Yao Rice Water Recipe | How To Make Rice Water At Home – Both Yao rice water and fermented rice water help repair and strengthen your hair cuticles leaving your hair soft and silky. They are loaded with nutrients that help promote new hair growth.
Rice water can be used by all hair types including colour treated hair.
PROTEIN OVERLOAD
If you have low porosity hair, instead of every 3 days, reduce the frequency of usage to once a week only. Also, you can dilute it with equal amount of water before each use if needed.
RICE WATER GROWNING MOLD😥
Keep the glass/ceramic/wood jar tightly closed and in a cool dark place far away from moisture. Keep it away from areas like the kitchen and bathroom where humidity is high.
Once every 3-4 days, open the jar to let air circulate. Even if you skip this step, the rice water will definitely ferment without fail. I have tried and tested it.
RICE WATER BENEFITS
Yao Rice Water is a natural hair care solution rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. It nourishes and strengthens hair, making it smooth, shiny, and frizz free. It works as both shampoo and conditioner, cleansing the scalp and moisturizing the hair while eliminating issues like itching, dandruff, and mild scalp infections. Rice water also encourages hair growth, reduces hair loss, fortifies hair follicles, repairs dry hair, and enhances shine with a pleasant citrus scent. Yao Rice Water is all natural and free from negative side effects.
Below you can find,
- Video tutorial with results
- Frequently asked questions
- Yao women hair care routine
- How to make rice water (Original Yao Women Recipe)
- Alternative ingredients you can use
- How i use rice water
- My six month experience and results
VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS
Scroll down for Photo Instructions and FAQ
YAO WOMEN HAIR CARE ROUTINE
Yao women have a hair care routine that involves using a hair mask with rice water and peels once a week. They leave it on for an hour before rinsing. They also use a natural hair cleanser with rice water, a natural cleanser, and pomelo or grapefruit peels every three days for 20 minutes. Yao women do not use any conditioner as part of their hair care routine.
YAO WOMEN HAIRCARE TIPS
📌 Yao women flip the head upside down while combing their hair.
Flipping your head upside down does improve the blood flow to your scalp. This means, More oxygen and nutrients reach the scalp which encourages hair growth.
📌 Yao women protect their hair from the wind.
Wind causes cause damage to the outer cuticle layer which leads to tangles and split ends. It also reduces the moisture level of your hair.
📌 Yao women always use cold water to wash their hair.
Cold water helps close the hair cuticles preventing build up(Dirt, pollutants) in the hair follicles. As cold water does not strip the natural oils, the hair and scalp stays moisturised. This helps in reducing frizz.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YAO RICE WATER & FERMENTED RICE WATER
1.To make Yao rice water you have to use white rice. While the fermented rice water recipe can be prepared with other types of rice like, black rice and wild rice.
2. Yao rice water does not stink at all. To be honest, it smells amazing even after a month. The fermented rice in water does stink a bit.
3. No need to refrigerate Yao rice water up to a month. But fermented rice water has to be refrigerated within 72 hours.
4. You do not have to dilute Yao rice water. But the fermented rice water has to be diluted in a 1:1 ratio to prevent protein overload.
5. While Yao rice water can be used every 3 days, it is advisable to use fermented rice water only once or twice a month.
INGREDIENTS
The only ingredients in Yao rice water recipe are White rice, Tea seed cake, And Pomelo peels. Each of these ingredients contribute to heathy hair in different ways.
📌 RICE WATER
Rice water is a powerhouse of essential nutrients including vitamins B and E, amino acids, minerals and antioxidants. The presence of inositol in rice water makes it a great ingredient for hair care as it helps in repairing cuticle damage by penetrating deep into the hair. As a result, hair becomes shiner and frizz-free.
Amino acids in rice water also play a vital role in promoting hair growth. With regular use, rice water can help make hair stronger, smoother, and shinier. Its healing properties also help soothe the scalp, reducing itching and other irritations.
📌 TEA SEED CAKE/POWDER
Tea seed cake is a by product of extracting oils from tea seeds, it is a rich source of protein that is beneficial for repairing and maintaining healthy hair. It has antimicrobial properties that prevent scalp infections such as seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Tea seed cake also promotes blood circulation, activating hair follicle growth.
The tea saponins present in tea seed cake cleanse the hair and scalp effectively without drying it out. The amino acids present in it, not only promote new hair growth but also moisturize, condition, and strengthen the hair strands. These amino acids also repair cuticle damage, which is the main reason for frizzy, dull hair. Tea seed cake not only makes your hair stronger and thicker but also soft and silky.
📌 POMELO PEELS
Pomelo peels are rich in antioxidants that help promote hair growth by stimulating the scalp and encouraging blood flow to the surface of the scalp. ?This ensures more oxygen and nutrients to the scalp.
The antiseptic, antiallergic and antifungal properties of the pomelo peels also treat mild dandruff and prevent scalp infections, soothe itchy irritated scalp and prevent bacterial growth. The Vitamin C present in the peels neutralize and protect hair from free radical damage and add an invisible coating to the hair to prevent further damage. The vitamins and minerals in pomelo peels help repair the outer cuticle layer of the hair by sealing it properly, adding shine and preventing frizz.
The Pomelo Rice Water is perfect for dull, dry, lifeless hair as it gets rid of product build up, cleanses the scalp of sweat, dirt, and clogged pores and prevents dandruff, itching and other scalp infections. It also helps in preventing thinning of hair.
ALTERNATIVE TO POMELO – GRAPEFRUIT PEELS
FAQ
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Yao rice water. I have tried to answer them to the best of my knowledge. If you cannot find your answer here, let me know in the comments section below.
WHAT DO YAO WOMEN USE FOR THEIR HAIR?
The women of the Huangluo Yao village rely on natural hair treatments to achieve their beautiful, healthy hair. One of their secret weapons is a hair serum made from boiled and fermented rice water. This natural hair cleanser and conditioner promotes hair growth and nourishes the scalp. This all natural hair treatment cleanses and conditions your hair, leaving it soft and frizz-free.
HOW LONG DO THE YAO WOMEN FERMENT RICE WATER?
Traditionally, the rice water is boiled with two other ingredients and fermented for about two weeks to one month.
HOW DOES YAO WOMEN USE RICE WATER?
Huangluo yao village hair serum can be used by itself as it works as an ‘all in one’ protein hair mask, cleanser, and conditioner. The fermented rice water act as hair conditioners smoothing and closing the cuticles. The closed hair cuticles reflect the light that falls on them making your hair look dark, lustrous and shiny.
You do not have to dilute Yao rice water, unless you have low porosity hair.
WHICH RICE DO YAO WOMEN USE?
White rice.
When you buy make sure the rice is organic and free from harmful pesticides. Basmati rice and rice that are grown in certain parts of the world like India, and Pakistan contain the least amount of pesticides and Arsenic in them.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR RICE WATER TO GROW YOUR HAIR?
You should be able to see noticeable difference in your hair length and texture in about a month’s time. I am not sure about how long it would take on damaged hair though.
