Rice Water? Can It Boost Hair Growth?

Can Rice Water Help Your Hair Grow? Here’s What You Should Know

Hair loss can affect anyone. You might notice a receding hairline, thinning at the crown, or small bald patches from alopecia. No matter the cause, most people want the same thing: stronger, healthier hair.

Recently, many people have started using rice water for hair growth. It’s simple, natural, and easy to make at home. But does it really work? And more importantly, is it enough if you’re dealing with real hair loss?

What Is Rice Water?

Rice water is the cloudy liquid left after soaking or boiling rice. It contains:

Amino acids
Antioxidants
Vitamin B
Vitamin E
Small amounts of minerals

For centuries, women in parts of East Asia have used rice water as part of their hair care routine. Today, it has become popular again as a natural treatment for hair and scalp health.

Does Rice Water Help Hair Grow?

Here’s the honest answer:

Rice water does not regrow hair lost from genetic conditions like androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). In other words, if hair loss is driven by hormones and genetics, rice water will not reverse that process.

However, it may improve several aspects of overall hair quality. For example, it can enhance:

Hair strength
Shine
Elasticity
Overall scalp condition

Because rice water contains amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, it can help support a healthier scalp environment. As a result, hair strands may appear smoother and feel stronger. Moreover, when the scalp barrier is balanced and less irritated, existing hair is less prone to breakage.

That said, if your hairline is receding or your crown is thinning due to pattern baldness, rice water alone will not restore lost follicles. Instead, it should be viewed as a conditioning treatment rather than a medical solution.

Step-by-Step Guide

Rinse ½ cup of uncooked rice to remove impurities.
Add 1–2 cups of water.
Let it soak for 30 minutes (or boil it for a stronger solution).
Strain the liquid into a container.
Leave it to ferment for 24 hours at room temperature.
Store in the fridge and use within one week.

How to Use It

Apply to the scalp after shampooing
Leave on for 10–20 minutes
Rinse thoroughly
Use 1–3 times per week

Overuse can lead to protein buildup, which may make hair brittle.

What Are the Real Benefits?

1. Stronger Hair

Amino acids can help reinforce the hair shaft. As a result, you may notice less breakage.

2. More Shine

The starch in rice water coats the strands. Because of this, hair can look smoother and shinier.

3. A Calmer Scalp

Antioxidants may reduce mild irritation, dryness, and dandruff.

4. Less Breakage

When hair breaks less, it can look fuller over time. However, this is different from growing new hair.

In these cases, you may want to look at professional options.

When Rice Water Isn’t Enough

While rice water and other natural remedies can support general hair health, they are not always sufficient for more advanced concerns.

For example, if you are dealing with a receding hairline, a thinning crown, or increasingly visible scalp, the underlying issue may extend beyond what topical home treatments can address.

Similarly, the presence of bald patches or long-term, progressive hair loss often indicates deeper factors—such as hormonal changes, genetics, or medical conditions—that require more targeted intervention.

In these cases, although natural approaches may still play a supportive role, they are unlikely to produce significant or noticeable regrowth on their own.

Have You Heard Of Scalp Micro Pigmentation?

If you’re searching for another hair loss solution. This may be the solution for you.

Scalp micro pigmentation might be the solution you need. SMP involves the use of microneedles which are used to tattoo pigmentation into the scalp which mimics hair follicles, providing the illusion of a closely shaven head.

It is a cosmetic procedure that can be carried out across the entire scalp or on certain areas to help combat hair loss or baldness and cover bald patches.

Final Verdict: Should You Try Rice Water?

If you want better shine, stronger strands, and a healthier scalp, rice water is worth trying. It’s simple, low-cost, and easy to add to your routine.

However, if you want to restore a receding hairline or cover visible scalp, you will likely need a more advanced solution.

Natural remedies can support your hair.
Professional treatments can transform how it looks.

If hair loss is affecting your confidence, booking a consultation with Skalp could help you explore long-term options.

We have clinics in London and Manchester.

Book an appointment for a complimentary consultation today