You should wash your hair with regular shampoo before applying rice water rinse. The typical sequence is: shampoo your hair first to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup, then rinse with plain water, and finally apply rice water as a final rinse or treatment. This order works because clean hair absorbs nutrients more effectively than hair coated with oils and residue. Rice water contains beneficial compounds like inositol, amino acids, and antioxidants that can improve hair texture and shine, but these work best on a clean base. Some people use rice water as a leave-in treatment after shampooing, while others let it sit for several minutes before rinsing. If you apply rice water to unwashed hair, the buildup and oils may prevent proper absorption of its benefits. Start with lukewarm rice water—you can make it by soaking uncooked rice in water for 30 minutes to an hour, then straining the liquid. For best results, use rice water treatments once or twice weekly rather than daily, as excessive use can cause protein buildup that makes hair brittle. You can customize this basic routine based on your hair type: those with fine hair might use it less frequently, while thicker or more damaged hair may benefit from regular applications.