9 best rice water shampoos for strong, shiny hair
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The best rice water shampoos harness centuries-old beauty secrets to cleanse, strengthen, and add shine to your hair with every wash. “Rice water shampoo is exactly what it sounds like –shampoo made with starchy water left over after boiling or soaking rice,” says Scott Fabian, senior stylist at Ollin NYC by Johnny Ramirez, noting that it contains hair-friendly nutrients such as amino acids, vitamins B and E, and minerals. “Rice water shampoo is great for anyone with damaged or brittle hair because the amino acids help strengthen the hair shaft, reducing split ends,” says Fabian.
To find the best rice water shampoos you can buy, we combed through hundreds of reviews, leaned on experts for their favourite picks, and tried and tested options firsthand. We evaluated each shampoo’s ability to strengthen strands while delivering hydration to ward off dryness. We also discovered some shampoo bars and multi-step treatments worth trying out, too.
TikTok says so, so let's break it down.
Meet the experts
| Scott Fabian | Senior Stylist at Ollin NYC by Johnny Ramirez. |
|---|---|
| Alexandra Bowles, MD | Board-certified Dermatologist at Mona Dermatology Cincinnati. |
How we tested rice water shampoos
We evaluated rice water shampoos by considering their formulas and ingredients, efficacy, and whether they were recommended by experts. First, we confirmed that rice water or rice protein was present in the ingredient list. From there, we looked into other ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and biotin, to decide which hair types would benefit most from each shampoo (for example, hydrating hyaluronic acid is especially helpful for those with dry hair). We also tested a selection of these shampoos on thick, wavy hair and made sure it thoroughly cleaned and strengthened hair after just a few washes. Lastly, we prioritised rice water shampoos that are recommended by hairstylists, as these have been used across various hair types and textures.
Ahead, the best rice water shampoos to shop this year.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Rich Rice Shampoo
Formulated with Briogeo’s proprietary rice protein complex, this shampoo gets Fabian’s nod “to strengthen hair cuticles, reduce breakage and enhance resilience.” To use this water-activated hair concentrate, place a small amount of product in your hands, add water, and use as you would any shampoo. “Hair is noticeably stronger, smoother, and more vibrant with every wash,” says Fabian. “It works well for all hair types and textures.”
- Pros: Can be used on all hair types and textures; concentrated formula.
- Cons: Some online reviewers think it leaves their hair feeling greasy.
- Key ingredients: Rice protein complex, ceramides, algae extract.
Shu Uemura Izumi Tonic Shampoo
Luxury Japanese hair brand Shu Uemura has an entire range inspired by yu-su-ru, Japan’s centuries-old tradition of bathing hair in rice water. This shampoo, just one part of the rest of the line, is “infused with Japanese rice water to visibly thicken hair fibres and enhance strength,” says Fabian. According to a study conducted by the brand, hair is 30 times stronger and the appearance of split ends is reduced by 91% when using a system of Izumi Tonic Shampoo, Mask, and Serum. The shampoo “is also enriched with ceramides to deeply nourish and hydrate, helping to restore softness, manageability and resilience,” says Fabian. “It is good for all hair types – straight, wavy, curly, and coily – and works well on fine to medium textures.”
- Pros: Inspired by Japanese tradition; works across hair types; proven to strengthen hair.
- Cons: Should be used as part of a hair care system for best results
- Key ingredients: Rice water.
Cécred Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Ritual
As much as we love a rice water shampoo, a deep treatment will also deliver serious hair benefits. This multistep fermented rice water treatment from Beyoncé’s hair care line is perfect for when you have some extra time to take an everything shower. Note that this is used much less frequently than a rice water shampoo: The brand recommends breaking it out every four to six weeks for use after shampooing and before conditioning (or more frequently if your hair needs a strengthening boost). To begin, you’ll want to fill a bottle with warm water, empty one packet of the Step 1 Fermented Rice & Rose Protein Powder, and shake well. Then pour the treatment over your hair to fully saturate it. This is where it’s important to be patient: Let the treatment absorb for 5 to 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. After that, apply Step 2 Silk Rinse, let that sit for another 5 minutes, and rinse thoroughly. Once you’re done, don’t forget the conditioner. “I have 4C hair and experience so much breakage and tangles,” says one reviewer. “I followed up with the deep conditioner and my hair is significantly stronger already after just one use, way less breakage in my comb when combing out my hair, and it’s soft and manageable.”
- Pros: Gives noticeable results; pampering hair treatment.
- Cons: Multistep system can take some time to complete.
- Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed rice, fermented rice powder, fermented rice proteins, biotin, rose powder.
Kitsch Rice Water Solid Shampoo Bar
If you love solid shampoo, you can still get your fix and reap the benefits of a rice-water-based formula. Simply lather up the pH-balanced shampoo by rubbing the bar against wet hair the same way you would a bar of soap against your skin. The water from the shower will create the lather, and you’ll know you’re getting a super-concentrated water-activated shampoo cleanse. “I love this shampoo bar. When I use it, my hair is shiny, soft, and silky, and it has a little more wave to it than normal,” a reviewer says. “It takes a time or two to get used to using it, but I really do like this and the other shampoo and conditioner bars this company makes. I also do like the idea that I’m using a product that doesn’t have a plastic bottle as waste.”
