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In the Chinese village of Huangluo, the women of the Red Yao tribe are famous for their floor-length, jet-black hair that doesn't gray until they are 80.
Their secret? They wash their hair with fermented rice water.
This ancient beauty secret has taken over the internet, but making it at home can be messy (and smelly). We reviewed the best rice water products that give you the benefits without the hassle.
📖 Table of Contents
The Science: Inositol
Rice water is rich in Inositol, a carbohydrate that repairs damaged hair. Inositol stays inside the hair even after rinsing, offering continued protection and repair. It also contains amino acids (for strength), Vitamin E (for shine), and B vitamins.
📊 Comparison Table: Best Rice Water Products
| Product | Best For | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viori Shampoo Bar | Authentic | Solid Bar | $16 |
| Mielle Rice Water Split End | Damage | Serum | $10 |
| Shu Uemura Izumi Tonic | Luxury | Spray | $58 |
| SheaMoisture Purple Rice | Strength | Mask | $14 |
| Hairfinity Rice Water Mist | Daily Use | Spray | $20 |
| Briogeo Don't Despair | Deep Condition | Mask | $39 |
| Kiehl's Rice & Wheat | Volume | Shampoo | $26 |
| Grow Gorgeous Intense | Thin Hair | Serum | $50 |
| Not Your Mother's Rice | Budget | Rinse | $8 |
| Uhai Scalp Serum | Itchy Scalp | Oil | $18 |
Best Rice Water Products (Detailed Reviews)
1. Viori Citrus Yao Shampoo Bar — The Authentic Choice
Best for: Supporting the Red Yao tribe.
Why we love it: Viori works directly with the Red Yao tribe in China to source their Longsheng rice. The bars are handcrafted, plastic-free, and smell like citrus (no fermented smell!). The "Citrus Yao" bar adds shine and volume.
Pros:
- Ethically sourced
- Zero waste
- Lasts 60+ washes
Cons: Can get mushy if left in water.
2. Mielle Organics Rice Water Split End Therapy
Best for: Natural hair and split ends.
Why we love it: This lightweight milky serum is designed to strengthen ends and prevent breakage. It also contains yuzu for a fresh scent. It's affordable and effective for retaining length.
Pros:
- Prevents breakage
- Lightweight
- Good slip
Cons: Small bottle.
3. Shu Uemura Izumi Tonic Strengthening Rice Water
Best for: Luxury lovers.
Why we love it: "Izumi" means fountain in Japanese. This is a leave-in strengthening water infused with rice proteins. It makes hair feel instantly thicker and stronger without any heaviness. It smells like a high-end salon.
Pros:
- Gorgeous scent
- Instantly thickens
- Premium glass bottle
Cons: very expensive ($58)..
4. SheaMoisture Purple Rice Water Strength Mask
Best for: Color-treated hair.
Why we love it: It uses purple rice, which is rich in antioxidants, combined with wild orchid and sweet violet extract. It combats brassiness in blonde hair while strengthening it with rice protein.
Pros:
- Color safe
- Deeply moisturizing
- Affordable
Cons: Heavy scent.
5. Hairfinity Rice Water Hair Mist
Best for: Convenience.
Why we love it: No boiling, no fermenting. Just spray this on your scalp and hair. It's simple and easy. Great for refreshing curls or soothing a dry scalp.
Pros:
- Easy spray bottle
- Light mist
- No rinsing needed
Cons: Runs out fast.
DIY Fermented Rice Water Recipe
If you want to make it yourself for free, here is the authentic method:
1. Rinse: Take 1 cup of organic white rice and rinse it to remove dirt.
2. Soak: Place rice in a bowl with 2-3 cups of water. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Swirl it around until the water turns milky.
3. Strain: Strain the rice (cook it for dinner!). Keep the cloudy water.
4. Ferment: Leave the water at room temperature for 12-24 hours until it smells slightly sour. This fermentation lowers the pH to match your hair.
5. Use: Pour over hair after shampooing. Massage for 5 minutes. Rinse well.
⚠️ Warning: Protein Overload
Rice water is a protein treatment. If you use it too often, or if you have low porosity hair, protein can build up and make your hair feel stiff, brittle, and dry (like straw).
Recommendation: Use rice water only 1-2 times a month. If your hair feels stiff, switch to a moisturizing conditioner immediately.
✅ Quick Summary Checklist
- ☑️ Best Shampoo Bar: Viori Citrus Yao
- ☑️ Best Serum: Mielle Organics
- ☑️ Frequency: Once every 2 weeks
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave DIY rice water in my hair?
No. DIY rice water smells bad and can cause protein buildup. Rinse it out after 20 minutes. Commercial sprays (like Shu Uemura) are formulated to be left in.
Does it work for all hair types?
Yes, but high porosity hair (damaged/bleached) benefits the most because it craves protein. Low porosity hair should use it sparingly.
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Final Thoughts
Rice water is one of the few internet trends that is backed by centuries of tradition and modern science. Try the Viori Shampoo Bar for an easy, waste-free way to incorporate it into your routine.