Within that time frame, my hair quality improved even without using a chemical shampoo or conditioner. My scalp looked healthy and moisturised rather than dry and frizzy.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE RICE WATER?
Yao women use fermented rice water every three days.
In winters, they use it once a week.
CAN WE ADD ESSENTIAL OILS TO RICE WATER?
Yes, you can add tea tree oil or even Pomelo essential oil to the original rice water recipe.
HOW ABOUT ADDING MORINGA POWDER OR HIBISCUS?
I often receive this question, but I have never personally modified the recipe. During my online research, I found an article suggesting that fermented moringa powder has more soluble proteins. You can also mix moringa powder directly with fermented rice water to create an instant hair mask. When experimenting with new ingredients, it is better to make a small test batch first. I still recommend sticking to the original Yao rice water recipe because it is a tried method for maintaining healthy hair.
HOW TO USE RICE WATER?
- Shake the bottle before use
- Pour the rice water all over your head and hair
- Wait for 20 minutes
- Massage for 2 minutes
- Rinse with cold water
- Repeat every 3 days
Yao women use cold water to wash their hair even in the cold winters.
YAO RICE WATER RECIPE
- Rice water – 3 cups
- Citrus peels – 1 pomelo fruit
- Tea seed powder – 2 Tablespoon
🌹RICE – 1 CUP
Take about a cup of organic white rice.
Rinse the rice to remove dirt and dust.
Throw out this water.
🌹WATER – 3 CUPS
Add 3 cups of water to the cleaned raw rice. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
30 minutes, later, rub the rice between your palms or fingers.
Continue to do until the water turns Milky White. This may take about 5 minutes.
Drain the rice water.
🌹POMELO PEELS
Today I have used sweet lemon peels of 2 whole lemons. You can use whichever is easily available to you. Yao women use Pomelo Fruit peels. (The closest thing to a pomelo fruit would be a Grapefruit)
🌹TEA SEED POWDER/CAKE – 2-3 TABLESPOONS
You can boil it along with the pomelo peels or just add the powder after you switch off the gas stove.
Tea seeds powder does helps cleanse and moisturise the hair and scalp. It also promotes hair growth and combats dandruff and itching.
It is an amazing hair cleanser with many additional benefits.
TEA SEED POWDER ALTERNATIVES
- Shikakai Powder
- Soap nut Powder (Reetha)- Best for colour treated/Chemical treated hair
- Shikakai and Aloe Vera Powder for extremely dry hair
Boil the rice water for 5 minutes on medium flame.
Once the mixture cools down, transfer it to a clean glass jar.
In case you are using an air tight jar, make sure you open the lid every few days to let the air circulate. Why? Because oxygen is needed for fermentation.
Let the rice water ferment for 2 weeks to a month. You now have your own 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner ready for use.
There you have it, the infamous Chinese Yao rice water recipe.
SHELF LIFE
Yao rice water stays fresh up to 2 month without refrigeration.
NOTE
I always rinse my hair with a Apple Cider Vinegar rinse to finish off.
Leave diluted ACV on your hair for 3 minutes and rinse off. This does help close the hair cuticles which leaves my hair soft, shiny and frizz free. ACV rinse also prevents mineral deposit/product build up.
You are free to use your favourite conditioner here.
MY EXPERIENCE
When I first started using rice water, I was going through a difficult time as I was experiencing significant hair loss due to H.Pylori-related anaemia. I was struggling to find a solution as none of the doctors could help me. I turned to the internet and self-diagnosed myself with H.Pylori, which was later confirmed through lab tests.
Using fermented rice water did not completely stop the hair fall, but it did help stimulate new hair growth. I noticed tiny flyaway hair even while experiencing hair loss. After two weeks of antibiotics and six months of using rice water, my hair thickness improved, My hair also became softer, blacker, and shinier, with fewer tangles. Using rice water also cooled down my hot head, a symptom my grandma used to tackle with oil baths. The rice water recipe has gradually improved the quality of my hair and I am extremely impressed with the results. I can see myself using rice water for a long time to come.
Try this recipe and let me know if you have any doubts. If you found this article useful, show me some love by clicking the below emoji’s and Share your experience too as that really helps the community.
Where did you get the tea seed powder from?
I got mine from a nursery.
Because of its high protein content, Tea seed cake/powder is widely used as organic fertiliser in Asian countries and hence is easily available in stores/online.
Hi
1. Since you use this once every 3 days, do u use normal shampoo and conditioner on other days?
2. How do you apply the rice water? Just run the water on your hair and let it dry on it’s own? Do i need to wrap my hair with a towel?
Thanks!
I use chemical shampoo or conditioner on my hair only if i am doing a warm oil massage or egg-oil mask.
I just pour rice water all over my hair and scalp. As this hair mask is drippy, I wrap my hair in a towel and wait for 20-30 minutes for recipe 1 and an hour for recipe 2.
I have never used a hot towel treatment with rice water.
In case the mask starts to dry, i would rinse it off immediately.
Thank you! So if i need to wash my hair everyday (sweaty after exercise) , i should use rice water everyday too?
I use this every other day in summers without any problems. But every hair is unique. So i cannot say whether it will suit your hair. Give it a try for a week and while at it, don’t skip the conditioner.
Can it work on perm/chemical hair?
Yes, rice water does work on Chemical treated hair.
If you are using a dedicated shampoo/conditioner for your hair, you can skip adding the natural hair cleanser(Tea seed powder/shikakai)to rice water. Just boil rice water with the peels and let it ferment for a week. Leave the fermented rice water on your hair for an hour, shampoo and condition as usual.
I cannot find the tea seed powder would the tea seed oil works? How many drops should i put in?
Tea seed oil cannot be used as a substitute to make this hair cleanser. You can use either Shikakai or Soap nut seeds/powder instead.
yes it works i used rice water in my hair just once but also this gives great result
Glad to know that this recipe worked for you. Thank you for sharing your experience. 🙂
Which powder did you find worked better? Also have you ever tried aloe juice in your mix? I just put mine in but waiting a week for fermentation. Thanks for your post very helpful!
Out of all the hair cleansers, my favourites would be Tea seed cake, soap nut powder and Shikakai + Soap nut powder(In a 1:1 ratio). If you can get your hands on tea seed cake\powder, stick to the original Yao rice water recipe as it has proven long term benefits.
Soapnut powder might be the best choice for colour treated hair, Shikakai tends to darken hair over time and the minerals in clay may react with the hair dye.
Sorry, I haven’t tried boiling Aloe juice with rice water. Hope it works for you. Let me know how it goes.
Can you use camelia seed oil instead of powder?
We are using the powders to cleanse, nourish and soften hair without drying it out.(no shampoo method). So using any oil would defeat that purpose.
After the oil is extracted from the tea seed, the meal left behind is rich in proteins. Using tea seed cake with rice water works as a protein mask too. Using tea seed cake helps improve hair quality.
This could be why the Yao women’s hair is stronger, frizz free and the hair cuticles are properly closed too so the light bounce off it making the hair look really shiny.
Does it only work on natural hair?
Rice water does work on all hair types.
