Hair is the crowning glory of every woman, which is why today we are going to look into what is better between Prose vs Function of Beauty — two of the most popular customizable hair brands.
Back then, we hear the word personalized, we thought of engravings and monograms. Today, customization or products innovated to data and algorithms, which are actually common among personalized vitamin packs and in this case, even hair products!
You see, this is a perfect example of how time changes.
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Before we move on, it’s worth sharing that the global haircare market value according to Statista has grown to about $85.5 billion in 2017, and that it is expected to grow even more to $102 billion by 2024.
In addition, although the Asia Pacific region is known to be the largest market with it comes to hair care in the world, the United States has been tagged as the most lucrative hair care market globally. In fact, it generated about $15 million in revenue in the year 2017.
These data only shows how the hair product industry in the US is very profitable. No wonder why innovations continue to arise in this field – today, being the personalized hair care products, particularly shampoo.
Having said that, as we earlier mentioned we are going to look deeper into two of the most popular personalized shampoo in the country today. We are battling out Prose vs Function of Beauty.
In particular, we are going to look into the following details:
- Product Overview
- Product Formulation
- Order Process and Delivery
- Product Pricing
- Subscription Services
- Discounts and/or Promotions
- Satisfaction Guarantee
- Customer Reviews
PROSE VS FUNCTION OF BEAUTY: PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Before anything else, let us first get to know what Prose and Function of Beauty are all about. This way, we get to know the people and principles behind the product.
PROSE
The Prose was founded in 2017. On their website, they state that their products were designed in Paris. They say, their products are produced by “marrying the advances in science and technology,” which was led by their team in Paris. Meanwhile, the company’s “progressive production methods” where made by another team based in New York.
The company is committed to putting an end to consumer frustration and creating less waste for the environment through customized beauty.
Furthermore, the people behind the product say that they “created Prose as an answer to mass-produced products that were designed to cater to everyone, but benefited no one“.
In addition, they promise that — “With customized hair care, we are prioritizing each individual. No categories that define people by hair type, gender or ethnicity. And no compromising on a product that can only treat one or two of your hair goals. Creating made-to-order formulas guarantees optimal freshness as no product ever sits on a shelf waiting to be bought, a waste-free approach that’s a first for the beauty industry.”
With Prose, you will have to go through a consultation process to have a “complete view of everything that could have an impact on your hair and scalp needs“.
Once the details are in, their algorithms will process your answers by using more than 135 factors in determining that one of a kind blend of ingredients needed to help treat your hair and scalp concerns, as well as goals and preferences.
Prose is a Certified B corporation. The company is proud to be “part of a global movement that shares our values of diversity, community, and environmental integrity“.
Before moving on, we found this very informative review by YouTuber, Cooper Neu on Prose vs Function of Beauty. We thought you may want to check this out too for further reference. If you are interested, just hit the play button.
FUNCTION OF BEAUTY
The Function of Beauty came a little earlier than Prose. It was launched back in 2015 and is based in Catawissa, Pennsylvania. The company was founded by a team of world-class MIT engineers, cosmetic scientists, and developers. It claims to be “the world’s first custom hair care brand”.
Furthermore, Function of Beauty takes pride in being “the world’s most extensive customized hair care brand with the potential to create over 54 trillion unique formulations”. But their work does not end there as the company constantly iterates to find new and improved ways of doing things — in this case, new and improved hair care products.
Just like Prose, Function of Beauty aims to be “clean, ethical and sustainable” in whatever they do.
Function of Beauty assures that its products do not contain harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates and that they are 100% vegan. The company promises that they only use ingredients that they themselves are confident about. Furthermore, they care about animals, thus their products are 100% cruelty-free.
In addition to that, since the company is a member of PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program, this means that the company does not only do not use animal ingredients, or that they also do not use animal by-products in their formulations, but that they also do not test their products on animals — at all cost.
