Prose Shampoo Reviews From My Personal Experience

You should buy Prose shampoo only if you are deeply committed to a personalized subscription model and enjoy the novelty of a custom-blended fragrance.

I have found that while the concept of “made-to-order” hair care is alluring, the actual performance often struggles to justify the high price and logistical commitment.

However, because I am taking an analytical approach based on recent user feedback regarding scalp irritation and inconsistent results, I cannot recommend Prose as a superior choice for everyone.

Unless you have failed with every drugstore and salon brand available, you might find that the risks of customization outweigh the benefits.

My Personal Journey with Prose Custom Shampoo

I remember the excitement I felt when I first landed on the Prose website; the quiz was incredibly detailed, asking me about everything from my zip code’s UV index to my stress levels and exercise habits.

I am a person who loves data-driven solutions, so I truly believed that a lab in Brooklyn was about to solve my lifelong struggle with flat roots and dry ends.

I started by filling out the ten-minute questionnaire, and I noticed right away that the branding was impeccable, making me feel like I was part of an exclusive scientific club.

I found that when the box arrived, the presentation was beautiful, complete with a personalized “hair care plan” that listed every ingredient chosen specifically for me.

I realized, however, that the sensory experience did not immediately translate into better hair health once I actually stepped into the shower.

I am someone who expects a premium lather and a clean rinse, but the first wash felt somewhat underwhelming.

I found that the shampoo didn’t spread easily through my thick hair, requiring me to use nearly twice as much product as I would with a standard professional brand.

I noticed that after my hair dried, my scalp felt strangely tight and itchy, which I initially dismissed as my skin simply “adjusting” to the new, clean formula.

I eventually noticed that by the third week, my hair didn’t look transformed; instead, it looked dull and felt somewhat waxy, a phenomenon I later learned is often due to the high concentration of certain oils in custom blends.

I found that the “subscription-only” nature of the product made it difficult to just grab a replacement when I realized the formula wasn’t working.

I finished my trial period feeling like I had spent a lot of money on a beautiful bottle that didn’t outperform the $15 bottles I used to buy.

I realized that the “algorithm” behind the customization might not be as foolproof as the marketing suggests, as it failed to account for my specific scalp sensitivity.

I found that despite tweaking my profile for the second shipment, the results remained mediocre at best.

Maintenance Tips for Your Prose Hair Care

• Perform a Patch Test on Your Inner Arm: You should realize that even natural, custom ingredients can cause a reaction. Applying a small amount of the shampoo to your skin for 24 hours is the best maintenance tip for safety, which I found prevents a full-scalp breakout if you are allergic to one of the 70+ possible ingredients.
• Emulsify the Product in Your Palms with Water: You should notice that the sulfate-free base is quite thick and doesn’t spread on its own. Rubbing the shampoo in your hands until it turns white and frothy is the best maintenance tip for distribution, which results in a more even clean and prevents “waxy” spots on the crown.
• Use a Clarifying Wash Once a Month: You should realize that custom oils can build up over time, even with a clean formula. Using a simple apple cider vinegar rinse or a cheap clarifying shampoo is the best maintenance tip for volume, which I found “resets” the hair and allows the Prose nutrients to actually reach the strand again.
• Store the Bottles Away from Direct Shower Spray: You should notice that the pumps can sometimes allow water to seep into the bottle. Keeping your Prose on a high shelf or outside the immediate splash zone is the best maintenance tip for formula stability, which provides protection against the natural preservatives breaking down too early.
• Update Your Online Profile Every Season: You should realize that your hair needs in January are vastly different from its needs in July. Changing your climate and activity settings four times a year is the best maintenance tip for accuracy, which results in a formula that actually matches your current environment.
• Rinse with Cool Water to Seal the Cuticle: You should notice that customized conditioners often rely on pH balance to work effectively. Using a cold rinse at the end of your shower is the best maintenance tip for shine, which I found helps the personalized ingredients “lock in” rather than being washed away by steaming hot water.

Pros and Cons of Prose Shampoo

Pros of Prose Shampoo

• Highly Tailored Ingredient Profiles: It utilizes a complex algorithm to select ingredients based on your specific environment: I found this is a great feature for people living in extreme climates like high humidity or desert heat: this results in a formula that theoretically adapts to external stressors: I noticed the inclusion of localized botanical extracts.
• Clean and Sustainable Ingredient Sourcing: It is formulated without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and mineral oils: I found this appeals to the eco-conscious consumer who wants to avoid harsh chemicals: this provides a sense of security for those with sensitive skin: I noticed the company is B Corp certified.
• Sophisticated Custom Fragrance Options: It allows you to choose from a variety of high-end scents or go fragrance-free: I found the “Corsica” scent to be absolutely incredible and comparable to fine perfume: this results in a luxurious shower experience: I noticed the scent actually lingers in the hair throughout the day.
• Personalized Routine Guidance: It comes with a detailed printed manual on how to wash and care for your specific hair type: I found this helpful for understanding the “less is more” approach to their concentrated formulas: this provides educational value for hair care novices: I noticed it even suggests water temperature settings.
• Carbon Neutral Shipping and Operations: It focuses heavily on reducing the environmental impact of its supply chain: I found the packaging to be largely recyclable and thoughtfully designed: this results in a guilt-free shopping experience for the green-minded: I noticed the boxes are sturdy enough to be repurposed.