If you have colour treated/chemical treated hair, then go for hair cleansers like tea seed cake or soap nut powder instead of shikakai/clay.
Can I add ginger in rice water while boiling? Thanks for your effort in researching this n sharing it with us.shwetha
If you are using this to promote new hair growth or to stop hair loss, boil rice water, citrus peels and ginger together. Let it ferment.
OR
Add fresh ginger juice to the already fermented rice water right before applying it to your hair.
Instead of 20 minutes, leave the mask on for an hour before rinsing it off.
Make rice water hair cleanser separately by boiling rice water, citrus peels and tea seed cake. Leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing.
This is quite interesting to know about this recipe. I am also asian and since time immemorial our ancestors has been using rice water in their hair although our methods are bit different. We generally eat organic rice, which is small and round in shape. We do include citrus fruit peels and other aromatic herbs like lemon grass, ageratum or the white weed leaves and oxalis and also hibiscus leaves. Trust me it works wonder.
Love Yai!
Thanks for letting us know your rice water recipe. I am sure it would help other readers too.
My grandma has been using fresh hibiscus leaves and oxalis as a hair mask and hair cleanser for decades. She is 80 and her hair has just started greying. When I was a child i used hate this mask though as it is really slimy. I have yet to try it with rice water.
And, you are right. It does work wonders. They leave your hair soft, shiny, frizz free and clean.
I have never heard of white weed leaves but the other ingredients are certainly good for the hair and scalp.
Can you exactly say how (leaf, powder, seeds,etc) to add the other ingredients in the fermentation process? I want to include hibiscus and gooseberry (Amla). Do you think it’s going to work? How long do you ferment? I heard Yao women used bamboo tubs. It’d be great if you can elaborate us the way your elders/you follow.
Add the powders to the already fermented rice water to form a thin paste. Apply on your hair and leave it for 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing it off.
If you want to add powders (like Moringa, Neem, Hibiscus) to make a rice water hair mask, Just ferment rice water and the citrus fruit peels only and skip tea seed powder/cake.
I can’t find anywhere that sells tea seed powder )):
I guess it is difficult to get tea seed cake outside Asia. Please try one of the alternative ingredients that I have mentioned. They work well in cleansing and conditioning the hair.
Follow up with ACV rinse especially if you are using clay. This helps prevent mineral deposit and product buildup.
What brand of tea seed cake/powder do you get from the plant nursery? I’m having trouble finding it via online searches using tea seed cake or tea seed powder so maybe it’d be easier to search for a fertilizer.
It has been more than a year since i bought the tea seed powder so I honestly don’t remember the brand name. Sorry I couldn’t be of any help.
Can lavender oil be used instead of the powder??
Lavender oil cannot be used instead of Tea seed powder.
The proteins in the powder strengthens hair, promotes hair growth, prevents breakage and also helps chemical treated hair/dry damaged hair. Tea seed powder is also high in saponins which helps cleanse the hair and scalp without drying it out.
If you don’t add the hair cleaning stuff, then can the fermented rice recipe with just the lemon peels be used as a toner for the skin? Really want to try a fermented rice recipe as a toner that doesn’t smell funny
yes, you can use rice water fermented with lemon peels as a skin toner.
Hi Peppy,
Thanks for your recipe, I look forward to trying it on my natural hair. I’ve been looking for an alternative to make my hair grow and be healthy without all the different types of additives that there are using today in shampoos and conditioners. Plus, I’m just beginning to gray around my frontal hairline and excited that this recipe has stopped graying! Thanks for sharing the recipe and the history of Yao Women. I will certainly share my result after 6-months.
Thanks for writing and i really hope this recipe works for you. Looking forward to your results.
It’s really helpful. I have been looking for rice water receipe for my hair from last one month but didn’t find anything. But your receipe create a faith and I have a strong feeling to try this out. Thanks for sharing. Just one question – can I make powder of tea seeds which we use for preparing tea in India?
I am not sure whether you got my previous mail. Re-posting this just in case you did not get my mail.
The tea powder we use to make tea is made from tea leaves. We need tea seed cake or powder to make this rice water. It is the meal left behind after the oil is extracted from the tea seeds.You can find it in stores/nurseries that sell organic fertilisers like neem cake, tea seed cake, and the like.
In case you cannot find it, use fermented rice water (with citrus peel) as a hair mask. Wait for one hour before rinsing it off.
You can also use the rice water shikakai shampoo instead (Shikakai shampoo recipe – https://youtu.be/StyMyXv0YrE)
Hope that helps.
Thank you!
Is it normal to have to vent the glass container every day to prevent the fermentation from causing the jar or lid to break? I notice my lid starts to bulge if I don’t loosen it to let out the gas fermentation makes.
That has never happened to me. But faster fermentation could happen in warmer climates. Does the rice water cleanser stink? Is the jar placed in a dark and cool place?
After it is fermented, keep the jar in the refrigerator to stop the fermentation process.
Please I’m in Ghana and I don’t have any tea seed powder, can I please use Lipton yellow label tea powder for the rice water
Tea powder will not give the same result like tea seed powder. In my experience, The second best alternative was shikakai.
I have been using 24hr fermented rice water for about a month and i cn feel the difference in my hair… Now i am gonna try your method using reetha powder and after 2months i will comment about the real result.. 💞
I did the second recipe and I noticed that it was super smelly n the smell lingered in my hair even after shampoo and conditioning it. is that normal?
I’m not sure what went wrong. If you added citrus fruit peels and refrigerated the rice water after 48 hours of fermentation, it shouldn’t smell bad at all. Usually i add the peels of one whole sweet lemon to 500 ml of rice water.
I just checked my one month old rice water to confirm and it smells citrusy.
Hey I have a question. So for my rice water, I boiled it with orange peels and peppermint tea LEAVES found in peppermint tea bags (it is 100% organic). Is this okay to do???
I have never tried fermenting rice water with peppermint so I cannot say for sure. After fermenting the rice water for a week, check the rice water for scum or foul smell, both of which shouldn’t be there.
For starters, it would be best to use the peppermint rice water once every two weeks. Leave it on for an hour before rinsing it off.
Hi, which recipe do you think is the best one to use as a skin toner, the Yao one or the other? Thank you.
The Yao method of boiling rice water with pomelo peels would make a better skin toner than the other. The second fermented rice water may be too potent for the skin and hence, may cause irritations.
Hi my hair is 4b I recently just started the rice water recipe without the cleansing powders. I’m using it every 3 days. I’d shampoo every two weeks. Do you think it would work?
That should work just fine as long as you are applying the rice water to clean hair and scalp. Once a week, leave the mask for an hour before rinsing it off.
Can I use only reetha??
& can I use lemon peel instead of those citric peels?
You can make Yao rice water cleanser using Reetha and lemon peels. Use this every three days. Follow up with ACV or any conditioner of your choice.
Keep in mind that the REAL rice water with tea seed powder works as a protein treatment too. So use recipe 2 as a hair mask twice a month to promote hair growth. This is optional but this is what I followed while using reetha/shikakai rice water.
which one is recipe 2??
