There’s a new wave brewing on TikTok, and this time, it’s not a sleek glass-skin serum or yet another heatless curl hack. It’s the Rice Water Reboot: a ritual that has beauty creators and haircare enthusiasts rinsing, soaking, and even fermenting rice like it’s the new liquid gold. With over 450 million views under the hashtag #RiceWaterReboot, the ancient beauty ritual has officially made its modern-day comeback.
But what is this reboot exactly, and why is Gen Z obsessed? Is it really worth the hype or just another social media moment? We went deep, like scalp exfoliation deep, to separate fact from fiction.
What Is The “Rice Water Reboot”?
The Rice Water Reboot is a TikTok-fueled variation of the traditional rice water rinse, aimed at resetting your hair and scalp, like a detox, but for your strands.
It typically involves:
- Soaking raw white rice in water (for 24–48 hours)
- Letting it ferment (hello, probiotics!)
- Straining and applying the liquid as a scalp and hair rinse
- Leaving it on for 10–20 minutes before rinsing it out
Some creators even mix in rosemary or essential oils, and the really committed are doing this 1–2 times a week for a month to document the transformation.
The result? TikTokers are reporting faster hair growth, reduced hair fall, shinier lengths, and a balanced scalp.
The Science Behind Using Rice Water For Faster Hair Growth
According to trichologists and dermatologists, rice water is rich in:
- Amino acids which can temporarily repair the hair shaft,
- Vitamins B and E which support scalp health,
- Inositol, a carbohydrate that may strengthen elasticity and reduce breakage,
- Antioxidants to fight inflammation on the scalp.
Fermenting the rice water is said to lower the pH, making it closer to the natural pH of hair and potentially allowing better absorption.
But here’s the catch: “While rice water can improve the appearance and feel of hair, there’s limited clinical evidence supporting long-term hair growth benefits,” says Dr. Meera Sahay, a dermatologist who specializes in scalp health. In other words: it works but with a few caveats.
Who Should Try The Rice Water Reboot?
Rice water is best for:
- Dry, frizzy, or damaged hair,
- Curly or textured hair types looking for natural protein and
- Those experiencing mild hair fall or slow growth.
You should avoid it if:
- You have low-porosity hair (rice water can cause buildup),
- Your scalp is dry extremely sensitive or prone to dandruff or
- You’re protein-sensitive (this could lead to dryness or stiffness).
How To Do The TikTok-Famous Rice Water Reboot (Safely) With Step-by-step Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup of white rice to remove debris and starch.
- Soak it in 2–3 cups of water for 24–48 hours at room temperature. For fermentation, leave it in a dark, warm place.
- Strain the rice and store the liquid in a spray bottle or jar.
- Optional Add-ins: A few drops of rosemary oil, peppermint oil, or aloe vera.
- Shampoo your hair first, then apply the rice water from scalp to ends.
- Leave on for 10–20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water as it won’t make your hair smell good.
- Finish with conditioner if needed.
Do it once a week to start. Overuse can cause protein overload. Yes, too much of a good thing is BAD…
Does It Actually Reboot Your Hair?
The Rice Water Reboot isn’t just a viral trend, it’s rooted in ancient beauty traditions from the Heian period in Japan to the Yao women of China. What TikTok has done is modernize and amplify it, turning it into a hair care movement. It won’t perform miracles overnight, but when done mindfully, it’s an effective way to nourish, hydrate, and gently exfoliate your scalp, leading to healthier, shinier, more resilient strands over time.
Over To You
If you’ve hit a hair plateau and want to try a budget-friendly, time-tested ritual that feels luxurious and effective, the Rice Water Reboot might just be your next holy grail. But remember: even the most viral rituals need to be tailored to your hair type. Test, observe, and always rinse thoroughly. Hair care, like skin care, is not one-size-fits-all.
Before you leave don’t forget to check out: I Tried Rosemary Water For 30 Days: Here’s What Happened To My Hair.
Have a lovely day!
