When co-founder Fabian Lliguin, a hair stylist from New York City, was visiting the Amazon rainforest he stumbled across an age-old secret from indigenous women he met -- rahua oil.  This tree nut helps fortify weak and damaged strands, nourishes from the inside out, maintains the health of hair follicle and scalp, works to push pigmentation deep into the shaft (something that is a huge plus for those with dyed hair!), plus it brings skin benefits too!

Fabian brought back a gifted bottle with him, and decided to try it out on a client...  Well, the experiment was inspiring to say the least -- ten minutes after applying to extremely dry and damaged locks, "her hair was completely transformed: from brittle and lifeless to healthy, shiny, and bouncy. Fabian was as shocked as his client. Here was solid proof that this ingredient, used for centuries, produced tangible results."

I LOVE this story, and I think it shows how this natural beauty brand began with effective ingredients at its very roots.  Rahua is all about powerhouse ingredients from the rainforest, and both Anna and Fabian strive to share the magic with the world.  Not only that, they work with more than 500 families from the Quechua-Shuar, Achuar, plus neighboring tribes to ensure that everything remains as ethical and sustainable as possible.

They gather from self-sustained forests, and in doing so created a new category in cosmetics - Symbiotic® Ingredients.  This basically means that everything is grown wild in their habitat rather than cultivated as crops, that everything is hand processed "through ancestral knowledge," workers are paid higher wages than fair-trade price, and that support is given to the indigenous people so that their traditions and livelihoods can be encouraged within the Amazon.

Rahua really goes above and beyond in all that they do, and their expert blends are no exception.  From skincare to hair treatments, all they make is eco-luxe and high performance.  But today I want to share my thoughts on part of their core range: shampoos and conditioners.  There are four tailored versions available, so I'm excited to compare three that are created with all hair types in mind and to see what works best for different issues, to look at the differences between each, and to answer if that high price point is worth it!

Rahua Hydration Conditioner, Rahua Voluminous Shampoo

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* This post contains some affiliate links and gifted products
No matter how I have received a product, whether it has been purchased with my own money, gifted by a brand, been subsidized by a brand, won, gifted by friends/family, or purchased with a gift voucher, my approach is always the same -- honesty, integrity, and highlighting both the good and the bad.  You can find more information on Disclosures and Privacy here.

Rahua Classic:

Nothing beats the classics, right?  Well when it comes to Rahua, their original duo of shampoo and conditioner is most definitely a tough pair to compete with!

This set is suitable for all hair types, but at its heart is the goal to restore.  The combination of rahua, palo santo, quinoa, aloe, green tea, and raspberry leaf makes for a sophisticated and soothing shampoo and conditioner that offers a boost to both your strands and your spirit!

Formulated with rare, sustainably sourced ingredients, this rich, restorative shampoo leaves hair soft, silky, and luminous, and scalp soothed. //  An enriching and luxurious complement to our Rahua® Classic Shampoo, this award-winning Conditioner delivers lustrous, rich and ultra-hydrated hair.

Rahua Classic Shampoo:
The multi award-winning shampoo is possibly my favourite of the trio just for the smell alone - it's pure bliss, with grounding notes of palo santo that immediately ease your mind and wrap you up in a calming embrace.  It combines the power of aromatherapy with potent moisture retention properties, and I have to say I adore this aroma so so much.  I would be hard pressed to find a hair product that has a better fragrance profile!  While I do find this struggles to get a good lather going and I needed to wash twice to get my hair really feeling cleansed, I like that this is so gentle.  Rahua does not rely on harsh sulphates for suds, but rather utilizes ingredients from nature so your locks always stay protected and cared for.  And when you get the hang of how to use this, it really is a great option for those looking to be kind to their hair.

I first rub the golden hued and full-bodied shampoo in my hands before applying to the scalp as I find this helps get a little bit of milky foam going.  Then I massage into wet hair, working into the top of my head so I can get rid of any buildup.  Initially it leaves my hair feeling a bit knotty, but when paired with conditioner it works a treat.  It's definitely a different experience since you do not have the bubbles to let you know if you have reached all areas you need to, but in the end you end up with a refreshed, lightweight final result that looks and feels more shiny, restored, and of course clean!

Rahua Classic Conditioner:
As for the conditioner, it smells lovely too, though not quite so full in the palo santo scent as its sister product.  It has a very different texture to it, with an almost airy whipped consistency that features little pockets in the cream that highlight the unique qualities.  It is still pretty rich as you apply, though it does not weigh down the hair or leave it looking greasy, and it definitely leaves your strands feeling softer and less dry.  I found doing the 'noodle' method worked super well with this formula, as my hair was able to drink in the magical ingredients and gain the full potential of the nourishing benefits they offer.