Recipe 2 is shown in the video at 4:20. you can also find it here- https://peppyblog.com/how-to-make-rice-water-for-beautiful-skin-and-thicker-hair/
Go for the fermented rice water recipe not the plain rice water Recipe. Hope that helped.
Is it ok to heat up already fermented rice water, or will direct heat kill the already fermented nutrients?
Do not boil fermented rice water. Boil rice water with pomelo peels first and then, let it ferment for at least a week.
hi! i was wondering how often you have to make it and how much liquid gets used every time you wash? am i supposed to use all of that liquid for the every three days wash? i was also wondering how you apply it if you arent just dumping it on your head? thank you so much for sharing your recipes and methods! i am excited to try it out! 🙂
I make a new batch every three weeks. Although I have never measured the exact amount I use, it should be around 200ml. I pour the rice water all over my hair, wrap it and wait for 20 minutes(rice water+pomelo peels+tea seed cake hair cleanser) or for an hour(rice water+pomelo peels only hair mask)
hi, thanks for sharing this recipe. Do we need to apply regular oil when we use this recipe 1. Will it remove that oil from our scalp?
Yao Rice water is a mild hair cleanser that helps cleanse your hair and scalp without stripping the natural oils. You don’t have to apply oil along with this.
But if you do an oil massage, you need to use a chemical shampoo to remove the oil.
Hi, I was wondering if I should wash my hair first before applying the Yao Rice water in my hair? Like clean the dirty materials and germs first before using the Yao Rice water. And I definitely don’t want to go back to shampoo and conditioner again so do I just keep using the Yao Rice water alone every three days for 20 minutes? Do I have to sit under a hair dryer for this or in a plastic shower cap alone? Thank you for your recipe and your hard work of research!😊
The tea seed powder in the rice water acts as a hair cleanser so you don’t have to shampoo your hair before. It does remove dirt without leaving the hair dry. I do follow up with ACV though.
Pour the fermented rice water all over your hair and scalp. Wrap with a shower cap. Rinse it off after 20 minutes.
If you are using Rice Water Hair Mask(rice water and pomelo peels boiled and fermented for two weeks), then you need to cleanse your hair and scalp beforehand. Leave the mask for an hour before rinsing it off.
Yao women use both these fermented rice water recipes- one is a hair cleanser while the other is a hair mask. Hope that cleared your doubts.
is it okay if u dont put tea seeds in the fermented rice? I don’t know where to find and buy it 🙁
You can make fermented rice water without tea seed powder too. You can use this hair mask once a week.
Apply the hair mask on clean hair and scalp, leave it for an hour before rinsing. Use ACV or any other conditioner of your choice.
Hello! I did this Yao women technique, and I opened my airtight container today since 7/23/20…..It has the strangest smell, even though I left the orange peels to sit in the rice water….Any advice?
I think that might be normal as you left it airtight for nearly a month. You can use it as long as it does not have any scum formed on top of it. Also, Once you rinse the rice water off, there shouldn’t be any bad smell lingering in your hair.
Hello! I made the rice water mixture with grapefruit peels & lavender oil. Do I need to put it in the fridge? Also, I’m ordering the tea tree powder, can I put it in after the rice water has been sitting for a week?
if you are going to use the rice water within a month’s time, you don’t need to refrigerate it.
Also, It is better to boil the ingredients before the fermentation process.
Hi I love that you reply your comments.I use mine once a month I can’t do it once a week is that ok
Hello there! I will be using this recipe you have provided because it’s the best I’ve seen so far, so thank you! For recipe 2 (rice water, grapefruit/lemon peels, ferment for two weeks), during the fermenting process, does it need to be refrigerated after the first 48 hours of fermenting?
I don’t believe I’ll be able to find the tea seed powder, so it’s recommended to shampoo and condition before rice water mask? Will I need to condition again after the rice water mask as well or no? Thank you!!
Hello!! Does the recipe for the rice water mask (without tea seed powder) need to be refrigerated 48 hrs into the fermenting process, or does it stay in a cabinet for the full two weeks?
Do I need to shampoo and conditioner before the rice water wash, and then condition again after the mask? Thank you!!
Rice water BOILED with pomelo peels does not have to refrigerated. You can use it after 2 weeks of fermentation.
The fermented rice water needs to be applied to clean hair and scalp so yes, you have to shampoo beforehand and use a conditioner afterwards. You do not have to shampoo again after rinsing off the hair mask.
I use homemade shikakai shampoo first, after which i apply the fermented rice water mask and then, i finish with a 3 min ACV rinse.
Hi there! Are you supposed to refrigerate the water after 48 hours of fermenting (rice water mask method), or allow it to ferment for the full two weeks in a cabinet? How do you store it, or do you use all of the rice water during each wash? Lastly, do you need to shampoo first, rice water mask, and then condition? Thank you!
Boil the rice water with tea seed powder & the peels. Let it ferment for 2 weeks. No need to refrigerate at rice water. You can store the fermented rice water in the cabinet for about a month. I never had to refrigerate the fermented rice water as i use it within a month’s time.
I use about 1/2-3/4 glass of rice water for my long hair.
If you are using tea seed powder, you dont have to shampoo beforehand as tea seed powder has cleansing properties. It does remove dirt and cleans the scalp well. Follow up with ACV rinse or any conditioner of your choice.
If not, then you have to shampoo your hair before applying the hair mask. Leave it on for an hour before rinsing it off. Follow up with a conditioner.
First I need to oil my hair and shampoo .after that I need to mask my hair with the rice water and leave it for 30 min and normal wash it .1.can I use dove or head and shoulders conditioner after that ? Or could you please suggest a good conditioner . 2. Where can I get tea seed powder is it available on amazon ??
Tea seed cake helps cleanse the scalp and hair so you do not have to shampoo beforehand. It does cleanse your hair and scalp properly. You can use a conditioner after rinsing the hair mask off.
I use homemade apple cider vinegar and leave in conditioner spray.
You can go for any conditioner from dove, tressemme, L’Oréal, Matrix biolage that suits your hair type.
Hello xx Do you think it would work to prepare like the Yao women do, as you laid out here, but to let it ferment WITHOUT the cleansing powder? And then to add in the powder (perhaps first dissolved in hot water, allowed to cool down) after a couple of weeks? It will be a couple of weeks before I receive the cleansing powder, and if I can start fermenting the rice water now (with the citrus peels), I’d love to. Thank you!
You can add the tea seed powder to already fermented rice water but just remember to boil it first to prevent contamination.
Do they use tea tree seeds? Or tea tree crust? In this video below i saw a crust, isn’t it? Thanks for the answears.
In the video, They are using tea seed cake. It’s the meal left behind after extracting the oils from the seeds. You can use either tea seed cake or powder.
Will it be okay to use normal lemon?Nd for How many days should i fermented yao women rice water ?? I live in UP(india) and here the weather is very hot 🥵 Btw i really like ur video and i really love that u reply ur comments❤️❤️
Hi Shubhi, I haven’t used normal lime peels so I can’t say for sure. The best choices would be pomelo, sweet lime(mosambi) or orange peels. All 3 worked well for my hair.
