Renz Pangilinan is known in showbiz as the go-to hairstylist of stars, like Lisa Frankenstein actress Liza Soberano and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa.
Interestingly, his skill, which has brought him to the red carpets of Hollywood and the Cannes Film Festival, was actually discovered by accident.
Renz looked back on his journey in an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) during the official launch of skin-care brand Dr. Jart+ on July 1, 2024, at White Space, Makati.
He recalled, “It started through my first love which is fashion. That’s why I like to dress up and that’s why all my hairstyles are more edgy and fashion-forward.
"I started doing fashion advertising in college and for one of my shoots for my clothes, walang hairstylist.
"And then sabi ko, ako na lang mag-hair."
That unplanned stint became a full-time career for Renz.
His first major work was thanks to celebrity make-up artist Jake Galvez.
Soon after, he got to work on a shoot with renowned photographer Niccolo Cosme.
RENZ PANGILINAN AND HIS MUSES
One of Renz's first celebrity clients was Coleen Garcia.
Renz styled Coleen Garcia’s hair when she hosted It's Showtime from 2012 to 2016.
But it was actually Coleen's now-husband Billy Crawford who discovered him.
“For me, I see hairstyling as making a sculpture. Hair is my medium to make sculptures,” says Renz about his craft.
After Coleen and Billy, Renz was introduced to Liza Soberano.
“I was working with Mark Qua, when we were together back then.
"Best friend niya si Mickey See and then wala siyang hairstylist back then.
"Qua was like, 'Book Renz.' I was still new and Liza was just 16 old lang nun."
Meanwhile, Renz met Kylie Verzosa during her pageant days, after winning the Binibining Pilipinas International crown in 2016.
"I was doing the hair for most of the Binibining Pilipinas candidates for a JAG photo shoot.
"After noon, nag-click na kami. We became close when she passed the crown and she had a trip to Japan.
"Para kaming barkada. It’s nice to see your alagas, and now friends grow.”
Beyond the glamor and fame, Renz values the funny moments with his clients.
He particularly enjoyed working with Liza and Kylie during their international appearances.
Renz told PEP.ph, “May time na Kylie was so tired girl so I said, 'Take a nap while do your hair.'
“Liza is very silly in person and we have many moments of having fun and going to karaoke that people don’t see. I think she prefers that.”
In addition to the stars mentioned above, Renz has also collaborated with numerous other celebrities, including Megan Young, Ivana Alawi, Chie Filomeno, Heart Evangelista, and Pia Wurtzbach, among many others.
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RENZ PANGILINAN: INFLUENCER
His work as a celebrity hairstylist led Renz to his other career, where he gets to champion his moreno skin tone.
“When I was kid, it was kind of frowned upon. Kapag maitim ka, you’re not beautiful.
"And as I was growing up, I realized na parang wala na akong choice, this is it.
"I’ve learned to love it. I feel like with traveling you get to appreciate yourself more.
"People get to appreciate you more ‘cause you're different.”
He uses the entire skin-care line from John Masters Organics, with prices ranging from USD 29 (approximately PHP1,693.31) to USD 54 (PHP3,153.06).
Renz said, “With traveling your skin gets dry, so I have John Masters Organics.
"I usually buy it from Hong Kong or the U.S. I’ve been using it for at least five to six years now. I have the full line.”
He also has face masks in his kit.
“I’ve also tried the masks of Dr. Jart+ before,” says Renz.
Dr. Jart+ face masks are priced at PHP300 on Watsons and PHP570 on Lazada.
Renz also is a big fan of perfumes.
He says, “It’s proven the first thing that people will remember you about is your scent.
“My daytime is Clinique Happy For Men. It’s very fresh and people don’t use it now and I usually hoard it at the airport.
"And then I also like Rabanne Phantom, the silver one is good. I also used the Dior Oud Ispahan. It reminds me of Dubai.”
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