How to Make Fermented Rice Water for Hair (Exact Recipe I Use)

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Some beauty DIYs are just not worth the hype. This one? Worth it.

I started using fermented rice water on my hair after reading about the Yao women of China—whose hair literally touches the floor and somehow never goes gray. At first, I figured it was one of those internet things that sounds magical but delivers meh results. But after a few weeks of testing out fermented rice water for hair, I was genuinely impressed. My hair felt softer, stronger, and less like a broomstick.

And the best part? It costs basically nothing. (Kind of like making your own homemade plant-based milk, which you should totally try if you haven’t yet.)

In this post, I’m walking you through exactly how to make fermented rice water for hair, what you’ll need, how to use it, and a few mistakes I made so you don’t have to. It’s a small, simple thing, but it makes hair care feel a little more intentional—and that’s my kind of slow beauty.

What Is Fermented Rice Water for Hair?

Fermented rice water for hair is exactly what it sounds like: rice water that’s been left out for a day or two to naturally sour and get a little funky—in the best way. It might not smell amazing (fair warning), but it’s packed with nutrients like amino acids, antioxidants, and a compound called inositol that helps strengthen and smooth your hair.

The idea isn’t new. Women from the Red Yao tribe in China have been using fermented rice water for centuries. Their hair grows well past their hips—sometimes up to six feet long—and stays naturally dark and healthy well into their 70s and 80s.

While you might not be trying to grow Rapunzel-length hair, if your ends feel brittle, your scalp’s been cranky, or your hair just needs a little love, fermented rice water is a solid place to start.

Benefits of Using Fermented Rice Water for Hair

Let’s get into why fermented rice water for hair is worth the hype—and not in a weird internet challenge kind of way.

1. Strengthens hair and reduces breakage
Fermented rice water contains amino acids and inositol, a compound that helps repair damaged strands and protect them from future breakage. It basically acts like a lightweight protein treatment—without the salon markup. Fermentation also increases antioxidant levels, which may help reduce oxidative stress on the scalp.

2. Boosts shine and smoothness
If your hair’s been looking a little dull or frizzy, rice water helps smooth the cuticle and add natural shine. It doesn’t weigh your hair down like a leave-in, but it leaves it softer and way easier to comb through.

3. Soothes an irritated or flaky scalp
The slightly acidic pH from fermentation can help balance your scalp’s microbiome (especially if you’ve been using a lot of dry shampoo or clarifying products lately). Bonus: it may help with mild dandruff and itchiness too.

4. May support hair growth (indirectly)
No magic hair potion here—but if your scalp is happy and your strands are stronger, you’re creating the best environment for healthy growth. Think of it as setting the stage for your hair to do its thing.

Pair this with a few minutes of scalp massage and you’ve got yourself a slow beauty moment that actually pulls its weight.

What You’ll Need to Make Fermented Rice Water

The best part about making fermented rice water for hair is that you probably already have most of this in your kitchen.

Ingredients + Tools:

• ½ cup uncooked white rice – I like jasmine or basmati because they smell nicer when fermented. Organic if possible.
• 2–3 cups filtered water – The cleaner, the better. This is going on your scalp, after all.
• A clean glass jar with a lid – Mason jars work perfectly. Here’s the set I use.
• A fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag – You’ll need this to separate the water from the rice. My go-to nut milk bag also works great for this.
• Optional: Pomelo peel – Adds natural shine, helps balance scalp oil, and cuts the sour smell of the ferment. No pomelo peel? You can use grapefruit peel instead—it’s packed with similar fruit acids and antioxidants, and adds that same clean, citrusy scent. Just make sure it’s fresh and preferably organic. I toss in a few pieces right before fermentation.
• Optional: 1 tsp tea seed powder (aka camellia seed powder) – This is traditionally used as a natural cleanser, but is super hard to find. So, I use shikakai powder instead—it’s a gentle, plant-based cleanser with a long tradition in natural hair care, and works beautifully with this ferment.

Why Citrus Peels (Pomelo or Grapefruit) Make a Difference

If you’ve ever researched traditional hair care in Asia, you’ve probably seen citrus peels—especially pomelo—pop up again and again. That’s not a coincidence.

Pomelo peels are rich in vitamin C, natural fruit acids, and essential oils that help clarify, strengthen, and protect the scalp. When used with fermented rice water, they do three very helpful things:

1. Balance Scalp Oil

Citrus peels have mild astringent properties, which help reduce excess oil without stripping the scalp. It’s especially helpful if your hair gets greasy quickly or you’re prone to buildup.

2. Enhance Shine and Softness

The fruit acids gently smooth the hair cuticle, making strands feel softer and look shinier—without needing a silicone-laden serum.

3. Naturally Deodorize Fermented Water

Let’s be honest—fermented rice water doesn’t smell great. Pomelo peel gives it a light, citrusy scent that makes the whole experience way more enjoyable. No need to mask it with synthetic fragrance. Plus, pomelo essential oil has been shown to have antioxidant properties that help protect skin and scalp.