Also, Try to ferment the rice water for at least 2 weeks for best results.
Thanku so much for replying😘❤️,
But could u tell me that if fermented rice water take 2 weeks in hot wheather then how much time will it take in winters??😅😅
Keep the rice water in a warm and dark place during both seasons.
Usually 2 weeks in hot summers and one month in cold winters work for me. There is no set time for this. Just look out for molds/scum growing on top of the rice water.
Always let the rice water Ferment for a minimum of 2 weeks though.
Once it gives off a sour smell, you can use it or refrigerate the fermented rice water.
Hello peppy, thanks for sharing your recipe. You’re the best 😘. Pls do I need to condition my hair after using the rice water without the cleansing powder, keeping for 1hr every 3 days and rinsing off with cold water only without the conditioner. Since I use the conditioner every 2 weeks. Is this ok? Thanks
If you are using the rice water as a hair mask and leaving it for an hour, I advise using it only once a week.
If you prefer to use it every three days, then rinse it off after 20 minutes.
Since you are not using the hair cleanser powder, You do not have to condition your hair if not needed. It totally depends on your hair though.
Thank You for your post!!
In one of the videos on YouTube shows that Yao womens use tea tree crust, so should we use tea tree seed powder or tea tree crust powder?
Thank you so much!
Yao can use either tea seed cake or tea seed powder whichever is available to you.
Can we use Normal lemon,not sweet lemon?
I haven’t tried using normal lemon so I’m not really sure. It would be best to use pomelo peels, grapefruit peels, sweet lemon/mosambi peels, or orange peels.
Thank you so much for the recipe
Just want to ask
Whatabout moringa seed?
Can’t I use moringa seed powder?
Tea tree powder or cake is not available where I am, neither is the other cleansening powder, I’d have to find a way to get it and it might take time..
But can’t I use moringa seed?
I already use ricewater boiled with orange peel and ginger, can I add moringa to it while I wait for tea tree powder?
I haven’t tried fermenting rice water with moringa seed powder so I’m not sure how that would work.
The results will certainly be different as rice water made with Tea seed powder works as a protein treatment and a cleanser.
The rice water fermented with ginger and orange peels does work. Use it once a week and leave it for an hour before rinsing it off.
Hi! Thanks for your post. I have followed your instructions making the Yao women’s rice water (double the amount). I used two tbls shikaki, 1 tbls hibiscus flower powder and the peels of two large grapefruit + peels of three oranges. I made the blend 4 days ago and it has 2 white spores growing on the surface of the water ( looks like two small balls of cotton wool). It does not smell bad and there is no scummy stuff in the water. I live in the Caribbean so it’s hot, but I put my rice water in the cupboard which is cool ( by tropical standards) and dark. My question is – what are the white things growing on the surface? Can I still use the rice water, should I put it in the fridge or should I throw it away and start over? Can I scoop out the white stuff and leave it for another 10 days to ferment? Can I add tea tree essential oil or rosemary essential oil to stop the white balls coming back? Thanks in advance for your help!
Hi thanks for your post! I live in the Caribbean and made rice water for the first time 4 days ago, using your Yao women recipe (double the amount). I used 2 tbls shikakai, 1 tbls hibiscus flower powder, the peels of 2 grapefruit and 2 oranges. I put in a cupboard to ferment, (it’s cool by tropical standards) and dark. Yesterday I saw 2 white spores growing on the surface of the water ( they look like small pieces of cotton wool). It does not smell bad or have any scummy stuff in the water. Can I still use it or do I have to throw it out and start all over again? Do I scoop out the white stuff and let it continue fermenting for another 10 days? Do I put it in the fridge? Can I add tea tree or rosemary EO to stop the white balls from coming back? Thanks in advance for your advice!
You can scoop out the spores and then refrigerate the rice water. Next time try making small batch of rice water without the hibiscus flower powder. You can add essential oils to the rice water.
Hi I really love that you reply your comments.I use mine once a month is that okay
Yes that is totally fine. But, Yao rice water with tea seed cake gives best results when used every three days or atleast once a week.
Recipe 2 from the video might be a better choice for you as you are using it only once a month.
Should I use conditioner to rinse my hair
Depending on your hair(Dry/Frizzy), You can use a conditioner if you find it necessary.
Hi thanks for the wonderful post… Can you please suggest where do v can buy Tea seed powder
I couldn’t find tea seed powder online or at the nursery. 🙁 It could be because of lockdown.
So now I’m using Yao rice water hair mask and instead of the cleanser, I’m using shikakai shampoo.
Hi Peppy.
I boil the pomelo peels in sticky rice water with a few Clary Sage essential drops, then let it ferment from 2 to 4 weeks. I let it sit for about 1 to 2 hours under a head wrap before rinsing it with warm filtered water.
I am trying it with a few drops of Camellia Oleifera seed oil as well, although I just read in one of your comments that you do not recommend using this oil.
So far though, I have seen the results in that I no longer have scalp problems, and although my hair is almost gray, I am no longer losing as much hair as before. It looks healthier and is growing definitely longer.
By the way, could you please share the names or titles of the nice music that is played throughout your video? It is very relaxing.
Thank you.
Glad to know that this recipe is working for you. Thank you for letting me know.
About my previous comment, I meant that tea seed oil cannot be used as a substitute for tea seed powder while making Yao rice water cleanser.
If you are using the rice water pomelo recipe as a hair mask, you can add essential oils to it.
The music i use in my videos are from the YouTube audio library. If you select the ‘Mood’ as ‘calm’ or ‘romantic’, you should be able to find them easily like, ‘Frozen in love’ or ‘ A quiet thought’ to name a few.
Hello xxx my yao water is growing mold at the top of it. any suggestions or thoughts? can i just discard the mold and carry on? its been sitting out about 2 weeks in a tropical climate, with a towel square on top of it, no cover. thank you xxx
Remove the mold and refrigerate the rice water. I keep the rice water in an air tight bottle and open it every 2 days or so to let air in. Also, Make sure the pomelo peels are submerged in the rice water.
I plan on having my hair braided down and a wig for protective styling im fermenting my rice as we speak so by Friday it will be ready for boiling with the grapefruit peeling and tea seed mixture.
Is this okay to use??
this will be my first time and my hair won’t be touched for 3 months
Do you use the entire citrus peel or just the zest? Thank you.
You can use whole peels of the pomelo fruit.
i have three questions
1=can i store it in a fridge for 1 week ?
2=can i use orange peels instead of pomelo peels?
3=can i boil rice water before pouring it in my hair ? i cant use cold rice water because i stay in a mountain region so if i used cold rice water then i will be definetly in hospital
1. Yes, you can refrigerate the rice water for up to a month.
2. Orange peels can be used instead of pomelo peels.
3. Do not boil the fermented rice water. Also, the rice water should be at room temperature for best results.
If you want to use it the next day, Leave the refrigerated rice water on the kitchen counter the night before or at least for a couple of hours, whichever is convenient for you. I have used both these methods and it works beautifully well.
