When it comes to hair care, we all want products that do more than just clean and condition—we want products that bring out the best in our hair. That’s exactly why I think the Happy Hair People “Ride the Waves” Shampoo & Conditioner duo is worth every penny.
It’s vegan, cruelty-free, smells delightful, and above all, it works—really well. Today, I’m sharing my personal experience, along with a detailed look at its pros, cons, and how it compares to other products I’ve tried. By the end, I hope you’ll feel confident in giving it a shot!
Let me tell you, using Happy Hair People was honestly a bit of a journey, and one I ended up being super excited about. I was initially skeptical about it, given the mixed reviews I’d read. But I decided to take the plunge anyway.
And let me tell you—the experience was nothing short of amazing.
My Experience with Happy Hair People: The Ride The Waves Line
From the first wash, I knew this was something different.
The texture of the “Ride the Waves” shampoo had a silky, almost luxurious feel to it, which lathered just enough to get a good clean without stripping my hair.
My scalp felt fresh, but not irritated.
I’ve struggled with other shampoos before, either causing product buildup or making my scalp feel dry and itchy—but not this one.
It provided just the right balance of cleansing and comfort.
The fragrance was another highlight. I loved the scent of warm orange oil that the MoodScentz+ fragrance technology infused into the experience.
It had this delicate balance of citrusy freshness mixed with just a hint of spice that didn’t overpower my senses, which is crucial for someone like me who gets headaches from certain strong scents. The aroma was an instant mood boost, and honestly, it made me look forward to my shower time in a way I didn’t expect.
The “Ride the Waves” conditioner paired perfectly. It’s designed to hydrate without weighing your hair down, and it lived up to the claim. My hair felt soft and silky without that heavy residue I often experience with many conditioners—it gave me volume while also providing the hydration my hair so desperately needed.
The best part was that it enhanced my hair’s natural waves, leaving them smooth, bouncy, and frizz-free. I could finally let my hair air-dry without worrying about it turning into a puffy mess.
Pros of Happy Hair People Ride The Waves Shampoo & Conditioner
There are a few things that stood out for me in terms of pros. I’m not just talking about how it worked for my hair, but also about the values that Happy Hair People carries through their products:
- Incredible Fragrance and Mood Enhancement: The orange oil scent is more than just a pleasant smell—it genuinely made me feel refreshed and happy after every shower. The MoodScentz+ technology lived up to its name by providing an uplifting experience. For me, a great-smelling shampoo is a must, and this one exceeded expectations.
- Moisturizing Without Weighing Hair Down: If you have fine or naturally wavy hair, you know the struggle—you want moisture but don’t want limp, weighed-down locks. Happy Hair People nailed the formula here. My waves were defined, but still had that light, voluminous quality.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: With bottles made from 50% recycled plastic and being 100% recyclable, this brand is taking genuine steps towards sustainability. It feels good to buy products that care about their environmental impact.
- Cruelty-Free & Vegan: They’re PETA certified and committed to no animal testing, which gives me peace of mind. Using vegan and cruelty-free products has always been important to me, and it’s reassuring when brands openly reflect those values.
- Less Hair Fall: A surprising and major pro was the reduction in my hair fall. Usually, every shampoo session feels like a tragic event with the amount of hair that ends up on the shower floor. However, with Ride the Waves, I noticed a marked decrease—I felt like my hair was thanking me for using something gentler.
Cons of Happy Hair People Ride The Waves Shampoo & Conditioner
I’d be lying if I said this product was perfect—nothing is without its flaws, after all. Here are a few areas that could be improved:
- Price: The main con, for me, is the price. Compared to some drugstore shampoos and conditioners, Happy Hair People falls on the higher end of the scale. While the quality does make up for the price point in many ways, it’s still something to consider, especially if you’re on a budget.
- Availability: The product isn’t always available in local stores. I had to order online, which isn’t a huge problem, but it does mean that I need to plan ahead when I’m running low. It’s worth noting that some reviewers have mentioned finding it at cheaper prices at stores like Target, which is great—but stock can be unpredictable.
- Size of Bottles: The shampoo and conditioner come in 7 oz bottles, which I find to be a bit small, particularly for someone with thick hair who tends to use more product. I have to restock more often than I’d like, which makes the price factor even more of a consideration.
Getting The Most Out of Happy Hair People: Tips For Use
If you’re planning to give Happy Hair People a try, let me share a few tips that helped me get the most out of it:
- Use the Right Amount: The shampoo lathers really well, so you don’t need to go overboard with the amount you use. A quarter-sized dollop is usually enough to get a good cleanse, even with my thick hair.
