, I’ve given you a healthy new addition to your hair and skincare routine. If you are looking for more hair care articles check out our blog and our hair care buyer’s guides.

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