Fermented Rice Water, The Hair Industry's New Unicorn

Fermented rice water is a beauty buzzword right now, with countless videos on social media dedicated to the trend’s incredible hair conditioning benefits – and for good reason. 

Fermented rice water has been used for centuries in various cultures for its potential benefits to human hair and here are 5 of the commonly reported benefits:

1. Hair growth: Fermented rice water is believed to stimulate hair growth. It contains amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish the hair follicles, promote blood circulation, and potentially encourage hair growth.

2. Improved hair strength: The proteins and nutrients present in fermented rice water can strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage and improving hair resilience. This can result in longer, healthier-looking hair over time.

3. Increased hair shine and softness: Fermented rice water can help smoothen the hair cuticles, which may lead to shinier and softer hair. It can also enhance the hair's overall texture and make it more manageable.

4. Reduced scalp irritation: The presence of certain compounds in fermented rice water, such as inositol, can have a soothing effect on the scalp. It may help alleviate scalp irritation, itching, and inflammation.

5. Detangling and conditioning properties: Fermented rice water can act as a natural conditioner, making it easier to detangle and manage hair. It can improve the hair's moisture retention ability, making it less prone to dryness and frizz.

DIY hacks for rinsing hair at-home in fermented rice water, which is said to be high in lock-nourishing vitamins B, C and E.

‘Rice water for hair’ has 661.2 million views on TikTok alone, while videos on the social media platform mentioning ‘rice water growth challenge’ – where users show off their before-and-after results – have 202 million views. 

As the industry evolves so does the technology.