Compare Costs, Reviews, and More

Prose Reviews

Overall, Prose customers are content with their customized hair care products. Many note that they appreciate the extensive quiz, natural ingredients, scents (Botanica was singled out on several occasions), and the company’s sustainability efforts. Reviewers also rave about the results, saying that they’ve noticed healthier locks. Many have also commented that the products, most notably the curl cream, have been particularly beneficial for curly hair types. Aside from the shampoo and conditioner, additional popular products amongst reviewers include the pre-shampoo hair mask, which many said left their locks feeling soft, and the scalp mask, which greatly helped reduce oiliness.

Despite the higher price point, customers generally believe that Prose is worth the cost and will continue using the products, however, some wished that bigger discounts were offered to loyal customers. Others didn’t recognize a significant difference between their customized products and regular shampoo and conditioner while some also reported scalp dryness, irritation, or hair loss.

Function of Beauty Reviews

Function of Beauty customers seem to really enjoy the scents and additional personalization options to the bottle label and color for shampoo and conditioner, in addition to the timely deliveries. Majority of reviewers are happy with Function of Beauty's customized hair care products, even if they are on the pricier side. And several comments touch on how the products have led to softer, yet stronger, hair with less frizz.

Customers who were not content with their customized products noted that they didn’t notice a difference from their regular shampoo and conditioner. A few of the reviewers also mentioned issues with hair loss and dryness after using the products. Some also mentioned that they weren’t notified about the recent price increase, but that prior to that change, many customers were satisfied with the friendly customer service.

Pros and Cons

Prose

Pros

• Subscription perks include 15 percent off your entire order and a free product for every 10 products purchased
• Comprehensive quiz that takes into account environmental factors
• Silicone-free options available
• Ability to set a different delivery frequency for every product
• Offers complimentary reformulation or full refund within 30 days of delivery 
• A carbon-neutral, B Corp–certified company

Cons

• Prices are relatively high compared to other hair care products
• Can only contact customer service via email
  

Function of Beauty

Pros

• All products are vegan and cruelty-free; silicone-free options are also available
• Offers complimentary reformulation or full refund within 30 days of delivery
• Live chat support available
• Ability to choose shampoo and conditioner color as well as personalize bottle label
• Shampoo and conditioner bottles made from 100 percent recycled plastic
• Also offers custom body and skincare products

Cons

• Prices are relatively high compared to other hair care products
• Subscription discount only available for shampoo and conditioner
• Brief quiz that only asks the basic questions

Alternatives to Prose and Function of Beauty

While customizable hair care products by companies like Prose and Function of Beauty appeal to a breadth of individuals, sometimes you need a more targeted approach for specific hair types or concerns. Whether you’re dealing with hair loss or looking for products that work best for colored hair, you may want to consider more niche options.

Hims

• Starting Price: $15
• Free Shipping? Yes
• Delivery Frequency: Monthly, bimonthly, or quarterly

Hims is a telemedicine service that tackles men’s health concerns ranging from erectile dysfunction to mental wellbeing. One of the company’s areas of expertise is hair loss. After you’ve taken the online quiz and answered questions about your current hair loss status, which products you’ve previously tried, and medical history, a licensed medical professional will review your responses and provide product recommendations to prevent or treat hair loss. The brand’s range includes items like Biotin gummies to promote healthy hair growth, thickening shampoo and conditioner, and FDA-approved products like Finasteride and Minoxidil.

eSalon

• Starting Price: $26/month
• Free Shipping? Only on orders over $42
• Delivery Frequency: Every 3–10 weeks

Let’s be honest, sitting in a salon chair can be time-consuming and expensive. So if you’re seeking custom hair dye rather than tailored hair care, eSalon is the ideal service for at-home coloring kits. Following an online quiz that covers topics like hair type, color history, and desired color, coupled with details like eye color and ethnicity, your hair color is crafted from scratch to fit your needs and wants. 

Each kit contains bottled hair color and volume developer, of which feature personalized labels with your name, formula ID, and the date it was made; shampoo and conditioner to seal in color; accessories such a gloves, stain guard and remover, and an applicator; personalized applications instructions; and access to a colorist should you have any questions. There’s the option to purchase a single kit for $32.50, but subscriptions are reduced to $26 per shipment with automatic deliveries set at your preferred frequency, ranging from every three to 10 weeks. Subscribers will receive perks like a 20 percent off future orders, curated how-to videos, and one-on-one consultations. And if you do end up wanting some customized hair care, Aura, eSalon’s sister company, offers products that will compliment your new hair color.

Final Thoughts

Both Prose and Function of Beauty offer customized hair care products for a variety of hair types. Prose’s hair quiz is much more comprehensive and offers a wide range of products, including a supplement to promote scalp health and hair growth. It’s ideal for those who want the extra attention to their locks and are willing to pay a higher premium for it as a result. Function of Beauty is a little simpler in its personalization, but covers the basics. It costs less than Prose and also has its own customizable features like adding your name to the bottle and choosing the color for your shampoo and conditioner. The company also offers purple shampoo and conditioners that are great for blonde hair.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What Types of Ingredients Can You Expect to Find in Customized Hair Care Products?

  There’s no single answer to this as ingredients vary from company to company, but many custom services will prioritize natural ingredients to separate themselves from brands that mass produce. You’ll likely find ingredients like aloe vera for hydration, bamboo charcoal for scalp detox, and grape seed oil for hair health. Many companies will also use silicone in their products, which helps tame frizz-prone hair and can help prevent tanging, but can build up on hair, causing dullness and dehydration. As a result, some brands will offer a silicone-free option.

• What Are “Clean Ingredients?”

  While there are no definitive guidelines or regulations that have been put in place for what makes a product “clean,” clean products are typically free of toxic chemicals and ingredients such as parabens and sulfates.

• How Many Times per Week Should You Use Custom Hair Care Products?

  Just like store-bought hair care products, frequency of use for custom products depends on your hair, scalp, and habits. For example, if you have oily hair or frequently work up a sweat exercising, daily use may be required. Normal and dry hair types might be able to go without washing for several days, while natural hair can be as little as a few times a month.

• What Size Products Do You Get With Most Hair Care Subscriptions?

  You’ll typically receive full-size products with hair care subscriptions, often starting from eight ounces for products like shampoo and conditioner. However, it’s best to check with your chosen service.