Custom Hair Care Showdown: Prose versus Function of Beauty
Almost exactly two years ago, my scalp was constantly irritated, and my hair was shedding. I started to notice some thinning on the sides and began to avoid ponytails because of it. At that point, it felt like I had tried every “gentle” (and prescription) shampoo on the market and nothing was working. To say the least, I was frustrated!
At the time, custom hair care companies like Prose and Function of Beauty were a completely new concept, but I decided I had nothing to lose by giving them a try. After a few months, I noticed a huge difference in the health of my hair. It was no longer breaking, I was able to go longer between washes, and the thickness and life had been restored. The idea of custom hair care seemed ridiculous to me at first, but two years later, I am absolutely hooked and can never go back.
Having now tried both Prose AND Function of Beauty, I thought I’d share an honest review of both brands (complete with pros and cons). Whether you have no idea what custom hair care is - or you’ve tried one of these and are curious about the other, I’m here to help.
Prose
Photo Credit: PopSugar
Pros:
The diagnostic hair care quiz is extremely detailed. It takes into account everything from your hair goals, to the humidity and UV patterns in your specific state. This allows Prose to formulate your hair care products based on your environment and specific needs.
You can add/remove ingredients, such as silicones. All Prose formulas are considered “clean”, meaning they do not contain parabens, sulfates and other harmful ingredients in any of their products.
There are a lot of shampoo and conditioner scents to choose from, but you also have the option to go scentless (which is great for those with sensitive scalps like me).
My shampoo/conditioner bottles usually last me 3-4 months, as I only need to wash 2-3 times a week while using Prose.
It WORKS. Within 3 months, I had thicker, healthier hair and could go 3-4 days between washes (compared to washing every other day at minimum before).
Cons:
It’s on the pricier side. A bottle of shampoo will cost you $28, and you’ll likely also be prescribed conditioner ($28) and/or a mask (also $28) to achieve full results and maximize your hair/scalp health.
Because all formulas are custom made, it can take 10-14 days to receive your order. Planning ahead is essential.
Function of Beauty
Pros:
Function of Beauty is less expensive than Prose. You can purchase a basic set, which includes shampoo and conditioner, for $38.
If your hair care needs are basic, like “more shine” and “less frizz”, Function of Beauty performs well.
You can choose the color of your shampoo, but you also have the option to select no dye. Just like Prose, you can add/remove ingredients.
Shipping is slightly faster than Prose, and the bottles are slightly larger.
Cons:
The hair care diagnostic quiz is less detailed, therefore I would imagine that the customization is slightly less meticulous.
These products did not calm my sensitive scalp. In my honest opinion, Function of Beauty is comparable to a bougie version of drugstore shampoo.
Conclusion:
At the end of the day, the brand you choose is ultimately dependent on your unique hair care goals and budget. After trying Function of Beauty, I decided to switch back to Prose due to my sensitive scalp, and to me, the results are worth the extra money. But, if you just want a little more shine or more manageable hair, Function of Beauty is a great choice.
Hope this helps!
Alexa