Rice is a humble grain that has been a staple in our diets for ages. But do you know that it could also work wonders for our hair? Rice water shampoo bars contain hydrolyzed rice protein, which contains inositol, a powerful ingredient that can easily penetrate all hair types and provide a host of benefits.

In this article, we'll provide you with the best rice shampoo bar reviews out there and help you find the perfect fit for your hair. Let’s check it out!

5 Best Rice Water Shampoo Bars on The Market in 2023

Is Rice Shampoo Bar Good for Hair?

Yes, rice shampoo bar is increasingly popular in recent years as it offers an eco-friendly and effective alternative to traditional liquid shampoos. Made with rice-derived ingredients, such as rice bran oil and fermented rice water, these bars are well-known for their hair-nourishing qualities. 

Rice is loaded with important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help fortify hair, encourage healthy growth, and prevent breakage and damage. Rice water, which has inositol, is famous for promoting hair growth, fixing damaged hair, and enhancing elasticity. With consistent use, a rice shampoo bar could lead to improved hair growth and less hair loss.

5 Best Rice Water Shampoo Bars to Buy in 2023

Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar

Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar
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Pros

  • Supports hair growth.
  • Strengthens, smoothes, and balances hair.
  • Comes with a natural fragrance.
  • Gentle cleansing.
  • Hydrating and moisturizing.
  • Enhances hair texture.
  • Free from harmful ingredients: parabens, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, & artificial fragrance.

Cons

  • May dry out hair.

Let’s dive into this Kitsch Rice Water shampoo bar review, considered the best rice shampoo for hair growth. This shampoo bar is infused with rice water, an ancient beauty secret known for its incredible hair growth and repair properties. The proteins in rice water not only enhance the overall condition of your hair but also help repair damaged hair follicles and prevent split ends.

It can give your hair and scalp a nourishing cleanse and promotes overall hair length and density. It also boosts shine in dull, dry hair, leaving your locks looking lustrous and revitalized.

Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar contains a blend of carefully selected ingredients, each contributing to its effectiveness such as

  • Hydrolyzed rice protein(1): rich in amino acids, it helps to strengthen and repair damaged hair while promoting hair growth. It also adds volume, improves hair elasticity, and provides a protective barrier, shielding the hair from environmental damage.
  • Vegetable glycerin: a natural humectant, vegetable glycerin attracts moisture to the hair shaft, preventing dryness and ensuring that your hair stays hydrated. It also forms a protective barrier around the hair, helping to lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
  • Hydrogenated castor oil(2): is known for its hair conditioning properties, providing smoothness and shine to the hair. It also works as an emollient, locking in moisture and helping to improve hair manageability.

Kitsch Rice Water Shampoo Bar is a top-tier hair care product that caters to your hair's growth, health, and shine while staying environmentally conscious. Its natural formulation and absence of harmful ingredients make it a trustworthy choice for anyone seeking a powerful and eco-friendly hair care solution.

Viori Longsheng Rice Shampoo Bar

Viori Longsheng Rice Shampoo Bar
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Pros

  • 100% vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, phthalates-free, plastic-free, sustainable, cruelty-free.
  • Moisturizes, and strengthens hair.
  • Rejuvenates, repairs, and renews hair.
  • Volumizes hair.
  • Increases natural shine.
  • Gently cleanses hair & scalp.
  • Made with natural ingredients.

Cons

  • Some may find a heavy scent.

Let’s dive into Viori Longsheng rice shampoo bar reviews. It is packed with a musky, sweet, vanilla fragrance reminiscent of the amber aroma found along the forested paths to hidden Longsheng waterfalls, making this shampoo bar a delight for both your hair and your senses.

This shampoo bar is handcrafted with the same Longsheng Rice, natural ingredients, and beauty rituals used by the Red Yao for centuries. It offers a wealth of benefits for your hair, including moisturizing, strengthening, rejuvenating, renewing, volumizing, increasing natural shine, repairing, and gently cleansing both hair and scalp.