I will say initially I had concerns that the conditioner was giving me cystic acne on my scalp, but thankfully that turned out to be due to another product I had been using.  Honestly, the Rahua treatment is so lovely that I probably would have tried to find a way to continue using it even if it was causing spots to pop up - it's that nice!  Luckily I don't have to find a work around though, and can just enjoy it as is.

One thing I have to say about this is that although it works wel when it comes to quenching thirsty hair, it is definitely not a conditioner that doubles as a detangler (at least not for my dry/wavy hair).  You can add a bit as a curl cream or as a frizz tamer, but don't expect this to help with knots.  It leaves my hair feeling silky and strong, but I do still struggle with tangles.  However, a few drops of oil help with this, so don't be discouraged if you have crazy hair like mine.  Rahua have several options that you can use that look gorgeous, from the Legendary Amazon Oil to the Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier, or you could even try out the famed Rahua Elixir if you are looking to splash out on an intensive treatment!  Has anyone tried these beauties yet??

Shampoo Ingredients: Aqua, Herbal Infusion of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosamary) Leaf Extract*, Robus Ideous (Raspberry) Leaf Extract*, Coco Betaine, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt), Saccharum Officinarum (Molasses) Extract, Glycine, Oenocarpus Bataua (Rahua Ungurahua) Oil, Bursera Gravolens (Palo Santo) Oil, Hydrolysed Quinoa, Panthenol, Potassium Sorbate (plant derived), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citric Acid. *Denotes organic ingredient

Conditioner Ingredients: Aqua, Herbal Infusion of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract*, Behentrimonium Methosulphate (colza oil), Oenocarpus Bataua (Rahua Ungurahua) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Canola Oil, Glycerin, Stearalkonium Choride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Saccharum Officinarum (molasses) Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Bursera Graveolens (Palo Santo) Oil, Potassium Sorbate (plant derived), Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Panthenol. *denotes organic ingredients

Rahua Voluminous:

Next up on the Rahua roster is the Voluminous formulas, both of which target limp and lacklustre hair.  These aim to give much needed bounce, strength, and body back to your locks, and draw heavily on essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and rosemary to provide that boost.

Our award-winning Voluminous Shampoo strengthens, clarifies, and nourishes hair while delivering noticeable volume and body. // A nourishing complement to our Voluminous Shampoo, this rich yet weightless conditioner leaves hair lustrous, silky, and full of body and bounce. 

The Voluminous duo is perfect for those with fine or oily hair types, but is suitable for all thanks to the gentle approach Rahua has.  And as with all of their shampoos and conditioners, this variety offers aromatherapeutic properties that help ease the mind and reduce anxieties.  Can't beat that!

Rahua Voluminous Shampoo:
Unlike the grounding and spiritual blend of the Classics, this line provides a more tranquil option that is herbal and almost spicy.  I find the aroma quietly uplifting, perfectly balanced, and spa-like as the scent gets picked up in the steam when I go to wash my hair.

The consistency of the formula is very similar to the previous one, with a thick full-bodied texture that is gel-like and noticeably concentrated in terms of ingredients.  The blend is slightly less golden than the Classic, with a more yellowed straw tone that reminds me of morning sun.  It's stunning to look at, and the fun doesn't stop there.

Honestly, this holds a lot of similarities with the Classic version, including not lathering loads, needing a bit of practice to get used to, and being pretty delicate.  It does not dry out your hair at all (though it does require a conditioner to avoid tangles), nor does it leave it frizzy since it has no harsh surfactants.  The main difference stems from how the hair looks and feels after repeated use - while the Classic gives a restorative treatment, the Voluminous shampoo provides more specialization.  I found this gave some much needed TLC to my scalp, and over time I noticed my hair was visibly fuller which was a huge (and welcome) surprise.  I had so much hair loss due to stress that any little help with growth felt like a miracle.  And Rahua's creation gave me that boost.

Rahua Voluminous Conditioner:
I can't say I have tons of volume, as my hair has just always been a bit limp despite having a lot of waves, however I do think the Voluminous Conditioner has provided more life overall to my locks.  Instead of just hanging down and looking scraggly, it has more defined curls underneath and looks shinier, fuller, and more vibrant than before!