We earlier mentioned about sustainability. The company continues to strive to put sustainability at the core of the things they do. Thus, they do things like reducing their overall packaging as well as investing in post-costumer recycled materials. Recently, they transitioned their boxes to 100% recyclable kraft packaging, their bottled are also made from 100% recyclable materials, and that the company is working to eventually use 100% recycled bottles.
It’s probably safe to say that Function of Beauty does not only make amazing products for the hair, but also working on ensuring that their products and the things they use in their products won’t harm the environment, too.
Just like Prose, Function of Beauty also uses “hair quiz” to help determine the right product formulation for you.
PROSE VS FUNCTION OF BEAUTY: PRODUCT FORMULATION
Now we go to one of the most important details that should be reviewed – the product formulation. Since it is something that we use in our body, it’s just right that we ensure they are made from harmless ingredients.
PROSE
Prose ensures that every single product that they produce is based on what they believe in — that is clean and responsible beauty. Thus, every product that the company formulates is sure to be free from toxins and harmful chemicals like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, and GMOs. In addition, all their products are cruelty-free, which means they do not use animals in any of their process particularly in testing the efficacy of their products.
Based on their website, it says that “every Prose formula is customized at the ideal concentration from a selection of these environmentally-conscious and safe ingredients”.
Depending on the customer’s preference, Prose can make a formulation that is vegan, gluten-free, silicone-free, dye-free, or fragrance-free.
It is worth sharing and noting though that when you visit the Prose website, you will find a list of ingredients they use plus all their Environmental Working Group toxicity scores. We honestly appreciate the transparency of the company when it comes to their ingredients. This will ensure that customers really get what they pay for.
FUNCTION OF BEAUTY
As we mentioned earlier, the Function of Beauty takes pride in their products.
They ensure that every bottle released is free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oils, or gluten. Also, all their products are certified vegan and cruelty-free.
Although they do not have a list of ingredients on their site like what Prose has, they mentioned that they use more than 60 natural ingredients that will help you achieve your ultimate hair goals.
At a glance, here’s what you can expect from both brands:
| PROSE | FUNCTION OF BEAUTY |
| No Paraben | No Paraben |
| No Sulfate | No Sulfate |
| No Phthalates | No Phthalates |
| No Mineral Oils | No Mineral Oils |
| No GMOs | Vegan |
| Cruelty-free | Cruelty-free |
| Based on your preference, the product may be: Vegan, Gluten-free, Silicone-free, Dye-free, or Fragrance-free |
PROSE VS FUNCTION OF BEAUTY: ORDER PROCESS AND DELIVERY
At this point, we are going to talk about the process that a customer has to go through in order to come up with her own unique hair care product formulation.
Both Prose and Function of Beauty will require you to take a hair quiz. When taking the quiz, make sure to be honest with your answers, as this will be used to determine the right ingredients to be used in creating your personalized formula.
PROSE
With Prose, they ensure that they take everything into account in determining the right formulation for you — including your lifestyle, environment, as well as ingredient preferences. All Prose products are freshly mixed-to-order in the company’s New York facility. They deliver your personalized hair care products within 5 to 10 business days beginning from your purchase date. Prose products are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
The Prose package comes with a leaflet that contains your full list of ingredients and personalized application process or instructions. Any orders that come with shampoo and/or conditioner automatically comes with pumps.
If you are a returning customer, Prose gives you an option to exclude pumps during checkout if you don’t need a new one.
FUNCTION OF BEAUTY
Meanwhile, just like Prose, Function of Beauty ensures that what you get is a product based on what your hair needs.
Basically, the company follows a three-way process — your order, formulation of the product, and then shipping. The whole process usually takes between 7 and 9 nine days from the day you place your orders. The company sends you via email a shipping notification with a tracking number so you’d know when to expect your package.
However, if you need the product sooner, you may do so by selecting the “skip the line” option in the checkout process. This enables you to cut the front of the production queue so your order leaves their facility sooner.
