Looking to strengthen your hair, improve hair elasticity, reduce breakage, or repair the damage done after years of color treatments and heat styling tools? Well, your hair could certainly benefit from the fantastic powers of rice water shampoo. Rice water has long been used in some parts of Asia as a hair care treatment and for a good reason. The benefits of a rice water shampoo bar for hair growth have got many instantly hooked.
Rice water is a strengthener, antioxidant, and scalp nourisher that supports the scalp environment and can help strengthen and improve the condition of the hair cuticle and boosts shine.
Rice water’s ability to influence hair growth is related to its effects on the scalp. The antioxidants in rice water products nourish the hair follicles and repair damaged cells.
Shampoo bars are typically made of healthy hair butter and oils. They also include conditioners and other ingredients to gently cleanse the hair and scalp. They are convenient to use, eliminate the use of plastic bottles, and give you more of the product for your money.
In general, rice water shampoo bars are a win-win, these are safe for all hair types and textures.
However with a sea of options in the market, we totally understand how annoying it can be to pick the right product, but that is what we’re here for. Continue reading and check out our rice water shampoo reviews, where to find them, how to use them, tips from users, and much more.
Rice Water Shampoo Bar Reviewed In This Guide
Best Overall: VIORI Shampoo Bar, Hidden Waterfall
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest On Amazon: Rice Water Shampoo and Conditioner
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest Affordable: Kitsch Strengthening 2-In-1 Hair & Shave Rice Bar Shampoo
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest For Damaged Hair: Healti Rice Shampoo And Conditioner Bar
⇣ Jump to ReviewBest For Hair Growth: JessEmet Rice Water Shampoo Bar
⇣ Jump to ReviewHow To Choose The Perfect Rice Water Shampoo Bar For You?
The best rice water shampoo bar will suit your particular hair texture and hair type, and in addition, helps you deal with targeted issues. It is also important to know how to properly use them in order to make the most out of this highly effective hair care product.
When shopping for a rice water shampoo you’ll choose really depends on what benefit your hair and scalp need. Your specific hair type and concerns will help determine what you’ll need to look for.
In general, is best to stay clear from sulfates and parabens which is key to preventing dryness. The beauty of rice water shampoo is that it can be used for every hair type. Even if you have super fine hair, you are good to go.
Be sure that the rice water shampoo or conditioner is indicated as suitable for your hair type. Some may be only suitable for curly hair or permed hair, while others are suited for all hair types.
Make sure your shampoo bar is well-preserved, using eco-preservatives, which are accepted for use in organic skincare. Some eco-preservatives are benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid, sorbic acid, and dehydroacetic acid.
Additionally, you want to avoid those containing synthetic perfumes as those will actually dry out the hair, which is usually the opposite of what you might want to achieve.
Make sure your rice water shampoo bar contains lots of hair-loving ingredients, or else it will just be a brick of surfactants. Look, for example, for coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, argan oil, avocado oil, and jojoba.
Other hair-loving ingredients are botanical extracts or powders (for example, nettle leaf, chamomile, aloe vera), proteins (like wheat protein), and vitamins like panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B-5).
Types Of Rice Water Shampoo Bar
Strengthener Rice Water Shampoo Bar
Rice water shampoo bars have the ability to strengthen and improve the condition of the hair cuticle. Rice water contains high starch levels, which coats the hair shaft to add strength. Rice water coats the hair strand, similar to protein, so it does have the ability to strengthen the hair shaft and thicken the hair.
Antioxidant Rice Water Shampoo Bar
A rice water shampoo bar with antioxidant properties can help boost shine and make your hair more luscious. Rice water is rich in antioxidants. The antioxidants nourish the hair follicles and repair damaged cells.
Scalp Nourisher Rice Water Shampoo Bar
Rice water experts believe rice water shampoo bars can nourish the scalp by supporting the scalp environment which can then promote hair health. In treating the scalp with a rice water shampoo bar, experts think it is possible to infuse scalp skin with the vitamins, amino acids, and other trace minerals found inside.
Best Rice Water Shampoo Bar List
1. VIORI Shampoo Bar, Hidden Waterfall
What We Like
- Handcrafted
- Longsheng Rice Water
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- pH Balanced
What We Don’t Like
- Small Bars
Viori shampoo and conditioner bars are sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, pH balanced, natural, 100% vegan, plastic-free, sustainable, cruelty-free, and ethically sourced.