This conditioner is definitely more suited to my hair, but I find myself missing the heavy palo santo scent.  That being said, this one has a lovely aroma too - sweet lavender dances between herbal notes of rosemary and bright tones brought by lemongrass and eucalpytus.  It's a fusion that prompts a deep breath and a moment of calm, and honestly that is worth so much these days.  I find the Voluminous formula is a little less airy, though you can still find slight pockets that hint at the weightlessness of this treatment.  And this truly is a light product, but with a mega moisture punch very much like the original.

Even after a single use you can see the difference in the texture of your hair - it's immediately softer and despite all my split ends I found my hair looking and feeling more radiant and replenished.  This is a game changer for sad hair, and I love how it provides a healing touch while also allowing movement and bounce.  I use a tiny bit in the morning when I wake up just on the ends of my hair, and treat my whole head (well, mid-length to ends!) in the evenings.  With this routine I find even my super dry hair has a fighting chance!

Shampoo Ingredients: Aqua, Herbal Infusion of Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract* and Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract*, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Aloe Barbadensis leaf Extract*, Coco Betaine, Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt), Saccharum Officinarum (Molasses) Extract, Glycine, Oenocarpus Bataua (Ungurahua) Oil, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Potassium Sorbate (plant derived), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil*, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Chlorophyll. *denotes organic ingredients

Conditioner Ingredients: Aqua, Herbal Infusion of Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract* and Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Extract*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract*, Behentrimonium Methosulfate (Colza Oil), Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Oenocarpus Bataua (Rahua Ungurahua) Oil, Stearalkonium Chloride (plant derived), , Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Potassium Sorbate (plant derived), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil*, Panthenol, Citric Acid *denotes organic ingredient

Rahua Hydration:

The newest to join the collection is the Hydration range, a formulation that has been designed to deliver a boost of moisture and hydration to all hair types!  Launched in May 2019, this blend aims to provide a specialized line that cares for porous, dry, and stressed out hair, though of course anyone can reap the benefits of its powerful plant based ingredients.  Hydration fuses the sweeter scent of the Voluminous Shampoo with the soothing elements from the Classics, and provides a replenishing treatment that is ideal for those needing that extra TLC.

The exclusive formula works deep into the strands to smooth hair cuticles, prevent frizz and impart generous shine. With each usage, hair will look and feel smoother and shinier, as well as stronger and healthier, while the sweet smell of tropical fruit enliven the senses!

Both have a vastly different profile than the previous pairings, with their very own textures, colours, and scents, yet they maintain the signature rahua oil in their base and work to treat, tame, and balance your hair's health.

Rahua Hydration Shampoo:
The shampoo is ultra-glossy, with a liquid lotion like feel that screams healthy hair from the very start.  With vegetable glycerin, sacha inchi, morete, aloe, mango sugars, and more, this potent blend works to lock in moisture, increase hydration, and protect against UV damage, plus it delivers a silky texture that you just have to experience to believe!

I find this is the most user friendly of all the Rahua shampoos, as it gives more of a milky lather than the others which helps achieve a thorough cleanse.  I struggle to reach all areas without the suds, as I just can't tell if I have massaged that particular place or not without it.  Anyone else like that??

Well, the Hydration Shampoo offers the same clean feel, but somehow feels even lighter which is a delight - my hair doesn't get as tangled with this version, and I love how it immediately makes my long mane super smooth and shiny.  I know different oils and extracts bring different benefits, but I do wish this had the dreamy palo santo scent to match the creamy consistency of this shampoo.  I just love palo santo!  This reminds me of a salon, with that post-dye conditioner smell that is tropical and sweet with a touch of sharpness at the end of the nose.  Interestingly, this is the only version that contains "Aroma" in the ingredient list -- that may be what is bringing the odd scent, but I have to say this is by no means an unpleasant one.

I have only tried the sample sachet of this shampoo so far, but I am keen to get a full size to see how it pairs longer term with the conditioner.  If it is anything like that beauty, this might just be my top pick despite me missing the aromatherapeutic qualities.


Rahua Hydration Conditioner:
With protein bonding sugars, powerful extracts from green tea leaf, passion fruit, and mango, and Amazonian oils like Rahua, sacha inchi, and morete, this conditioner is a dream come true for dry hair.  Created to restore even the thirstiest hair, the Hydration Conditioner is packed full of green goodness.

Just a little bit and you can feel your hair coming back to life - the silky smooth formula soaks in easily, working to drive hydration deep into each strand so you can have the healthiest, smoothest, touchably soft hair around.  And that's not an exaggeration!

