Top Story: Does Rice Water Help With Hair Growth? Dermatologists Weigh In on the Social Media Trend

Across social media, rice water has been a hot topic on whether or not it helps with hair growth. TikTokers are recommending people soak their hair in water after soaking rice, but experts say it may not have any benefits at all. While rice is full of nutrients, it doesn’t necessarily improve peoples’ hair.

According to experts, there isn’t enough evidence to support these claims. Rinsing your hair in rice water may actually damage it, especially those with coiled hair that breaks easily, said Ronda Farah, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Rice water contains starch, which can pull moisture from the hair. “Rice water can actually be harmful because it isn’t actually formulated for your scalp. You don’t get the same delivery to the hair follicle or the hair shaft,” she told Health.

Dr. Farah urges caution before jumping in on these online trends. “Just because you like that person’s hair, that does not mean the method they use is going to work on your hair,” she said. “Each type of hair is so different, it’s really hard to apply one thing to everyone.” To improve your hair health, consider other methods and lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, reducing stress, and avoiding heat hair tools.

You can read the full article featuring Dr. Farah here.