A musky, sweet, vanilla-scented shampoo bar reminiscent of the amber aroma found along the forested paths to hidden Longsheng waterfalls.
Moisturizes, Strengthens, Rejuvenates, Renews, Volumizes, Increases Natural Shine, Repairs, and Gently Cleanses Hair & Scalp. Best for dry to normal hair.
Longsheng Rice: renews, rejuvenates, and repairs. Cocoa Butter: conditions, softens, moisturizes. Shea Butter: conditions, and moisturizes. Rice Bran Oil & Hydrolyzed Rice
Protein: increases volume and shine, strengthens. Aloe Vera: renews, rejuvenates, repairs, conditions, smooths, and increases shine. Bamboo: renews, rejuvenates, repairs, conditions, smooths, and increases shine.
Infused with natural essential oils, including cedarwood oil, mandarin, jasmine, sandalwood, and amber. This fragrance is made with natural and/or natural-equivalent compounds. This product and scent are IFRA compliant.
What Our Testers Say
With lots of other products I’ve tried to use, my hair will feel great in the shower, but not after drying off and my hair has had time to soak up everything. NOT THIS TIME!!!
I kid you not my mouth fell open when was finishing my after-shower routine but applying a little split end saver serious stuff I have to my ends and my hands just GLIDED through my hair!!
No knots! No tangles and my hair is soft, silk, and smells amazing!!! 110% would/ will buy it again and 100/10 would recommend it!!!
Tips
Use the rice water shampoo bar to rinse your hair and massage gently. This is a quality paraben-free, silicon-free, and sulfate-free shampoo bar.
2. Rice Water Shampoo and Conditioner
What We Like
- 2 in-1 Fermented Rice Water
- Unscented Solid Shampoo Bar
- Vegan
- pH Balance
- Eco Friendly
What We Don’t Like
- Small Bar
Rice water is known for its soft and rich ingredients that promote hair growth. This shampoo bar tries to gather these qualities. Take care of your hair starting with shampoo, the most fundamental step for healthy hair growth.
As fertilizer is needed in the soil, the scalp needs nutrition. MIMOSU Shampoo bar features an all-in-one formula that gently cleanses, and fertilizes hair in one step. Formulated with rich ingredients, this bar is to help restore the natural beauty of hair with every use.
What Our Testers Say
Even while I never say things like this but I honestly believe this may be the best shampoo I have ever used. I have never experienced any shampoo producing a lather as it did. I have worked at a salon.
Used salon quality shampoos and this is something totally different than bottle shampoo. I think I may need to stock up. My hair feels stronger and healthier after just one wash! I am truly amazed and impressed!
The Shampoo bar is made with fermented rice water extracts and natural oils. A blend of rice water and rich oils like argan, olive, and rice bran nourishes your hair with amino-acid, proteins, and vitamins for natural hair growth. Shampoo with rice water for healthy, shiny, and moisturized hair.
The 5 oz., bar is equivalent to about 3 bottles of liquid shampoo and is longer lasting than other bars, giving you more bang for the buck. The oval rice grain-shaped bar design is easy to grip and ideal for shampooing.
Tips
I lather it into my hair and let it sit for a few minutes just so it can soak into my hair follicles. Then I top it off with some conditioner since my hair is a little on the dry side.
3. Kitsch Strengthening 2-in-1 Hair & Shave Rice Bar Shampoo
What We Like
- Vegan
- Solid Shampoo Bar
- Zero Waste
What We Don’t Like
- Small Bar
- Might Be Hard to Grip
This 3.6 oz shampoo bar provides a salon-quality experience from root to tip. Unlike dry shampoo, our shampoo bar actually cleans your hair well. It has Rice Water Protein, pure essential oils, and natural ingredients that perfectly balance the PH in your hair for healthy-looking locks that feel like silk!
The rice water shampoo bar has been specially formulated to gently cleanse, moisturize and nourish your hair. Dry & color-treated hair needs extra love, which is why we created a Paraben Free & Sulfate Free Shampoo in order to stop excessive splitting or breakage from happening even before it starts!
Kitsch is known for making the best shampoo bars and conditioner bars. They care deeply about what goes in each bar of shampoo and only use natural vegan ingredients that are plant-based with no Sulfates, Parabens, artificial fragrances, or dyes!
