In the world of chemical-rich products, many people are now returning towards home remedies. If we look at hair care two of the best remedies are rice water and rosemary water. Known for their nourishing properties, both of these ingredients are widely used in hair care. The rising popularity of DIY and plant-based hair solutions has brought these age-old practices back into the spotlight. However, choosing between them can be a challenge. Each has its strengths, and depending on your hair goals, be it growth, shine, strength, or scalp care, accordingly you can choose. In this article we will see rice water vs rosemary water for hair care.
Benefits of Rosemary Water for Hair
Rosemary water has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the scalp, it can help stimulate blood circulation, which can nourish hair follicles and may support new hair growth. This is especially beneficial for people experiencing early signs of hair loss.
As its beautiful name suggests, the rosemary water contains rosmarinic acid. A healthy scalp is very important for hair growth. Many studies on rosmarinic acid shows it has ability to reduce free radicals and can help to make scalp healthy. Rosemary water is best to detoxify and reduce flaking, dryness, and itchiness.
Rosemary water is non greasy so using it daily can make your hair look beautiful and top of that healthy too. Also it can reduce the dandruff and unclog hair follicles blocked by oil or any other products. Benefit of unclogged follicles is hair may look fuller with time.
Additionally, rosemary can help darken hair over time and delay the appearance of premature grays when used regularly, although scientific evidence on this is still limited.
Benefits of Rice Water for Hair
Rice water is always used in east asian beauty practices. It is rich in amino acids, vitamin B and inositol ( carbohydrate).
Rice water is been always used in asian beauty practices specifically east asian countries. It is rich in vitamin B, antioxidants and one of the important inositol, this is a carbohydrate which can help to strengthen and repair damages.
These unique nutrients combination of rice water makes it very useful for those who has dry, brittle hair and for those whose hair are damaged by excessive chemical use.
One very important quality of inositol in rice water is it stays on hair even after rinsing, because of this hair stay protected and nourished even after wash. Because of this property rice water can act as natural conditioner and you can easily skip chemical added conditioners.
If your hair are very dry and want a natural conditioner you should definitely try fermented rice water. When rice water ferments, its PH become low and many additional enzymes and nutrients develop it further increases the effectiveness.
With time when you use rice water regularly it soothe scalp inflammation and can improve overall texture.
If you enjoy using natural ingredients, you’ll love exploring other easy methods too. Check out our blog on conditioning hair at home.
Like anything if you over it can backfire same thing is with rice water, if you overdo it hair may become stiff so ideally you should use it once a week. And another thing you should monitor your hair health and then accordingly decide frequency.
Difference Between Rosemary Water and Rice Water for Hair
Let’s discuss the difference between two wonderful natural solutions. Rosemary water Vs rice water, what are actual differences and which case which one is ideal.
Rosemary water is very beneficial for improving scalp health, It also boost blood circualtion which can help new hair growth. It is particularly beneficial for those who are facing scalp related issues like dandruff, early stage hair loss.
On the other hand rice water focuses more on air appearance. As we discussed above rice water help dry hair and it nourishes them. It is suited for those who has very dry hair or damage because chemical use or pollution.
Basically rosemary water is good for root level concerns and rice water is beneficial for smoothening and strengthening hair. And both of them are beneficial for hair health.
I personally felt being a user of both rosemary water is easy to prepare and it is lighter in texture. About rice water sometimes it is time consuming and if you ferment it then it is more time taking. Also with rice water it stay on hair if don’t rinsed perfectly.
Ultimately which one to use is dependent on your specific need but atleast once you can try both and observ how it give results.
How to Prepare Rosemary and Rice Water at Home
Rosemary Water Preparation:
Take one to two tablespoons of dried rosemary (or a handful of fresh rosemary leaves) and boil it in about two cups of water. Let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. Once cooled, strain the water and transfer it to a spray bottle. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Spritz it directly on your scalp and massage gently. There’s no need to rinse it out unless it feels too heavy.
Some additional tips:
- Cover while simmering – This prevents essential oils from evaporating with the steam.
- Avoid boiling for too long on high temperature– Start with with high temperature when it starts boiling reduce the flame slowly to minimum.
- Shelf life caution – Even refrigerated, rosemary water can spoil in 5–7 days. If you want longer storage, freeze in ice cubes and thaw as needed.
- Even if rosemary water is natural you should do a patch test before using
Rice Water Preparation:
Rinse ½ cup of uncooked rice thoroughly to remove dirt and excess starch. Soak it in two to three cups of water, or as required as per the quantity of rice you have taken, for 30 to 60 minutes. For fermentation, cover the container and leave it at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours. Fermentation increases its potency but also gives it a stronger smell. Strain the water and store it in a spray bottle. You can use it as a rinse or a pre-shampoo treatment.
Some more tips:
- Use it before shampoo: As rice water has a strong smell, use it before shampoo and leave for sometime and then wash your hair.
- Shelf life: As rice water is fermented, store it in freeze and do not store it for too many days; preparing new every time before use is best.
- Wash rice properly before soaking: As rice may have boric powder or any chemical use to keep it away from insects, wash it properly before soaking it.
- As mentioned above here as well, do a patch test before using it directly to the hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I leave the rice water in my hair until the next day when I’m about to shower? Or do I wait an hour and then shower?
It’s recommended to leave rice water in your hair for 20 minutes to one hour before rinsing. Leaving it on overnight is not advisable for everyone, as it can lead to dryness or protein overload, especially in fine or low-porosity hair.
Same for rosemary water—should I rinse or leave it in?
Rosemary water is generally safe to leave in. It’s lightweight and won’t usually cause buildup. But in rare cases, if you feel residue is there or your scalp is feeling itchy, you can remove it after a few hours.
Which is best, rosemary water or rice water?
Rosemary water is good for promoting growth & improving overall scalp health, while rice water is good for repairing & strengthening hair strands. You can choose based on your hair needs or alternate between the two of them.
Can you mix rosemary and rice water?
Yes, combining the two is safe for most people. Mixing rosemary-infused water into rice water can give you the scalp benefits of rosemary and the strand benefits of rice water. Just stay cautious about overuse to avoid the product buildup.
Which water is best for hair growth?
Rosemary water is generally considered more effective for stimulating hair growth due to its ability to boost circulation and awaken dormant follicles. Clinical studies even support its role in improving androgenetic alopecia in some cases.
Can rosemary water and rice water be used on the scalp every day?
Rosemary water can be used daily for most people. Rice water should be limited to 1–2 times a week, particularly if it’s fermented, to avoid protein-related dryness or stiffness.
Conclusion:
When it comes to natural hair care, no one solution which can give all the resutls. Rosemary water and rice water both have their own benefits, but their purpose is different. Whether you want new hair growth, improve your scalp condition, or strengthen damaged strands, understanding your exact need can help you choose the water (rosemary or rice water).
For best results, listen to your hair. You might find that using rosemary water more regularly and supplementing with rice water weekly gives you a perfect balance. Over time, consistent use of either can lead to healthier, stronger, and shinier hair.
Note: This is a purely informational blog. Always consult a dermatologist or hair care specialist before beginning new treatments, especially if you have scalp sensitivities or underlying conditions.