- Pros: Eco-friendly; more concentrated shampoo
- Cons: Can be a bit of a learning curve to using a shampoo bar
- Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed rice protein
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Viori Rice Water Infused Hair Shampoo Bar
Offered in a variety of scent options (users love the choice of different fragrances), each tailored to your hair type and concern, Viori’s rice water shampoo bars shampoo bars are both beautifully packaged and artfully formulated. Whether you have oily hair, sensitive scalp, or anything in between, you can choose a bar that works for you. Plus, the brand has clinical claims to back up the efficacy: In an independent consumer testing panel shared by the brand, after two weeks of use, participants found that frizz was improved by 22%, moisture levels increased by nearly 71%, and scalp redness reduced nearly 26%. We like those results. Consumers are happy too: “I absolutely love this shampoo bar,” a reviewer shares. “It leaves my hair light, airy, and full of volume. Any other product would leave my hair oily and heavy. I can go three days without washing my hair and it still looks great. The Viori shampoo bar makes a rich, velvety lather that nourishes my hair.” Make sure to get a shampoo bar storage container or dish so it doesn’t get rinsed away every time you turn on the shower.
- Pros: Doesn’t leave hair looking oily; clinically backed formulas that reduce frizz and scalp redness; several options depending on hair type.
- Cons: A soap-dish style container is needed to store the bar between washes.
- Key ingredients: Longsheng rice water, cocoa butter, hydrolyzed rice protein.
Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Mona Dermatology, recommends this BIPOC-owned brand and loves that it “uses forbidden black rice, a staple in Chinese and Asian medicine, to promote hair growth and protect the hair and scalp,” she says. “It also incorporates saw palmetto to aid in strengthening the hair. Bonus points because it’s affordable!” It truly is chock-full of powerhouse ingredients: There are also ceramides and biotin to complete your healthy hair journey. Take note that at 8 ounces, this bottle is on the smaller side compared with other shampoos.
- Pros: Affordable; contains a variety of ingredients to boost hair health.
- Cons: Small bottle size.
- Key ingredients: Rice extract, saw palmetto.
Infused with rice extract to deeply restore your hair’s moisture balance, this nourishing shampoo leaves strands soft, hydrated, and strengthened from root to tip. Wheat protein and chia seed work together to protect and boost volume without build-up or extra weight while macadamia seed oil adds strength and smoothness, helping hair stay healthy and resilient. Suitable for everyday use, it’s especially beneficial for dry, dull, or fine hair.
- Pros: Adds shine and volume; protects hair without build-up; suitable for daily use and all hair types.
- Cons: Results can vary for very thick or coarse hair; scented formula might not suit sensitive scalps.
- Key ingredients: Wheat protein, chia seed, rice extract, and macadamia seed oil.
Kiehl’s Rice and Wheat Volumising Shampoo
This Kiehl’s shampoo gently cleanses while infusing hair with hydrolyzed rice and wheat proteins, which help boost volume, strengthen strands, and add body to fine hair. Honey works alongside these proteins to lock in moisture and soften hair, leaving strands smooth and nourished. Lightweight yet deeply conditioning, it’s ideal for reviving fine or flat hair without weighing it down.
- Pros: Boosts volume; gently cleanses without stripping; leaves hair feeling light and healthy; ideal for thin, or fine hair.
- Cons: May not provide enough hydration for very dry hair; volume effect may be subtle on thicker hair.
- Key ingredients: Wheat protein, rice protein, honey.
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Garnier Ultimate Blends Rice Water Infusion & Starch Shampoo
This formula blends rice water and starch to help lock in moisture, smooth the hair cuticle, and enhance natural shine. With a plant-based cleansing base, it gently removes impurities while maintaining the hair’s natural balance. Reviewers say its gelled, foamy lather glides through their hair, leaving dull, rough strands feeling healthier after continued use.
- Pros: Retains and locks in hydration; smooths hair and seals cuticles.
- Cons: May not provide enough moisture for very dry or damaged hair; volume boost may be limited.
- Key ingredients: Rice water, starch.
Rice water shampoo FAQs
Is rice water shampoo good for your hair?
Yes, if you want to use rice water shampoo, know that it is very healthy for your hair. “The starch in rice water can also help improve hair elasticity, reduce hair breakage, and promote a shinier, healthier appearance,” says Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Mona Dermatology in Cincinnati. “Additionally, rice water contains inositol, which can help repair damaged hair and reduce friction between strands, making it easier to detangle.”
Curly hair and thinning hair can benefit from the ingredient as well: “Rice water shampoo can add volume and body if you have thin or fine hair and can help detangle and enhance definition if you have coily or curly hair,” Fabian adds
What are the negatives of rice water for your hair?
Consider avoiding rice water shampoo or cutting back on frequency if your hair is stiff or dry. “Rice water is rich in protein and too much can make hair feel stiff or brittle,” says Fabian. “It may sit on your hair strands instead of being absorbed, making your hair feel rough.” If your hair begins to feel this way, Fabian recommends alternating it with a moisturizing shampoo. Dr. Bowles also recommends incorporating a hydrating conditioner.
Other potential things to watch out for are “scalp sensitivity, buildup from the rice water leaving a coating on the hair, or a smell that may arise from a DIY rice water shampoo,” says Fabian. “Try diluting the rice water shampoo if you experience scalp sensitivity, meaning itching or flaking. If you experience buildup, use a clarifying shampoo every few weeks.”
How often should you wash your hair with rice water shampoo?
In general, Dr. Bowles recommends using rice water for hair once to twice a week, but this all depends on your hair type. “If you have normal to oily hair, use it no more than two to three times a week so you don’t over protein the hair,” says Fabian. “If you have dry, curly, or coily hair, use it once or every other week. If your hair is fragile, I recommend using it every other shampoo.”
New rice water shampoo users: “Use it once a week and see how your hair feels afterward,” Fabian recommends. Remember that “rice water can be a great addition to your routine, but it shouldn’t replace your regular moisturising and conditioning products,” says Dr. Bowles.