I'm kind of obsessed with this, and I find myself cherishing every single drop of product I use as it makes such a difference to my stressed out locks.  I felt like nothing I did really worked when it came to balancing my hair or stopping the brittleness and fallout I was experiencing.  I used protein treatments, oils, leave in conditioners, serums, tonics...  While they left my hair looking and feeling nice for a few days, the actual health of my ends just never seemed to improve.  What I was missing was HYDRATION, and that is what Rahua delivered with their lightweight conditioner.

I can use this as an in shower treatment, a flash mask, a curl definer, a frizz fix, a detangler...  It's my go to for haircare when I need a bit of help!  I mean, the other Rahua conditioners offer hydration, but this one is just hits it out of the park.  It takes a while to see full results, but even after just one use I found myself just stroking my long hair in amazement.  The only aspect I don't love is the scent, as I just find myself craving that palo santo again.  But despite this, I think I found my match!

Shampoo Ingredients: Aqua, Herbal Infusion of Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Passiflora Incarnate (Passion) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract and Camellia Sinensis (Green tea) Leaf Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate*, Coco Betaine*, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate*, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate*, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate*, Sodium Chloride (Sea salt), Vegetable Glycerin, Oenocarpus Bataua (Rahua Ungurahua) Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil, Sucrose, Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein, Mauritia Flexuosa (Morete) Fruit Oil, Kaolinite (Rose Clay), Aroma, Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil, Lactic Acid*, Hydroxyethylcellulose*, Glycine*, Coco Caprylate*, Xanthan Gum*, L-arginine*, Potassium Sorbate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride*. *Denotes plant derived ingredient

Conditioner Ingredients: Aqua, Herbal Infusion of Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Passiflora Incarnate (Passion) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract and Camellia Sinensis (Green tea) Leaf Extract, Behentrimonium Methosulfate*, Cetearyl Alcohol*, Oenocarpus Bataua (Rahua Ungurahua) Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis (Sacha Inchi) Seed Oil, Sucrose, Mauritia Flexuosa (Morete) Fruit Oil, Hydrolyzed Quinoa Protein, Vegetable Glycerin, Kaolinite (Rose Clay), Aroma, Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil, Glycine*, Behentrimonium Chloride*, Potassium Sorbate, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride*. *Plant-derived ingredient.

Rahua Review:

So what is my verdict on the Rahua hair trio?

Brilliant!!

Sure, it is pretty expensive.  But this is top of the line stuff, and delivers on all the promises they make.  They use sustainably sourced natural and organic ingredients that provide a ton of benefits for the hair, partner with indigenous tribes to ensure fair pay and environmentally friendly practices, and invest in environmental partnerships that protect the Amazon rainforest and Galapagos Islands... All of these amazing efforts, paired with the fact that the formulations are super concentrated meaning you do not need to use as much, leads me to think the price is worthwhile.

And Rahua really does pull out all the stops when it comes to their products.  I feel like this is the epitome of eco-luxe haircare, and while I am not keen on the plastic, I can't help but be wowed by the formulas and want to keep coming back for more.

When it comes to choosing which shampoo and conditioner is for you, it really is a matter of preference and hair goals.  If you have "normal" hair that doesn't have many extra needs, any of them will be suitable and you can make your choice based on what scent profile you like most.  If you love palo santo, the Classic range is your best bet, whereas if you like something a bit more uplifting I would say go for the Voluminous duo.  And for something sweeter, Hydration is the champion!

For those with dry or damaged hair, Hydration is definitely my top pick - this really works to rebalance the hair from inside out and delivers an instant and long lasting effect that restores even the driest strands.  I definitely think this is a versatile and results driven formula, and I am super happy I took a chance on the full size  to try!

As for colour treated hair, you can really pick any you wish since they all are created with dyes in mind!  All are super gentle and work to preserve your tone so you have your shade last as long as possible.  And since each version helps heal and protect, you are sorted!  If you are really concerned though, Rahua does also offer a specialized treatment called Color Full.

And if thinning is a problem or strengthening your strands is top priority, I think Voluminous is a great option as the rosemary essential oil spurs growth while the rahua and green tea help heal and protect.  This is a superstar for getting a fuller look, and I definitely found it helped me sort out some of my issues when I was experiencing hair loss.

Overall, I find you really can't go wrong with Rahua.  Mix and match if you wish, and play around to see what you like most - that's the beauty of their sample selections!

I've been really impressed by this line, and I cannot wait to be able to try more of their range.  Do you have any recommendations as to what I should try next?  I would love to hear what you think! Let me know, and maybe I will pick up your suggestion in my next shop! xx