I Tried Rice Water for Hair Growth with Orange Peels and Collagen Here’s What Happened

If you're anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself deep in a scroll hole on HairTok, mesmerized by shiny, waist-length hair and wondering: Is rice water really that magical?

Spoiler: It kind of is.

But I didn’t stop at the basic recipe. I gave my rice water a glow-up by adding orange peels (for scent + vitamin C) and a touch of collagen powder (because, hello elasticity!). Here’s my full routine, why I swear by it, and how you can make your own version at home.

What Got Me Hooked on Rice Water

A few months ago, my hair was feeling dry, dull, and stuck at the same length for what felt like forever. That’s when I came across yet another video raving about rice water.

The science behind it made sense: fermented rice water is packed with amino acids, vitamins B and E, and inositol, which can strengthen the hair shaft and promote faster growth.

The Orange Peel Trick: No More Stinky Rice Water

Let’s be honest—plain rice water doesn’t smell great after a couple of days. So I threw in some fresh orange peels. Not only did they make the mix smell like a citrusy spa day, but they also brought extra vitamin C and antioxidants, which help fight scalp buildup and stimulate collagen production naturally.

Bonus Tip: You can also try lemon or grapefruit peels for variety.

Why I Add Collagen Powder (optional)

Hair is made mostly of protein—and collagen is a protein that supports hair structure and elasticity. By adding just a scoop of unflavored collagen powder to my rice water mix, I noticed less breakage and more softness in my strands.

It’s an easy boost, and if you’re dealing with weak, brittle hair, I definitely recommend trying it.

My DIY Rice Water Toner Recipe

Here’s exactly how I make mine:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup white rice (any type)

• 3 cup filtered water

• Peels from 1 small orange

• 1 tsp collagen powder (optional)

  
  

Steps:

1. Rinse rice thoroughly to remove any surface dirt or starch.

2. Place it in a clean jar and add 3 cup of water wait for 10 min

3. Filter rice out of water

4. Pour rice water into a small pot, add your orange peels, and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally

5. Put all the water rice and orange peel in to root comb applicator bottle ( add collagen powder )

   
   

Root Comb Applicator Bottle

Get Here

How I Use It (and You Should Too)

I spray this tonic directly on my scalp 1–2 times a week before washing my hair. Here’s the method I follow:

1. Spritz on the scalp and gently massage for a few minutes.

2. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes—sometimes I leave it on overnight with a silk cap.

3. Rinse out and follow with a sulfate-free shampoo + conditioner.

Pro Tip: If you have low-porosity hair, limit to once a week to avoid protein overload.

Final Thoughts: Does It Really Work?

After a month of using this rice water toner with orange peels and collagen, my hair looks shinier, feels stronger, and best of all—it’s growing faster. I noticed baby hairs along my hairline and significantly less shedding in the shower.

Natural remedies take patience, but they’re worth it. And this one smells good, feels good, and delivers real results.

If you're looking for an easy, affordable way to boost hair growth and scalp health, this DIY toner might just be your next holy grail. Have you tried rice water before? Let’s swap recipes in the comments.