If we ferment the rice water for 2 weeks , can we use the same water or we should ferment the rice water & wait for 2 weeks again to use it
You can start using the rice water after 2 weeks or let it ferment up to a month. Both works.
Is the tea seed powder the same as Tea Saponin Powder? I have seen this come up when I type in where to purchase tea seed powder. thank you
No, they are not the same. Use tea seed powder or tea seed cake to make Yao rice water as they are high in proteins.
After reading I noticed you said this recipe doesn’t need to be refrigerated, but in the comments you have instructed those who have had issues to do so. I am looking to make this this weekend and just wanted to know which was the better option? Also you stated we could add tea tree oil, but at what part of the process would this be best?
Add essential oils after fermenting the rice water for two weeks. You may refrigerate the rice water if needed.
You can use a mason jar and fermentation lid to prevent contamination. Letting the rice water ferment for 2-4 weeks without having to refrigerate would be the best option.
Rice quality, climate and temperature all affect the fermentation process. So the result varies for everybody.
If you happen to see a scum layer, remove it, add tea tree oil and refrigerate the rice water.
Hello.! Thank you very much for this.! I have one doubt. Can use rice water on oiled hair .! If so should I use shampoo after rice water.? Can u pls tell me what to do?
It is better not to use rice water on oiled hair.
Greetings,
Can you add gust gum to the rice water to thicken it up for the Yao method.
Thanks
Sorry, I have never used any kind of thickener so i cannot help you there.
But if you still want to give it a try , add the natural gum to the fermented rice water, mix and let it thicken, then apply the rice water on your hair.
Thank you so much for sharing this, and I can’t wait to try it! Do you use the same batch of rice water after it’s been used on the hair? Or do you dump the used water and make a new batch? Thank you!
Sorry for the delay.
I use the same batch of rice water until it runs out.
I ordered chinensis sinensis tea seeds on eBay for this recipe. I got a total of 100 seeds.I plan to make the rice water, add a few seeds, grape fruit, ginger and fleecflower root. The tea seeds should have both the oil, saponins and other properties in it. I got a little leery of one recipe that called for tea bran which if you buy tea bran one brand listed sodium laurel sulfate in it. I plan to use it once a week or longer and maybe let it ferment for a day or two without a lid like kombucha. We will see how it works out. I want to stop using shampoo or conditioner is on my hair.
I am going to try this, getting my rice soaking right now! I am thinking of trying to order the tea seed powder off of ebay but I don’t really need 500g. I wish I could split it with someone >_<I will try just fermented rice water first as I figure out the other ingredients. Thank you for all of your details and responses! Reading through them pushed me over the edge to try this. I am tired of having my hair (~2ft) tangling within seconds and breaking easily all the time. I never get to have it down!
Did you try this recipe? How did it go? Hope it is working for you.
Keep using fermented rice water for 3 months to see major difference in hair quality.
Thank you for this VERY in depth and well researched article. I have found it very very helpful. Couldn’t find any other articles out there with this much research behind them. Thank you again!
Hi! I keep seeing the phrase ‘boil rice water’…..but its not clear if you boil ONLY the water, or if you’re boiling the water with the rice? I want to do it properly so I needed to make sure.
So are you washing the rice, adding 3 cups of water, letting it set, and boil the 3 cups of water….or the 3 cups of water with the rice?
Do not add the rice and boil. Use the rice water only.
Do you apply the rice water to wet or dry hair, what do you think works better? If I use the rice water mask and have to clean my hair with shampoo first I would have to apply it on wet hair I guess. Do you know if the yao woman use it on wet or dry hair?
Yao women use rice water on dry hair. I have never used it on wet hair either so i cant really comment on that.
Tea seed powder is a hair cleanser, it does clean the scalp and removes sweat, dirt and oil. So it is ok to use rice water without shampooing beforehand. It works well on my normal scalp but i do not know whether it works the same way on super oily scalp. Try it once and see how it goes.
When i am using rice water+pomelo peels only(without the tea seed powder), i cleanse my hair the day before with shikakai shampoo. The following day, i use the rice water mask+acv rinse.
Hope that helps.
I have noticed my hair doesn’t tangle quite so easily and it seems stronger too. I have actually been able to have my hair down for a few hours and be able to detangle quickly with just my fingers. I have only washed my hair about 7 times with it but I am already sold on this over shampoo/conditioner. Although i will probably use conditioner for when I bleach and dye my hair at least once.
I just received the tea seed powder I ordered from eBay this week so will get to try to whole thing and not just the rice and citrus.
Thank you!
Hi Etana, I hope you try it and love it! Thanks for reading. 🙂
My hair is low porosity hair. So should I dilute water to your recipe1 to prevent protein overload?
Hello Rylan, you don’t need to dilute Yao rice water.
What would you suggest to be added in place of tea tree powder for an oily scalp
Hello Shruthi, Maybe you could use fermented rice water+pomelo peels as a hair mask and shikakai, reetha and amla as a hair cleanser. This is what I do when I don’t have tea seed powder. Sorry couldn’t be of much help there.
Hello!
I have watched your YouTube video about yao rice water. I used your receipe1, the original Yao method. But you say that receipe1 doesn’t need to dilute water but receipe2 has to.
I want to know three things clearly. Hope you to answer me back.
1.Is receipe1 protein overload same as receipe2?
2.If I dilute water to receipe1 before using it, will the potency of receipe1 be not effective or not?
(My hair is low porosity hair. That’s why I am afraid of protein overload. But I am also afraid that the potency of receipe1 will be low if I dilute it. And I don’t like receipe2. I just want to use receipe1 safely.)
3. Is receipe1 ok for low porosity hair? My hair is also a little bit dry.
Waiting for your answers with a great big hope. Sorry if there is some grammar mistakes
because I am not good enough at English.
Love you from Myanmar 🇲🇲❤️. Bye.
Hi Ruben,
1. Yao rice water does not need to be diluted before use. It does not cause protein overload.
2. If you choose to dilute the rice water, it may reduce its effectiveness and also may take longer to see results.
But if are worried, feel free to use diluted rice water for one month and see how it works on your hair. Then move on to the undiluted version.
3. Yao rice water is suitable for all hair types.
Use the fermented rice water twice a week for 20 minutes. Compare the results after one month.
Will it be okay to use normal lemon?Nd for How many days should i fermented yao women rice water ?? I live in UP(india) and here the weather is very hot 🥵 Btw i really like ur video and i really love that u reply ur comments❤️❤️
Can I use lemon peels for this recipe??
Hi Pooja, Do you mean the small limes? If yes, You can use the lemon zest to make fermented rice water. For all other citrus fruits, you can use the whole peels.
Can use Lemon peel or orange peel instead of citrus fruit peelfor fermenting the rice? And how many times do I need to wash my hair with the rice water?
Hello Pelumi, You can use orange/sweet lemon peels instead of pomelo peels. Use this twice a week for 20 minutes.
Hi there!
