How to make fermented rice water for hair (10 steps)

Winner, would you like to learn how to make fermented rice water for hair?

Then you’re reading the right post. Because I’m about to teach you the best way to do it (You know I’m all about DIYs). And that’s using the products you already have in your pantry. (Yes, saving you money!)

Now you can get beautiful and healthy hair without breaking your wallet.

Did you already know you can use fermented rice water as your pre-poo treatment just before you wash your hair at home?

Well, you know that pre-pooing your hair helps to add a protective layer on your hair so that the hair’s natural oils and moisture are not all stripped off during the washing process.

And what better way to pre-poo your hair than by using rice water, which is an essential protein to strengthen your hair?

By the way, if you’re wondering about the benefits of fermented rice water for hair, take it from the hair experts at Pantene who discuss fermented rice water – the secret to hair fall free days!

Sold? I bet you are.

So, how do you make fermented rice water for hair? I hear you ask. And you’re about to find out.

But before then, let’s first address the ingredients and tools you’ll need for your rice water.

Ingredients to make fermented rice water for hair

Tools to make fermented rice water for hair

10 easy steps to make fermented rice water for hair

Step 1: Add some dry rice to a small bowl

How much rice you put into the bowl will be determined by how much rice water you’ll be making.

You don’t need to measure anything. Just eyeball the amount you want.

You can use all kinds of rice, including white, brown, or black. (I use white rice because it’s the one we eat at home.)

And I add a generous amount of rice just to make the most of my pre-pooing. (Go big or go home?)

Step 2: Wash the rice

This step removes any dirt that may be on the rice.

How many times should you rinse your rice?

Twice will be enough to get rid of all the residue.

Caution: you don’t want to over wash your rice and deplete it of its rich creamy color.

Step 3: Add fresh water to your washed rice

Now that your rice is clean, you can now add fresh water to it. And this is the water you’ll be using for the fermentation process.

How much water you add to the rice will depend on how much rice you have in the bowl in the first place.

Which of course, is in turn determined by how much rice water you want to make.

Step 4: Add lemon slices to your mixture (Optional)

You can do without the lemon slices. But here’s the logic behind adding the lemon slices.

Because fermented rice has an unpleasant smell, the fragrant aroma of the lemon helps to soften the pungent smell (a little bit).

But you don’t have to add the whole lemon. Just one or two slices. Even a bit of lemon zest on its own will do.

Here’s what I also do at this step: in addition to the lemon slices, I also add a few leaves of the very aromatic Lippia Javanica herb which we use in our tea.

Now, that does really help with the smell.

Step 5: Stir the mixture

Stir your mixture of rice and water (and lemon slices and Lippia Javanica) with your spoon. And as you stir, your water should turn milky as some of the rice dissolves in the water.

The milkier the water, the better.

Step 6: Transfer your mixture to a sealable container

This is the container you’ll be using for your fermentation process.

So, make sure the container is big enough to allow enough room for the fermentation.

But you don’t have to go and spend any extra money on a container just for this. Because any sealable jar in your kitchen will do. (You’re using all natural, edible ingredients after all.)

Step 7: Seal the container and set it aside for fermentation

How much time your rice water will take to ferment will depend on the temperature surrounding your container.

Generally, the warmer the temperature, the faster your rice water will ferment. And vice versa.

For example, in the hot summer months, I need just 24 hours to get my rice fermented (even less).

And at least 2 full days in the cold winter months.

Step 8: Sieve the fermented rice water

Once your rice water has fermented, now’s the time to sieve it so you can use the water.

If you don’t have a sieve, then don’t worry. Because you can use any clean cloth for this step. (I use a dish cloth.)

And to get the most rice water, make sure to squeeze any excess liquid from your cloth.

Step #9: Pour the fermented rice water into a spray bottle

At this point, your fermented rice water is ready for use. And it’s from this bottle that you’ll apply the fermented rice water to your hair.

I even labelled my spray bottle ‘Rice Water.’ Just so I don’t confuse the bottle with the other one I have for my aloe vera juice.

Step 10: Add a drop of essential oil to the mixture (Optional)

You can definitely skip this step if you don’t have the essential oil.

Or if you prefer to just keep your fermented rice water as simple and basic as possible.

I only started adding the essential oil when I borrowed a bottle of eucalyptus oil from my sister. (Remember I added it to my coffee sugar scrub?)

But I must admit, adding the essential oil at this point just helps the smell of fermented rice water A LOT!

Since oil and water tend to separate when resting, remember to shake your spray bottle thoroughly when you apply your rice water to your hair, just to mix the ingredients well.

Congratulations, Winner! You just made fermented rice water for hair.

Which is great, of course. Except, how do you now use your rice water?

How to use fermented rice water for hair

Remember, you can use rice water to pre-poo your hair.

But because of the pungent smell (which is evident even with the lemon slices, Lippia Javanica leaves, and essential oil) and the white residue the rice water can leave on your hair, it’s best to limit your use of fermented rice water to your wash days.

And here’s what you do:

On your wash day or the night before:

Final thoughts

You can make your own fermented rice water for hair to get beautiful hair without using any money by using the ingredients you already have in your pantry. The steps outlined in this post will help you make your fermented rice water.

I hope this post has been helpful to you. In that case, please share your thoughts with us by commenting:

Winner, your feedback can inspire another Winner out there to also make their own fermented rice water so they can get their most beautiful and healthy hair without spending any money at all.

Last but not least, remember, it’s your journey. So, there’s no rush. No right or wrong. Only progress.

Also, remember that in everything you do, you’re a Winner. And in everything that happens, your life is always a win!