is known as Long Hair Village. Here, the Yao (one of China’s 55 officially recognised ethnic minorities) women have been using fermented rice water – yep, the milky-coloured liquid left over ...

The Yao women of Huangluo, in the autonomous region of Guangxi, have been using the water they cook rice in on their hair for generations, resulting in life-long and renowned healthy hair.

Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal, a board-certified dermatologist, unpacks rice water's potential hair benefits and its usage.

Rice water may be trending on TikTok, but it is by no means a new phenomenon. Women in ancient Japan reportedly washed their hair with it. So, is rice water good for your hair? The jury is still out.

Using rice water can help reduce hair fall by nourishing the scalp and strengthening hair follicles. Collect leftover rice water, apply it to the scalp, leave it for 15-30 minutes, and rinse.

Khetarpal points to the Huangluo village in China, whose women are famous for their long hair. "Rice water is actually part of the regimen that this town attributes to their hair to get to that ...