Rahua (pronounced ra–wa) may be a New York-based brand, but it’s heart lies deep in the Amazonian rainforest. Co-founded by husband and wife team Anna and Fabian, the line of 100% natural hair and body products was inspired by the flora and fauna of this exotic habitat. Learning from the techniques of the indigenous Amazonian people, the products are based off of sustainably harvested fruits, nuts and flowers from the region. I spoke to the dynamic duo about how Rahua was born, the potency of rainforest grown ingredients, and how employing ancient tribal technology is actually the secret to creating gorgeous hair & body products.

What sparked the idea for this brand – how did it all begin?

Fabian: For many years while working as a hair stylist, I heard about a legendary ingredient that could only be found in the Amazon rainforest.  Years later when I began working actively as an Ecoagent, I started doing humanitarian work which involved educating tribal people in the Amazon Rainforest. During this time, I was introduced to Rahua (ra-wa) oil by the local women who extract and make it. My wife Anna Ayers and I learned about the amazing benefits of Rahua oil, and we decided to create our brand and company to further help with the educational work in the Amazon rainforest, and to support the economic independence of the local people who extract this magical oil. Our goal was to also create awareness of the importance of preserving the rainforest all while beautifying the world – hence, BEAUTY IS POWER!

Why did you choose the name?

Fabian: The highest quality cosmetic oil obtained from the ungurahua nut, is achieved through very lengthy methods using ancient rituals. The tribal women in the Amazon rainforest call this high-quality oil “Rahua”. Thus, we chose our brand name to reflect this high-quality oil, and also to honor the ancient ritual.

What is the best advice you can offer anyone looking to transition from conventional hair care products to natural ones?

Anna: Going natural with hair care is a big change. It helps to start by doing one thing at a time. Try switching out your shampoo and conditioner first, then add on a styling product. Another way… We have just launched our new Rahua Detox & Renewal Treatment — we designed this product specifically to allow for a quick transition, this “detox” hair experience removes synthetic buildup and residue and provides a fresh start for hair and scalp.

How would you describe the ideology behind your brand?

Anna: Our ideology is to create efficacious and beautiful products, using the highest quality all-natural and organic ingredients. We create formulas that highlight the potent powers of our symbiotic® rainforest grown ingredients, and to elevate the standards in the cosmetic industry. We support the indigenous Amazonian people in order to help protect their lush rainforests and way of life.

What can we find you doing on the weekends?

Anna: We are usually reconnecting with Mother Nature on the weekends. We love going to upstate New York, enjoying parks, lakes, sunsets and the stars.

What difficulties did you struggle with to launch a hair care line based on completely natural ingredients?

Fabian: The challenging part when developing a natural hair care line, in the beginning, was the lack of available efficient natural ingredients in the market. So we do ongoing research, often using ancient tribal technology to find or create ingredients that will provide excellent and uncontested performance. Luckily more innovative natural ingredients are coming to market as consumer demand grows.

What is your favorite product of yours?

Anna: Rahua is, of course, all I use for hair & body. One of my all-time favorites, however, is our Finishing Treatment, just a dab daily on hair ends keeps hair in top shape – makes styling, blow drying, maintaining and growing hair longer easier!

What makes your company environmentally conscious?

Anna: Philanthropy is built into our business. Fabian and I were actually doing environmental work and created our non-profit Ecoagents.org prior to starting Amazon Beauty Inc. & Rahua. We were looking for ways to preserve and create awareness about the Amazon rainforest and people that live there. Ultimately all roads lead back to “hair”. Once we learned that sustainability is required for Rahua to grow and be processed we created our company Amazon Beauty Inc. & Rahua to preserve the rainforest. We purchase our key ingredients direct from the makers and are building sustainable economies within the jungle.

And what do we have to look forward when it comes to the future of your brand?
Next goals? Dreams? Visions?

Fabian & Anna: Yes, we have many new things in the works now. (Update: they just launched their fantastic hydrating line! Find Rahua’s Hydrating Shampoo here, and the Hydrating Conditioner here!) As many people know, the Amazon rainforest has thousands upon thousands of plants and ingredients unknown to the outside world. The indigenous people know them well, so we will be introducing some of these exciting new symbiotic® (rainforest grown ingredients) in the near future. You can look forward to more natural styling products and color preserving products from Rahua. Simultaneously our big goal is to help educate the tribes in the Amazon rainforest about specific knowledge that will help them further the rainforest preservation cause.
Additionally, we will continue inspiring big brands to elevate the natural percentage of ingredients in their products, ultimately giving humans a closer and direct touch with Mother Nature.