2-5 day delivery
100.000+ satisfied customers
Free delivery over £49
Rice water shampoo: How to make and use it for strength and shine
by Nanna Bundgaard | 31. May 2025 | Reading time: 6 minutes
Read more about the authorShampoos containing rice water are increasingly valued for their natural approach to hair care. With its roots in traditional beauty practices from East and South-East Asia, rice water has been used for generations as part of routines aimed at achieving strong, shiny and resilient hair. Its resurgent popularity reflects a growing interest in simple hair care solutions based on natural ingredients.
With regular use, this method can help to strengthen the hair, add shine and make it easier to comb and style.
Try our hair test
The hair test gives you precise answers about which products are best for your hair type. Try it now 👇🏼
Try it now!What are the benefits of rice water shampoo?
Rice water shampoo is praised for its versatile properties and has become a popular choice for those seeking to provide their hair with extra care. One of the most highlighted benefits is its ability to strengthen the hair shafts. Rice water contains amino acids and proteins which can help to strengthen the hair shaft, thereby reducing the occurrence of broken hairs, split ends and general damage. Over time, this can help to make the hair more resilient.
Another key benefit lies in its smoothing properties. Inositol, a carbohydrate found in rice water, can coat the hair, thereby helping to reduce surface friction and improve the hair’s suppleness. This can result in softer, shinier hair that is easier to manage and less prone to frizz.
Shampoo containing rice water can also form part of a scalp-focused routine. Rice water contains various nutrients and antioxidants, and many people use it as part of their hair care routine to achieve a more balanced and well-nourished scalp. With regular use, some people experience improved shine, texture and manageability.
Rice water shampoo can therefore be a gentle and simple approach to hair care. By combining traditional methods with modern applications, it can form part of a routine aimed at achieving stronger, smoother and better-nourished hair.
Have you ever tried rice water shampoo?
How do you make rice water shampoo at home?
Making rice water shampoo at home allows you to combine a traditional ingredient with a simple hair wash. Below you’ll find two recipes: a liquid shampoo with rice water and soap nuts, and a solid shampoo bar.
1. Liquid shampoo with rice water and soap nuts
This liquid shampoo combines fermented rice water with soap nuts and can be used as an alternative to a regular shampoo.
Soapnuts, also known as reetha, contain natural saponins, which can help cleanse the hair and scalp. When combined with rice water, which contains amino acids, inositol and vitamins, you get a shampoo that can help make your hair shinier and more manageable.
Adding essential oils such as rosemary or lavender can give the shampoo a pleasant scent and make it a more sensorial part of your hair care routine. The formula can be adapted to suit your own preferences and needs.
Ingredients:
½ cup uncooked rice
2 cups water
5 to 6 soap nuts
5 drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Rinse the rice and leave it to soak in water for 24 to 48 hours to ferment.
In a separate saucepan, simmer the soapnuts in 1 cup of water for about 15 minutes.
Strain the fermented rice water and combine it with the liquid from the soap nuts.
Add essential oils if desired.
Store the mixture in a clean bottle in the fridge for up to a week.
Use: Apply to wet hair, massage gently into the scalp and rinse thoroughly.
£14.99
2. Rice water shampoo bar
A rice water shampoo bar is a practical alternative to liquid shampoo and combines the nourishing properties of rice water with a solid format. The bar can be made using a shampoo base, fermented rice water, oil and, if desired, essential oils.
Ingredients such as shea butter or coconut oil can provide extra nourishment, whilst the rice water contributes amino acids and inositol. The result is a solid shampoo that can be used on various hair types and may be particularly beneficial for hair that feels dry or damaged.
The solid form makes the shampoo easy to store and convenient to take with you when travelling. If stored in a soap dish where water can drain away, it will stay in good condition between uses.
Ingredients:
1 cup of fermented rice water, reduced to ½ cup by simmering
250 g shampoo base for melting and moulding
1 tbsp coconut oil or shea butter
10 drops of rosemary essential oil
Instructions:
Gently melt the shampoo base in a bain-marie.
Stir in the reduced rice water, the oil and the essential oil.
Pour the mixture into silicone moulds and leave to set for 24 hours.
Use as a regular shampoo bar by lathering it up in wet hands or directly on the hair, then rinse thoroughly.
Both versions combine a cleansing effect with the nourishing properties of rice water.
Get a 10% discount code sent to you
Receive the best tips and tricks for your hair from Lotte and Nanna 🥰
Frequently asked questions about rice water shampoo
Is rice water shampoo suitable for all hair types?
Yes, rice water shampoo can be used on many different hair types. However, people with low-porosity hair should be mindful of how often they use it. As rice water contains protein, using it too frequently can lead to build-up and make the hair feel stiff.
It may therefore be a good idea to space out your washes a bit at first and keep an eye on how your hair reacts.
Can rice water shampoo be used on colour-treated hair?
Rice water shampoo can be used on colour-treated hair, but it’s a good idea to keep an eye on how your hair colour reacts. Frequent washing can generally affect the intensity of the colour over time.
If you want to preserve the colour for as long as possible, you can alternate between rice water shampoo and a shampoo specifically formulated for colour-treated hair.
Is there anything to be aware of?
For some people, using rice water too frequently can lead to protein build-up, which may make the hair feel dry or stiff.
You should therefore start by using the shampoo once or twice a week, for example, and adjust according to how your hair reacts. It may also be beneficial to combine this routine with a moisturising conditioner or hair mask to maintain a good balance between moisture and protein.