The shampoo bar's effectiveness is owed to its powerful blend of natural ingredients, including

  • Longsheng rice: rich in essential nutrients, it helps revitalize dull and lifeless locks, restoring their natural beauty and vitality(3).
  • Cocoa butter(4): is packed with conditioning properties that soften and moisturize your strands, leaving them feeling silky and smooth.
  • Shea butterdeeply nourishes your hair(5), providing the hydration it needs to stay soft, smooth, and healthy.
  • Rice bran oil & hydrolyzed rice proteinrice bran oil(6) is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which contribute to increased shine and strength. Hydrolyzed rice protein(1) is a natural volumizer that adds body and bounces to your locks, leaving them looking full and lustrous.
  • Aloe vera: renews, rejuvenates, and repairs, restoring life and vitality to your tresses. Aloe Vera also works as a conditioner, smoothing out the hair shaft and increasing shine.
  • Bamboo: renews, rejuvenates, and repairs hair, thanks to its rich silica content. Bamboo also helps to condition, smooth, and increase shine, leaving your hair looking and feeling radiant and healthy.

The fragrance is infused with natural essential oils, including cedarwood oil, mandarin, jasmine, sandalwood, and amber, and is free from harmful chemicals. Viori's products and scents are IFRA-compliant.

Thrivosh Rice Water Shampoo Bar

Thrivosh Rice Water Shampoo Bar

 

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Pros

  • 2-in-1 hair care bar.
  • Made with Longsheng rice water.
  • Contains natural ingredients.
  • Cleanses, nourishes, and repairs hair follicles to fight hair fall.
  • Mild and moisturizing formula suitable for all hair types
  • Free of sulfates, phthalates, or drying parabens.

Cons

  • May need to use the bar several times to fully cleanse.

Thrivosh Rice Water Shampoo Bar is a versatile 2-in-1 hair care bar that incorporates Longsheng rice water(3), which has been used for centuries to strengthen and nourish hair. This rice bar shampoo and conditioner is also packed with other natural ingredients such as

  • Shea butter(5): a rich source of fatty acids and vitamins, making it an excellent moisturizer for both hair and scalp. It also helps to reduce frizz, smooth split ends, and soften hair, making it more manageable and easy to style.
  • Ginger root extract: contains anti-inflammatory benefits that boost circulation and strengthen hair roots and follicles. 
  • Coconut oil(10): deeply hydrates hair and promotes growth, while its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties keep the scalp healthy.

The proteins and antioxidants in this shampoo bar help strengthen hair follicles, promote circulation in the scalp, and stimulate lush growth to fight hair fall. The bar is mild and moisturizing, with a light fragrance from its natural ingredients. It contains no sulfates, phthalates, or drying parabens, making it safe for all hair types.

One of the best things about this shampoo bar is that it also doubles as a mild conditioner, thanks to its hydrating ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil. The bar is so gentle yet potent that it requires much less water to produce compared to traditional liquid conditioners and shampoo, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

Using this shampoo bar is also super easy. Simply wet your hands and rub the Longsheng rice shampoo bar to make a dense foam, then apply it to your hair and scalp. Massage for 3-5 minutes, rinse, and you're done!

Radiant Crush Rice Water Shampoo Bar

Radiant Crush Rice Water Shampoo Bar
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Pros

  • Natural and safe ingredients.
  • Strengthens and repairs hair.
  • Enhances hair elasticity and reduces surface friction.
  • Deeply moisturizes and also nourishes your hair.
  • Balances scalp pH and alleviates dandruff.
  • Promotes hair growth.

Cons

  • May take time to affect chemically treated hair.

Radiant Crush Rice Water Shampoo Bar is infused with Chinese rice and grapefruit peels which are inspired by the real ancient rice water of the Red Yao Tribe. The combination of rice water, rice oil, rice protein, and shea butter in this shampoo bar provides a range of benefits that are perfect for maintaining strong and healthy hair.