Since Function of Beauty also caters to international orders, it is worth sharing that delivery varies depending on your location.
Here’s the complete list for your reference:
- US: 7-9 days
- Canada: 10-12 days
- Great Britain: 12-14 days
- Australia: 18-20 days
- New Zealand: 19-21 days
- European Union: 14-17 days
- Singapore: 14-21 days
- Hong Kong: 15-20 days
- Iceland: 17-20 days
- Israel: 15-20 days
- Norway: 15-20 days
- Switzerland: 14-17 days
- Taiwan: 15-20 days
- Japan: 15-20 days
- Mexico: 15-20 days
Just like Prose, your orders come with pumps, which are loose and disassembled in the box. If you have an existing one, you may opt to decline a new set on your order confirmation.
PROSE VS FUNCTION OF BEAUTY: PRODUCT PRICING
Here comes another very important detail that customers need to know –
This time around, we are going to battle out Prose vs Function of Beauty based on product pricing or costing.
PROSE
Prose sells three different products: shampoo (this comes in eight and a half ounce), conditioner (also eight and a half ounce), and a hair mask that is of the same size.
Both shampoo and conditioner cost between $25 per bottle, while the mask costs $38 – all of these comes in a eight and a half ounce bottle.
Don’t worry about not having a choice because Prose lets you buy the products in any quantity and combination, which means, if you only need a shampoo and mask, then that’s all you’re going to pay for.
FUNCTION OF BEAUTY
Function of Beauty has two products. These are shampoo (in eight-ounce or 16 ounces), and conditioner (also available in either eight-ounce or 16 ounces). Unlike Prose, prices are set regardless of the formulation of the ingredients used. More so, Function of Beauty offers different ways to purchase them.
For your reference, here are the different sets they offer and their respective price tag:
- An eight-ounce shampoo + conditioner set – $39
- A 16-ounce shampoo + conditioner set – $49
- An eight-ounce and 16-ounce mixed set – $43
- Individual 16-ounce shampoo or 16-ounce conditioner – $36
- Individual 8-ounce shampoo or 8-ounce conditioner – $29
On top of your order, you will have to pay $5 for shipping fee – unless you are under subscription, which offers free shipping.
Based on the price range, it’s pretty obvious that Prose comes cheaper as compared to Function of Beauty. But again, it depends on what your hair and scalp needs.
PROSE VS FUNCTION OF BEAUTY: SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
Both Prose and Function of Beauty comes with a subscription service, which is ideal for women who wants to spare themselves from the hassle of going through the same process every time.
If you want to take advantage of Prose’s subscription service, expect deliveries every one, two, or three months depending on your preference. Also, you will get to enjoy a 20% discount from your total order.
Meanwhile, when you subscribe from Function of Beauty, you may expect deliveries to be made every one or two months, or any timing of your preference. When you subscribe, you will get to take advantage of free shipping, access to discontinued colors and fragrances, as well as invitations to help test-drive new products, and many more.
PROSE VS FUNCTION OF BEAUTY: DISCOUNTS AND PROMOTIONS
Prose does offer periodic promotions, which means you better sign up for their mailing list to stay updated.
They, however, offer ways for you to save. First is their Referral Program where you can get $10 for every referral to Prose. The second one is their Subscription Program, which we already mentioned earlier — you will enjoy an automatic 20% discount per recurring order.
Meanwhile, Function of Beauty also have a referral program that earns both you and your friend a $5 off from your orders.
PROSE VS FUNCTION OF BEAUTY: SUBSCRIPTION GUARANTEE
Both Prose and Function of Beauty offer a satisfaction guarantee, which means, if for some reason their products do not help you, you can immediately inform them, and you will be refunded.
For Prose, you may send an email through [email protected] By the way, you may return no more than half-used products to get a full refund, or you may also choose to reformulate, free of charge.
As with Function of Beauty, you may reach them at [email protected].
