Shu Uemura’s Izumi Tonic Shampoo and Izumi Tonic Conditioner contain rice water, which promotes hair growth and strengthens weak strands. A beauty writer is noticing less shedding after a few weeks of using the shampoo and conditioner.

My hair is much shinier, too.

Since entering my 30s, I’ve been cleaning hairballs from my brushes more frequently than ever. Given that I’m raking through my strands at the same rate I always have, I’ve arrived at the unfortunate conclusion that my hair is shedding at an increased pace. Ergo, I’ve been researching growth-promoting, strand-strengthening products — and, of those I’ve tried, the Izumi Tonic Strengthening Shampoo and corresponding conditioner from Japanese salon brand Shu Uemura has yielded the zippiest, most noticeable results thus far. Use the code wkn24 at checkout to receive 10 percent off one of the products,15 percent off both, or 20 percent off three or more full-size products. This offer ends on April 22 at 3 a.m. ET, so hurry to snag these discounts while you still can. 

Izumi Tonic Strengthening Shampoo

Buy Now $55 $50

The Shu Uemura Izumi Tonic Strengthening Shampoo is a fortifying formula that prevents breakage, reduces shedding, and supports longer, healthier hair. The corresponding Izumi Tonic Strengthening Conditioner imparts similar benefits, making for a duo that improves hair health — and, consequently, cuts down on excess fallout over time.

Izumi Tonic Strengthening Conditioner

Buy Now $63 $57

Both formulas contain rice water, hailed for harnessing hair growth and promoting healthy length since its use centuries ago. Today, rice water is having a resurgence and is popping up in myriad growth formulas — from serums to tonics to shampoos and conditioners, the lattermost evidenced by the likes of Shu Uemura’s formulas. 

“Rice water is brilliant for fortifying fragile hair,” trichologist Kerry E. Yates previously confirmed with InStyle. Furthermore, she added that the ingredient smooths strands and enhances shine. Unlike silicones, which are often used in anti-frizz products and can weigh on fine hair, rice water achieves a “smoothing effect” without heaviness, Yates said.

Shu Uemura’s formulas also contain ceramides, which I typically associate with skin barrier-strengthening moisturizers. As it turns out, they benefit dull and breakage-prone strands as well. Just as ceramides are found naturally in skin, our hair also contains ceramides and similarly loses the softening agent with age. By supplementing the strands with topical ceramides, such as those in Shu Uemura’s formulas, the cuticle smooths, softens, and — as I’ve noticed — adds shine. 

FWIW, I’ve tried countless rice water serums — though they seem like a time-sapping step in my already frazzled, lengthy routine. For this reason, I’ll continue getting my daily dose of the ingredient via Shu Umera’s in-shower formulas. I’m halfway through both bottles, and while it’s difficult to quantify whether new hairs have sprouted yet, my strands are significantly shinier and I’ve noticed fewer strands gathering in my brush head when I rake it through wet hair — that’s a major win as far as I’m concerned.

Shop Shu Uemura’s rice water-infused Izumi Tonic Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner for stronger hair and less shedding. Don’t forget to use the code wkn24 to snag the discount until tomorrow, April 22, at 3 a.m. ET. 

Shop more hair-strengthening formulas from Shu Uemura:

Izumi Tonic Strengthening Hair Mask

Buy Now $73 $66

Essence Absolue Rich Nourishing Hair Cream

Buy Now $49 $44