First, thank you so much for this article! This is the most comprehensive one I have read about rice water and I have read all your comments and suggestions. I just have a few questions if you don’t mind taking the time to answer…
1. I couldn’t find tea seed powder, but I do have shikakai. Should I use the first recipe (rice water, peels, and shikakai) only?
2. Since I will be using shikakai in place of the tea seed powder, do I just substitute it equally and use 2 tablespoons?
3.I also have amla. Should I use that somewhere too?
4. Do I have to use the acv rinse after every use of the rice water?
5. If I use this every 3 days but my hair gets dirty in between those 3 days, should I use just a shikakai+water mixture to shampoo my hair in between the days I use the rice water?
For reference, I am using this to reduce hair loss and to hopefully grow my hair.
Thank you in advance for your reply!
Hello Leanna,
1. You can use shikakai and soap nuts instead of tea seed powder.
2. Use 2 tablespoons of shikakai powder and 1.5 tablespoon of amla powder. You can increase the amount of shikakai if you have oily scalp. Adjust the amount to suit your needs.
4.ACV is a natural conditioner but it can only be used twice a week. You do not have to use apple cider vinegar if you are already using a chemical conditioner.
5. You can use shikakai cleanser as often as needed.
* https://peppyblog.com/how-to-make-fermented-rice-water-for-hair-loss/
Hope that helps and thanks for reading. 🙂 Stay safe.
Should we use all of the 3 cups of fermented water for one wash? Or we use only few drops for massage before each wash?
Hello Mangala, It depends on the length of your hair. About 1/2 glass-3/4 cup is usually enough for shoulder to chest length hair.
You can leave the remaining rice water at room temperature or store it in the refrigerator.
Thanku so much for replying😘❤️,
But could u tell me that if fermented rice water take 2 weeks in hot wheather then how much time will it take in winters??😅😅
Is your apple cider vinegar rinse just ACV or is it diluted in any way? Also, does it take away from the lovely citrus smell from the Rice Water?
Hello Kayla, i dilute 1-2 tablespoons of ACV in 210ml of water.
Also, My hair always smells citrusy even after the ACV rinse.
Start with 1 tablespoon diluted ACV once a week and work up from there.
Use ACV rinse once or twice a week only.
So do you leave the rice in the water while after you fermented it and put it in a spray bottle?
To make Yao rice water, You have to filter the rice water before fermenting as shown in the video.
Hi Peppy, I have a question I haven’t seen an answer to yet. I can’t get the tea seed powder here, but I can get the Shikakai powder. I have natural white hair. Will using the Shikakai powder cause my white hair (which I love) to change color? Thank you for your help!!
Hello Denise, I honestly have no idea. Sorry! If you are worried, please do a strand test for a couple of weeks.
hi, I left my boiled rice water to ferment at room temperature with orange peels only but it had mold on the 11th day. So what went wrong?
followed the steps exactly.
Hello Suji, It could be because of high levels of humidity in the air. Keep the bottle in a dark and dry place, probably away from the kitchen and bathroom where there’s moisture around.
In such climates, I usually keep it in the back of my closet along with my clothes. I don’t think anyone else would be doing it like this. But, it works for me every single time so why not. It’s kinda warm, dry and dark. 🙂
Hi
Can I Use clementine peels( small orange) or lemon peels?
If yes Will they have a bleaching effect? I know lemon/orange peels are used in skin whitening ubtan/ face pack for their bleaching effect, not sure if they will do the same for hair!!
Since 2019, I have being using citrus peels like Pomelo, Sweet lemon, orange, grapefruit, except for the small limes. I haven’t noticed any changes in my hair colour, it is still black. Although i would advise to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
I will try to post a recent picture or video of my hair soon.
Hi can I use rice water, green tea leaves, orange peels, shikakai powder and soapnut powder together?
And can we shake the bottle once everyday to keep it from forming any mold?
Hi Diva,
I haven’t tried rice water with green tea yet so i cant comment on that but, the rest of the ingredients worked well on my hair. I fermented the rice water(orange peels, shikakai, soap nuts) for only two weeks though.
To prevent mold from growing, keep the jar in a dark and dry place away from moisture.
Hope that helps.
Can I shampoo my hair first before rinsing rice water? I want to use rice water as a conditioner 😁.
Will it be effective?
Because my mom gave me that idea that you should remove the impurities of your hair with shampoo, so the rice water can soak better and my hair can get more nutrients. That’s why I’m asking am I need to shampoo first before using rice water.
Your mom is absolutely right, apply hair masks to clean scalp and hair. Here, we skipped that step because tea seed powder effectively cleanses your scalp of any impurities while the oils in Pomelo + fermented rice water conditions your hair.
Try it once first. If you feel that the rice water is not cleansing your hair thoroughly or weighs it down, you can go ahead and shampoo your hair beforehand. It is totally fine.
Can I shampoo my hair first before rinsing rice water?
Cause I want to remove impurities of my hair with shampoo first. So the rice water can soak better and my hair can get more nutrients.
I want to use rice water as a conditioner.
Will it be OK or not?
Please answer me back.
You can shampoo your hair before applying rice water.
Hey,
I am using fermented rice water(method 1 no rice soaking) for almost 3 weeks now.. starting 2 weeks my hair turned so smooth and shiny. Bur since last 2 washes i see smoothness going away.. hair turning frizzy. Why is this happening? I have added reetha and shikakai both a little to the rice water and let it ferment. Can you help me decode why is this happening? I do follow with 3 min acv rinse all the time. I am using rice water 2 times a week. Have stopped using chemicals shampoo now. Also i have made your shikakai shampoo too that i use when i have oiled my hair.
Hello Ritu, Seems like protein overload to me, How long do you leave the rice water on your hair?
Hey,
After washing with the rice water do we have to throw this water or we can reuse it for the next wash?
Hi Palak, Throw the used rice water, it cannot be reused.
Is the rice water only for dark hair or can it be used on color treated blonde hair?
Hello Heather,
Sorry for the delay.
Rice water by itself can be used by all hair types including colour treated hair although depending on the porosity, you may need to dilute it to prevent protein overload. But, i am not really sure about how tea seed powder/shikakai would affect colour treated hair. Sorry i couldn’t be of much help there.
Just to put it out there, Rice water with tea seed powder did calm my brownish frizzy hair to silky soft black colour. I guess rather than changing my hair colour, it repaired the cuticles and restored my original hair colour.
Hi,
I am new to your blog. Looking to make natural shampoo/conditioner/products. Thank you for your post. As far as using the Yao rice water, if you aren’t able to find the tea seed powder (cleanser), can you use 100% pure, natural and organic Hibiscus powder instead? Also, some comments within this blog ask questions regarding natural based shampoo which I am looking to do as well as most companies nowadays falsely advertise their shampoos (and conditioners) among other products as “natural”. Can the Yao rice water be used as an alternative to shampoo/conditioner while also using the ACV rinse as a final “conditioner”?
Your prompt attention and response will be really appreciated. Thank you, and hope to hear from you soon.
Sorry for the delay.
Yao rice water and ACV can be used 3 times a week as an alternative to chemical shampoos and conditioners. It cleanses and conditions the hair and scalp, helps prevent greying of the hair and the proteins do strengthen hair.