PROSE VS FUNCTION OF BEAUTY: CUSTOMER REVIEWS
For you to be able to come up with a decision between Prose and Function of Beauty, here are some of what their customers have to say:
PROSE
I have wild, long, curly hair and I love embracing it, but I struggle to wear my hair curly past day 1-2 post-wash. The curls always lose their shape or become frizzy so I end up rocking the top knot (no shame) or blowing out my hair. I am so excited with my results with Prose! I am on Day 3 and my hair is voluminous with defined curls! Curly girls, I highly recommend just giving this a try!
Sarabeth R.
I’ve been battling with my thick, curly, dry, unruly hair my entire life. After deciding not to get chemical straightening treatments anymore and let my natural hair grow out, I’ve tried every shampoo and conditioner (every premium brand, every natural brand, made my own, stopped using shampoo altogether, etc) and NOTHING has worked nearly as well as my personalized Prose formulas. My curls are soft, defined, shiny, and bouncy. I’ve been getting hair compliments left and right, and for the first time in my life, I LOVE MY NATURAL HAIR.
Clarity B.
FUNCTION OF BEAUTY
I had watched a lot of YouTube reviews on this shampoo and conditioner but was still skeptical. After the first shower, I was shocked. First of all, the smell is AMAZING and carries through the next day. My husband randomly inhales my hair. So it’s husband approved. Now the feels. My hair is SO soft and rarely tangles. I can run my fingers through my hair with ease and, honestly, I can’t stop touching it. I’m probably going to buy their hair mask and their leave-in conditioner at some point as well. I’ve only used it probably 3-4 times since getting it. I try to shampoo every 2-4 days. My hair is fine but I have a lot of it. I have a normal to oily scalp. I chose normal on their quiz but I have seen the ability to go longer between washes without extremely oily hair which is nice. This coupled with my wooden brush, and my hair is looking great! I can’t wait to see how it helps lengthen my hair over the next few months.
Tina
My customized shampoo and conditioner from Function of Beauty has made major changes to my hair. The goals I’ve selected have been applied to my hair’s profile. The scent I chose (Milk(shea)ke something like that) is delicious! And the colorabsolutely love this shampoo and conditioner. I’ve used so many products that is it honestly ridiculous. However, each and every one of them left my hair quality to be lacking to say the least. Then I found function of beauty and I finally found what my hair needed. Not only that, but the customer service is amazing if there is a problem. I totally love this product! s have definitely been accurate to the colors I chose when filling out the form online, which can sometimes Read more about review stating Function of Beauty products be a downfall, but not with this one! The stickers are super cute, the packaging is clean and cute, and it is definitely one of the best purchases I’ve ever made.
Cloey
PROSE VS FUNCTION OF BEAUTY: SUMMARY
Just a quick round-up based on the information we gathered to have an idea on which offers better products – Prose of Function of Beauty.
| PROSE | FUNCTION OF BEAUTY |
| Very thorough consultation that looks at environment and lifestyle | Short and easy consultation |
| Can’t really customize the aesthetics (other than scent) | Can customize the color and fragrance |
| Includes shampoo, conditioner, and scalp mask | Includes shampoo and conditioner |
| Much higher cost per fl oz | More affordable and provides subscription option |
| Formulated in NYC | Formulated in NYC |
| Ships to the US only | Ships to US, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, European Union, Singapore, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Norway, Switzerland, Taiwan, Japan, and Mexico |
FINAL THOUGHTS ON PROSE VS FUNCTION OF BEAUTY
So, which is better Prose or Function of Beauty?
Overall we have to say that both offers wonderful solutions to hair problems and that at the end of the day, the basis of its efficacy will depend on the kind of problem you have, and how your hair will react to the product or products.
Both Prose and Function of Beauty are very promising and offers something cool when it comes to hair care, and for that, both are worth all the hype.
Have you tried any of these products yet? What can you say about them?
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