Rice Water: Cute Trend, Bad Science

Let’s talk about the viral darling of the DIY hair world: rice water.

It’s all over social media. Promises of shine, strength, and growth. Influencers pouring it over their heads like miracle juice. But here’s the thing: while the tradition of rice water rinses has roots in real cultural practices, the science of how rice water is being used in modern shampoos and conditioners? That’s a whole different story.

Most people don’t realize that just adding “rice water” to a product doesn’t mean your hair is getting anything useful from it. In fact, unless that rice protein is hydrolyzed (broken down small enough to bond to the hair), your hair can’t actually use it the way those marketing claims suggest.

Your hair can’t absorb full proteins. It can’t digest rice. It’s not your digestive tract.

Rinsing your rice in the sink is not enough.

That starchy, fermented water may have traditional value—but in modern product formulations, if it’s not balanced, preserved, and backed by science, it can do more harm than good.

At Wicked Hues, we’re not against tradition. We’re against misuse.

The problem isn’t that people are excited about hair health. It’s that brands are slapping trendy ingredients onto labels without doing the work to ensure they’re safe, stable, or even effective.

Real results don’t come from what’s trending. They come from what’s tested.

If you really want the benefits of rice protein, look no further than professionally formulated products that use rice amino acidsEufora’s. They’ve already done the chemistry right: breaking the proteins down small enough for your hair to actually use, and formulating them in a way that’s balanced, stabilized, and backed by evidence-based science.

Eufora’s Texture line—designed to enhance curls and smooth frizz—makes powerful use of this rice amino technology. It’s one of the many reasons we trust them, and you can explore both parts of the Texture line through our affiliate links:

One that’s been stabilized, balanced, and batch-tested.

Because your hair deserves more than vibes and starch water. It deserves real care—and real results.

Looking for A Salon That Understands You?

At Wicked Hues, we do more than just hair—we listen. Our stylists dive deep into your hair’s unique needs, whether it’s preserving vivid color, combating environmental damage, or switching to clean, non-toxic care. Each appointment is a step towards hair that feels like you. Ready for a tailored experience?

Book your appointment today and let’s bring your hair vision to life, with the care and expertise you deserve.

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