Prose vs Function of Beauty

In the world of modern haircare, personalized formulas have taken center stage, transforming the way people treat and protect their hair. Prose vs Function of Beauty are two of the biggest players in this custom haircare revolution, promising to tailor every shampoo, conditioner, and styling product to your exact needs. But which brand truly delivers the best results?

Both Prose and Function of Beauty have built loyal followings by combining technology, data, and beauty science to create formulas based on your hair type, goals, and even your lifestyle. While their approaches are similar on the surface, the details — from consultation methods to ingredient lists — reveal important differences.

Let’s break down the similarities, the differences, and how to choose between these two personalized haircare giants.

The Rise of Personalized Haircare

Personalization is no longer a buzzword; it’s an expectation. People want products designed specifically for them, rather than one-size-fits-all formulas that might not deliver. In haircare, that shift has been dramatic.

Instead of picking a generic shampoo off the shelf, consumers now take online quizzes, provide information about their hair history, and receive formulations built just for them. Brands like Prose and Function of Beauty have led this movement, making haircare more personal, precise, and — for many — far more effective.

What is Prose?

Prose is a premium haircare brand founded in 2017 that focuses on delivering fully customized formulas for shampoo, conditioner, hair masks, and styling products. Each Prose product is made-to-order, crafted after you complete a highly detailed hair consultation online.

Prose uses natural and sustainably sourced ingredients, and their philosophy leans toward clean, safe, and eco-friendly formulations. Their dedication to transparency — with full ingredient lists and explanations — has earned them a strong reputation among people who care about what goes into their products.

What is Function of Beauty?

Function of Beauty launched in 2015 with a mission to democratize custom haircare. Their platform makes it easy to design your own shampoo and conditioner by taking a short online quiz that covers hair type, color, structure, and personal preferences like fragrance and color.

The brand is known for its sleek, colorful packaging and fun, playful branding. Function of Beauty also allows you to put your name on your bottle, adding a personal, feel-good touch. Their formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates and parabens, making them suitable for most hair types and concerns.

How Prose Personalizes Haircare

Prose uses one of the most thorough consultation systems on the market. Their quiz explores everything from your zip code’s humidity to water hardness, plus lifestyle habits, stress, diet, and even exercise. They also factor in scalp health and seasonal needs.

This hyper-detailed profile helps Prose’s chemists craft a formula that is incredibly precise — down to your environmental conditions. It’s one reason many customers praise Prose for giving them noticeable improvements in hair texture, shine, and manageability.

How Function of Beauty Personalizes Haircare

Function of Beauty’s personalization is simpler and more fun. Their quiz focuses on hair type, structure, moisture needs, styling goals, and aesthetic preferences like fragrance and color. While it is less in-depth than Prose, it still offers strong customization and a more user-friendly, playful experience.

If you want personalized haircare without spending too much time answering questions, Function of Beauty is an appealing choice.

Ingredient Philosophy: Prose vs Function of Beauty

Both brands are committed to clean beauty principles, avoiding sulfates, parabens, and harsh chemicals. Prose leans more natural, sourcing ingredients sustainably and providing transparent sourcing details. Function of Beauty is vegan and cruelty-free but uses a more synthetic-friendly approach, balancing lab-tested safety with customization.

If ingredient transparency and sustainability are high priorities for you, Prose has a slight edge. If you value vibrant colors, fragrances, and a vegan promise, Function of Beauty might win.

Hair Goals Addressed by Prose

Prose formulas can target:

• Dryness
• Frizz
• Scalp irritation
• Damage from heat styling
• Breakage
• Dullness

They are especially good at tackling multiple concerns at once, thanks to their advanced questionnaire and broad ingredient toolkit.

Hair Goals Addressed by Function of Beauty

Function of Beauty formulas address:

• Volume
• Curl definition
• Smoothness
• Color protection
• Oil control
• Strength

These options are flexible and straightforward, making them easy to understand and choose.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

Prose takes sustainability seriously. They use recyclable glass bottles, offer carbon-neutral shipping, and source ingredients responsibly. Function of Beauty also supports sustainability by using recyclable plastic and carbon-offset shipping programs.