In addition, this rice water bar shampoo is Leaping Bunny certified! The bunny logo stands for quality, ethics, and authenticity in the beauty industry.
What Our Testers Say
I’ve used other shampoo bars that result in a waxy buildup, and so far I haven’t had that problem with this one. I’ve only been using it for a week, and I wash my hair as little as possible. I’ll update my review if I notice any buildup changes.
So far my hair feels really healthy on this. It does give your hair that squeaky clean feeling, unlike the liquid shampoos and conditioners that can make your hair feel kinda sleek in the shower.
Personally, I don’t mind the squeaky clean feeling of hair in the shower, because it hasn’t dried out my hair so far. And actually, my hair was really easy to brush wet with a couple of spritz of detangler. Since it’s a 2-in-1 shampoo conditioner bar I like that it saves money and keeps my hair soft and shiny!
How To Use Kitsch Strengthening 2-in-1 Rice Water Shampoo Bar
- Apply the bar directly to your wet hair.
- Put your bar down and massage the shampoo into your scalp until it forms a gentle lather.
- The shampoo will become foamy, but might not froth quite as much as a liquid shampoo or bar that contains sulfates.
4. Healti Rice Shampoo and Conditioner Bar
What We Like
- Organic
- 2 in-1 Rice Water With Peppermint Shampoo Bar
- Vegan
- Eco Friendly
- Zero Waste
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey
The rice water shampoo bar and conditioner set is a complete package for all of your hair’s needs. The hair growth shampoo is an organically composed shampoo and conditioner bar that provides you with a salon-quality experience from root to tip with rice water proteins and pure essential oils.
All-natural ingredients of shampoo and conditioner are the building blocks for long and strong hair. The shampoo bar is composed of bio-based ingredients like fermented rice water, jojoba, and olive oil that perfectly balance the ph in your hair which provides healthier and shinier hair.
Rice water protein contains a rich amount of amino acids that are a good fertilizer for hair growth.
A dry and flaky scalp can be extremely irritating and a big cause of hair loss. Essential oils of our shampoo bar treat the dryness and the shea butter of this conditioner bar supplies moisture and gloss to crumbly and dry hair.
What Our Testers Say
The product is natural and feels great on my hair, and the shampoo lathers up easily although the conditioner takes a little getting used to, just follow the instructions and it’s great.
With it being small, it makes it all very easy to travel with as well! With that said, don’t be fooled by the size though, it doesn’t crumble and lasts a very long time, and there is no plastic so it’s environmentally friendly!
The smell is lovely and super fresh. I have just started using these products but honestly, so far so good, I cannot recommend them enough!
Featuring a natural aroma of peppermint leaves your hair and scalp feeling fresh, clean, and smelling great. The natural composition of our hair growth shampoo does not cause any type of allergy and does not burn the eyes.
The Shampoo bars and conditioner is perfect for all types of hair and skin. Organic ingredients in shampoo conditioner bars have no side effects.
Tips
This bar lathers quite well and it seems to get my hair very clean, kind of like a clarifying shampoo. It has a light refreshing minty scent and doesn’t irritate my VERY sensitive scalp, which many others do.
If your hair is on the dry side or chemically processed make sure you use a fairly rich conditioner with it because it can be a bit drying.
5. JessEmet Rice Water Shampoo Bar
What We Like
- pH balanced
- Sulfate-free
- Eco Friendly
- Vegan
What We Don’t Like
- Difficult To Grip
- Small Bar
Getting Started for Healthy Hair Growth! Highly concentrated rice water fermented for 30 days is included in the shampoo bar. Helps with hair growth, providing moisture & nutrition to damaged hair.
Also contains plant protein, and takes care of the dry and sensitive scalp. This rice water shampoo bar offers a scent of sandalwood, vanilla, and mint.
Rice water fermented for 30 days is much richer in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is enriched with nutrients that gently cleanse various wastes on the scalp.
What Our Testers Say
I love this product! It lathers up easily and my hair is so soft and shiny. The sandalwood scent is light and not at all overpowering. Also, I started using it 6 weeks ago and the bar is about half the size it was when I received it.
For reference, I have shoulder-length fine hair, I shampoo twice each time I wash my hair, and I wash my hair anywhere from 3 – 5 times a week.
