If you’re like me, you’ve probably spent a good portion of your life searching for the perfect shampoo. Whether it’s the kind that promises volume, hydration, or shine, I’ve tried a bit of everything.
That’s why I decided to try Prose Shampoo, a product that promises to be personalized to your hair’s unique needs. You can buy Prose directly from their website, and trust me, it’s worth the dive if you’re serious about tailored hair care.
In this article, I’ll walk you through my experience with Prose shampoo, breaking down the pros and cons, offering some maintenance tips, and comparing it with other brands. Let’s get into the details of why Prose stands out in the crowded shampoo market.
What Makes Prose Shampoo Different?
Before I get into my personal experience, let me share a bit about what sets Prose apart.
Their shampoo is fully customized based on an online consultation that factors in your hair type, lifestyle, environment, and even your location.
I was surprised at how detailed the questionnaire was—it even asked about my diet and zip code!
Prose uses over 80 factors to craft your specific formula. Each shampoo is made-to-order, ensuring that what you get is tailored to your hair’s unique challenges and goals.
Prose is also committed to clean beauty. Their shampoos are cruelty-free, sulfate-free, and made with responsibly sourced ingredients. You even have the option to choose fragrance-free formulas if scents aren’t your thing.
The fact that they offer silicone-free and vegan options was a big selling point for me.
My Prose Shampoo Experience
Let me start by saying, I’ve had my fair share of disappointing shampoos. I’ve struggled with dryness, lack of volume, and an itchy scalp in the past. So, when I finally ordered my custom Prose formula, I had high hopes.
After the first wash, I could already feel a difference. My hair felt lighter, cleaner, and incredibly soft.
My scalp, which had been a source of irritation for years, felt soothed, and the itchiness had dramatically reduced.
I was hooked from that moment on.
The first thing I noticed was how refreshing the shampoo felt.
The scent I chose, Arcadia, was light and invigorating without being overpowering.
Even better, after using the shampoo for several weeks, my hair looked shinier and felt healthier.
As someone who lives in a city with dry weather, my Prose formula came packed with moisturizing ingredients to combat environmental damage, and it truly worked.
Pros of Using Prose Shampoo
- Personalized Formula: The standout feature is, without a doubt, the level of personalization. I love that Prose takes into account factors like environmental stressors (pollution, UV exposure) and even my location to tailor the product to my needs.
- Clean Ingredients: Prose uses clean ingredients that are backed by science. There are no sulfates, parabens, mineral oils, or phthalates. For anyone looking to transition to cleaner beauty products, this is a big win.
- Scalp Health: I used to suffer from a dry, itchy scalp. Within a few washes, I noticed a significant improvement. The formula had just the right balance to cleanse my scalp without over-stripping my hair.
- Improved Volume and Shine: My hair is naturally thin and prone to looking dull. With Prose, I saw a noticeable improvement in volume and shine, especially after using it for a few weeks. It’s now part of my regular routine to maintain healthy-looking hair.
- Customization Options: Whether you prefer vegan products, fragrance-free options, or formulas free of silicones, Prose gives you the flexibility to customize it all. It’s rare to find a brand that offers so many variations, which makes Prose stand out.
Cons of Prose Shampoo
- Cost: Customization comes with a price. Prose is not the most budget-friendly option out there, and if you’re someone who regularly buys drugstore shampoo, this might be a steep jump. However, I personally think the investment is worth it for the level of personalization.
- Takes Time to Fine-Tune: While my first formula worked great, it took a few tweaks to get everything perfect. Prose allows you to give feedback and adjust your formula, but it does take time. Patience is key when customizing haircare products.
- Shipping Time: Since every bottle is made-to-order, the shipping can take a bit longer than usual. For those who are used to Amazon’s speedy deliveries, this can feel like a drawback. However, the wait is worth it once you start using the product.
Prose Vs. Other Brands: How It Stacks Up?
When it comes to choosing a shampoo, there are plenty of options out there. But after trying Prose, I can confidently say it stands in a league of its own, especially when compared to popular off-the-shelf brands like Bed Head Shampoo, John Frieda Lightening Shampoo, and Mane Root Activator Shampoo. Here’s how Prose compares:
- Prose Vs. Bed Head Shampoo
Bed Head by TIGI is known for its bold branding and formulas that cater to specific hair concerns like volume and texture.
While Bed Head is effective for adding volume or taming frizz, it lacks the personalization that Prose offers.
Bed Head products are designed for broad hair types, whereas Prose takes into account individual factors like your environment, diet, and hair goals.
If you’re looking for a tailored solution that addresses your unique hair needs, Prose goes far beyond what Bed Head offers.
