There’s an Item Already in Your Pantry That Might Help Promote Hair Growth

Could a remedy for helping boost hair growth already be in your pantry? 

Using rice water to rectify hair loss certainly isn’t a new concept — it’s been used in Asia for thousands of years. 

But Google searches for rice water related to hair growth have been steadily climbing over the last year. On TikTok, #ricewater videos have amassed nearly a billion views. Celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Cardi B have claimed using rice water produces a “noticeable difference in growth.” And brands are cashing in on the discourse, promoting hair products containing rice water that they say will “enrich,” “strengthen” and “repair” hair. 

But does it actually work? Here’s what experts want you to know. 

What is rice water? 

It’s exactly what it sounds like: water that’s had rice soaking in it. 

The concept behind using rice water for hair is that the starch in the rice contains a slew of vitamins and minerals that purportedly help protect, tame and grow hair, according to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. 

Soak a cup of uncooked rice in a bowl with two or three cups of water for 30 minutes, then strain, the center recommends. As for what kind of rice, hair stylist Rick Wellman recommended sticking to white rice in an interview with Self — brown or black rice may discolor lighter-colored hair, he noted. 

After washing your hair, dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., tells The Messenger that users should massage the rice water into your hair and let it sit for five to 10 minutes before washing out and applying regular conditioner. 

Experts recommend using rice water akin to the way you would a hair mask — not part of your everyday hair care routine, but rather an addition two or three times a week. 

Does rice water really grow hair? 

Proof that rice water actually works for hair growth is more anecdotal than researched-backed. 

“Rice water has been used to treat thinning hair for hundreds of years in eastern medicine,” Dr. Zeichner says. He notes that the concoction “contains high starch levels, which coat the hair shaft to add strength and hydration and minimize the appearance of split ends.” 

A 2021 meta-analysis of studies on rice’s impact on hair growth showed “promising” findings, but researchers noted the need for further studies to be done. One study showed that vitamin B8, which rice contains, helped promote hair growth for mice with alopecia, though notably the mice took the vitamin orally and the research has not been replicated with humans. 

“A miracle cure? Probably not,” wrote Nebraska Medicine medical director of dermatology Matthew Stephany, M.D., Nebraska Medicine medical director of General Dermatology. 

“But if you're free of troublesome skin conditions, scalp inflammation, or sensitive skin that may be irritated, most likely it won't hurt to give it a try. You may even find it helpful. Still, the benefits of rice water remain unproven.” 

Does using rice water have any side effects? 

Dr. Zeichner notes that rice water is a mild substance, which makes it safer for most skin and hair types to use. 

Still, experts warn that those who have skin conditions such as eczema would be best suited to consult a dermatologist, lest they add something to their scalp that may irritate the skin.  

“Remember that natural products can cause as much of a problem for your skin as synthetic products,” Dr. Stephany added.