How To Use JessEmet Rice Water Shampoo Bar
- Wet your hair.
- Rub the bar between your hands creating a lather (this happens within seconds)
- Apply to hair and massage.
- Or apply the bar directly to the hair gently, in either a circular motion or from root to end.
- Rinse.
- Repeat.
Rice Water Shampoo Bar Buying Guide
What is A Rice Water Shampoo Bar?
Rice water shampoo bars contain rice water and rice contains 75-80% starch which is a great beautifying aid. And rice water is starchy water after the rice has been left to soak in it for a certain amount of time. It is said to be packed with rich nutrients that soothe inflammation in the scalp and dryness in the hair, including:
- Amino acids
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin E
- Minerals
- Antioxidants
Advocates of hair treatments using rice water believe that:
- It makes hair smoother and detangles the hair
- It makes hair stronger and increases luster
- It helps hair grow longer and faster
How Does A Rice Water Shampoo Bar Works?
The rich nutrients such as inositol (vitamin B8) and protein in rice water penetrate hair strands and help close the pores and gaps in the cuticles of damaged hair, preventing breakage and strengthening the hair.
Reducing the breakage of hair helps retain hair and increase the hair volume making your hair appear to be growing at a faster rate. In reality, your hair grows at the same normal rate but looks more luscious and more voluminous as there is a decrease in hair breakage and hair loss.
Features To Look For In A Best Conditioner For Gray Hair
Ingredients
The best rice water shampoo is clearly derived from natural ingredients. Stick to ingredients like Rice Protein, Castor Oil, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Vegetable Glycerin, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Natural Fragrance, and Iron Oxide.
Some ingredients are better avoided. Mineral oils are linked to several health issues. So are parabens.
Fragrance
Most water shampoo bars are infused with top, middle, and base fragrance notes. Common top notes include Mandarin, Ginger, Rice Water, and Green Leaves. Middle notes often found include White Tea, Lavender, Sage, and Geranium. And popular base notes are Vanilla and Amber.
Moisturizing Balance Power
Like any good hair product, it should be moisturizing and leave your hair soft after use. However, although hair needs moisture to stay healthy, excess moisture can actually do more harm than good.
To rebalance overly moisturized locks (aka hygral fatigue), try a protein treatment like a rice water shampoo bar.
Smooth and Freeze Control
You need a product that can restore order and help smooth your hair and control frizz. You should also choose a rice water shampoo bar that uses natural ingredients to control frizz, as silicones and other ingredients can leave residue on the hair that builds up over time.
Look for natural products such as Aloe Vera and other plant-based ingredients to condition your hair without adding residue. Damaged and high porosity hair has difficulty retaining moisture, resulting in frizz and split ends. The proteins found in rice water may counteract this, reducing breakage and improving hair’s texture.
Growth Support
The amino acids present in the best rice water shampoo help in the regeneration of hair and aid in the faster growth of your hair. It contains vitamins B, C, and E, which further help in hair growth.
Strengthening Power
Just as protein helps build strong and healthy muscles, the protein in a rice water shampoo bar is believed to help improve the overall condition of hair.
Certifications
When you are browsing through rice water shampoo reviews, make sure to look for certifications that back up your chosen product as natural or plant-based as can be. The best rice water shampoo will let you know that they are Leaping Bunny certified!
The Leaping Bunny Logo is the only internationally recognized symbol guaranteeing consumers that no new animal tests were used in the development of any product displaying it.
Common Questions About Rice Water Shampoo Bar
Is a rice water shampoo bar good for your hair?
Rice water protein repairs damaged follicles and ends, making hair smooth & soft to the touch. Prevents split ends and encourages hair growth, while adding shine and bounce to dull, dry hair. Detangles and conditions the hair.
Why do you need a rice water shampoo bar?
- Rice water protein repairs damaged follicles and ends, making hair smooth & soft to the touch.
- Prevents split ends and encourages hair growth, while adding shine & bounce to dull, dry hair.
- Detangles & conditions the hair.
- No sulfates, silicones, parabens, or phthalates.
- Natural fragrance derived from plants transforms any shower into a relaxing experience.
- 1 bar is estimated to last 100 washes, which saves two bottles of liquid shampoo or conditioner.
How do you use a rice water shampoo bar?