Additionally, Bed Head products can sometimes be too harsh, especially if you have sensitive skin or a scalp that’s prone to irritation. Many Bed Head formulas contain sulfates, which can strip the hair of its natural oils.
In contrast, Prose’s sulfate-free formula is much gentler on the scalp and hair, making it a better choice for those who prioritize clean ingredients and long-term hair health.
- Prose Vs. John Frieda Lightening Shampoo
John Frieda Lightening Shampoo is a popular option for those looking to brighten and enhance blonde tones.
While it’s effective at what it does—lightening and maintaining blonde shades—it’s very specialized.
If you’re not blonde, or if you have other hair concerns like moisture retention, scalp sensitivity, or environmental damage, John Frieda’s formula may not be ideal.
Prose, on the other hand, customizes your formula based on a range of factors, from hair color and texture to your local climate. While John Frieda focuses solely on color maintenance, Prose can address multiple hair issues in one formula.
For example, I live in an area with a lot of sun exposure, and my Prose formula includes UV protection. The ability to cater to multiple hair goals simultaneously makes Prose a more versatile option than John Frieda’s more niche offerings.
- Prose Vs. Mane Root Activator Shampoo
Mane Root Activator Shampoo is designed to promote hair growth and strengthen the roots, which makes it a great option for those struggling with thinning hair.
However, like Bed Head and John Frieda, Mane Root Activator is a one-size-fits-all product.
While it may be effective in addressing one specific issue—hair growth—it doesn’t take into account other factors that could be affecting your hair’s health.
With Prose, you don’t have to choose between promoting hair growth and other concerns like hydration, frizz control, or scalp health. Prose can target multiple hair goals in one personalized formula.
For instance, if you’re concerned about thinning hair, Prose will include ingredients to promote hair strength and reduce breakage, while also addressing any other issues you might have, like dryness or oiliness. The all-in-one approach of Prose makes it a more holistic solution compared to Mane Root Activator.
Tips For Using Prose Shampoo
One of the things I quickly learned with Prose is that proper maintenance is key to getting the best results. Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Use the Right Amount: Because Prose is a custom formula, you don’t need to use a lot of it. A little goes a long way, and using too much can weigh your hair down. I’ve found that a dime-sized amount works perfectly for my medium-length hair.
- Consistency is Key: Like with any haircare routine, you need to use the product consistently to see the best results. I wash my hair with Prose shampoo about 2-3 times a week, depending on how oily it gets.
- Pair with the Right Conditioner: Prose also offers personalized conditioners, which I highly recommend using in conjunction with the shampoo. It enhances the overall effect, leaving your hair softer and smoother. If you’re not ready to commit to both, the shampoo alone still does wonders.
- Store Properly: Because Prose products are made with clean, natural ingredients, it’s important to store them away from direct sunlight and in a cool environment. This ensures the longevity of the formula.
- Fine-Tune as Needed: Prose allows you to tweak your formula as your hair changes or as seasons shift. Don’t be afraid to provide feedback if something isn’t working perfectly. I had to adjust my formula slightly during the summer months to account for extra humidity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely. Prose is one of the few haircare brands that offers such a high level of customization based on science and data. In 2024, when many people are looking for clean, personalized beauty products, Prose stands out as a solid investment.
Each bottle is made-to-order based on your personalized consultation. Since the company tailors each product specifically for your hair and environmental factors, the shipping process can take longer than with mass-produced shampoos. But trust me, the wait is worth it.
No, Prose shampoos are sulfate-free. Sulfates are known to strip hair of its natural oils, and Prose uses gentler, cleaner ingredients to cleanse your scalp and hair without harsh chemicals.
Prose was founded by Arnaud Plas, a beauty industry veteran, alongside Nicolas Mussat and Paul Michaux. Together, they’ve built a brand that emphasizes clean beauty, personalization, and sustainability.
Conclusion: Should You Buy Prose Shampoo?
After using Prose shampoo for a while, I can confidently say it’s one of the best investments I’ve made for my hair. The level of personalization, combined with high-quality ingredients, really makes a difference.
You can buy Prose shampoo directly from their website, and while it may take a bit of time to arrive, the results are worth the wait.
Prose is perfect for those of us who are tired of one-size-fits-all haircare and are ready to invest in something that truly caters to our individual needs. Whether you’re battling dryness, scalp issues, or just want more shine and volume, Prose has got you covered.
So, is it worth the hype? From my experience, absolutely. If you’re looking for a shampoo that’s tailored specifically for you and your hair’s unique needs, Prose is the way to go.