Rice water for hair has been a celebrated beauty secret for centuries, and for a very good reason. Long before we had fancy protein treatments in plastic bottles, the Yao women in China were famous for their floor-length, jet-black hair that didn’t turn gray until their eighties. Their secret was simple: they rinsed their hair with the leftover water from soaking rice. If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to strengthen your strands, this is a total game changer.

So, how exactly does it work? When you soak or boil rice, the water becomes infused with amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin E, and minerals. Using rice water for hair acts as a natural protein treatment. These nutrients help to fill in the tiny “chips” and gaps in your hair cuticle, which makes your hair feel significantly thicker and much more resilient against breakage. It also contains inositol, a carbohydrate that can actually stay inside the hair even after you rinse it out, providing ongoing protection.

Making your own treatment at home is incredibly easy. You just need to rinse a half-cup of uncooked rice, then soak it in two to three cups of water for about thirty minutes (or up to twenty-four hours if you want to ferment it for extra potency). After you shampoo your hair, pour the rice water for hair over your scalp and lengths. Massage it in and let it sit for about five to ten minutes before rinsing it out with plain water.

One thing to keep in mind is that because this is a protein-heavy treatment, you shouldn’t overdo it. Once a week is usually perfect for most hair types. If you use it too often, your hair might start to feel a bit stiff. But when used correctly, you will notice an incredible “slip” to your hair, making it easier to detangle and giving it a healthy, mirror-like shine that products just can’t replicate.