How to Make Rice Water for Hair Growth at Home: Step-by-Step Guide

Rice water has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to strengthen and promote hair growth naturally.

Packed with nutrients like amino acids, vitamins B and E, antioxidants, and minerals, rice water can nourish your hair from the roots, making it stronger and more resilient.

It's been used for centuries by the Yao women in China, who are known for their long, healthy hair that maintains its strength even as they age.

Scientifically, rice water contains inositol, a carbohydrate that helps repair damaged hair  and reduce friction, which makes it ideal for promoting smoother, shinier hair and preventing breakage.

Some research has shown that the amino acids in rice water can help stimulate dormant hair follicles , encouraging new growth and improving scalp health.

However, making your own rice water can be time-consuming. That’s where ready-made solutions like Miriam’s Rice Water Shampoo come in.

By using the power of rice water in a convenient shampoo formula, you can save time while still reaping the benefits for hair growth.

Whether you choose the DIY method or a ready-made product, rice water can make a noticeable difference in your hair health and growth.

Next, we'll now walk through the simple ingredients and steps to make your own rice water at home.

• ½ cup of uncooked rice (white, brown, jasmine, or basmati rice work well)
• 2 cups of water
• A strainer
• A container with a lid (preferably airtight)
• A spray bottle for easy application

There are three simple ways to make rice water for hair growth, and we’ve ordered them from the most time-consuming to the easiest.

First up is the fermentation method, which boosts the potency of the rice water and enhances its benefits for your hair. If you're pressed for time, we've also included quicker options like boiling and soaking.

But if you’re looking to skip the DIY altogether ,  Miriam’s Rice Water Shampoo  and Conditioner give you all the benefits of rice water in a convenient, ready-to-use formula. No fuss, just results.

Fermenting rice water boosts its nutrient content and enhances its benefits for your hair. Here’s how to ferment rice water at home:

Step 1: Prepare Your Rice Water

Use either the soaking or boiling method outlined below to create your rice water. Once prepared, strain the rice and keep the liquid for fermentation.

Step 2: Ferment the Rice Water

Let the rice water sit uncovered at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours . As it ferments, the nutrients become more concentrated, making the water even more beneficial for hair care. You'll know the fermentation is complete when the liquid starts to emit a faint sour odor, indicating it's ready for use.

Step 3: Store the Fermented Rice Water

After fermentation, refrigerate the rice water to keep it fresh for up to a week. Since fermented rice water is more potent, it’s a good idea to dilute it with water before applying it to your hair. 

If you're looking for a simpler approach, the soaking method is both easy and effective. While it takes less time than fermentation, it still provides nutrient-rich rice water that can strengthen and nourish your hair.

Step 1. Rinse the Rice

Place ½ cup of uncooked rice in a strainer and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities.

Step  2. Soak the Rice

After rinsing the rice, place it in a fresh container and pour in 2 cups of water. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to start the nutrient extraction process. For enhanced results, allow the rice to soak for up to 12–24 hours, which will draw out even more vitamins and minerals into the liquid.

Step 3 Strain the Rice Water

Once soaked, strain out the rice and pour the water into a clean container or spray bottle for easy application. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to a week.

If you're pressed for time, the boiling method is an excellent alternative that still packs the hair-nourishing benefits of rice water. 

While faster than fermentation and soaking, it’s an effective way to unlock the nutrients from rice.

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

As with the previous soaking method, begin by rinsing ½ cup of uncooked rice under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities.

Step 2: Simmer the Rice Water

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot, then add the rinsed rice. Lower the heat and let the water simmer for around 10 minutes. As the rice cooks, the water will start to turn cloudy, which shows the nutrients are being drawn out and infusing the water.

Step 3: Cool and Strain

Once the rice water has reached its cloudy state, remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool down. Strain the rice, and pour the nutrient-rich water into a clean container or spray bottle for easy application. Keep it refrigerated for up to a week to maintain freshness. 

Now that you know the three methods of preparing rice water, it’s time to put it to use.

Follow these easy steps to get the most out of your rice water treatment and boost your hair’s health and growth.

1. Wash Your Hair

Begin by gently cleansing your hair with a shampoo that’s free from sulfates. This helps eliminate any buildup from oils or styling products, allowing your hair to better absorb the nutrients from the rice water during treatment.

If you're looking to save time, consider using  Miriam’s Rice Water Shampoo  , which contains 70.5% Rice Water—providing the same natural benefits in a more convenient form.

With additional hair-boosting ingredients like biotin and rosemary oil, it’s perfect for those who want to skip the DIY process while still nourishing their hair effectively.

