"Hair Water" Is the Ancient Japanese Beauty Trend Making a Big Comeback Right Now
And there's a hack for it, too.
![Marie Claire](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KRxSHJcYyGatggUeZEpNmk-415-80.jpg)
For centuries, Japanese women have washed their hair with rice water—yes, as in the starchy stuff drained from the pots in their kitchen—to stimulate growth, make strands stronger, and improve scalp health. The revival of this D.I.Y. treatment has been hailed the "hair water" trend.
Always looking for new ways to tend to my poor damaged strands, yet a dud in the kitchen thanks to a little thing called Seamless, I, of course, needed a shortcut for this ancient technique. And now, thanks to the yes-I-have-that-random-thing-you're-looking-for magic of Etsy, I have it.
All-natural skincare brand Ash & Nectar has concocted its very own Rice Water Hair Milk, formulating it with real rice water to strengthen the roots while adding body and shine, as well as a slew of essential oils including rosemary (helps ingredients penetrate the strands), lavender (deep conditions), and argan (hydrates split ends). The milky emulsion also contains leucidal liquid, which is a natural preservative comprised of radish root ferment that has anti-bacterial properties i.e. your hair will also get a nice natural cleanse in the process.
Here's how it works: After shampooing, massage the hair water into the scalp, then down through the ends. Once your hair is fully saturated, leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then rinse it out. And that's it! See? If you play your cards right, lazy tendencies don't have to be the downfall of good hair. There's plenty of humidity for that.
Ash & Nectar Rice Water Hair Milk, $22; etsy.com.
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Ice Spice Hits Back at Claims Taylor Swift Became Friends With Her for "Clout"
She's insulted by people's assumptions.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Bette Midler Swears the Secret to Her 40-Year Marriage Is "Separate Bedrooms"
She's been married to Martin von Haselberg since 1984.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Taylor Swift Trolls "Godkids' Sperm Donor" Ryan Reynolds Amid 'Deadpool' Release
Proof that they're besties.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Why Beauty Experts Are Calling Out Youthforia's New Foundation
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
How Often You Should Wash Your Hair, According To Experts
Keep it fresh, my friends.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published