Unlock the ancient beauty secret of rice water for hair spray! Discover how this natural remedy can help strengthen, grow, and add shine to your hair—perfect for modern routines and all hair types.

Read About a Secret that’s been Passed for Centuries

In the realm of haircare, trends come and go, but there are some timeless secrets that are hard to beat. One such potent beauty potion is rice water. Used for centuries, especially in Asian cultures, rice water is again surging in popularity in modern haircare regimens, specifically in the form of a rice water hair spray. One of the oldest and most nutrient-dense remedies has become easy to make from home, costs pennies, and provides results comparable to even the priciest salon treatments.

In this article, we will discuss how rice water spray works, its historical origin, the science that makes it do what it does, and how you can easily incorporate rice water into your daily routine to obtain stronger, longer, and shinier hair.

For most people, whether you have curly hair, straight hair, thick hair, or thin hair, you can achieve amazing results for your hair naturally with rice water.

Rice Water History

Ancient Beauty Rituals in Asia

Rice water has been used for medicinal and beautification purposes for over 1,000 years, with the first records being from the Heian Era of Japan. Noblewomen who had floor-length hair would use fermented rice water, called “Yu-Su-Ru”, for the purpose of keeping their hair strong, smooth, and silky.

Similarly, in Huangluo village, China, known as the “village of the world’s longest hair” or “the world’s longest hair village,” the Yao people have applied rice water to their famously long, dark, and healthy hair. Yao women are notably low on grey hair even in their 80s, and they attribute this to the application of rice water.

Why Rice Water Hair Spray Is Trending Again, In 2025

The millennial generation has begun to steer back to natural options with the awareness of chemical and product damage and a mindful exploration of sustainability and holistic wellness. Social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram have begun saturating with peanut butter and banana DIY. beauty hacks, with rice water going viral thanks to influencers and dermatologists, with everyone loving it.

Applying rice water as a hair spray is the best convenience: you can use rice water daily, your hair will get stronger over time, and it is good for those on the run after results without spending hours in the bathroom.

The Science of Rice Water: Why Rice Water Works

Rice water contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are great for hair. Here is a breakdown of a few of the nutrients rice water contains.

Inositol

Inositol is a carbohydrate that repairs damaged hair and also protects the hair cuticle from damage, even after rinsing. Scientists have shown that inositol actually penetrates the hair shaft and stays in the hair to provide long-term benefits as a strengthening agent.

Amino acids

Amino acids are simply building blocks of protein, which help regenerate and repair the structure of the hair.

B, C, & E vitamins

The B, C, and E vitamins help promote blood circulation to the scalp to reduce hair fall and enhance shine.

Ferulic acid and antioxidants

Ferulic acid protects hair against the premature aging of the scalp and improves hair elasticity.

Benefits of Using Rice Water as a Hair Spray

Helps Hair Grow

Rice water helps to circulate blood to the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and creating a healthy environment for hair growth.

Strengthens Hair From Roots

If used regularly, rice water may help significantly reduce breakage and split ends by strengthening the hair follicles with amino acids.

Reduces Hair Fall

Amino acids are contained in rice water and help strengthen hair, enabling less hair to fall out.

Increases Shine and Smoothness

Rice water smooths down the cuticle layer of hair so that you have softer, shinier hair.

Minimizes Frizz and Flyaways

Rice water’s moisturizing abilities hydrate hair and control frizz, which is especially helpful in humid climate conditions.

Repairs scalp pH and brags better than a lack of scalp-related flaking/itching

Fermented rice, not only in hair, won’t allow for less flaking instead of damage, but it maintains the optimal health scalp microbiome.

How to make rice water into a hair spray at home

There are three different ways to make rice water, but fermented rice water is the most important for those looking to benefit hair health. So here is how to take the made items.

For fermented rice water:

1 – 1/2 cup uncooked organic rice of choice (white, brown, jasmine, or basmati)

2 – 2 cups of water

3 – optional essential oils (lavender, or rosemary)

Method 1- Fermented Rice Water (for hair growth)

1- Thoroughly rinse rice so impurities are removed.

2- Soak rice in water for an uneven time ( 24-48 hours) at room temperature.

3- When the mixture smells sour, strain the rice water.

4- Place liquid into the spray bottle.

5- If desired, add essential oil.

Method 2 – Boiled Rice Water (for damaged hair)

1 – Take rice processed in excess water, typically boil 2:1.

2 – Once rice is cooked, strain the rice and cool.

3- Put into a spray bottle.

Method 3: Quick Soak Method (Ideal for Busy Days)

1-Rinse and soak rice for 30 minutes.

2- Stir, pour off, keeping the water.

Using Rice Water Hair Spray the Right Way

For best results, use rice water hair spray 2 – 3 times per week. This is how:

Leave-in Daily Spray:

Spray directly onto clean, damp hair. Focus on the mid-lengths to ends. Comb through to have consistent coverage through the hair. Style normally.

Scalp Treatment:

Section hair and spray the scalp directly. Use fingers to massage for 5 minutes to stimulate hair follicles. Leave on for a minimum of 30 minutes, or overnight.

Rinse Out Treatment (for sensitive scalp):

Spray on scalp and hair. Leave for 20 – 30 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Pro Tips to Maximize Results

Rinse rice well before soaking to remove impurities such as arsenic.

Do not store rice water longer than 5-7 days; always store it in the fridge.

Dilute the rice water if it is too pungent or if the scalp is not used to it.

Do not use rice water excessively—if you use too much protein from rice, your hair may feel stiff or brittle.

Use a glass spray bottle to ensure that chemicals do not leach into the water.

Who Should Not Use Rice Water?

Rice water can be a great remedy for most hair types; however, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some cases for people to avoid rice water:

Low-porosity hair might not react well, as it may lead to stiffness or dryness from protein buildup if used too much.

Those who are sensitive to protein could face excessive hair breakage.

Please remember to patch test whenever using a new product!

Real User Experiences and Testimonials

Emily, 29 – Natural Hair Enthusiast

I have been using the rice water spray for SIX weeks and my hair has grown almost an inch! Plus, it looks a lot shinier.”

Ayesha, 34 – Curly Hair Blogger

“I love how it cuts down on my frizz! I use it before styling, and my curls look defined and soft.

Rahul, 25 – Male User Using Rice Water as a remedy for his thinning hair issue.

I thought it seemed weird at first, but after incorporating fermented rice water into my routine twice a week, these past few weeks, my hair feels much thicker and stronger.

Expert Opinions: What do Trichologists say?

Dermatologists and hair professionals have told me rice water will not change your hair overnight; however, with consistent use, results will improve your texture, minimize breakage, and assist in better overall growth.

Dr. Kavita Verma, Trichologist

“Rice water is full of amino acids and antioxidants that could assist with looking after the strength of your hair and hair texture; however, as with any remedy, it is important to accompany it with a balanced haircare routine.”

Best Practices: Mixing Rice Water With Other Natural Ingredients

You can mix in rice water to create an amazing hair spray by using some of the following ingredients:

Aloe Vera Juice – for extra moisture

Rosemary Essential Oil – for increasing circulation to your scalp

Green Tea – for reducing inflammation and combating dandruff

Hibiscus Extract – for shine and extra volume

In Conclusion: Unleashing the Powers of Mother Nature

Amongst synthetic hair products, rice water hair spray offers a natural, efficient, and cheap way to nourish your hair. Drawing from ancient beauty rituals and supported by scientific studies, the modern-day homemade wonder can enhance the strength, shine, and growth of your hair.

Ready to go show off some good hair? Get the spray in your hands and watch your strands thrive!