After you’ve wet your hair, take your shampoo bar and either rub the bar between your hands and massage the lather into your hair, or paint the bar directly onto your scalp. Be sure to separate and lift your hair to apply directly to areas that need extra cleansing.
Are shampoo Bars damaging?
Shampoo bars are typically healthier for your hair than detergent-based liquid shampoos because they’re made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, silicone, and synthetic fragrances. This means less damage and stripping of your hair and its natural oils, which can happen with chemical-based products.
Can I replace shampoo with rice water?
Rice water keeps your hair’s natural oils intact and its pH levels are similar to that of the scalp! For added benefits, a few drops of your preferred essential oils can be added to rice water, and this mix can replace your regular shampoo.
Can rice water damage your hair?
As nutrient-filled as rice water is, it also can be quite damaging to your hair due to the amount of protein that the water absorbs. Protein overload is when there is too much protein and not enough moisture, which can cause hair to look and feel very dry and brittle.
Should I condition my hair after using rice water?
No, if you’re just rinsing the hair with rice water, there is no need for a conditioner after. But if you are using a rice water hair mask for more than 10 minutes, do follow it up with a deep hydration conditioner to introduce moisture back into your tresses.
Is rice water shampoo safe on all hair types?
Experts agree that rice water is safe for all hair types, including color-treated hair. Since rice water is so mild, it can be used across all skin and hair types. Any curl pattern or texture can benefit from the use of rice water shampoo because the physiological structure of a hair strand is the same.
Curlier hair types that tend to be more dry and porous may benefit from the amino acids in the water that can help strengthen and improve the condition of the hair cuticle.
Rice water products, however, can have a drying effect on the hair and scalp, so individuals who suffer from a dry scalp should limit their use.
How to make rice water for natural hair?
- You can use any type of rice: White rice / Brown rice / Wild rice / Basmati / Jasmine organic rice, etc.
- Rinse the rice to wash out dirt and impurities with water.
- At this stage, simply drain the water without letting the rice soak in the water for a long time to avoid the loss of nutrients.
- After draining out the “dirty†water, add fresh water to the rice to soak. Depending on your preference, this is the range of ratio for making rice water:
1 tablespoon of rice to 1 cup of water, or, 1 jar of rice to 3 jars of water.
You can use any type of container but you must be able to cover the soaking rice with a lid or a cover to seal the container. - Not everyone likes the strong smell of rice water, so you can add some citrus peel and a few drops of essential oil to the water (we recommend putting 1-2 drops of essential oil per ounce/30ml) to balance the scent.
- Let it sit (covered) for at least 30 mins.
- Stir it slightly or knead the soaked rice lightly until the water turns cloudy to help vitamins and minerals seep into the water.
- Drain the freshly made rice water into a clean bowl or container for use.
How to make a rice water shampoo bar?
Rice water shampoo bar recipe:
Dry phase
- 40g Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
- 23g Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
- 15g rice starch
Wet phase
- 11.99g Cocamidopropyl Betaine
- 0.01g water-soluble dye
- 4g hydrolyzed rice protein
- 5g camellia seed oil
- 0.4g Wildflower Honey fragrance oil
- 0.5g Liquid Germall Plus
- 0.1g Vitamin E MT-50
- Weigh the dry surfactants into a bowl. Stir until uniform.
- Dissolve the dye in the Cocamidopropyl Betaine. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add all the wet ingredients.
- Put on a pair of nitrile gloves and blend thoroughly with your hands. Once the mixture is uniform, you’ll be left with stiff, easily-mouldable dough.
- If your dough is too sticky, you’ll need to add some starch (arrowroot starch and cornstarch are good choices). This is likely to happen if you used a larger grain of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) than I did, as it has less surface area to absorb moisture.
- If your dough is too dry, you’ll need to add a few drops of water. This is likely to happen if you used a finer grain of Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI) you can use a very finely powdered Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate (SCI), so it is unlikely this will happen.
- Shape the dough into a bar-like lump/disc of your choosing and leave the bar to dry. It is recommended for at least 3“4 days (that is enough time for the bars to lose ~3% of their weight).
- To use, massage the bar into wet hair to work up a lather, and proceed as you would with any other shampoo.
Enjoy Your New Rice Water Shampoo Bar
We hope the rice water shampoo reviews in this guide can help you in your quest for the best rice water shampoo bar.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or comments. We are always happy to hear from you.