Prose vs Function of Beauty for Curly Hair: Which Custom Shampoo Should You Choose?
A practical comparison to help curly-haired shoppers pick between Prose and Function of Beauty for custom shampoo and curl care.
Quick verdict: Both brands offer personalized shampoos, but Prose leans toward hair-science driven, ingredient-focused customization while Function of Beauty emphasizes modular add-ins and colorful personalization. Choose based on whether you want formulation depth or mix-and-match features.
How each brand personalizes
Prose uses a consultation to build a specific formula from a curated ingredient palette. The outcome is a single bottle tailored to your hair type, scalp, and lifestyle.
Function of Beauty also uses a quiz, but the experience centers on selecting targeted add-ins and scent/color options, producing a blend of base formula plus chosen boosters.
What that means for curl care:
- Prose: adjustments in surfactants, humectants, and conditioning actives to support curl hydration and definition
- Function of Beauty: visible boosters like curl-defining or anti-frizz additives layered onto a standard base
Ingredients and curl-focused benefits
Curly hair benefits from gentle cleansing, moisture retention, and slip for detangling.
- Prose often prioritizes ingredient selection and concentration to address frizz, porosity, and scalp health directly
- Function of Beauty offers targeted boosters that can be effective for curl definition, depending on which options you select
Considerations for curls:
- Look for shampoos with mild surfactants and humectants such as glycerin or panthenol
- Avoid formulas that over-strip or contain heavy silicones if you prefer clean buildup-free hair
- If you have protein-sensitive curls, watch for high-protein formulations in either brand
Price, subscription, and flexibility
Both brands sell via direct-to-consumer channels with subscription options. Pricing varies by bottle size and frequency. Subscriptions let you update your profile or pause deliveries.
Decision points:
- If you want fine-grained control over ingredient types and concentrations, Prose may be the better fit
- If you prefer a highly visual, modular product with scent and color personalization, Function of Beauty may appeal more
How to choose for your curls
- List your top curl priorities: hydration, frizz control, volume, color care
- Check ingredient highlights and booster options against those priorities
- Start with a single bottle or sample, track results for 3 to 6 washes, and adjust
If you need professional guidance, consult a stylist familiar with your curl pattern and share the brands' ingredient lists. That will help you pick the custom option most likely to deliver the curl results you want.