If you want the most eco-focused brand, Prose may have the advantage.

Fragrance and Scent Options

Function of Beauty is known for its colorful fragrances — fruity, floral, sweet, or even fragrance-free if you prefer. Prose offers more subtle, natural scents that feel closer to an aromatherapy experience.

Your choice may come down to whether you prefer a fun, perfumed product (Function of Beauty) or a subtle, essential-oil style scent (Prose).

Packaging and Design

Function of Beauty bottles are fun, vibrant, and personalized with your name, which many customers love. Prose packaging is more minimalist, elegant, and premium, with glass jars and sustainable branding.

Both look great on your bathroom shelf, but have very different aesthetics.

Ease of Ordering

Both companies make online ordering easy, but Prose’s detailed consultation takes more time. Function of Beauty’s faster quiz might be better for those in a hurry.

Once you finish your profile, shipping is quick and reliable from either brand.

Price Comparison: Prose vs Function of Beauty

Prose tends to be more expensive, with formulas often around $30–$35 per bottle. Function of Beauty is generally slightly cheaper, about $25–$30 per bottle depending on size and add-ons.

If budget is a concern, Function of Beauty is more wallet-friendly, but many users feel Prose’s high-end customization justifies the cost.

User Reviews and Ratings

Prose is widely praised for noticeable results and high-quality ingredients. Customers appreciate its tailored formulas and premium feel.

Function of Beauty gets high marks for fun branding, solid performance, and the excitement of colorful, personalized bottles. However, a few users note that the formulas may not be as deeply tailored as Prose.

Which Works Better for Curly Hair?

Many curly-haired customers say Prose offers more targeted moisture and frizz-fighting support. Function of Beauty also works well but is more general.

If you have complex curl patterns, Prose’s deeper quiz and ingredient adjustments might work best.

Which Works Better for Color-Treated Hair?

Both brands cater to color-treated hair. Prose, with its custom formulas based on water hardness and local conditions, may have an edge if you color your hair frequently or live in a challenging climate.

Function of Beauty is still a strong contender, with solid color-protecting ingredients and sulfate-free options.

Shipping and Delivery

Both brands ship within the U.S. and internationally, with standard delivery taking around 5–10 business days. Prose uses eco-friendly packaging while Function of Beauty focuses on recyclable plastic.

Trial and Refund Policy

Prose offers adjustments and returns if you’re not happy, while Function of Beauty allows you to tweak formulas on your next order. Both have customer-friendly guarantees so you can try with confidence.

Pros and Cons of Prose

Pros:

• Highly personalized
• Transparent ingredient sourcing
• Sustainable packaging
• Advanced hair quiz

Cons:

• Pricier
• Longer quiz process

Pros and Cons of Function of Beauty

Pros:

• Fun branding
• Affordable
• Fast quiz
• Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons:

• Slightly less tailored
• Plastic packaging

How to Choose Between Prose and Function of Beauty

If you want the deepest level of personalization, premium ingredients, and a focus on sustainability, Prose is likely the winner. If you prefer a fun, affordable, and easy-to-customize option with colorful branding, Function of Beauty is a fantastic choice.

Consider your priorities — ingredient purity, sustainability, scent, or price — and you’ll quickly know which brand suits you best.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prose vs Function of Beauty

Is Prose worth the price?
Many say yes, thanks to its precise customization and high-quality ingredients.

Is Function of Beauty vegan?
Yes, their products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Can I get fragrance-free options?
Both brands offer fragrance-free choices.

Which ships faster?
Function of Beauty’s simpler quiz generally leads to faster turnaround.

Which works best for curly hair?
Prose tends to perform better for complex curls.

Do they work for color-treated hair?
Both brands support color protection, but Prose adjusts for local water hardness too.

Conclusion on Prose vs Function of Beauty

Personalized haircare has changed the game, giving people solutions that truly match their lifestyles, environments, and unique strands. Prose and Function of Beauty are both fantastic options, each with their own advantages. Whether you lean toward Prose’s sustainable, ultra-custom formulas or the playful, budget-friendly vibe of Function of Beauty, you’re bound to find a product that helps you love your hair a little more every day.