For centuries, Korean women have cherished a beauty secret passed down through generations: rice water. This simple, yet surprisingly effective, ingredient has been used to promote lustrous, healthy hair, and now you can unlock its power too! Forget expensive salon treatments and embrace the natural goodness of DIY Korean rice water shampoo. This ancient remedy, rich in vitamins and minerals, nourishes your scalp and strengthens hair follicles, leaving you with noticeably smoother, shinier, and more manageable locks. It's a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to commercial shampoos, packed with natural benefits for your hair.
Discover the transformative power of rice water with our easy-to-follow guide. This article will walk you through a step-by-step process, from preparing the rice water to applying it as a gentle yet effective shampoo, allowing you to achieve salon-quality results in the comfort of your own home. Prepare to say hello to unbelievably soft, healthy, and radiant hair!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Bowl
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Mixing utensil
Ingredients
- Rice water
- Glycerin
- Emulsifiers
- Emollients
- Moisturizing agents
- Hair loving ingredients
- Other ingredients
- Surfactants (liquid)
- Preservative
- Fragrance
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Rice Water Base
- Prepare rice water and glycerin. A good amount of glycerin is crucial for the conditioning effect.

Step 2. Create and Combine the Oil and Water Phases
- Combine emulsifiers, emollients, moisturizing agents, and other hair-loving ingredients.
- Heat both the water and oil phases.
- Combine the heated water phase into the oil phase, mixing well.



Step 3. Incorporate Additives and Rest
- Mix in the surfactant phase (liquid surfactants). Gently mix to avoid air bubbles.
- Let the solution rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the phases to fully combine.


Step 4. Finalize and Preserve
- Add preservative and fragrance.
- Mix gently.


Read more: Oksusu Cha (Korean Corn Tea): A Simple & Flavorful Recipe
Tips
- The shampoo will thicken further after 24 hours.
- This recipe produces a sulfate-free shampoo with a rich, creamy lather.
Nutrition
- Calories: variable
- Fat: variable (g)g
- Carbs: variable (g)g
- Protein: variable (g)g
FAQs
1. How often should I use rice water shampoo?
Start with once or twice a week. You can increase frequency as needed, but over-using might dry your hair.
2. Can I use rice water on all hair types?
Yes, but those with fine hair might need to dilute the rice water more to avoid weighing it down. Those with oily hair might find it particularly beneficial.
3. What if my rice water smells?
A slightly fermented smell is normal. If it smells strongly unpleasant, discard it and make a fresh batch. Keep it refrigerated to prolong its freshness.
Making your own Korean rice water shampoo is a simple, affordable, and eco-friendly way to achieve healthier, more vibrant hair. Enjoy the luxurious feeling of soft, shiny locks, knowing you've achieved beautiful results with a natural, time-tested remedy. Embrace this ancient beauty secret and unlock the transformative power of rice water for yourself!