Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me.

Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me.

      My hair, which is low-porosity, coarse, and curly, requires quite a bit of maintenance. It doesn't respond well to many typical haircare ingredients, such as coconut oil and silicones, making it challenging to find effective products. However, I love experimenting with new items (after all, I am a beauty editor) and am always open to giving them a fair chance before forming an opinion. Still, I often find myself disappointed by what's available, as many products simply don't cater to my particular hair type. When I do discover those rare gems that work for me, I hold on to them dearly. Recently, I ventured into Rahua's line featuring Amazonian oil-rich formulas and was thoroughly impressed. I've tested nearly every textured haircare brand but have had lackluster results until I came across Rahua. Although this line isn't specifically targeted at textured hair, it delivered remarkable results. I couldn't keep this information to myself because I aim to share with others. If you have a hair type similar to mine and face difficulties finding suitable products, keep reading. Below, I’ll share my thoughts on Rahua's collection. (Image credit: @shawnasimonee)

      The primary mission of the brand is to protect and preserve the Amazon rainforest. The star ingredient is rahua (ungurahua) oil, extracted directly from the Amazon. Rich in omega-9s, rahua oil repairs damaged hair, adds strength, and supports a healthy scalp. Rahua's co-founder, Anna Ayers, discussed the magic of this oil for hair. “The exquisite rahua oil is truly special. It originates from a seed that flourishes in harmony with the Amazon's natural surroundings,” she states. “Crafted by Amazonian women using ancient ancestral techniques in line with biodynamic rituals, this meticulous process yields a powerful oil with an exceptionally fine molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate deeply, repair, and strengthen hair while balancing the scalp and skin. Rahua oil fills in the hair's porosity, enhancing elasticity and strength. For coarse or textured hair, it softens and improves manageability. Just a few drops of this potent oil provide visible results.”

      Rahua's Classic Shampoo is highly hydrating and never leaves my dry, coarse 3c–4a curls feeling stripped. The delightful addition of palo santo scent is a personal favorite. I was quite impressed; although it's not specifically formulated for curls, it works wonderfully for drier curl types by providing abundant moisture and slip. My only issue is that it sometimes doesn't cleanse my thick hair thoroughly. I use heavier products daily due to my hair's dryness, and it occasionally requires a few washes to remove all the buildup effectively.

      Rahua's Classic Conditioner stands out to me as one of the most impressive items in the line. It provides substantial strength, hydration, and shine to my hair almost immediately. It also excels at controlling frizz and flyaways, which I have in abundance. Rahua oil is revered in the Amazon for its miraculous ability to revive dry hair quickly, leaving it feeling soft and strong. After use, there is a slight coating sensation on the hair, but it doesn’t make it feel greasy or overwhelming. I was amazed at how well it hydrated my extremely dry, low-porosity curls. Importantly, it does not contain coconut oil, making it a significant advantage since coconut oil and low-porosity hair usually don’t get along.

      The Enchanted Island Vegan Curl Butter is my absolute favorite. First, it smells wonderful. Second, it is one of the most hydrating curl treatments I've ever encountered. It provides excellent slip, making detangling effortless. I apply it to wet hair right after my shower, and it shapes and defines my curls beautifully. Key hydrating ingredients in this formula include African shea butter, rahua oil, and pomegranate fruit oil, which together with the conditioner, enhance the overall health of my hair. My natural hair color gleams with a rich shine whenever I use these products, indicating that I'm treating my curls well.

      The Leave-In Treatment Light can be hit-or-miss for me, as it sometimes leaves my hair feeling dry. It can be challenging with picky curls. However, this leave-in is great for use as a heat protectant if I choose to blow-dry or straighten my curls. In addition to rahua oil, this formula has yerba mate leaf, which helps restore shine and bounce; organic quinoa for moisture retention; and sunflower oil, which strengthens and softens the hair. While technically suited for finer hair types, it works well in combination with the brand's oil (which I’ll discuss next) or the curl butter for my extra-dry hair.

      The Control Cream Curl Styler's biggest advantage is that all Rahua products are silicone-free. This cream is lightweight and moisturizing, making it ideal for days when I don’t have any outings planned. For added definition and hydration, I prefer

Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me. Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me. Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me. Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me. Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me. Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me. Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me. Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me. Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me. Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me. Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me. Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me.

Other articles

Finding products for my coarse, curly hair can be a challenge, but this surprising brand has really impressed me.

A line that *genuinely* suits every hair type.