I’ve always been drawn to brands that promote clean, plant-based beauty, so Raw Sugar definitely caught my eye. Known for using cold-pressed ingredients and focusing on hair and skin wellness, the brand markets its Bounce Back Shampoo as a solution for limp, tired hair.
After hearing all the buzz, I had to find out for myself—does it actually work?
Product Overview
I picked up the Raw Sugar Bounce Back Shampoo, an 18 fl oz bottle priced at $11.99 on the official website. It often comes bundled with its matching conditioner, which felt like the suggested duo for best results.
One of the first things I noticed was the bottle itself. It’s made using post-consumer recycled plastic, which gave me a small boost of confidence in the brand’s efforts to reduce waste.
Not a flashy design, but definitely feels thoughtful. In terms of formula and marketing promises, it ticks several clean beauty boxes:
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Color-safe
No overpowering scent, no artificial feel, and no harsh detergents. For a product under $12, that’s better than what most drugstore brands offer in this price range.
After just one use, I could tell it wasn’t your standard shampoo. Texture felt smooth, and it rinsed clean without leaving residue.
Key Ingredients & Their Benefits
Here’s where it gets really interesting. The ingredient list brings together several plant-based powerhouses that don’t just sound good—they actually deliver results.
Mango Butter
I noticed a change in how my hair held moisture almost immediately. It wasn’t greasy or limp—just stronger and more elastic. Breakage became less of a problem, especially after heat styling.
Agave
My hair absorbed this like it was overdue for hydration. I ended up with softer strands and a more balanced scalp. Read up on it and found out agave has antifungal properties, which made sense given how refreshed my scalp felt.
Carrot Oil
Totally flew under my radar before, but now it’s one of my favorite things in the formula. Smoothed out frizz and made my ends feel like they had some life left in them. I’d been dealing with roughness and this gave noticeable relief.
Aloe Vera Extract
Not mentioned on the front label, but definitely in the mix. It helped manage oil production without stripping. My scalp felt cleaner, and my hair had bounce and volume that lasted longer between washes.
Each ingredient feels like it has a purpose—no fillers, no fluff. I didn’t need to load on other products after shampooing because my hair already felt like it was in better shape.
After using it for a while, here’s how I would sum it up:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cleans deeply without drying out my scalp | Fragrance is mild—some might want more scent |
| Gave my hair noticeable bounce and movement | Took a few weeks to see full results |
| Didn’t irritate my scalp at all | Conditioner feels like a must; results weren’t as good with shampoo alone |
| Affordable for how much product you get | / |
| Eco-conscious packaging and ethical values | / |
Reviewer Experience & Results (Hair Everyday)
I found a review by a licensed cosmetologist on Hair Everyday who had been using Raw Sugar Bounce Back Shampoo for over two months.
Her starting point felt very familiar—she described her hair as weighed down with product buildup, lacking volume, and generally lifeless. That matched where I was before giving this shampoo a shot.
She tracked her progress week by week, and her experience lines up closely with mine. Here’s a breakdown of what she observed:
- Week 1: Her scalp felt noticeably cleaner, almost like it had gone through a detox. I had the same experience—by day four, my roots felt fresher, and I didn’t have that heavy, greasy layer that usually builds up.
- Week 3: Her hair had more bounce and volume. Not the kind of transformation you’d expect after a salon blowout, but definitely fuller and lighter. My results were very similar—lifted roots, more movement, and easier styling overall.
- No scalp irritation: She mentioned she has a sensitive scalp and didn’t deal with any flaking or redness. I have to agree—no itchiness, no tightness, and no post-wash discomfort. That alone makes this a win for me.
- Fragrance: She described the scent as fresh and mild. I’d say it’s a soft, almost fruity-clean aroma that doesn’t linger too much. If you’re someone who likes bold or perfume-heavy products, this might feel underwhelming. I prefer that it doesn’t overpower everything else.
- Used with conditioner: She used both the shampoo and conditioner together for best results. I tried it both ways, and I completely see her point. On its own, the shampoo performs well, but when paired with the conditioner, my hair felt softer, shinier, and more manageable.
One thing I appreciated about her review—and later confirmed myself—is that the improvements felt real, not masked by heavy silicones or overpowering fragrance. There’s a subtle but steady difference that builds over time, especially if you stick with the set.
Final Verdict
I’d recommend Raw Sugar Bounce Back Shampoo to anyone struggling with flat, dull hair that needs more volume and life. It’s especially great if you’re looking to keep your hair care clean and cruelty-free.
Rating-wise, I’d give it a solid 4.2 out of 5. It’s not some miracle overnight fix, but it’s consistent, gentle, and effective when used as part of a set. I’ll definitely keep it in rotation.