  • Fermented rice water(11): is rich in inositol, a carbohydrate that helps to strengthen the elasticity of your hair and reduce surface friction. This means that when you use this shampoo bar, you can expect to experience stronger, healthier, and more elastic hair.
  • Shea butter(5): helps to add moisture to your hair, making it more manageable and easier to style. This shampoo bar also contains rice oil and rice amino acids which further nourish your hair, leaving it looking shiny and healthy.
  • Coconut oil(10): penetrates deep into the hair shaft to provide hydration and promote growth, while its natural antifungal and antibacterial properties help maintain a healthy scalp.
  • Rice vinegar(12): helps to balance the scalp's pH, which can alleviate itching and dandruff, and adds shine and softness to the hair.
  • Sunflower oils(13) and olive oil(14): are rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that nourish the hair and scalp. They provide hydration, enhance shine, and reduce frizz, making hair more manageable.

Radiant Crush Rice Water Shampoo Bar is perfect for all hair types, and it is especially beneficial for those who want to maintain healthy and strong hair. Whether you have straight, curly, or coily hair, this shampoo bar can help you achieve the results you are looking for.

Yao Secret Fermented Rice Water Shampoo Bar

Yao Secret Fermented Rice Water Shampoo Bar
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Pros

  • Rich in nutrients.
  • Promotes hair growth and restores hair's natural beauty.
  • Protect, smooth, and moisturize hair strands.
  • Suitable for normal to dry hair.
  • Unscented formula.
  • Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, soap, or synthetic fragrance.

Cons

  • Pricey.

Yao Secret Fermented Rice Water Shampoo Bar is one of the best rice shampoo bars designed to transform your hair care routine into a truly luxurious experience. This shampoo bar is unscented and enriched with a unique blend of vitamins, and antioxidants, helping promote hair growth and restore the natural beauty of your hair with every use.

At the core of this shampoo bar is the authentic Red Yao rice water(7), created by the Red Yao women themselves. This ancient hair care secret from the Longji village in Guangxi province has been passed down through generations, resulting in the strikingly long, black, and shiny hair of the Yao women. Now, you too can experience the magic of their hair care routine with this exceptional shampoo bar.

In addition to the Red Yao rice water, the shampoo bar is packed with grapeseed oil(8) and Camellia Sinensis(9) leaf powder. These powerful ingredients not only protect and smooth your hair strands but also provide moisturizing benefits perfect for normal to dry hair.

Embrace the wisdom and beauty secrets of the Red Yao women with this Yao Secret Fermented Rice Water Shampoo Bar. This luxurious, fragrance-free shampoo bar will provide you with the nourishment, protection, and rejuvenation your hair needs.

How to Choose The Best Rice Shampoo Bar

best rice shampoo bar

After reviewing the top products, you might be closer to deciding on the perfect shampoo bar. However, it's common to feel uncertain about which one to pick. Let’s check these tips to help you make the best choice:

Ingredients

These five shampoo bars mentioned in this article are all sulfate-free. Sulfates are often added to create a rich foam that people enjoy, but they can damage your hair and follicles. That's why sulfate-free shampoos are a better choice.

We also advise avoiding paraben-containing shampoos. Parabens can leave hair feeling dry and rough. For extra cleansing and added shine, choose paraben-free shampoos instead.

While a pleasant-smelling shampoo can be appealing, it's not always healthy for your hair. Some brands use artificial fragrances that can damage hair over time. We recommend selecting fragrance-free shampoo and conditioner bars. If you prefer a scented option, go for a shampoo bar with a natural fragrance.

Hair Types

It's essential to choose a shampoo made for your specific hair type, as a single shampoo bar may not suit everyone. If you have dry hair, a rice shampoo that adds plenty of oil will be beneficial. Conversely, oily hair requires a shampoo that matches its needs without adding extra oil.