Instead of tea seed powder, You can use 7 pods of shikakai and 4 soap nuts. OR, You could also mix the fermented rice water with hibiscus powder/moringa powder or shikakai/soapnut powder to make a hair mask.
I usually make my DIY shampoo with shikakai, soap nuts, flax seeds and fenugreek seeds. Recipe here – https://peppyblog.com/diy-shikakai-shampoo-recipe-homemade-herbal-shampoo/
Hope that helps.
Recipes are based on my normal scalp so feel free to increase or decrease the amount as you see fit. But better not use more than 6 soap nuts, it may leave your hair dry. Learnt that the hard way.
Hi Peggy,
I missed to include the following in my comment/post that I submitted just a moment ago. I wanted to inquire about Reetha/Soapnuts. I came across an online shampoo DIY shampoo recipe that only calls for a few ingredients including 3-4 Reetha/soapnuts. Is this something you have used or tried out before? Could reetha (or soapanuts) be used as a substitute for the shikakai and/or tea seed powder when making the Yao rice water?
Thank you again, and my apologies for the inconvenience.
You guys do know that this is not the only thing that attributes to their Yao women hair growth
Foreigner women always want a fast fix to everything
Just letting you know its not their full secret
Hello!
I know your post is a couple of years old, but I am very eager to try this
recipe! I have read through the many comments and still can’t seem
to find an answer about WHERE to purchase the tea seed cake or powder.
I know there are substitutes but I would really like to use ingredients true
to the authentic recipe. I can’t seem to find anything called “tea seed powder”
or “tea seed cake”. Does it go by another name? I see Matcha but that’s not
it, I know. Could it be found at Whole Foods? Amazon? I did find this on
Amazon: TIAN HU SHAN Premium 5 Years Aged Puerh Black Tea Cake.
Will this work? There is also a huge Asian market near me (H-Mart) that
might have something. They have an enormous tea section.
Thanks in advance for your advice and all of your thorough research about
this hair treatment!
Hi Jones, You can find Tea seed powder/cake in the gardening and organic fertilizer section/nursery. Sorry about the delay.
Hello!
Without the tea seed powder in the mixture, will it give good result still?
Yes, it will still benefit your hair.
Has any one used aloe powder instead of tea seed powdr as cleanser in the yao rice water recipe? Pls rply
I am about to try this recipe but wanted to let people know that they may be able to find tea seed powder listed under “Camellia Seed Powder.” I found it both on Ebay and Amazon in the US, don’t know about other countries. It looks like both listings are from the same seller.
Thank you so much for this detailed article!
I have tea seed cake in chunks form and so whilst fermenting can I leave the chunks with the pomelo peels and rice water, whilst it’s fermenting?
Hi Shruti, That is totally ok, You can ferment the teaseed cake along with rice water n pomelo peels.
If you don’t mind telling me, where did you buy teaseed cake from? Many people ask me where to find teaseed cake, it would be so helpful for them.
I am really struggling with thin hair and alopecia areata. Not sure of the spelling for this condition. Hopefully this will help over time?
Hi Alana, There are some evidence that suggests rice water promotes new hair growth but, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. There is limited scientific research on the specific effects of rice water on hair growth in individuals with alopecia. So it’s important to consult with a dermatologist to determine the best treatment plan for alopecia areata. Some possible treatment options include Corticosteroids, Immunomodulators, Topical minoxidil, Anthralin, Phototherapy and hair transplant. The earlier the treatment is started, the better the chances of success.
Hi, thank you!
MAJOR hair loss here and I’m to the point of constantly wearing wigs. The tea seed powder I found on ETSY 500g is that correct to buy? I also saw a 250g. Also, to make sure I understand this correctly.
You’re right, according to the Etsy listing, the product mentioned contains 100% Camellia seed powder, which makes it suitable for making Yao rice water. It’s important to note that while home remedies can be helpful in certain cases, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice and prescribed medications.
If you are facing severe hair loss, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist to help diagnose the underlying cause of your hair loss and determine if there are any specific conditions, such as pattern baldness, alopecia areata, or telogen effluvium, contributing to it. They can provide personalized advice and may recommend specialized treatments like minoxidil/finasteride to effectively manage the condition.
Do you ferment the peels with the water or strain them out?
Hi Stefanie, Sorry for the late response. To clarify, you’ll need to boil and ferment the pomelo peels along with the rice water.
Yes this stuff works !!! My hair was lifeless and dull and freezy. After using this stuff for over two months religiously it’s back to being bouncy curley and healthy!!! Love it!!!!
Yes this stuff works !!! My hair was lifeless and dull and freezy. After using this stuff for over two months religiously it’s back to being bouncy curley and healthy!!! Love it!!!!will be how I wash my hair from now on!!
Hi Emily, That’s amazing to hear! I’m glad the product worked wonders for your hair. It’s always satisfying to see positive transformations. Cheers to beautiful, healthy hair!😊
look i don’t have a tee seed powder. can i just apply 2 ingredients(rice and peels)?
Yes, that should be fine. You can use a mild shampoo afterwards.
I followed the recipe YAO RICE WATER.
I opened the jar every 5 days for some seconds and closed it again.
But it smells super bad after 1-2 weeks and I throw it away. It was at room temperature around 25degree Celcius.
What could go wrong?
– Maybe needed more boiling?
– Any other case?
Thanks for your time making this blog !
Hi Elissa, I’m not exactly sure what happened, but honestly, it smells a bit bad, though not too much. The grapefruit/orange peels help hide the smell a little. You could try adding more peels and boiling it a bit longer before letting it ferment. As long as there’s no mold or color change, it’s probably okay to use.
I have been using rice water using the Yao recipe (which I got from a YouTube video) for a year now. Lately I’ve been having the problem that the grapefruit peel goes mouldy. I make enough for 3 batches and let them ferment for up to three weeks. I have been throwing out the mouldy grapefruit peel and using the rice water mixture anyway, but now I’m realising mould is not good so now I’m researching how to stop the mould! I have two different types of jars – I am wondering if they are not air tight? I learnt before that the Yao women ferment theirs for up to a month, so they clearly don’t have trouble with mould. Why is mine going mouldy?
Hi Amari, The variations in humidity in different locations could be a contributing factor. One simple solution is to place a weight on top to ensure that the peels remain submerged in water. I began using this method because it has proven effective in preventing mold when I make apple cider vinegar and sauerkraut. You can use weights, glass/ceramic bowl/lids or a clean, food-grade plastic bag filled with water/brine to achieve this.
I live in India, Kerala and Bangalore area. Could you please help me to get tea seed powder? Is it the same available in tea estates like Ooty and Kodaikanal etc?
I have seen only tea leaves not seeds there.
Is the tea seed powder available online?
Hello Rajeesh, Tea seed powder/cake is commonly used as fertilizer and fish feed, so you might find it at plant nurseries or stores that sell aquatic fish. It is also available on Flipkart, but I haven’t purchased it from there, so I can’t vouch for its authenticity plus it is ridiculously pricey there.