When it comes to achieving healthy, radiant hair, the real transformation doesn’t start at the ends—it starts at the scalp. In Japanese haircare, beauty begins at the root, where centuries-old rituals emphasize balance, nourishment, and natural ingredients.

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting one of Japan’s most treasured beauty secrets: sake water. Made from fermented rice, this powerful ingredient is gaining well-deserved attention for its ability to soothe, hydrate, and restore scalp balance—laying the foundation for stronger, healthier hair.

Fermented Rice Water: Your Scalp’s New Best Friend

Long before “scalp detox” became a beauty buzzword, women across Japan were using fermented rice water to cleanse and calm the scalp. Traditionally made from the milky water left after rinsing or soaking rice, it’s rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that nourish the scalp and support optimal hair health.

Benefits of Fermented Rice Water for the Scalp:

• Non-stripping and soothes dry, itchy, or irritated skin
  
  

• Hydrates and softens the scalp without heaviness
  
  

• Supports a balanced, healthy scalp microbiome
  
  

• Helps maintain comfort, even with frequent styling
  
  
  

At NatureLab.TOKYO, we’ve taken this time-tested ingredient and bottled it into our modern, science-backed formulas: the Perfect Clean 2-in-1 Scalp Scrub & Clarifying Shampoo and Perfect Clean Scalp Balancing Sake Rinse. Together, they create a weekly scalp reset that purifies, hydrates, and refreshes, all while protecting hair color and respecting your scalp’s natural balance.

Turn Wash Day Into a Scalp Reset Ritual

Looking to elevate your haircare routine? These two powerhouse products work together to transform your shower into a Japanese scalp care ritual. Whether you’re dealing with buildup, dryness, or general discomfort, they’ll help reset and restore your scalp, leaving your hair looking and feeling its best.

For Everyday Scalp Maintenance

On regular wash days, after shampooing, section hair and apply the Perfect Clean Sake Rinse directly onto your scalp. Massage gently to activate the sake enzymes and let it sit for 1–2 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Follow with your conditioner or treatment as usual.

For a Weekly Deep Clean

Once a week, replace your shampoo with the Perfect Clean Scalp Scrub. This antioxidant-rich exfoliant gently buffs away excess oil and product buildup with a unique foaming texture. Massage onto a wet scalp in circular motions, rinse thoroughly, then follow with the Sake Rinse to rebalance and hydrate.

Pro Tip: This two-step ritual is ideal after dry shampoo overload, intense workouts, or travel days when your scalp needs a little extra love.

Clean, Nourishing, and Color-Safe

Our fermented rice water-powered formulas deliver results without harsh ingredients. The scrub and rinse are both:

• Sulfate-free

• Formulated without parabens

• Vegan and cruelty-free
  
  

You’ll step out of the shower with a scalp that feels refreshed, balanced, and deeply nourished—and hair that’s ready to shine.

Honoring Beauty Through Tradition

As we honor AAPI Heritage Month, we’re reminded that innovation often starts with tradition. Fermented rice water isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a timeless element of Japanese beauty culture, rooted in nature, ritual, and gentle care.

By bringing proven Japanese beauty wisdom to contemporary routines, NatureLab.TOKYO offers more than efficacy; our collections offer continuity. Every rinse, every scrub, every moment of your routine becomes a chance to reconnect with rituals that have stood the test of time.