Precautions

Although rice water brings many benefits for hair, but it's important to note that just as many have had negative experiences with it.

  • Flaky buildup on the scalp: Rice water can lead to an accumulation of residue, causing flakes and itchiness.
  • Protein overload on the hair cuticle: Overuse of rice water may cause an excess of protein, resulting in dryness and breakage.
  • Dryness: Rice water can cause extreme dryness, particularly for those with low-porosity hair.
  • Breakage: The heavy starch component in rice water can make hair brittle, leading to breakage over time.
  • Not suitable for all hair types: Individuals with baby fine hair or low-porosity hair should be cautious when experimenting with rice water.

How to Make Rice Shampoo Bar

how to make rice shampoo bar

Here you will learn the most simple and easy DIY rice shampoo bar recipe that you can create at home using all-natural ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • Goat milk soap base: 200 grams.
  • Cocoa butter: 1 tbsp.
  • Rice starch powder: 2 tbsp.
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp.
  • Vitamin E: 1 tsp oil or 1 capsule.
  • Rosemary essential oil: 8 drops.
  • Lavender essential oil: 8 drops.
  • Silicon molds or paper cups.

Directions:

  1. Using the double boiler method, melt the soap base and cocoa butter together over medium heat, stirring continuously.
  2. Gradually add the rice starch powder, stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
  3. Let the mixture cool down.
  4. Add the olive oil, vitamin E, and essential oils, mixing everything thoroughly.
  5. Carefully pour the mixture into the silicone molds or paper cups, gently tapping to eliminate any air bubbles.
  6. Let the shampoo bars set for several hours.
  7. Once set, remove the shampoo bars from the molds, and your homemade rice shampoo bars are ready to use!

Final Thought

After checking out the top rice shampoo bars and learning how to choose the one that's right for you, we're confident that you'll be able to make an informed purchase. Our personal favorite is the Kitsch shampoo bar, but if that's not available to you, be sure to refer to the buying guide for help. So, treat yourself to a rice shampoo bar, and don't hesitate to share your newfound knowledge with friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are rice shampoo bars good for your hair?

Yes, rice shampoo bar is increasingly popular in recent years as it offers an eco-friendly and effective alternative to traditional liquid shampoos. Made with rice-derived ingredients, such as rice bran oil and fermented rice water, these bars are well-known for their hair-nourishing qualities. Rice shampoo bar benefits contain hair fortifying, healthy growth encouraging, and breakage and damage prevention.

Does rice water shampoo bar help hair growth?

Rice water is widely regarded as a valuable hair treatment. With historical accounts and personal experiences indicating its positive effects, it seems that rice water can enhance hair strength, texture, and growth.

What are the disadvantages of rice water for hair growth?

While many people advocate for using rice water on hair, some experiences include flaky scalp buildup, protein overload on the hair cuticle, and increased dryness and breakage.

Can you use rice shampoo everyday?

Use rice water once or twice a week for the best results, but don't leave it on for more than 20 minutes. The high protein content in rice water can lead to over-processing and drying of hair and scalp, potentially causing flakiness if left on for too long.

Is rice bar shampoo for hair loss?

Yes, rice bar shampoo may help with hair loss as it's enriched with ingredients that not only nourish but also strengthen your hair such as inositol, which reduces hair breakage and stimulates growth, rice bran oil also contributes by providing vitamin E and fatty acids that help strengthen and nourish hair.

References

1. Marina Deperon Isnard, Maria, G. and Campos, P. (2019). Development of hair care formulations based on natural ingredients. {online} ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338909521_Development_of_hair_care_formulations_based_on_natural_ingredients.

‌2. Aliyu Ahmad Warra (2015). Castor Seed Oil and Its Potential Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Applications. {online} ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312590184_Castor_Seed_Oil_and_Its_Potential_Cosmetic_and_Pharmaceutical_Applications.