- Focus on the Roots: Apply the shampoo mainly to your roots, as that’s where the buildup and oils tend to accumulate. The conditioner, on the other hand, should be used from mid-length to ends to avoid weighing your hair down.
- Let the Conditioner Sit: This may seem like a no-brainer, but I’ve noticed that letting the conditioner sit in your hair for a few minutes makes a huge difference. It allows the moisture to fully penetrate and gives the fragrance time to sink in.
- Air Dry or Diffuse: For those of us with natural waves, I found that letting my hair air-dry gave the best results with this duo. It defined my waves beautifully, but if you’re in a rush, a diffuser on a low setting also works well.
- Follow Up with Lightweight Styling Products: Since the shampoo and conditioner are designed for light volume, pairing them with a lightweight mousse or curl cream helped to enhance my waves even further without weighing them down.
Comparing Happy Hair People To Other Brands
Having tried several other brands, both drugstore and high-end, I’d say Happy Hair People holds its own quite well. Let’s compare it to a few of the more popular names:
- Happy Hair People Vs. Osana Shampoo
Osana Shampoo is known for its natural, plant-based ingredients that cater to sensitive scalps.
It focuses on providing a gentle cleanse without irritating the scalp, which makes it a good option for those with sensitive skin or issues like dandruff.
However, while Osana does a great job with scalp health, I found it lacking in delivering volume and shine compared to Happy Hair People.
The “Ride the Waves” line provided a noticeable boost to my natural waves and added a glossy finish that Osana couldn’t quite match.
Happy Hair People also has a more luxurious scent experience, which makes my shower routine more enjoyable overall.
- Happy Hair People Vs. Purezero Shampoo
Purezero Shampoo is another sulfate-free product with a focus on hydration and clean ingredients.
It’s a good option for those looking for something moisturizing, but in my experience, it tends to leave fine or wavy hair feeling weighed down and somewhat limp.
On the other hand, Happy Hair People manages to provide ample moisture while keeping my waves bouncy and light.
The key difference is that Happy Hair People’s formula strikes a perfect balance between hydration and volume, while Purezero leans more heavily towards deep moisture, which may work better for someone with extremely dry or coarse hair but not for those with finer textures like mine.
Additionally, the uplifting orange oil fragrance of Happy Hair People was far more enjoyable compared to the subtle scent of Purezero, making it a more sensory experience.
- Happy Hair People Vs. Bed Head Shampoo
Bed Head by TIGI is a popular choice for tackling frizz and adding intense hydration to hair, especially for those with unruly or curly textures.
While I have tried Bed Head for its frizz-fighting capabilities, I found that it was almost too effective in the hydration department, leaving my wavy hair heavy and reducing the natural volume I love.
With Happy Hair People, I get the best of both worlds—frizz control and bounce.
My waves are soft, well-defined, and have a natural lift that Bed Head simply couldn’t achieve for me.
Moreover, the scent of Happy Hair People, with its warm orange tones, is much more appealing and energizing compared to Bed Head’s more subtle and sometimes artificial-smelling fragrances. If you’re someone who wants to manage frizz while keeping your hair lightweight and lively, Happy Hair People is definitely the better pick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Happy Hair People “Ride the Waves” Shampoo is sulfate-free, which means it’s gentler on your hair and won’t strip away natural oils. This makes it a good choice for maintaining healthy, glossy hair.
No, Happy Hair People products do not contain parabens. They are committed to providing hair care solutions that are free from potentially harmful ingredients.
The Ride the Waves Shampoo contains ingredients like orange oil for fragrance, along with moisturizing agents that help add volume and shine without the use of sulfates or parabens. The complete list can be found on the product packaging or online.
While Saltair isn’t Happy Hair People, it’s another product that many ask about. Saltair shampoos are typically formulated to be gentle and moisturizing, which means they should be safe for colored hair. However, always check for sulfates, as these can strip color.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a shampoo and conditioner that delivers on moisture, volume, and an uplifting scent, Happy Hair People Ride the Waves duo is worth trying out. It combines clean, thoughtful ingredients with an excellent user experience, leaving hair feeling healthy and vibrant.
It’s a product that aligns with my values—cruelty-free, eco-friendly, and vegan—while also giving me the gorgeous waves I want. Give it a shot—you might just love it as much as I do.