In traditional Chinese medicine, pomelo peel (also called “you zi pi”) has been used not just for hair but for skin and digestion too. It’s part of a bigger slow wellness philosophy that focuses on simplicity, balance, and natural ingredients—exactly what we’re about here.

Why Add Camellia Seed Powder (Or Use Shikakai Instead)

If you want to stay true to the original Yao hair rinse, camellia seed powder—also called tea seed powder—is the ingredient that takes it next level.

It’s made from the leftover seeds of the camellia plant (yep, the same one that gives us green tea), and it’s been used for generations as a natural hair and scalp cleanser—especially in southern China.

Here’s why it earns a spot in the jar:

1. Natural cleanser (no suds)

Camellia seed powder contains natural saponins, which act like a super gentle shampoo. Studies show it may also support hair growth by stimulating dermal papilla cells—key to follicle health. It helps lift oil, dirt, and buildup from your scalp—without stripping your hair dry like conventional shampoo.

2. Scalp-soothing and anti-inflammatory

This powder has a cooling, calming effect on irritated or itchy scalps. It’s a good option if your roots feel sensitive, especially if you’re ditching sulfates or going no-poo.

3. Adds softness and reduces breakage

It’s full of fatty acids (like oleic acid) that help nourish and smooth the hair shaft. That means less snapping, more softness, and a bit of shine—even if you skip the conditioner.

4. Traditional and effective

Yao women have used this for centuries in place of soap or shampoo. If you’re into minimal, natural, and low-waste hair care, this is the kind of ingredient that makes your rinse feel both luxurious and grounded in history.

Shikakai powder is a great substitute for camellia, just add it after fermentation, just before using. Letting it sit too long in the jar can throw off the balance or make the texture weird—trust me, I’ve tried it. Freshly mixed = best results. Before use, mix ½–1 tsp shikakai powder with a bit of warm water to form a thin paste or slurry. Stir that into your fermented rice water, shake well, and apply

How to Make Fermented Rice Water for Hair (Step-by-Step)

This version is simple, traditional-ish, and totally doable in a cozy kitchen setup. Here’s exactly how I make fermented rice water for hair.

Step 1: Rinse the rice

Measure out ½ cup of uncooked white rice and rinse it well under cold water. I do this two or three times until the water runs mostly clear—just to get rid of any extra starch or dust.

Step 2: Combine everything in a jar

• Transfer the rinsed rice into a clean glass jar.
• Pour in 2–3 cups of filtered water.
• If you’re using pomelo or grapefruit peel, toss in a few small pieces.
• If you’re using tea seed powder, stir in 1 teaspoon here.

Step 3: Cover and ferment

Loosely cover the jar with a breathable lid or a cloth and rubber band. Let it sit on your countertop at room temp for 24 to 48 hours. Shake or stir the mixture once a day.

You’re looking for a slightly sour, fermented scent—something a little tangy but not rotten. The warmer your kitchen, the faster it’ll ferment.

If you’re skipping the citrus or tea seed, it’ll still work great—this recipe is super forgiving.

Step 4: Strain and store

Once it’s fermented, strain the liquid into a clean jar or spray bottle using a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag. Toss the solids (or compost them!) and stash the finished rice water in the fridge. It’ll stay good for 5 to 7 days.

Optional: Add shikakai powder before use

When you’re ready to use your rice water, stir in ½ to 1 teaspoon of shikakai powder and shake well. It adds a gentle cleansing boost—especially helpful if your scalp tends to get oily or needs a little extra love.

Don’t add shikakai during fermentation—it can mess with the pH and throw off the ferment.

Optional: Add essential oil for scent

If you’re not using pomelo peel and want to add a little scent or scalp support, 1 drop of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil can do the trick. Lavender is great for dry, irritated scalps, while eucalyptus adds a clean, clarifying boost—especially if your roots get oily fast.

How to Use Fermented Rice Water for Hair

Now that you’ve got your rice water ready to go, here’s how to actually use it—and get the most out of it.

Step 1: Start with clean, damp hair

You can use it after shampooing or as a rinse between wash days. Just make sure your scalp and hair are damp so the rice water can absorb properly.

Step 2: Apply to your scalp

Pour or spray the fermented rice water directly onto your scalp. (A spray bottle is less messy, but your hands or a squeeze bottle work too.) Massage it in gently for a minute or two—this helps stimulate circulation and ensures it reaches your roots.

Step 3: Let it sit

Let the rice water soak in for 5 to 20 minutes. If your hair’s low-porosity or prone to protein overload, stick with the shorter end. Otherwise, you can wrap your hair in a towel and let it chill for a bit.

Optional: While it sits, use a scalp massager or do a little facial steam session. Hello, multitasking self-care.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly

Rinse your hair with cool or lukewarm water (nothing too hot—especially if you used tea seed powder). Follow with conditioner if needed, or leave it as is if your hair feels soft enough.

How often should you use it?