‌3. S. Inamasu, R. Ikuyama, Fujisaki, Y. and Sugimoto, K. (2010). Abstracts: The effect of rinse water obtained from the washing of rice (YU-SU-RU) as a hair treatment. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, {online} 32(5), pp.392–393. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00605_3.x.

‌4. Ekpudu, V. (2021). HEALTHY HAIR CARE PRACTICES; CARING FOR THE AFRICAN TYPE HAIR. NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, {online} 11(3). Available at: https://www.nigjdermatology.com/index.php/NJD/article/view/180.

‌5. Sanusi, D. (2021). VIDEO: The Benefits of Shea Butter for the Hair, According to Research. {online} Dr.UGro Gashee. Available at: https://ugro.com/the-benefits-of-shea-butter-for-the-hair-a-science-based-look/.

‌6. Trad and Med, J. (2018). Formulasi Mikroemulsi dari Kombinasi Minyak Kelapa Murni (Virgin Coconut Oil) dan Minyak Dedak Padi (Rice Bran Oil) Sebagai Penyubur Rambut Microemulsion Formulation of Combination of Virgin Coconut Oil and Rice Bran Oil for Hair Growth Wira Noviana Suhery*, Mira Febrina, Ivone Permatasari. Traditional Medicine Journal, {online} 23(1), pp.40–46. Available at: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8c45/d960a7b509866e2ea7d1643382028af40aaa.pdf.

‌7. Marto, J., Neves, Â., Gonçalves, L. and Simões, S. (2018). Rice Water: A Traditional Ingredient with Anti-Aging Efficacy. {online} ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324179387_Rice_Water_A_Traditional_Ingredient_with_Anti-Aging_Efficacy.

8. Evangelia Sotiropoulou, Varelas, V., Liouni, M. and Nerantzis, E. (2015). GRAPE SEED OIL: FROM A WINERY WASTE TO A VALUE ADDED COSMETIC PRODUCT-A REVIEW. {online} ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312578959_GRAPE_SEED_OIL_FROM_A_WINERY_WASTE_TO_A_VALUE_ADDED_COSMETIC_PRODUCT-A_REVIEW.

‌9. Amin, J., E.L.P. Simamora, Anwar, E. and Djajadisastra Joshita (2014). Green tea (Camellia sinensis, L.) ethanolic extract as hair tonic in nutraceutical: Physical stability,... {online} ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288050308_Green_tea_Camellia_sinensis_L_ethanolic_extract_as_hair_tonic_in_nutraceutical_Physical_stability_hair_growth_activity_on_rats_and_safety_test.

‌10. Gambhirsinh Sursinh Vala (2014). Medicinal benefit of coconut oil. {online} ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268805677_Medicinal_benefit_of_coconut_oil.

11. ‌Teja Sri Meduri, Lakshmi Divya Munnangi, Sreevani Potharaju, Sri Tejaswi Suravarapu, Rama, V., Vandana Uppala, Divya Yepuri, Vadlamudi, P. and Rama Rao Nadendla (2021). Formulation and Evaluation of Fermented Rice Water Herbal Shampoo. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, {online} 11(4-S), pp.127–130. doi:https://doi.org/10.22270/jddt.v11i4-s.4970.

12. Johnston, C.S. and Gaas, C.A. (2006). Vinegar: medicinal uses and antiglycemic effect. MedGenMed : Medscape general medicine, {online} 8(2), p.61. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/.

‌13. Aarti Rele and Rashmikant Bhaskar Mohile (2002). Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. {online} ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10787534_Effect_of_mineral_oil_sunflower_oil_and_coconut_oil_on_prevention_of_hair_damage.

‌14. Ilaria Gorini, Iorio, S., Ciliberti, R., Licata, M. and Armocida, G. (2019). Olive oil in pharmacological and cosmetic traditions. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, {online} 18(5), pp.1575–1579. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12838.