2. Apply the Rice Water

After washing, pour the rice water over your scalp and hair, making sure all strands are fully saturated. 

A spray bottle can make this step easier, especially for thicker hair.

3. Massage Your Scalp

Massage your scalp gently for a few minutes to boost circulation and promote better absorption of the rice water into the hair follicles. 

This step supports healthier, stronger hair growth.

4. Leave On for 15–20 Minutes

Allow the rice water to remain on your hair and scalp for 15–20 minutes, giving the nutrients time to fully absorb. 

This will help fortify your hair, promoting growth and reducing breakage over time.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Once the treatment is finished, rinse your hair with lukewarm water to remove all traces of rice water. 

Be sure to wash out any residue to prevent buildup and leave your hair feeling clean.

To get the best long-term results from your rice water treatment, following up with the right aftercare routine is key. 

Rice water strengthens and nourishes your hair, but to lock in that goodness and keep your hair healthy over time, a few extra steps can make all the difference.

1. Condition for Long-Lasting Benefits

Rice water does an amazing job of fortifying your hair, but for extra moisture and smoothness, following up with a conditioner is essential.

This is where  Miriam’s Rice Water Conditioner  really shines.

With 70.5% Rice Water , it amplifies the benefits you’ve just gained from the treatment, while ingredients like coconut oil and flower extracts deeply hydrate your hair.

It’s like giving your hair an extra layer of care, without the hassle of making another DIY treatment.

Plus, it helps reduce frizz, adds shine, and keeps your hair soft and manageable—all things that make a noticeable difference when you're working on hair growth.

2. Lock in Moisture

Once you’ve conditioned your hair, you can follow it up with a light leave-in conditioner or hair oil to help seal in hydration.

For a perfect match, try  Miriam’s 18 Oil Blend Hair Growth Oil  , packed with nourishing ingredients to protect your hair and lock in moisture.

This extra step is especially beneficial for hair that tends to be dry or frizzy, as it provides an extra barrier of moisture and shields your strands throughout the day.

As a result, your hair will stay smoother, softer, and easier to manage, with less frizz.

By integrating these easy steps into your hair care routine, you’re not just boosting the benefits of rice water—you’re also providing your hair with the long-term care it needs to stay resilient, shiny, and strong.

When it comes to using rice water for hair growth, consistency is important, but so is balance.

Overusing rice water can lead to protein buildup, which may cause your hair to feel stiff or dry. To get the best results, you’ll want to find a routine that strengthens your hair without overloading it.

For most people, using rice water 1–2 times per week is ideal . This frequency gives your hair time to absorb the nutrients and grow stronger while still allowing your scalp to maintain its natural moisture balance. 

If your hair is particularly dry or damaged, you can start with once a week and gradually increase it to twice a week as your hair becomes more accustomed to the treatment.

If you're using  Miriam’s Rice Water Shampoo  and  Conditioner  , the built-in rice water and added nutrients mean you can incorporate these products into your regular wash routine without worrying about overuse .

They’re designed to deliver the benefits of rice water in a balanced, everyday formula, so you don’t have to worry about protein overload.

Always listen to your hair. If you notice any stiffness or dryness, it’s a good idea to scale back the frequency until your hair adjusts to the treatment.

Making rice water at home can be a great way to nourish your hair naturally, but let’s be honest— it’s not always the most convenient option. 

Between the soaking, boiling, and fermenting, it takes time, effort, and a bit of patience.

If you’re someone who loves the benefits of rice water but prefers a quicker solution, there’s an easier way to work it into your routine.

That’s where  Miriam’s Rice Water Shampoo  and  Conditioner  step in. 

With 70.5% Rice Water [more Rice water concentration than other popular Rice Water products in the market], Miriam’s products give you all the hair-strengthening benefits without the extra work.

No more waiting hours for the rice to soak or trying to store the rice water properly.

Instead, you can just grab the bottle and enjoy the benefits of rice water with added ingredients like biotin, rosemary oil, and coconut oil to nourish and hydrate your hair even further.

If you have a busy schedule or someone who just wants something hassle-free, these ready-to-use products are a game changer for you. 

You still get the nutrients that rice water is known for—helping with hair growth, reducing frizz, and adding shine—but in a way that’s easy to fit into your daily hair care routine.

So whether you love the DIY approach or are looking for a fast, effective alternative, Miriam’s Rice Water Shampoo and Conditioner give you the best of both worlds.

Curious about how Miriam’s Rice Water Shampoo and Conditioner are making a difference? 

Our customers have shared their real experiences with these products, and the results speak for themselves.

Check out what they’re saying about their hair transformations: