IF YOU’RE ANYTHING LIKE US, WHEN IT COMES TO SHOPPING FOR HAIRCARE, PACKAGING MATTERS. That’s why, a little over a year ago, when we came across the clean, minimalistic bottles of rahua, we stocked up immediately. “Amazon beauty”? “Rainforest Grown”? “100% Natural”? Yes, yes and yes. Little did we know what liquid gold lay within. After one use of the rich, tropical-scented voluminous shampoo and conditioner, our tresses felt incredibly soft, lustrous and ready to shoot a Nineties-style hair commercial at a moment’s notice. Below, we caught up with the mastermind behind the organic haircare line Fabian Lliguin who revealed the secret formula behind his best-selling product and what to steer clear of when shopping in the pharmacy.

Before launching Rahua, did you feel there was a void in the marketplace for high quality, natural hair products? 
As a New York based hair stylist, I was always on the hunt for natural products/cosmetics to recommend to my clients, and for myself, but it was impossible to find. Growing up in Ecuador, I always heard legends about Rahua oil.  When I became an eco-agent working in the Amazon, the tribal women provided me with this legendary oil to try, which I did in my salon.  What amazing results!  The legend was true and it was a happy moment for me and for my beauty universe, which is ever expanding.

As a colorist, what natural tips do you have for women on how to take care of their color-treated hair? 
I recommend using Rahua shampoo and conditioner (the classic formula) and the Omega 9 mask once a week).  It will keep color vibrant and healthy.  Redheads need pigments more often–for that, I would use tomato juice with a few drops of alcohol–apply on wet hair, leave at least 20 minutes and it will keep the red alive and healthy.

What is the worst thing you can do to color-treated hair?
Using harsh shampoos, skipping conditioner and applying strong chemical processes such as bleach and/or relaxers.

When shopping for haircare products, are there ingredients that shoppers should steer clear of?
Read labels and stay clear of petrochemical derived ingredients, such as sodium laureate sulfate, Propylene glycol, all Parabens, silicone-based compounds, petrolatum, Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole (artificial fragrance), phenylenediamine for colorants, (diethanolamine), Dibutyl phthalate, Triclosan. The list can go on and on but just avoid these ingredients and seek products with plant-derived ingredients. The cosmetic industry is making more of an effort to clean up their act.  It is a good thing to reward naturalists by purchasing more of their products.  These natural cosmetics will give you real results, avoiding standard chemicals will positively affect your health for years to come.

When it comes to your own approach to health, food and wellness, how would you describe your philosophy?
Be aware of food consumption, eat unprocessed foods, fresh and as close as possible to the natural state. Always be kind to mother nature, be kind human beings including your own self, and remember it takes only one second to create happiness.

Do you believe what you eat affects your hair? If so, what are the best things to eat/avoid for healthy hair?
Yes, eat healthy, foods rich in the omegas 3, 6 and 9, such as nuts and fish.  Avoid processed and unhealthy foods.

What is the latest healthy discovery you’ve made?
One food I starting enjoying is kale. It is crunchy and has good flavor.

Take us through a day in the life?
Wake up, find inspiration immediately, Drink water, have a piece of fruit, go on with the day, exercise at one point, whatever works for you, finish work, read or entertain your self for 30 minutes, be grateful for the day and go to bed.

What is the one non-negotiable healthy thing you do for yourself everyday.
Create happiness.

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