Happy Skin Hair’s New Shampoo & Conditioner: Is It Worth It?

One of our favorite homegrown brands, Happy Skin, has always been about skin-caring makeup and skincare packed with skin-loving ingredients. So it only made sense for them to take that same thoughtful approach to the scalp—because, after all, it's skin too! This was exactly the vision that CEO Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez shared during the launch of Happy Skin Hair. The brand’s newest venture into scalp-caring haircare is the result of over a year of meticulous research, testing, and careful formulation to ensure that every product truly cares for both scalp and strands.

Happy Skin Hair debuts with two carefully curated ranges, each featuring two products: Soft & Straight and Volume & Bouncy. This lineup was shaped by key insights into Filipino hair types—49% have wavy or curly hair, while 51% have silky, straight strands. Additionally, the brand conducted a survey to pinpoint the most in-demand hair concerns, revealing that 31% of respondents prioritize straight, sleek hair, 23% want enhanced shape and volume, 18% are focused on reducing hair fall, and 12% aim for a dandruff-free scalp. With these findings, Happy Skin designed its haircare range to directly address what Filipinos truly need for their locks.

Formulas Tried & Tested in PH Weather

Happy Skin Hair tapped into Japan’s advanced haircare technology for its innovation, but they soon realized that Japan has a dry climate, while the Philippines is hot and humid. When they tested the initial formulation here, they found that it contained too many oils, making it feel too rich and heavy for our weather.

So, they went back to the lab and reformulated it to better suit the local climate. The result? A sulfate-free, color-safe formula infused with skincare actives they call the Powerhouse Four:

• Niacinamide or Vitamin B3 improves blood flow and circulation to the scalp, allowing it to receive essential nutrients.

• Amino Acids are essential compounds that are vital for hair health by preventing hair breakage and encouraging growth.

• Tetrapeptide is a naturally occurring compound that stimulates hair follicles, resulting in thicker, stronger strands.

• Hydrolyzed Soy Protein is a water-soluble protein that improves hair’s ability to seal in moisture for smooth, shiny, and hydrated locks.

Each range also features a key ingredient tailored to address specific hair needs. The Soft & Straight line is designed for frizzy and damaged hair, so they infused it with Hydrolyzed Elastin, which is a protein-based compound that wraps around each strand to boost resilience, elasticity, and vitality. The result? Smooth, glossy, and frizz-free hair that looks and feels full of life.

For the Volume & Bouncy range made for fine and flat hair like mine, they added Biotin Peptide, a biocompatible protein that works to nourish, hydrate, and rejuvenate both the scalp and strands. This key ingredient helps create a fresh, clarified scalp while giving hair that weightless, voluminous, and revitalized feel, leaving it full of body and bounce.

Fragrances to Last All Day

Another key difference between the two ranges is their fragrances, which were specially developed to mimic the complexity of perfumes. Unlike most hair products that rely on a single-note scent, these formulations feature layered fragrance structures that help the scent last longer throughout the day.

The Soft & Straight range is described as elegant and sophisticated, with:

• Top notes of citrus and basil

• Mid notes of lily

• Base notes of oakmoss

On the other hand, the Volume & Bouncy range has a fresh, airy scent, with:

• Top notes of bergamot

• Mid notes of jasmine

• Base notes of cedarwood

By incorporating a multi-layered fragrance approach, Happy Skin Hair ensures that the scent lingers beautifully, elevating the haircare experience beyond just function.

I tried the Happy Skin Hair Volume & Bouncy Volumizing Shampoo (P799) and the Happy Skin Hair Volume & Bouncy Weightless Conditioner Treatment (P799), and I have to say—the scent really does last all day. It’s refreshing in the shower and lingers just enough without being overpowering. I personally like how subtle yet noticeable it is, adding to the experience without feeling overwhelming.

That said, if you’re sensitive to fragrance, it might be best to check them out in person at a Happy Skin store near you before committing to a full bottle.

Swatches from Top: Happy Skin Hair Volume & Bouncy Weightless Conditioner Treatment, Volume & Bouncy Volumizing Shampoo

I’ve been using the Volume & Bouncy set for over a week now, and I’ve noticed that the Volumizing Shampoo really makes my hair feel lighter while keeping my scalp less oily. I can even skip dry shampoo on Day 2, which is a big deal for me.

At the launch, expert hairstylist Suyen Salazar mentioned that this shampoo can also work as a clarifying shampoo, helping to remove buildup without stripping the hair. Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez also shared that she alternates between both ranges—using the Volumizing Shampoo every three days and the Soft & Straight range on the others—which sounds like a great way to customize your routine based on your hair’s needs.

Thoughtful details of the Happy Skin Hair line include the caps being twist to open with no need to unscrew and put elsewhere

This is a detangling brush

The Weightless Conditioner Treatment is quite different from the usual local conditioners we’re familiar with. Instead of the thick, creamy formulas we’re used to, it’s more like the rinse-off daily treatments that have been trending in Japan. I like how lightweight it feels—it doesn’t weigh my hair down, though I do feel like my ends could use a bit more moisture.

Overall, I’m really enjoying my Happy Skin Hair experience. My scalp feels more hydrated, and my hair looks noticeably bouncier, even with its long length. The fragrance is clearly well thought-out and lingers just enough to feel fresh throughout the day.

While it is pricier than most local hair products, it’s worth noting that Happy Skin Hair is sulfate-free, which understandably adds to the cost. At the launch, they shared that sulfates are one of the cheapest but harshest cleansing agents, so skipping them means a gentler formula that still cleans effectively without stripping the hair and scalp.

You can purchase the shampoos and conditioner treatments individually at P799 each or get the Happy Skin Hair Shampoo and Conditioner Treatment Duo (P1,499). The Happy Skin Hair Detangler and Volumizing Brush (P899) was also released and there's a Shampoo + Treatment + Brush Set (P2,199) if you want the hair care products with the brush. Just visit the store locator page at the Happy Skin website to find out their boutique locations or go to their online stores at Lazada and Shopee.

Happy Skin Hair Volume & Bouncy Volumizing Shampoo Ingredients:

Water, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Methylaminopropionate, Cocamide Methyl MEA, TEA-Cocoyl Glutamate, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Niacinamide, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Ceramide NP, Ceramide NG, Ceramide AP, Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly Protein, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-10, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-47, Panthenol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Butylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Zein, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Phytosphingosine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Dextran, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract

Happy Skin Hair Volume & Bouncy Weightless Conditioner Treatment Ingredients:

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1, Niacinamide, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Royal Jelly Protein, Ceramide NG, Ceramide AP, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Fragrance, Isopropyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Amodimethicone, Dimethiconol, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, PPG-8-Ceteth-20, PPG-8-Ceteth-10, Sodium Benzoate, Panthenol, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Butylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Zein, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Phytosphingosine, Serine, Valine, Proline, Threonine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Dextran, Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract