Elena Lavagni, owner and founder of Neville Hair & Beauty, agrees, hailing rice water a “miracle water” that helps improve overall health of the hair, reduce breakage, strengthen the hair shaft and roots, improve the scalp’s elasticity, and add shine. “These nutrients can benefit the scalp and is a natural remedy to treat flaky scalp and dandruff and the protein and minerals in rice water help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the scalp leading to healthier hair health.”

For those that are fans of a good DIY hair mask, this news is not hard to digest – if you’ve tried to soak your hair in coconut oil or even beer, you know the results are worthy of the laborious process – but the results of rice water are even better, because they are long-term.

How to make your own rice water

So, where to start? “The best thing about rice water is that it is cheap to make and doesn’t require any fancy equipment,” says Jack Miles. “Simply boil some plain white or jasmine rice with filtered, unsalted tap water.”

First, rinse your rice to remove any dirt or impurities. If you’re planning to use eat the rice afterwards (less waste!) then make sure you add more water than you usually would to cook it. Let it boil for 10-15 minutes and remove the excess water into a sealed container. Once cooled, the milky liquid can be used immediately, or leave it to ferment for a further 24-48 hours – for extra glossy benefits. Transfer your rice water to a spray bottle for easy application – it will last about a week before you’ll need to make more.

How to use rice water for hair

“If you are planning to add this to your routine, I recommend washing your hair first with your chosen shampoo, rinse with water and then soak with rice water before massaging into your hair and leaving on for around ten minutes,” advises celebrity hairdresser, Jay Birmingham. “The key is making sure you rinse your hair thoroughly too to avoid any starchy residue remaining in your hair. In my opinion, there is no harm to adding this to your hair routine but the key to healthy, strong hair is in the products you use.”

While protein is essential for stronger, healthier hair, Jack says too much protein in the hair can lead to protein overload, which can actually make the hair more brittle and less likely to absorb moisture, so only do this treatment once a week and don’t combine it with other protein treatments or masks. “After washing your hair, saturate your hair and scalp with the rice water, massaging it in to ensure it penetrates the hair shaft. Leave the rice water in your hair for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it out with warm water. You can then condition your hair as normal.”

“With regular use, rice water can increase the rate of hair growth fast, and you can start to see improvements in your hair in as little as two to three weeks,” says Rhysa Phommachanh, hair and skincare expert at Landys Chemist. “However, you should allow up to six months of regular use to see the full effect and benefits of using a rice water treatment.”

Not convinced? Try these rice-infused products instead

If you’ve not got the confidence to concoct your own rice water at home, simplify the process by buying some of these rice water hair products that will give you the glossy hair you’ve been dreaming of without stepping foot in the kitchen.

Whether you’re after a straightforward solution like As I Am’s black rice water spray or looking for an additional boost like Ouai’s hyaluronic-infused Hair Gloss remove the guesswork. Alternatively, prep your locks for a rice water spritz with rice shampoos like Shu Uemura Izumi’s Tonic Strengthening Shampoo or Davines’ Nounou Nourishing Shampoo. Glossy hair imminent.