• Dry or damaged hair: Start with once a week
• Oily or normal hair: 1–2x per week
• Protein-sensitive hair: Test once every 10–14 days and adjust based on how your hair responds

What to Use After: Camellia Seed Oil for Sealing In Moisture

Can’t find camellia seed powder? You’re not alone—it’s traditionally used in the original Yao hair rinse, but unless you live near a well-stocked Chinese herbal shop, it’s incredibly hard to find.

The good news? You can still tap into the same tradition with the next best thing: camellia seed oil—also known as tea seed oil.

Why Camellia Seed Oil Deserves a Spot in Your Routine

While it’s not part of the rinse itself, Yao women have used camellia oil for centuries as a post-wash treatment to protect their waist-length hair from breakage, dryness, and environmental stress.

It’s lightweight, nourishing, and works beautifully as a finishing step after your fermented rice water for hair routine.

I use this cold-pressed, 100% pure version.

Benefits:

• Seals in moisture after rinsing, without weighing hair down
• Rich in oleic acid (omega-9) – helps strengthen and soften the hair shaft
• Boosts shine naturally without silicones
• Reduces frizz and split ends with regular use
• Gentle and fragrance-free – ideal for sensitive scalps

How to Use It:

1. After rinsing out your fermented rice water, towel-dry your hair until damp
2. Rub 1 or 2 drops of camellia seed oil between your palms
3. Smooth it over the mid-lengths and ends of your hair (avoid roots)
4. Let your hair air-dry or style as usual

Tips for Best Results with Fermented Rice Water

Fermented rice water isn’t a magic potion—but when you use it consistently and correctly, it can make your hair feel stronger, shinier, and healthier. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of it:

1. Swirl daily while it ferments

Give your jar a gentle swirl once or twice a day while it’s sitting out. This keeps the nutrients moving and helps everything ferment more evenly.

2. Use a spray bottle for easy application

Pouring can get messy. I like transferring mine to a spray bottle—especially if I’m focusing on the scalp. It gives better coverage and saves you from dripping all over the floor.

3. Do a patch test the first time

If you’ve never used fermented ingredients on your scalp, do a quick test behind your ear before going all in. Better safe than itchy.

4. Follow with conditioner if your hair feels dry

Fermented rice water has a mild protein effect. If your hair feels a little stiff or rough after rinsing, follow with a lightweight conditioner or hair oil on the ends.

5. Keep it cold, and don’t keep it too long

Once it’s fermented and strained, store it in the fridge. It lasts about 5 to 7 days. If it starts to smell off (like sour milk vs. citrusy tea), toss it and make a fresh batch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fermented rice water is simple, but a few easy missteps can turn a great hair day into a crunchy mess (or a smelly one). Here’s what I’ve learned the hard way:

1. Letting it ferment too long

If it smells like something died in the jar, it’s gone too far. You want a light sour or fermented tea scent—not a science experiment gone wrong. Stick to 24–48 hours max, depending on room temp.

2. Using it too often

Yes, it’s natural—but more isn’t always better. Overuse (especially on low-porosity or protein-sensitive hair) can lead to stiffness, breakage, or dryness. Start slow. Once a week is plenty for most hair types.

3. Skipping the rinse

Leaving rice water in your hair without rinsing can cause buildup or make your hair feel coated. Always rinse it out with cool water after your soak time.

4. Not straining thoroughly

Any leftover rice grains or pomelo peel bits in your hair = no fun. Use a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag and take your time with this part.

5. Not storing it properly

This stuff is alive (thanks, fermentation), so treat it like food. Keep it in the fridge, use a clean container, and toss it if it smells off or has mold.

Not Into DIY? These Strengthening Shampoos Are the Next Best Thing

If making your own fermented rice water isn’t your thing, there are a few actually clean options that bottle up the same hair-loving nutrients—without the wait, the smell, or the straining.

Here are the best I’ve found that are gentle and inspired by traditional hair rituals:

Viori Hidden Waterfall Shampoo Bar

Handcrafted with Longsheng rice water, wild-harvested herbs, and essential oils, this bar is inspired by the Red Yao women of China—the ones with floor-length, jet-black hair in their 80s. It’s gentle, plastic-free, and honestly? It works.

• Vegan & sulfate-free
• Made with ethically sourced rice water
• Plastic-free and compostable packaging

Best for dry, dull, or damaged hair that needs shine and strength.

Try the Viori bar on Amazon and see if your hair loves it as much as mine did.

Klorane Strengthening Shampoo with Quinine & Organic Edelweiss

Okay, so this one isn’t made with rice water—but it is loaded with strengthening botanicals. It’s clinically tested, smells fresh (not earthy), and helps reduce shedding and support hair regrowth. If your hair’s been stressed or thinning, this one’s worth a spot in your shower.

• Certified organic by ECOCERT
• Dermatologist-tested
• Gentle enough for sensitive scalps

Best for hair thinning or postpartum regrowth support.

Grab a bottle of Klorane here if you want science-backed results with real botanicals.

FAQs About Fermented Rice Water for Hair

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