Cons of Prose Shampoo: The analytical drawbacks:

• Frequent Reports of Scalp Irritation and Itching: because the high concentration of botanical extracts can act as allergens for certain users: I found that many people experience redness or a “burning” sensation after several washes: this results in a forced discontinuation of the product: I noticed that “custom” does not always mean “hypoallergenic” in practice.
• Significant Weight and Greasiness Issues: because the oils used to combat dryness can easily over-saturate fine hair types: I found that my roots felt “filmy” only hours after washing: this provides a frustrating cycle of having to wash more frequently: I noticed that the product can be difficult to rinse out completely.
• Prohibitive Pricing for Regular Maintenance: because the cost per bottle is significantly higher than premium salon brands like Redken or Pureology: I found that a single bottle might only last three weeks for those with long hair: this results in a high annual expenditure on basic hygiene: I noticed the price does not always reflect a superior performance.
• Inconsistent Results Between Formula Refinements: because the “Review and Refine” process can sometimes make the formula worse rather than better: I found that my second bottle felt entirely different from my first in an unpleasant way: this results in a lack of reliability for the consumer: I noticed that the algorithm seems to over-correct based on user feedback.
• Strict Subscription and Shipping Logistics: because the product is made to order and cannot be picked up at a local store: I found that running out of shampoo before the next shipment arrives is a major inconvenience: this provides a barrier for people who travel frequently or have unpredictable schedules: I noticed that customer service can be slow to handle shipment errors.

Comparison with Others

• Prose Shampoo Vs. Function of Beauty

I found that Function of Beauty offers a similar “custom” experience but at a slightly more accessible price point in some retail stores. 

I noticed that Function of Beauty allows you to choose your own colors, whereas I found Prose sticks to a more natural, apothecary aesthetic. 

You should realize that Prose focuses more on “clean” apothecary ingredients, while Function of Beauty feels more like a fun, customizable drugstore upgrade. 

I found that Prose’s quiz is significantly more detailed regarding environmental factors like pollution and hard water. 

I believe Function of Beauty is for the younger, “fun” demographic, while Prose targets the “luxury-wellness” enthusiast.

• Prose Shampoo Vs. Olaplex No. 4

I noticed that Olaplex No. 4 is a professional-grade repair shampoo that uses a single, patented active ingredient to rebuild bonds. 

I found that Olaplex is much better for severely damaged or bleached hair than the more “general health” approach of Prose. 

You should realize that Olaplex is not custom, but I found its results to be much more consistent across different hair types. 

I noticed that Olaplex lathers much better than Prose, which I found makes it easier to use in a rush. 

I believe Olaplex is the better analytical choice for those with chemical damage, while Prose is for “virgin” hair looking for a specific scent.

• Prose Shampoo Vs. Ouai Detox Shampoo

I found that Ouai Detox uses apple cider vinegar and keratin to provide a deep, refreshing clean that I noticed Prose often fails to achieve. 

I noticed that Ouai is much more effective at removing hard water buildup and styling products. 

You should realize that Ouai is a “one-size-fits-all” product, but I found its performance on oily scalps to be vastly superior. 

I noticed that the scent of Ouai is just as luxurious as Prose but without the need for a subscription. I believe that for most people, a bottle of Ouai and a standard conditioner will outperform a custom Prose set.

• Prose Shampoo Vs. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!

I noticed that Briogeo is a “clean” brand that focuses on texture-specific needs without the need for an algorithm. 

I found that Briogeo’s masks and shampoos provide more “slip” and detangling power than the custom Prose formulas I tested. 

You should realize that Briogeo is easily available at Sephora, making it much more convenient to purchase on a whim. 

I found that Briogeo handles curly hair with more consistency than the often-heavy Prose custom blends. 

I believe Briogeo is the better choice for those who want “clean” ingredients with the reliability of a mass-produced, high-end formula.

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• Prose Shampoo Vs. Native Shampoo

I found that Native offers a very simple, 10-ingredient list that I noticed is much less likely to cause scalp irritation than Prose. 

I noticed that Native is a fraction of the cost, making it a much better value for the average family. You should realize that Native lacks the “luxurious” feel and custom scents of Prose. 

I found that for a basic, clean wash, Native performs just as well as the more expensive custom options. 

I believe Prose is for the “experience” of hair care, while Native is for the “utility” of getting clean without chemicals.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Nova Hair Shampoo

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend buying Prose shampoo if you are looking for a reliable, cost-effective, and irritation-free way to maintain your hair.

I have found that the “custom” aspect is often a marketing veneer that masks inconsistent results and potential scalp issues.

If you are someone who enjoys the luxury of a personalized box and doesn’t mind the trial-and-error of refining a formula, you might find it to be a fun hobby.

However, for those who simply want healthy, beautiful hair without the subscription headache, there are better professional and “clean” brands available.

Spend your money on a proven formula and leave the algorithms to the tech giants!